Julia Sanders

IGNITE Fitness Holdings Appoints Joe Pepe Jr. as New CEO

IGNITE Fitness Holdings has made exciting strides in its leadership suite. The company appointed Joe Pepe Jr. as chief executive officer in October. He will also serve on the company’s Board of Directors.

Pepe has made a huge impact on the company, working with the Planet Fitness® brand for more than 18 years. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer for IGNITE Fitness Holdings since 2019, helping with the company’s growth and leading the company’s expansion from 15 to 134 locations in the United States and Canada. By the end of 2025, the company plans to open five more clubs. Pepe replaced Ryan Berk, who served in the CEO role since February 2022.

After more than 18 years with the Planet Fitness brand, Joe Pepe Jr. was promoted to chief executive officer of IGNITE Fitness Holdings.

“On behalf of the board, I’m thrilled to congratulate Joe on his appointment as IGNITE’s next chief executive officer,” said Cathy Stauffer, chair of the IGNITE Fitness Holdings board, in a press release. “Joe’s track record of operational excellence, deep understanding of the Planet Fitness brand, and his authentic care for our people and culture make him uniquely qualified to lead IGNITE into its next phase of growth and success.”

On top of working with IGNITE Fitness Holdings, Pepe has been the chair of the PFIFC Member Experience Committee, where he partners with the Planet Fitness Club Support Center to elevate the member experience and club operations. 

“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue building on IGNITE’s strong foundation,” said Pepe. “Our growth and success are powered by an extraordinary team whose passion for helping members live healthier lives inspires me every day. Together, we will continue to innovate and expand our reach to even more communities across North America.”

in Recognitions  by 16 Jan 2026

Taymax Empowers Local Heroes with Generous Fitness Equipment Donation

Firefighters around the nation are the ones working countless hours to keep their local communities safe from dangerous fires and in emergency situations. To reward them for their hard work and show appreciation, Taymax Group provided a major donation of fitness and training equipment to the Lake Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department in Texas.

This fire department has been working tirelessly to save lives on the west side of Guadalupe County since 1979. Its motto, “Your Safety, Our Mission,” is something that resonates with the Taymax Group, so the franchise group was more than willing to give to the group of heroes. Additionally, Taymax has strong ties to the area because it has over 20 clubs in Texas.

On Sept. 23, Taymax Group donated 16 pieces of cardio and strength equipment to the fire department, including an elliptical, treadmill, leg press, shoulder press, chest press, barbell rack, dumbbell racks, adjustable benches, beauty bell racks and much more. Taymax sourced the equipment from its New Braunfels, Texas, PF® location. The donation to the local fire department made a huge difference to the firefighters, ultimately ensuring these first responders were able to stay fit for their local community members.

in Member News  by 16 Jan 2026

Taymax Sets Students Up for Success with School Supplies Donations

School is in session! Taymax Group proudly supported the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua in New Hampshire by donating backpacks filled with school supplies for the students. The group was more than happy to support local youth going into the new school year.

During August, the Taymax headquarters staff held a school supply drive to collect essential learning and personal hygiene supplies. Then, the group stuffed 50 PF®-branded backpacks with school supplies, including pencils, pens, folders, markers, crayons, pencil pouches, highlighters and notebooks, as well as basic hygiene items such as deodorant, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste. The group delivered the bookbags to the Nashua Boys & Girls Club, equipping the kids with the supplies they need for a successful school year.

The staff at Taymax’s headquarters worked together to stuff 50 PF-branded backpacks full of school supplies for kids in need at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua.

Planet Fitness® is a long-time partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, so Taymax’s work with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua solidified the ways Planet Fitness supports the organization.  

“For our club kids, having the supplies they need to start the school year means they can walk into the classroom feeling confident and ready to learn. Just as meaningful is knowing that their community believes in them. That kind of encouragement stays with them. It reminds our club kids that they’re supported and capable of great things,” said Senior Director of Advancement at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua Meghan Fitzgerald.

in Member News  by 16 Jan 2026