Kim Gouch
Kim Gouch has strong emotions about her goals for Retro Fitness as its first-ever chief brand officer.
“We’re making a difference in franchisees’ lives by giving them a strong brand and a strong support model to let them live the best life they can live,” said Gouch, who got choked up before continuing. “In turn, we are putting out a brand and a business model that lets consumers live the best lives they can live.”
Gouch joined the fitness franchise in October, coming off 14 years owning and running an advertising agency that specialized in food and beverage hospitality. While her initial plans were to retire after 30-plus years in branding and marketing, Gouch soon found herself bored and wanting to reengage, leading to conversations with Retro Fitness CEO Andrew Alfano.
“I started realizing what an incredible opportunity this brand presents,” she said. “Not just as an opportunity as far as me, but an opportunity to really make a difference in the world we live in right now with exercise, health and fitness.”
Gouch transitioned into the fitness segment, and believes branding is an emotional discipline that transcends category.
“No matter what it is you’re selling or branding or putting out in the universe¬—it could be a consumer package good, a restaurant, a club or gym—it’s the same application,” she said. “Then you just pivot based on the communication need or who your audience is. You pivot on what your strengths are and your points of differentiation, but the same foundational pieces still apply.”
Gouch tackles brand and marketing strategies in the new role, supporting franchisees, maximizing revenue streams, finding revenue opportunities and advancing unit growth beyond Retro’s 80 locations in nine states.
She has been tasked with enhancing the brand’s “Get Real” movement, furthering its shift from a campaign to the core of Retro Fitness’ brand identity. The initiative looks to differentiate Retro Fitness from similar concepts by emphasizing a more holistic approach to health and fitness, personal growth and community.
“It gives me the chills every time I talk about it because it really sets the tone of our exercise, health and fitness lifestyle,” Gouch said about the initiative. “24/7 we are a gym, but we are so much more … Retro Fitness is all about what happens beyond the gym. What is your journey beyond the gym? The ‘Get Real’ mantra just encapsulates all of that.”
Executive Ladder
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Mountain Mike’s Pizza promoted Steven Adyani to chief operations officer.
Sky Zone announced Mike Revak as chief operating officer and Sherin Sakr as chief legal officer.
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The Joint Chiropractic welcomed Craig Sherwood as senior vice president of development.
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Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii announced Iain Douglas as chief brand officer.
Smalls Sliders appointed former Tropical Smoothie Cafe CEO Charles Watson as its chief executive. Watson replaces Maria Rivera, who left Smalls earlier this year.
Massage Envy named Diane Cooley as senior vice president of brand experience.
Zoom Drain, a drain and sewer services franchise, appointed Jim Foley as brand president.
Domino’s announced the following promotions: Joseph Jordan, chief operating officer and president for Domino’s U.S.; Weiking Ng, executive vice president for Domino’s International; Ryan Mulally, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.
Always Best Care Senior Services appointed Todd Hillman as vice president of franchise development.
WellBiz Brands named James Franks as senior vice president of franchise growth.
Stellar Service Brands appointed Zach Munroe as vice president of franchise development.
Zach Munroe
QC Kinetix announced the following promotions: Alexandra White, vice president of medical operations; Corey Riser, vice president of growth; Ginger Arntz, vice president of innovation; Michael Huzl, vice president of finance.
100% Chiropractic hired Steve Schillinger as CEO.
Rego Restaurant Group, the parent company of Quiznos and Taco del Mar, named Neel Patel as CEO.
International Dairy Queen announced Art D’Elia as chief operating officer for the U.S. and Canada.
Retro Fitness named Kim Gouch as the company’s first chief brand officer.
Panera Brands promoted interim CEO Paul Carbone to permanent CEO.
Hydrate IV Bar appointed Chris Seitz as fractional chief medical officer.
The Dog Stop announced the following hires: Jeff Farnell, vice president of operations; John Henning, director of franchise development; Megan Allen, director of real estate and construction; Nancy Purvis, franchise support manager.
H&R Block named Phillip Miller as vice president and chief information security officer.
Ballard Brands, parent company of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and Wow American Eats, announced Peter Boylan’s retirement as president and CEO. David Mesa, executive vice president and chief development officer, will serve as president of the franchise division.
Penn Station East Coast Subs welcomed Jane McPherson as senior vice president of marketing.
Fastsigns announced Jim Howe as president.
Twin Hospitality Group, the parent company of Twin Peaks, announced the resignations of CEO Joe Hummel and Chief Legal Officer Clay Mingus. The company appointed Ken Kuick, chief financial officer, as interim CEO and Allen Sussman, general counsel of FAT Brands, as interim chief legal officer.
Tara Hinkle
Haven, a family care services concept, appointed John Collins as president and Kim Hodges as director of franchisor development.
WKS Restaurant Group, a Denny’s and Wendy’s franchisee, announced Paul Tanner as chief investment officer and Sharon Moeller as chief financial officer.
Another Broken Egg Café welcomed Joel Reynders as vice president of culinary and corporate executive chef.
Workout Anytime named Jerry Pugh, the brand’s largest franchisee, as CEO after Pugh acquired a majority stake in the company.
Ascent Hospitality Management appointed Blain Shortreed as chief operating officer.
Slim Chickens named Patrick Noone as chief marketing officer.
Yum Brands announced plans for CEO David Gibbs to retire in 2026.
Murphy Business Sales, a business broker franchisor, hired Veronica Cardinale Ellinger as CEO.
Franchise Services Inc., a franchise management company, named Richard Lowe as CEO.
Transworld Business Advisors of Colorado promoted Tyler Bowman, Tatiana DeMoraes and Axel Fleischli to partners.
Franchise Equity Partners appointed Jay Ferriero to its automotive leadership team.
The National Restaurant Association appointed Leslie Nagao as chief marketing officer.
Harrington Park Advisors established an expert advisory council with the following members: Paul Damico, Andrew Dana, Alicia Miller and Jason Olsen.
Tara Hinklegn & Construction, a franchise multi-unit growth adviser, announced David Hitchingham as vice president of real estate intelligence and Makenna Wesley as director of real estate.
Send promotions and new hire news in franchising to Alyssa Huglen, [email protected]
