Sometimes it takes an outsider with an open mind and an unwavering vision to re-define an industry. Dave Tuthill’s former health issues of type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease and weight gain led him to seek help from his physician and a hormone specialist. His subsequent wellness program of fitness and nutrition enabled him to drop 150 pounds and 15 medications. Grateful for his newfound health, he was determined to “pay it forward” and established Hearthstone in 2012.
The business philosophy of Dave and his wife Martha is simple but effective-focus on member individual wellness, fitness and nutritional needs and hire trainers and other staff with degrees in exercise sciences and national training certifications who incorporate each member’s unique fitness goals into a personalized fitness plan. Training packages begin with a one-hour fitness capability and health assessment. Staff inquire about past injuries and current medications to understand each individual’s unique needs. Plans are offered with discounts for seniors, active military and police personnel. This approach works-current memberships are 700 with a retention rate of 80-85%.
Another unique aspect of Hearthstone’s mission is its outreach to the medical community. Free memberships are offered to area medical professionals who in turn make presentations on their specialties to club members. Hearthstone’s outreach extends beyond its doors by its involvement in many local organizations and charities. So far, Hearthstone has provided support to over 60 local schools and civic organizations.
Having achieved all this, most business owners would rest on their laurels and be content with business as usual, but not Dave and Martha Tuthill. Next month, they will leave their current leased 5,000 sf space and make a quantum leap into their own facility of 17,000 sf under construction on Commerce Drive.
The new facility will offer members amenities such as a business center, a child care facility, open at 6:00am, locker rooms with steam rooms and a massage room, a beverage bar offering smoothies and other nutritional drinks and food-to-go from a local caterer. Fitness offerings include separate areas for cardio, free weights and circuit training, a “turf” area for functional training, a 1,000 sf group exercise room and a storage room for spin bikes. The most unique new offering is a golf simulator where a member can perfect his/her swing until they are ready for prime time on the links. The golf suite has its own outside entrance, so it could be used for private parties as well. After all that exercise, relax in the steam room, shower and dry off with luxurious towels and book a massage.
For more information, call 410- 690-3838.
Jennifer Martella has pursued her dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. Her award winning work has ranged from revitalization projects to a collaboration with the Maya Lin Studio for the Children’s Defense Fund’s corporate retreat in her home state of Tennessee.
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