HALO Talks

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and former classmate Brian Paris to discuss a wide range of topics related to coaching, wellness, and personal development. Brian shares insights into his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of a holistic lifestyle, positive psychology, and the impact of habits and mindset. The conversation also delves a bit into the financial aspects of hiring a coach, the need for recovery and not glorifying burnout. Brian is known for his charismatic personality and his continued evangelizing of the HALO lifestyle. Since he was a teen, he's been all about a movement-first lifestyle and eventually became a "movement nerd." Paris continues to make a name for himself with his unique approach and ability to connect with others.  When discussing self-control and mindfulness, Paris states, "I've trained with therapists. I've trained with coaches. I've done specific work around breathwork, specific work with Native American traditions, and a whole bunch

Christine Howe has dedicated her entire career to staffing and recruiting in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) industry for over 12 years. She recently ventured out on her own and started Fit Pro Finders, a staffing service catering specifically to the HALO space. She and her team work with a wide range of companies, from small to mid-sized independents, to franchise-owned and corporate facilities, to help them find the right personnel to drive their businesses forward. Pete and Christine discuss the in's and out's of human capital and delve into the challenges of finding and retaining top talent, the importance of a holistic approach to staffing, and the need to shift the industry's perspective to a people-first mindset. They also touch on the significance of understanding a client's immediate needs and the lack of HR departments in some scenarios. Regarding hiring from outside the industry, Christine is a fan. She states, "I've been having a lot of conversations with hiring managers about hiring

Dr. Kenneth Cooper (often referred to as the "Father of Aerobics") has been a one of the seminal pioneers in the field of preventive medicine for over five decades. Despite tremendous skepticism from the medical community at large initially, he founded the Cooper Clinic in Dallas in December, 1970 with the belief that taking care of healthy individuals was just as important as treating the sick. Over the years, he has worked to change the perception of preventive medicine and has become a leading advocate for fitness and wellness. His dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles has made arguably one of the biggest impacts in the field of medicine over the past few decades, and his work continues to not only teach physicians, but also to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being. Dr. Cooper shares his personal daily exercise routine, and information about his upcoming documentary and book releases. Pete and Dr. Cooper delve into the importance of physical fitness in reducing healthcare costs and

Prime Hall served in the Marines from 2005 to 2017, with his initial deployment being in the infantry for the first four years. He later transitioned to becoming a water survival instructor, where he drew on principles of military water survival for the basis of his programming. Hall relays the story of an individual who survived for 20 hours in the Gulf of Mexico after falling off a Carnival cruise ship, which exemplifies the incredible efficacy of military water survival.  Prime also discusses his work with his company Deep End Fitness, a program that certifies instructors in this survival methodology and provides branded programming for health clubs, YMCA's, JCC's, and so on. Additionally, he dives (get it?) ;) into the Underwater Torpedo League (UTL), a unique sport he created while in the military to help his squad gain confidence which has garnered substantial attention and a growing community of players.  Hall states, "The biggest draw we see are individuals that have a fitness enthusiast, or water ent

Dave Cantor is a 20+ industry veteran in the natural food space. His journey began in the Midwest, where he developed a passion for food, sustainability, and gardening during his college years. After honing his cooking skills and pursuing his interests in farming, Dave eventually ended up running his own organic farm in New Mexico. He later furthered his education by obtaining a Master's degree in nutrition with a focus on food and agriculture policy. Dave discusses the inspiration behind his new brand, Folk Revival and offers up some solid takeaways from his many years in the trenches launching "better for you" brands with larger companies. He delves into topics like product development, marketing strategies, and the crowdfunding decision, and listeners will gain valuable, hard-earned insights into the world of nutrition startups. Regarding the name of the brand, Cantor is a self-described 'music nerd' and states, "The 'folk' really speaks to the the people part, the human nutrition, the functional nutrition

Lee is an entrepreneur originally from Michigan who, at 24, made a bold move to Costa Mesa, California in 2010 where he headed up the development of perhaps the first infrared studio in the country. He transformed the fledgling studio, implementing a membership model, and elevating the experience for customers. This marked the beginning of Perspire Sauna Studios, which has since expanded into a burgeoning franchise under Braun's leadership. Pete and Lee discuss starting an infrared sauna studio, transitioning into franchising, business growth, franchise development, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and more.  On the growing trend of healthier choices, Braun states, "There's a huge diaspora I see happening away from bars and alcohol, which I I'm all for. I think it's just a much healthier path. And it's cool to be there for that growing sector of people that are getting away from those kinds of pastimes into something more unique and healthy. . .which is what Perspire offers." Key themes discuss

Former currency trader Dom D'Alexander found himself unexpectedly drawn to a passion project that would substantially alter his career trajectory. Selling currencies to hedge funds was intellectually stimulating but something he lacked any real passion for. His hobbies were always focused on his own well-being, leading him to delve into something combining his love for personal development and self-care. This eventually became Somble, a platform focused on empowering independent coaches in the HALO sector. Pete and Dom chat about the challenges and vision behind the brand, the importance of collaboration, ecosystem, and delves into the potential for synergies between studios and coaches. Listeners will also hear about the unique approach of Somble's Co-Founders and uncover insights into the evolving landscape of fitness and coaching. Regarding the critical importance of execution, Alexander states, "I wish somebody had beaten me over the head early with the fact that ideas are really a dime a dozen, and that

In this episode, host Pete Moore is joined by Josh Bonhotal from TXV Partners. Josh shares his wealth of experience in player performance and training, from his time with the Chicago Bulls to his role at Purdue's men's basketball program. They dive into venture investing, discussing portfolio construction and risk management. As well as discuss the use of technology to optimize athlete performance and Josh's transition into the venture capital world. From mathematical models to practical insights, this episode runs the gamut. If you're an entrepreneur or a sports enthusiast, this is a must-listen! On some of the pitfalls in tech in sports performance, Josh notes, "There were a lot of companies out there, especially in the early 2010's . . . whether it be GPS, or heart rate, or monitoring sleep that were making all these bold claims. You saw some number of high level sports scientists and performance directors throughout elite sports, who, I think in good faith, wanted to believe that this data was accurate, a

Zvi Goffer is a former finance executive and father who was inspired to take action when planting the seeds of college education in the minds of his two kids. His idea for Campus VR took root when he brought his kids to his alma mater, a state school in New York . . . which unfortunately didn't do a good job representing themselves on their website. Wanting to do more than just show pictures, he decided to take action and figured there had to be a better way to engage kids in the modern era versus just "point and click."  Zvi dove into the VR world, learned it from the ground up and they actually ended up building their own robot! Campus VR has since evolved into a game-changing platform for top colleges and teams around the country. He discusses the power of VR in creating immersive experiences and how it can revolutionize the way businesses attract and engage potential clients. Pete and Zvi dive into the future of VR tech, its potential impact on various industries, and serves as a captivating exploration o

In this episode, Pete talks with Dixie Grace, a former planning engineer turned entrepreneur who has "brought back" the boiled peanut (a long time classic Southern snack) to the Northeast, an area where they're notoriously difficult to find . . . but not anymore! Raised by a single parent, she comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with her grandmother owning beauty salons and her mother being involved in various business ventures. Dixie shares her journey of creating artisanal boiled peanuts and the surprising customer reactions she encountered, leading to a remarkable 97% conversion rate. We explore her decision-making process in scaling her business and the innovative approach she's taking to bring her product to a wider market. Dixie's energy and enthusiasm are contagious! Pete offers up some advice to help her get her product into health clubs and commercializing it. Grace also talks about the myriad of health benefits, historical significance, and surprising international popularity of boiled peanuts. On

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore is joined by Director of Education, Jeremy Strom, from Reaxing International. Jeremy shares insights into the Reaxing system, a game-changing, neuroscience-based program designed to train for unpredictability and enhance overall movement and response time. He discusses the company's innovative products, such as the Reax Run treadmill and Reax Board, and their impact on various industries, from health clubs to helping with Parkinson's treatments. Jeremy also highlights the company's commitment to research, education, and consumer-focused training, providing a glimpse into their future plans.  On using the products themselves, Strom states, "When you utilize and implement Reaxing products, it lights the brain to '5G communication,' and that communication now allows us to respond to what the 'machine' is doing, and implement the full system from the brain, to the big toe, out to the middle fingers-in such a way that more tissue is lit up, more reactive time, the rea

Host Pete Moore welcomes Josh Forkner, a prominent figure in the CBD space. Josh shares insights into his company's operations, including their innovative approach to product development, strategic partnerships, and the challenges they've faced in the market. Pete and Josh dive into the unique selling points of CBD products, the potential for growth in the industry, and the transformative impact of CBD on customers' lives. From athlete endorsements to navigating legal restrictions, this conversation delves into the rapid growth of a new brand in an already crowded market.  Regarding finding the right market for product sales, Forkner states, "We find that what works best for us are places like fitness studios, yoga studios, senior fitness centers, chiropractors, acupuncture, little small gyms, CrossFit . . . those places that only showcase our product or maybe 1 or 2 others we do very well in." Some key moments:  Founders are business partners in different industries. Stringent testing to prevent THC contami

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with serial entrepreneur Todd Abrams, the Co-Founder and CEO of ICON Meals. Todd shares his journey from starting his entrepreneurial ventures in the software industry to his passion project based in Texas, ICON Meals, which focuses on providing convenient and healthy food options.  Throughout the conversation, Todd discusses the challenges and successes of his business ventures, the importance of building a strong team, and his perspective on taking responsibility for one's life and actions. Abrams provides insights into the meal delivery and food industry, as well as valuable lessons in leadership, team building, and striving for continuous improvement. This is a must listen as Pete and Todd delve into the world of entrepreneurship, business strategies, and the drive to make impactful changes in people's lives through the power of food. One two of his keys to success, Abrams states, "I've always had to have two things in any of my businesses, one is residual recurr

In this episode, host Pete Moore dives deep into the VC (venture capital) world with Kiva Dickinson, Founder of Selva Ventures. Kiva began his career in investment banking before joining TPG. He received top-notch training there and developed a keen interest in the dynamics of the consumer world, particularly in ecommerce and health and wellness. His focus shifted to earlier stage opportunities, particularly in the better-for-you products sector. Kiva shares valuable insights from his TPG and CircleUp days before launching Selva. He sheds light on the process of raising capital, evaluating investment opportunities, and the key factors that drive successful investments in early-stage companies. The conversation also delves into the "5 M's"  approach for evaluating potential investments and the strategy behind exiting investments at the right time. Regarding raising capital he states, "Identifying the company is incredibly important, but building a tight investment process both pre and post investment, not only

Jack Thomas, originally from Australia, has been living and working in Thailand for the past few years. In this episode, host Pete Moore and Jack discuss everything from the burgeoning boutique fitness industry in Asia, to the evolving trends and growth opportunities in the U.S. fitness market. He is excited about the emerging markets in other Asian countries, such as Manila and Indonesia, and sees great potential for growth in the region. Jack also shares his new concept, The Fit Guide, a pioneering idea anchored in bringing high end, hospitality elements into the HALO sector. The Fit Guide evaluation process, which boasts 250 objective standards, has already launched in major cities and is set to make waves in new markets. With a strong emphasis on elevating the customer experience, the episode touches on the comprehensive evaluation process, revenue models, and potential future revenue streams, setting the stage for an engaging and informative conversation. Regarding the importance of brand consistency in

Dane McCarthy is a former rugby player who pursued a career in finance before joining salesforce.com. After several years in financial services, he was transferred to New York. During the pandemic, he quickly realized the different workout culture in the US compared to Australia, where people often train in groups. That eventually led him to start Village Athletic . . . which helped unite people in their fitness journeys and filling the absence of the social training element that he missed back home. He discusses the unique concept of squads, the importance of consistency in training, and the strong sense of community it fosters. Join us as we delve into Dane's entrepreneurial journey of building a fitness brand centered around building strong relationships and driving results. Regarding getting the venture off the ground, McCarthy states, "This was completely self-funded from initial Venmo payments. And given where we were in COVID, we had no equipment. When we first started, we just had square boxes basical

Laura Adelson is a yoga enthusiast and now a new business owner who credits her husband for encouraging her to take a chance, buy the business, and save her long-time yoga studio from closing permanently. Together, they turned the struggling business into a thriving community hub and a place of learning for both students and teachers.  She shares insights into the studio's brand identity, the process of saving the business, and the evolving landscape of yoga and fitness. From community building to pricing strategies and the importance of holistic health, this episode delves into the unique experiences and decision-making processes of a yoga studio owner. There are tons of valuable takeaways here for running a yoga studio, the new entrepreneurship journey, and maintaining a successful fitness business. When it comes to the pricing model in her studio, Adelson states, "We want people to feel like they have everything that need, that they're being taken care of once they pay for the class, that they know they're

Gary Kleinman is a seasoned marketer and former attorney who has always believed in the power of storytelling. After realizing the similarities between the marketing world and being a litigator, he decided to venture into a career that combined his skills in both fields. For years, Gary successfully ran an experiential marketing agency that specialized in organizing mobile tours for renowned organizations such as MLB, NFL, and Warner Brothers. Everything changed though after he stumbled upon an article about a 17-year-old female gamer participating in a League of Legends tournament attended by an astounding 17,000 people. Intrigued by this unexpected phenomenon, Gary was  determined to understand the allure of competitive gaming and began a new journey exploring the business possibilities in the thriving world of esports.   When it comes to marketing to a particular niche Kleinman states, "The challenge when you don't have a Gatorade budget or a Pepsi budget (who bought Prime the energy drink) is you have to

Bill Parisi is a former athlete who began his career over 30 years ago. As a Division 1 all American athlete in college, he quickly realized the lack of appropriate training for young athletes in field and court sports. In 1990, he began his entrepreneurial journey with a small 3,000 square foot facility, which quickly grew to multiple locations. With guidance from industry expert Tom Plummer, Bill focused on helping young athletes aged 7 to 18.  Pete and Bill dive deep into the world of youth sports training and how it can positively impact young athletes' lives. They also discuss the importance of creating a strong culture within a club, the value of technology in the fitness industry, and the future of training young athletes. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or a parent interested in helping your child excel, this episode is full of insights and practical advice.  Regarding the evolution of athletic training, Parisi states, "The focus has always been from day 1 to help young athletes focus on youth spo

Steven Puri, along with his friend Ulf, embarked on a mission to address the growing problem of stress and overwhelm in today's (extremely) fast-paced world. Both experienced moments where they felt stressed out and unable to fully enjoy life, due to an almost overwhelming number of tasks to complete. (Sound familiar?)  Determined to find a solution, they decided to harness the wisdom of experts who had written about stress management and turn it into a user-friendly app. Their app not only includes music and timers like other focus apps but also introduces the innovation of real-life coaches powered by artificial intelligence. Steven's passion for helping others lead more intentional and fulfilling lives drove him to develop this valuable tool. On the work-life balance dilemma, Puri states, "If you just focus, you can knock out [most] work before lunch! And then the open question is, what will I do with the extra time? Do I want to go have human interactions I didn't have time for before? Those are the sort