We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anthony Badalian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anthony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

As I reflect on my professional career, the moment I took my biggest risk came in 2020, after nearly a decade with 24 Hour Fitness, where I held a range of leadership and management roles. My world revolved around the big-box gym industry. During that time, I mastered the business of driving revenue through membership sales, personally selling millions of dollars for the company, led high-performing sales teams, expanded the corporate wellness division, and built strong operational systems. It was everything I knew, and it was comfortable.

Then came an opportunity that changed everything. A close friend and mentor of mine, Mike Gray, who at the time was the Senior Vice President at Club Pilates, encouraged me to take a look at the boutique fitness space—specifically boutique fitness franchising and the rapidly growing Club Pilates brand. We had both worked at 24 Hour Fitness, and he would often stop by the gym I had an office at to share what he was building at Club Pilates and the potential he saw in this emerging side of the industry.

At first, I didn’t see it. I didn’t know much about Club Pilates, and Pilates in general wasn’t something that resonated with me. I was used to large gyms filled with weights, cardio equipment, and that traditional high-energy fitness environment. But after months of conversation, reflection, and watching how boutique fitness franchising was transforming the industry, I realized it was time for a change.

So I took a leap of faith, and that was the risk. Was I scared and nervous? Absolutely. Leaving behind the familiarity of the big-box world and everything I had built at 24 Hour Fitness to join Club Pilates as a National Sales Director was a complete pivot both personally and professionally. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone, forcing me to unlearn much of what I thought I knew about fitness and reimagine what community, culture, and connection could look like in a more personal and lifestyle-driven setting.

That leap of faith completely changed the trajectory of my life. I immersed myself in the world of boutique fitness and franchising, building strong relationships with business owners, helping grow a powerhouse brand like Club Pilates, and learning from exceptional leaders such as Shaun Grove, who served as President and would later become my business partner. That experience propelled me into the Vice President of Sales and Operations role at Club Pilates and eventually led to my position as President of Rumble Boxing.

Today, I serve as President, COO and Partner of STRIDE Fitness—a brand I believe is a true disruptor in the industry. STRIDE Fitness is where strength meets sweat: a powerful fusion of treadmill cardio and full-body strength training, led by elite coaches, fueled by high-energy music, and set in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. Every class is designed to push all fitness levels, deliver the burn you’ll brag about, and finish with intentional recovery so your body stays ready for the next challenge.

I’m honored to be building STRIDE Fitness alongside an incredible team and my business partner, Shaun Grove, bringing everything full circle. Looking back, that leap of faith in 2020 wasn’t just a career move—it was the defining risk that transformed my path, my purpose, and ultimately, my life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Anthony Badalian, and I’m the President, COO, and Partner at STRIDE Fitness — a next-generation boutique fitness brand transforming the way people experience group cardio, strength training, and recovery. I lead the company’s strategic vision, operational execution, and franchise growth, driven by a mission to build high-performing teams, deliver exceptional results, and foster a culture rooted in accountability, innovation, and unstoppable energy as we empower our members to achieve their fitness goals and beyond.

I was born and raised in Orange County, California, where I’ve lived my entire life. I was fortunate to grow up with two incredible parents who instilled in me the values of hard work, drive, and integrity. My dad, a businessman and entrepreneur at heart, inspired my ambition and leadership mindset, while my mom, the heart of our family, taught me compassion, empathy, and the importance of staying grounded. I’m also the older brother to two exceptional younger brothers and a proud uncle to my nearly two-year-old niece and nephew. Most recently, I was blessed to marry my beautiful wife, whose love and support inspire me every day.

I began my career in 2010 at 24 Hour Fitness, where I started as a Membership Counselor and discovered my passion for sales, leadership, and helping people transform their lives through fitness. For nearly a decade, I’ve built my career mastering the business of fitness—driving millions in sales, leading elite teams, expanding corporate wellness programs, and creating operational systems that fuel lasting growth. During this time, I learned a simple but powerful truth: success starts with people, how you lead them, inspire them, and create an environment where they can truly thrive.

In 2020, I took the biggest risk of my career by leaving the big-box gym world to join Club Pilates and enter the fast-growing boutique fitness franchising space. I began as National Sales Director and was later promoted to Vice President of Sales and Operations, helping drive national growth and elevate franchise performance. During that time, I also earned my Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Irvine, graduating with a 3.98 GPA and serving as a member of the founding (Alpha) class of the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. Balancing an executive role with the pursuit of higher education strengthened my perspective as both an operator and a strategist, blending academic insight with real-world leadership.

That chapter opened my eyes to the power of connection in fitness and how smaller, community-driven studios can create purpose and belonging. It also taught me how to build scalable systems, lead with authenticity, and empower entrepreneurs to thrive within a franchise model.

Following my time at Club Pilates, I served as President of Rumble Boxing, leading the company’s national expansion and refining the operational and cultural standards that drive performance and brand consistency across a competitive fitness landscape.

Today, I’m proud to lead STRIDE Fitness. STRIDE Fitness is where strength meets sweat, a powerful fusion of treadmill cardio and full-body strength training. Led by elite coaches, fueled by high-energy music, and set in a vibrant atmosphere. Every class is designed to push all fitness levels, deliver the burn you’ll brag about, and finish with intentional recovery so your body stays ready for the next challenge.

I’m excited about what we’re building at STRIDE Fitness—a brand rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and shared energy. It’s a place where effort is celebrated, community drives everything, and movement becomes a way of life. I’m honored to build this brand alongside my business partner, Shaun Grove, and an incredible team as we continue to shape STRIDE Fitness into a true industry disruptor, redefining what’s possible in boutique fitness.

What I’m most proud of in my journey is the resilience that has been built within me. I’ve faced adversity head-on, stayed true to my vision, and never compromised on my drive or values. Every challenge has shaped me into a stronger, more disciplined leader—one deeply committed to growth, excellence, and the people who believe in me. I take pride in my relentless pursuit of progress, continually raising the bar, inspiring those around me, and striving to become the best version of myself every step of the way.

Ultimately, my story is about growth, taking risks, believing in people, and continuously evolving as a leader and person. Every chapter of my career has taught me something new about resilience, connection, and the importance of purpose in everything you do. Real success isn’t just about building great businesses; it’s about helping people grow, unlocking potential, and creating impact that lasts well beyond the work itself. That’s what drives me every single day.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe success in this business comes down to five core traits: drive, emotional intelligence, relationship building, resilience, and mindset. These qualities have shaped every chapter of my career and, in my experience, are what truly separate good leaders from great ones.

Drive is the foundation that fuels everything else. It’s the inner fire that keeps you pushing forward, setting higher standards, and refusing to settle for average. Drive is what turns goals into reality and setbacks into comebacks. Without it, even the most talented leaders can lose momentum.

Fitness is, and always will be, a people business. You can have all the technical expertise in the world, but if you can’t connect with people, earn their trust, and inspire them to grow, you’ll never reach your full potential as a leader or help others reach theirs. Emotional intelligence, the ability to listen, empathize, and lead with awareness, is what builds credibility and trust.

Relationship building has also been at the heart of my success. Whether it’s with team members, franchise partners, or industry peers, I make it a priority to lead with authenticity and consistency. When people know you genuinely care about their success and well-being, they give their best effort not because they have to, but because they want to. Relationships built on integrity and mutual respect will always outlast transactions or titles.

Resilience is another essential trait. This business moves fast and can be unpredictable, and no matter how well you plan, challenges will come. The ability to stay composed, think clearly under pressure, and adapt with optimism defines great leadership. I’ve learned that setbacks are often the greatest teachers. True resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about learning, evolving, and coming back stronger than before.

Finally, mindset is what ties it all together. The best leaders stay humble, curious, and coachable—no matter their title. One of my mentors, Phillip Ayres, taught me early on that “true success is shaped as much by mindset as it is by action.” That lesson has stayed with me, reminding me that how we think defines how we lead. I believe leadership is about creating an environment where others can thrive—where people feel seen, valued, and supported. That philosophy has guided me in building high-performing teams rooted in trust, loyalty, and purpose.

At the end of the day, training gives you the tools, but your drive, emotional intelligence, relationships, resilience and mindset determine how far you go. Success in this business isn’t defined by what you know; it’s defined by how you lead, how you treat people, and the lasting impact you leave behind.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with one guiding principle: people first. In business, success ultimately comes down to three things: people, process, and product. You can have the best systems and the strongest product in the world, but without the right people, growth will always be limited. That’s why I lead with people at the center of everything. Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about connection. The best leaders don’t just manage, they inspire, support, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and part of something bigger than themselves.

For me, it begins with communication and trust. I make it a priority to be transparent, present, and approachable. People want to understand where the business is headed, how their role contributes to the bigger picture, and that their work truly matters. When you communicate clearly and lead with honesty, you create alignment, ownership, and shared belief in the mission.

Recognition is also essential. Wins, both big and small, deserve to be celebrated. I always make it a point to acknowledge effort as much as results because culture thrives when people feel seen, appreciated, and supported. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, “thank you,” “you’re doing a great job,” or “I appreciate you.” Those small moments of gratitude go a long way in making people feel valued and motivated.

Empowerment is another cornerstone of great leadership. One of my greatest mentors and leaders, Mike Gray, taught me the importance of trusting people to lead. He used to say, “I’ll always empower you to lead—but if you start to drift off course, I’ll help you realign. My job isn’t to let you fail; it’s to help you learn.”That philosophy shaped how I lead today. I believe in giving my team the autonomy to make decisions, take initiative, and own their success. When people feel trusted and supported, confidence and creativity thrive—and that’s where true innovation begins.

Finally, leadership requires empathy. Everyone is facing their own challenges, and taking the time to listen, understand, and show compassion can completely change how someone experiences their work. When people know you genuinely care about them, morale takes care of itself.

Above all, culture drives performance. When you build a team that feels connected, inspired, and supported, results naturally follow. Great leaders don’t just build businesses; they build people, and those people build everything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stridefitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonymbadalian/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthonymbadalian
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonybadalian