Episode
Edward Hertzman - Why Are the Most Successful Companies Hiding? Athletech CEO on Repositioning the Industry
- Podcast
- Future of Fitness
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3255
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Summary
Eddie Hertzman, founder of Athletech News and creator of the Athletech Innovation Summit, pulls no punches in this conversation about what's holding the fitness industry back — and what it's going to take to finally move it forward. From the frustrating silence of successful fitness executives who refuse to show up at industry events, to the critical gap between how this industry sees itself and how consumers and investors see it, Eddie breaks down why fitness still hasn't gotten its "got milk moment." He and Eric dig into the second year of the Athletech Innovation Summit, what makes it genuinely different from every other fitness conference, and why bringing in voices from hospitality, media, luxury brands, and Wall Street is the only way this industry levels up. Eddie also shares what's new at Athletech News — including a members-only executive circle and a renewed commitment to building content that actually helps operators run better businesses in the age of AI. What You'll Take Away: 🏆 Industry credibility starts at the top — Why the most successful fitness executives staying quiet is actively hurting the industry's reputation with investors and consumers 🪞 The perception gap is real — Consumers don't fully trust the fitness industry yet, and the first step to fixing it is being honest enough to admit it 🏨 Hospitality is the blueprint — What Michelin-star restaurants and luxury hotels know about customer service that most gyms are completely missing 🎤 Don't let someone else tell your story — Whether you're a boutique operator or a billion-dollar brand, staying invisible is a business strategy that will eventually cost you 🤝 Collaboration over competition — Why Eddie actively supports competing events and what the fitness industry can learn from how other sectors…