My Career in Fitness

When I look back on my professional journey, I see a career that has grown and evolved alongside the industry itself.

From 2010 to 2016, I served as the Personal Fitness and Wellness Director at Orthopedic One in Columbus. There, I had the privilege of creating an entire fitness and wellness program from the ground up. I designed the facility layout, hired and trained a team of 12, introduced new billing and tracking systems, and brought in the SilverSneaker program. Over time, our center grew to more than 1,300 members, many of whom participated in personalized exercise prescriptions. I also introduced a nutrition program, expanded our class offerings to more than 50 per month, and began leading monthly seminars called “401 Fitness: An Investment in You.” Those sessions helped more than 1,000 patients understand topics like heart rate training, strength, nutrition, and BMI assessment. At Orthopedic One, I personally trained more than 80 clients each week.

Before that, I co-owned Metro Fitness Centers in Columbus from 1990 to 2009. At its peak, Metro had nine locations serving 25,000 members. We created a million-dollar corporate membership program, partnered with organizations like Special Olympics, and launched collaborations with hospitals like Mount Carmel to deliver preventive exercise programs. Also, I contracted with Nationwide Insurance, AEP, Columbia Gas, Stanley Steemer, Grange Insurance, Big Lots, OCLC, American Showa, Liebert Corp. and Cardington Yutaka to have my personal training staff manage their corporate fitness centers.

One of my proudest contributions was developing the American Fitness Institute, which certified hundreds of personal trainers and helped build the next generation of fitness professionals.

My journey started at the YMCA of Central Ohio, where I served as Director of Physical Fitness from 1979 to 1990. There, I managed downtown Columbus’s fitness department, created the Columbus Corporate Challenge, and developed a wide range of programs from basketball and racquetball to weight training.

My education set the foundation. I earned my B.S. in Health & Physical Education in 1977 (cum laude) and my M.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine in 1979 (summa cum laude), both from Slippery Rock University. My thesis explored the biomechanics of powerlifting—a passion that’s never left me. Over the years, I’ve continued adding certifications, from ACSM Exercise Technician to Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer, always striving to stay sharp in my field.

I should also mention that I’ve personally undergone 15 orthopedic procedures, including both hip and shoulder replacements. I have also had open heart AVR surgery. Those experiences gave me insight into what recovery feels like, and they deepened my empathy for clients who face physical limitations.