Leisure Fitness parts ways with long-time retail director

After four years helping Leisure Fitness more than double its number of retail stores, director of retail James Bond has left the company.

In a statement to the company on Oct. 4, president and founder Katina Geralis said, “We are all very appreciative of James and thank him for his contribution…. I have a tremendous amount of respect for James and it is very possible that James and I will be working together again, just in a different capacity that will mutually benefit both of us. This is not the end of a relationship; it is the beginning of a new one.”

The move came after a meeting on that same morning between the two that determined the mutual decision. Geralis pointed to a company team of market managers, area leaders, store managers and staff that would carry the Newark, Del., chain to continued growth. There was no comment about plans for a replacement.

Bond, in a statement released to SNEWS®, noted that it was time to step back and focus his career on moving to the next level.

“After an exciting run and tremendous growth over the past three to four years, Leisure Fitness and I have agreed to part ways,” he wrote. “The discussion that led to the decision was healthy and the decision was mutual. My needs and desires and those of Leisure’s have grown to be different and the relationship was no longer serving the company.

“I wish Leisure and my team all the best as they continue to grow and prosper,” he added. “It was an honor to be a part of something so special.”

Bond noted that he is “married to this industry” and fully intends to remain with it. He said he will evaluate opportunities over the next few months before deciding which way to go.

Bond can be reached by emailing jamesabond@mac.com.