Mike's Story

We become a part of people’s journeys

When Mike lost his father to a heart attack, he committed to finding a career that would inspire people to lead healthier lives.

“I knew I wanted to be in a gym,” he said, “but I didn’t want to be the guy selling protein shakes and memberships.”

So Mike pursued a college degree in corporate recreation and wellness to broaden his horizons. As part of a facility design and management class, he traveled to Kansas City to experience corporate fitness programs in action, which is where he found Corporate Fitness Works.

Mike witnessed CFW Health Fitness Specialists immersing themselves in their client’s culture and making a meaningful difference in people’s workdays. “It was much different than what I’d seen at typical gyms.,” he said. “It was personal, and I was hooked.”

mike_nanninga_01
mike_nanninga_02

One year later, Mike joined Corporate Fitness Works as a Health Fitness Specialist, working onsite at a health care company in Kansas City, doing everything from leading group exercise classes to rallying people to join a chair yoga session.

“The job is unique because we become a part of people’s journeys,” he said. “We connect with them on a personal level and give them a break from their daily grind.”

But his fitness center members weren’t the only ones on a journey; Mike was on one, too. He has grown his career at Corporate Fitness Works, continually finding new roles and opportunities. He’s also worked at various client sites in the Kansas City market – a great way to reach new people and learn about different industries like retail and finance.

Mike has now been with Corporate Fitness Works for 15 years. As a Program Manager, he manages client fitness centers and supports the business with special projects and fitness center design services.

The best part of working at Corporate Fitness Works for Mike? “They promote their team members from within and empower them to do something spectacular.”