MATT REMICK, ROCHESTER ATHLETIC CLUB
CEO Profile
CEO Profile: Matt Remick
Taking an in-depth look at Remick's career path, progression, and achievements A discussion with Rochester Athletic Club CEO Matt Remick Tell us about your career path to becoming President of the Rochester Athletic Club (RAC)? The Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) opened in 1993. I was in college pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship at that time, and my dad and I took a family business class together in 1995. We thought it would be best if I went to work somewhere else before working at the RAC. I worked for another business and met my wife. We started a family, and I did not want to travel as much as I was, so I asked my dad if there was a need at the RAC. There was a need for some of my technology skills, so I started at the RAC in 2000. I purchased my first shares in 2000, led a substantial project in 2004 – 2006, and purchased shares from two other partners in 2008. I became President at that time. What experiences have had a significant impact in shaping you as a leader? Renovating the RAC in 2004 – 2006 was my first big project. We went from 185,000 square feet to 260,000 and created the Neighborhood (our Family Entertainment area). The years 2007 – 2010 brought the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center and the housing recession. I quickly learned the need for good cash management as a business owner. In 2012, I was able to bring on my team to manage the club, and I learned not be afraid to bring in outside perspective when things do not feel right in your business. Navigating the pandemic was an exercise in pivoting, listening and leading, while reaffirming the need for strong cash management. What changes in trends and needs within the recreation and fitness industry have you seen? • Cardiovascular exercise has been steady, but there are advancements in technology and user interfaces that need to be kept current • Emphasis in Functional Training (training with movements we use day to day) • During the pandemic, there was tremendous growth in tennis and swimming demand • Most recently, there has been an increased demand for strength training, and a national demand increase for Pickleball
How has the RAC evolved over time since opening in 1993 to meet those changes to the industry? Growing the footprint and doubling down on our family focus by adding the Neighborhood in 2004 – 2006 was our first large renovation. Since 2012 we have reinvested in the club with a minimum of one project each year or preventative maintenance. It is important to continue to evolve as customer demands evolve over time. We use member feedback to prioritize our renovations as well as our fitness industry peer network. Things slowed during the pandemic, but we have things in the works for 2023 and the future. As you look ahead to the future, what do you see as the outlook for the recreation and fitness industry as well as the RAC? We offer a comfortable and motivational environment to serve our members in whatever their needs may be. We provide social opportunities as much as fitness tools and instruction. One trend we are keeping our eye on is the growing demand for GLP-1 medications. Estimates are that as many of 30 million Americans may take GLP-1 medications by 2030 (9% of the population). Strength training is even more important for people using those medications as it may impact their muscle mass. Our industry will be critical in helping those patients. Strength training, in general, is being seen as more important for healthy aging, maintaining balance, improved sleep and other benefits. We recently added EGYM equipment to the RAC. It simplifies strength training, while hyper- personalizing it, and increases the effectiveness of strength training for many people. Our members have had an overwhelming positive reaction to it. Tools like EGYM will grow in importance.
To read more about the RAC's history and Matt Remick, visit www.racmn.com/membership/rac-history
JUNE 2024 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 17
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