| IHRSA Report | Member News
The VersaClimber product line specializes in climbers and steppers
its relative leanness has allowed the company to be extremely flexible and efficient in its R&D efforts. The resulting steady stream of product-line additions stands as a testament to the company’s consistent tweaking and remodeling. “Right now, we’re working on developing removable user log cards and a USB interface designed to easily allow users to transfer data from our machines to their computers,” Collins adds.
Listening to the club community In addition to those distinctions, VersaClimber can also point to its relationship with the club operator com- munity as a contributor to its success. The company actively works with club operators on developing functionality. A common issue within the commercial community has been the perceived “intensity of workout” for new users and trainers who use the VersaClimber. “We often heard from club owners
that they would like a machine that was easier for their members to work out with,” notes Collins. “We listened and,
as a result, developed what we call our ‘Club Model’ or ‘CM.’ For the CM, we modified a traditional 1"-20" step travel and cut it by 50%, resulting in a 1"-10" step range. In addition to reducing the step by 10", we increased the arm travel from 1"-20" up to 1"-27". So, in essence, arms and hands are moving at a greater distance, while the stepping has been minimized. What we wound up with is a commercial VersaClimber that’s 50% easier to use.” As unique as its equipment is,
VersaClimber’s market approach is just as unusual. While the brand certainly has a presence in the home, commercial, and rehab markets, the future holds an even more granular approach, insists Collins. “We’ve been actively pursuing the mixed martial arts market with positive results and will continue to tap into this category,” he says. “As long as the economy holds, we plan to move into such markets as weekend warriors, runners and triathletes, sports rehab, chiropractic, motocross, and fitness reality shows.” —|
Pro Forma
Year Founded: 1978 (as Heart Rate, Inc.)
Employees: 23
Revenues: Steady sales increase between 2005 and 2008; following the downturn in 2009, sales increased 10% in 2010, and continue to remain steady for fiscal 2011
www.
ihrsa.org | MAY 2011 | Club Business Internat ional 101
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