Justin Ashley - CEO and Co-Founder, One Playground
Company Overview
One Playground, founded as Fitness Playground and rebranded, is a prominent player in the fitness industry. Known for its innovative gym environments and a strong focus on member experience and staff satisfaction, the company operates multiple facilities, including gyms in Newtown, Marrickville, and Darwin. The organization's growth has been organic, driven by its mission to "Inspire Change" in the fitness industry.
Professional Background
Justin Ashley has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. He started his career at the grassroots level, including stints as a school PE teacher and semi-professional soccer player before managing a Fitness First club. Frustrated with the traditional gym model, he co-founded Fitness Playground to revolutionize the gym experience, emphasizing staff welfare and member engagement.
Career Highlights
- Inaugural AUSactive Career Ambassador (2023), supporting the next generation of fitness industry professionals through education, mentoring, and industry awareness.
- COVID-19 Adaptation: Launched the Virtual Playground and Fitness Playground Academy, transforming the business into a robust entity with enhanced culture and digital offerings.
- Accolades: Fitness Playground was named one of the Top 50 Places to Work in Australia, highlighting exceptional staff satisfaction and corporate culture.
Achievements and Initiatives
- Organic Growth: Under Justin's leadership, the company expanded from a small bootcamp to five clubs with 15,000 members and about 200 staff, driven by opportunities such as taking over closing local gyms and renovating them.
- Awards and Recognition: The company's success is underscored by multiple awards, with the Top 50 Places to Work being particularly noteworthy.
- Mission-Driven: The mission to "Inspire Change" focuses on improving employee success, enhancing member outcomes, and advancing the fitness industry towards a preventative healthcare approach.
Business Philosophy
Justin emphasizes member experience over sheer growth, aiming to create the best gyms, not necessarily the most numerous. This model involves steady growth and a focus on providing value consistently, aligning with core values like "Better Everyday."
Expansion and Future Plans
- Wellness Playground: Launching in June 2024, this facility will integrate wellness into the gym environment, offering services such as reformer pilates and infrared saunas.
- The Mothership: A forthcoming 2,500m² flagship location with advanced facilities and a $5 million fit-out, set to redefine gym environments globally.
Personal Insights
- Fitness Routine: Despite a busy schedule, Justin integrates fitness into his life, advising others to treat gym appointments as non-negotiable meetings.
- Leadership and Vision: As exemplified by his role with AUSactive, Justin advocates for meaningful, long-term careers in the fitness industry and inspires new talent by sharing his journey from a "high school misfit" to a successful entrepreneur.
Additional Insights
- Community and Culture: One Playground places significant importance on community and culture, believing that connections and member-staff relationships are key retention drivers beyond the physical gym facilities.
- Innovative Offerings: Post-pandemic innovations like the Virtual Playground and the Fitness Playground Academy have been critical in maintaining engagement and education, solidifying the company's market position.
Justin Ashley's leadership at One Playground is characterized by a pioneering approach to gym management, a steadfast commitment to staff and member satisfaction, and a clear vision for sustainable growth and industry transformation.
