Runyon says. “ABC gives you a name and a back-story so your identity isn’t blown. When it’s over, if there’s an emotional connection, you can contrib- ute financially.”
Eventually, however, they relented, boarded a plane in Minneapolis for Oklahoma City, and, as they tell it, their Secret Millionaire adventure turned out to be a major test of wit and will, one that’s inspired them and altered their perspective.
... and maximize the amount of equipment for members
“We landed in 100°-plus heat and were quickly introduced to the elements we’d be dealing with,” Runyon remem- bers. “Our car for the week was a dirty, stinky, dog kennel that would barely start. The air conditioner was moody, and I now understand what it would be like to be inside a boiling egg.” The two were also given $71.03 to
live on for the week, and were put up in a slanting, rundown house with crickets, spiders, and cock- roaches, weeds growing on the inside, and a poorly working air conditioner. They had no access to TV, newspapers, or the Internet. “After the initial shock, Dave and I embraced it, although the bugs were the worst part,” recounts Runyon. “We surprised the crew with our resourcefulness, and we had money left over at the end of the week. We ate well, had money for tipping the local coffee-shop server, gave $5 to a neighbor for letting us use his lawnmower, ate ice cream a couple of nights a week, and never let our surroundings affect us.” They also spent long hours in the brutal heat, working with other volunteers. “It was a grueling, physical week with 15–21-hour days filled with volunteer work, filming, interview- ing, more work, 100º-plus temperatures, and more work,” Mortensen recalls. “But Chuck and I never showed fatigue. They weren’t going to break us physically, and we operated on adrenaline all week.”
Profiting from the experience
It’s clear that the two business partners were deeply affected by the experience. “We met some outstanding volunteer organizations and courageous people who were giving their time,
energy, and money in meaningful, admirable ways,” Mortensen says. “These organizations were hand- picked for Chuck and I so that we’d develop an emotional connection, and we did. Our hearts had more blisters than our hands.” They were so moved that, just like the Heavins before them, they made a generous financial donation. The week also had an effect on their 20-year friendship and working partnership, Runyon indicates. “This was a top-10 personal experience and one of the best things Dave and I have ever done together. We bonded, having plenty of time to talk and share perspectives. Now we understand each other even better.” If Secret Millionaire changed Mortensen and Runyon, it’s also changed the business they run. Anytime Fitness has, for years, participated in the VetFran program, in which Armed Forces veterans who buy a franchise business receive a discount on their franchise fees.
Now, in addition, they are starting their own discount program. If an Anytime Fitness franchise owner donates 5% of their profits or $5,000 annually to a charity, they’ll give that franchisee a discount on the franchise fee. They’re hoping that hundreds of their franchise owners will participate. Both also want to get their own children involved in volunteer work. “It’s easy to write a check; it’s harder
to actually volunteer your time,” says Runyon. “Volunteering is a lot like working out; it’s hard to get yourself to the gym, but you feel great afterwards. We both want to get our kids involved in volunteer work.” Mortensen concludes: “Chuck and I used a journal every day and continue to reflect on this experience to determine how we can use it to strengthen ourselves, and Anytime Fitness. Once the show airs, we’ll tell the rest of the story.”
Clearly, there’s much more to be said about the Runyon/Mortensen reality show saga. So stay tuned. —|
ihrsa.org |
APRIL 2012 | Club Business Internat ional 41
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