Background Summary
Bryan O'Rourke is an accomplished CEO, strategic adviser, entrepreneur and professional speaker . His expertise in technology, strategy, development, marketing, management and finance has led to a track record of results in fitness and wellness, food and beverage, international trade, technology and franchising. Bryan has led organizations and projects in Asia, the EU, and the Americas. He has transformed organizations and brought stakeholders together in a variety of roles. Bryan has served as a court appointed expert and advises public and private for-profits, non-profits, NGO's and government agencies. He has successfully closed a number of private and public financings and managed M&A activity as a principal, agent or adviser. He is an acknowledged thought leader in fitness, wellness and technology and his articles have been published in a variety of established periodicals. Bryan O'Rourke has been a featured speaker and presenter at numerous industry conferences.
Current Roles
Bryan O'Rourke is the founder and CEO for Integerus, LLC; Co-Founder CSO & Principal for Fitness Marketing Systems, LLC; CSO and partner in the Flywheel Group, LLC, and Chairman of the Medical Fitness Association's Education Committee. Bryan is available for consulting, speaking engagements and business opportunities. He has a BS in Finance from the University of New Orleans, an MBA from Southeastern Louisiana University and completed graduate studies towards a Ph.D. in Financial Economics. He is also an IHRSA designated industry expert , a Gold's Gym Franchise Association Think Tank Expert and widely sought after speaker and consultant in the fitness and wellness industry. Feel free to contact him here. For recent professional speaking engagements click here.
Recent Achievements
Participating In A Club Industry Roundtable - What Is Going On In The Fitness Industry ?
A unique roundtable with Michael Scott Scudder, Robert Dyer and Mike Grondahl discussing what is happening to the health club industry today and in the future.
Keynote At FitLife Club Network - How The Health Club Industry Is Changing
Sharing my insights on how the key drivers of technology, demographic shifts and globalism are converging to revolutionize business models in the health club industry. I will also share views of how different players and competitors will need to rethink and change business strategies to become successful in a new era of competition.
Speaking At Gold's Gym Franchise Convention 2011
Sharing secrets on how to use Facebook to expand memberships, retention and revenues.
Bryan O'Rourke was in Sydney Australia in April of 2011 and shared presentations on Growing Your Fitness Business Using Social Media and on the Impact of Technology on the Future of the Fitness Industry. FILEX is the largest fitness convention in the world. Check out the content here .
Bryan O'Rourke presented at IHRSA's 2011 event in San Francisco in March of 2011. His first presentations included a review of Using Technology to Improve Sales & Retention and on Conducting Market Analysis to Improve Competitive Positioning. Check out content here .
Joined The Health Club for Women as Partner
The Health Club for Women was developed to differentiate itself by appealing to women of all ages who prefer working out, group fitness and personal training services in an affordable, Houston area upscale women's health club. Bryan is partners with Herb Lipsman of The Health Club Company and a recognized fitness industry expert.
Founded Integerus, Bringing Innovation to the Fitness & Wellness Industries
In order to participate in the significant positive impact mega trends will have on the fitness and wellness industries and with the support, cooperation and partnership of experienced fitness and wellness professionals, Integerus was formed. The organization develops innovative solutions and opportunities in the wellness and fitness industry and has entered into strategic relationships with several global participants.
Concluded Research Projects & Presentations for the Leading Global Group Fitness Organization
Bryan O'Rourke conducted in-depth research reports for a Les Mills International on various topics regarding the U.S. fitness industry, advances in the wellness revolution, and an analysis of the competitive landscape. He presented findings to senior management and key distributors on a variety of topics including in-depth consideration of the impact of technologies.
Re-engineered Core Business Processes for Award Winning Franchise Organization
Bryan performed financial and market analysis to ascertain best opportunities. for this leading franchise system. He identified process improvements in pre and post-award systems to enhance long-term operational performance and to properly align expectations with franchise relationship construct. He recruited senior management, coached the executive team and spearheaded innovations in sales process in addition to integrating business process methodologies with technologies to enhance performance.
Bryan supported, guided and advised a major consumer products company in creating WKND, a new retail products distribution chain, from inception. His work included brand creation, retail concept design and development, market analysis, real estate identification, system design and deployment. Contract services included launch of franchise systems, IT and business systems and other services designed to replace a legacy distribution scheme.
Directed the Acquisition of a U.S. Territory, Conducting Due Diligence and Managing Transaction
Bryan prepared and negotiated the international licensing, distribution and acquisition agreement with Les Mills International Identified key business drivers and process issues; conducted due diligence and performed analysis. Developed a winning proposal and business structure for stakeholders including identification of personnel and design of business processes.
Conceived and Prepared Strategic Initiatives to Grow U.S. Agricultural Exports
Bryan established strategic initiatives and changed key processes through the development and adoption of automated CRM systems that supported the sale of U.S. Food products to foreign markets as part of the USDA’s FAS Generic and MAP branded programs.
Drove Adoption of Non-Profit Best Practices
Bryan crafted and drove the adoption of new policies based on best practices in accordance with LANO requirements to receive prestigious SOE designation. He designed accounting and financial administrative policies and procedures and advised the Board of Directors on various business matters.
Key Skills
Bryan O'Rourke's key skills include: Strategic Planning, Acquisition Integration, Statistical Analysis, Negotiations, Business Development, Creation and Delivery of Unique Educational Presentations, Expert Testimony, Feasibility Studies, Financial Analysis Reporting and Management, Auditing and Accounting, Information System Design and Implementation, Organizational Behavior, Proposal Development, Distribution Logistics, Marketing and Sales, Business Development, Dispute Resolution, M&A Management, Product Development, Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, Capital Formation, Budgeting, Licensing, Franchising, Project Management, Business Valuation, Training System Development, Technology Development and Deployment
Work History
Partner, 2010 - Present
Advisor and co-owner responsible for technology, business development, marketing and planning for this progressive fitness club in Houston, Texas.
Principal and Co-Founder, 2009 - Present
SVP, consultant and partner, responsible for business development and strategic partnerships for this technology development firm.
Principal and Co-Founder, 2008 - Present
Founder and CEO, responsible for business development, technology development and strategic partnerships for this consultancy and strategic business development and technology firm.
Chief Strategic Officer and Principal, 2006 - Present
Direct business development, strategy, finance and IT initiatives for this unique multi-dimensional supplier to the fitness and wellness industries. Collaborate on business process initiatives and work in unison with partner Robert Dyer and a team of 50 professionals. Advise and provide guidance on marketing initiatives and Social influence marketing. Direct all significant legal strategies and corporate partnerships including preparaton of contracts and establishment of strategic alliances and partnerships.
Senior Business Adviser and Consultant, 2006 - 2008
Fran-Systems, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia
Contributed as a project team member in delivering solutions to clients in the franchise industry. Provide support in operations, concept development, market research, strategic planning, financial understanding, recruitment, technology, management advice and a broad array of other business functions related to franchising.
Financial, Development and Business Advisory Services, 1999 - 2006
Franco’s Athletic Clubs & Other Health Club Facilities, Mandeville, Louisiana
Advised on all aspects of proposal development, financial analysis, acquisitions, due diligence, financial accounting, contract negotiations, contuling and closing strategic transactions for multiple projects. Develop,ed evaluated and managed existing and new business opportunities including the development of new facilities.
International Project Consulting Services, 2003
Southern U.S. Trade Association, New Orleans
Managed international trade projects in the EU, Asia, India, Central America, South America and Canada during a one-year engagement. Acted as a liaison with FAS and state agencies. Devised global marketing plans by conducting international trade research for various U.S. food products.
Consulting and Management Advisory Services, 1997 - 2002
P.J.’s Coffee, New Orleans, Louisiana
Developed a strategic plan and attracted venture capital which grew revenues over three-fold in four years. Identified and executed an exit strategy for ownership; ultimately selling to a strategic buyer. Developed and managed all financial, marketing, sales and operating systems. Devised, designed and introduced automated roasting and packaging systems. Directed all legal matters. Advised and developed new procurement systems. Managed acquisitions and divesting company units to franchisees. Served in the role of CEO, reporting to and advising the Board of Directors.
Consulting and Financial Advisory Services, 1999 - 2002
Planet Smoothie Franchises, Atlanta, Georgia
Developed and advised on the implementation of a strategic plan, growing the company from 60 to 124 locations, and attracting venture capital. Advised and directed legal and financial matters including arbitration and dispute resolution. Managed and advised on accounting, financial and information systems. Served in the role of CEO, reporting to and advising the Board of Directors.
Business Adviser and Development Consultant, 1995 - 1998
Smoothie King Franchises, Metairie, Louisiana
Developed a strategic business plan that grew the company from 30 to over 160 retail locations. Conceived, prepared and implemented the franchise sales process. Oversaw IT development. Directed significant financial matters including financial audit and investment banking engagements. Obtained bank financing and worked on UFOC preparation. Executed sale of the first significant market development agreement. Advised on and assisted in the establishment of national marketing cooperatives.
Financial and Management Advisory Services, 1995 - 1997
Applied Realtime Systems, Now inFRONT Covington, Louisiana
Provided turnaround and financial restructuring services to this hardware manufacturer and software developer in the access control and T&A industry. Prepared winning sales proposals for Casinos, hospitals and government organizations, growing revenues and preparing the business for sale. Directed all financial reporting and oversaw product development efforts. Spearheaded strategic partnerships with Oracle and PeopleSoft.
Franchise Resolution and Advisory Services, 1995 - 1996
Rally’s Hamburgers, Louisville, Kentucky
Worked under the direction of the CFO and General Counsel, negotiating the sale of various markets, resolving outstanding royalty payment disputes and assisting in various projects to support the turnaround of the organization.
Financial Advisory and Consulting Services, 1993 - 1995
Hampton Roads Foods, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Worked with this award winning Rally’s Hamburger franchisee in Virginia Beach operating under Chapter 11 reorganization. Identified strategic exit strategy. Conducted financial analysis, prepared projections and financial statements. Worked extensively with legal counsel resolving litigation and bankruptcy matters. Managed lender and franchise relationships and successfully sold the company.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 1989 - 1993
Al Copeland Investments, Metairie, Louisiana
Managed the development and administration of multiple business enterprises including restaurant, hotel, real estate and food manufacturing operations that reached over $1 billion in annual revenues. Worked on key projects in the Popeye’s and Church’s system. Initiated the review of acquisition targets, including due diligence, valuation and financing. Developed new business initiatives, significantly growing revenues. Spearheaded franchise system development. Managed and directed all financial, accounting and legal processes, requirements and issues. Initiated development of cutting edge distributed information system solutions for various operations and oversaw all IT development and management.
Education
Awarded Crescent City Scholarship for Ph.D. Studies in Finance and Economics at the University of New Orleans
Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southeastern Louisiana University
Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of New Orleans
Additional Experience
Founder BKO Consulting Group
Executive Director Popeye’s International Franchise Association
Court Appointed Conservator Allied Heirlooms
Restaurateur and Owner Louisiana Pizza Kitchen
Revenue Accountant Louisiana World Exposition
2760 Development Committee National Cash Register
MS Office and MS Project
Commissioned Notary
Extensive CPE in Finance, Licensing, Management, Franchising, Marketing, Accounting and Information Systems