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Camp Hill franchisee named largest in world
It isn’t often that a local small business grows into the world’s largest franchisee.
Such is the case concerning Camp Hill-based National Fitness Partners (NFP), which has been named the largest Planet Fitness franchisee in the world. The honor coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary.
“In our 20th year as a Planet Fitness franchisee, we are proud of the steady, strategic growth that has positioned National Fitness Partners as the largest franchisee in the system,” NFP President and CEO Stephen Kindler Jr. said. “What began as a gamble by my uncles by converting a single club, our business has grown into a network of more than 200 locations, each reinforcing our commitment to operational excellence and access to affordable, high-quality fitness.
“By bringing on a sophisticated, growth-oriented partner, this helped to accelerate our vision, ultimately growing National Fitness Partners to sustain the 200 club locations we operate today. Our growth has been supported by a relentless focus to explore new markets and ensure positive financial performance along the way,” added Kindler.
NFP’s story as a small, family-run business in Central Pennsylvania began in the 1960s when the Kindler family added fitness equipment to their barbershop for their customers, eventually launching the West Shore Health Club. By the early 2000s, the Kindlers had expanded to four fitness centers in Harrisburg and converted two into Planet Fitness clubs in 2005, the 48th and 49th in the system.
Since 2016, NFP has built over 50 new fitness centers and acquired 144 Planet Fitness locations. While the company has grown significantly, its headquarters and leadership remain rooted in Camp Hill.
“Our growth has always been driven by a people-first strategy, because the real measure of our success is how many lives we change,” said Kindler. “Across our nearly 2,500 team members and growing, we’ve invested in talent development and a culture of accountability that has allowed us to expand while maintaining a consistent, high-quality member experience. NFP’s rapid
growth has also forced us to reevaluate how we do business and ensure that our systems and our processes are consistent, scalable and move at the speed of business.”
Business is one of NFP’s priorities. Prioritizing community initiatives is another. NFP supports more than 50 local organizations through food drives, donations, and volunteerism. In addition, it has raised over $124,000 for the American Heart Association, more than $44,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation, over $32,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (with other PF franchisees), and more than $40,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Through the High School Summer Pass program, NFP has also welcomed over 100,000 students into its clubs.
“At National Fitness Partners, we understand the value of being a supportive partner in the communities where we operate,” Kindler said. “Through local partnerships, fundraising efforts, and volunteering, we’re proud to give back to the neighborhoods that support us.
“As we continue to grow, our commitment to community impact remains just as strong. All year long, we offer support to local events, donate usable equipment to organizations in need and raise funds for non-profit organizations that align with our values,” added Kindler.
Backed since 2016 by Argonne Capital, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, NFP has evolved into a national business that operates 200 Planet Fitness locations across 14 states, employs over 2,400 team members, and has more than 1.1 million members.
“As we look to the future, our focus is on deepening our impact across every club and community we serve,” said Kindler. “Whether through new and remodeled clubs, continuing to enhance the member experience and our equipment offerings, or finding new ways to give back, we remain committed to delivering long-term value for our members, our team, and our communities.”
Source: CPBJ | Ed Gruver
