This three-part finance series is your complete roadmap to financial leadership in the fitness industry. Starting with foundational accounting and key terminology, you’ll learn to read income statements, track KPIs and interpret financial reports with confidence. But the real transformation happens as you progress — gaining the tools to make strategic decisions, build a financially fluent culture, and lead teams that drive results.
In Part 1, you’ll build the essential financial vocabulary and foundational know-how every club operator needs to lead with confidence. We’ll demystify key terms like AP, AR, COGS and EBITDA, unpack the guiding principles of GAAP, and show you how financial fluency transforms raw numbers into actionable insights. By the end of Part 1, you’ll be able to read core reports, spot meaningful trends and speak the same language as your finance team — so you can make smarter decisions that drive profitability and member value.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Critical Accounting Terms — define Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), EBITDA and understand how each impacts your bottom line
✔️ GAAP Fundamentals — grasp Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and why they’re the backbone of consistent, trustworthy financial reporting
✔️ Reading with Confidence — interpret income statements, balance sheets and General Ledger entries to validate accuracy and uncover performance drivers
✔️ Financial Fluency for Leadership — leverage your new vocabulary and report-reading skills to guide strategy, allocate resources wisely, and strengthen your role as a financially savvy operator
About the instructor
Larry Conner, CPA, is a seasoned financial leader with over 34 years of experience in the health club industry, having served in key roles including board member, general manager, controller, and CFO. Currently the Regional Vice President of Club Acquisition in the South for Genesis Health Clubs, Larry is renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams, integrate accounting seamlessly into club operations, and drive sustainable business success.
About the instructor
Ralph Rajs is a passionate fitness industry leader known for driving growth, optimizing operations, and building high-performing teams. He plays a key role in mentoring future professionals through the Club Solutions Institute, launching in May 2025. With a sharp eye for trends and a strategic mindset, Ralph excels at turning insights into results across fitness, esports, and consumer engagement. He’s also an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed five Ironman races and 12 marathons — including major events in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
