Club Pilates opening first studio in Bradenton-Sarasota area
Peter Kilcullen and Gary Keith became friends driving their sons to youth baseball games.
Over a period of three years, Kilcullen, who is a guest expert for HSN on chainsaws, pressure cleaners and other outdoor equipment used around the home, and Keith, a real estate professional, kicked around business ideas.
“We came into the business of Pilates as we were evaluating franchises,” Kilcullen said. “When I first heard about Club Pilates, I knew it was the perfect business to invest in. It not only is taking Pilates and making it accessible to everyone, but it provides a complete strength-training workout using state-of-the-art equipment.”
On Friday, Kilcullen and Keith open their first Club Pilates in the Bradenton-Sarasota area in the Lockwood Commons shopping Center, 5408 Lockwood Ridge Road.
Through social media, they have signed up 65 members for the Braden River club location, and another 245 have registered for a free demonstration class.
“It’s a great workout, a great service and people really love Pilates,” Kilcullen said.
It’s a great workout, a great service and people really love Pilates.
Peter Kilcullen
Keith and Kilcullen found the thriving Lockwood Commons location through Club Pilates, their real estate agent, and Keith’s wife, Krista, a Southeast High School graduate.
They will also be opening a Club Pilates in the Pelican Plaza Shopping Center, 8308 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, and are still shopping for a third location in the two-county area.
“My strong suit is not working on the numbers. That’s Gary’s area. Our skill sets are completely different,” Kilcullen said.
Hiring at the Bradenton area Club Pilates is nearly complete. General manager Juli Wolf will lead a team of about a dozen, the partners said.
Hours will be 6 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week.
Envisioned are seven to nine classes daily, which will offer total body workouts that help with posture, balance, flexibility and strength. Group classes utilize a variety of equipment, including reformers, EXO chairs, TRX, springboard and Barre.
The club is offering 20 percent off three-month memberships for anyone who signs up during the opening weekend.
Club Pilates has 140 locations in 35 states. For more information about how to become a club member, visit clubpilates.com/bradenriver or call 941-260-3360.
James A. Jones Jr.: 941-745-7053, @jajones1
This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Club Pilates opening first studio in Bradenton-Sarasota area."