11/12/2015
First and foremost, I am apologizing for the lack of updates and contact. I have tried to keep up with emails and phone calls and messages, but honestly have not had a true update in almost ten days to tell anyone, nor have I had the words to explain how hard this is for me. I understand that was unprofessional and handled wrong, but it has been a tough time not knowing for me as well. I apologize.
When we decided to move, we did so because of issues with the landlord (much of what I have read here is incorrect, but there is a legal battle ongoing on BOTH sides)…We were NOT in default of the lease for nonpayment when the legal issues and poor relationship with the landlord ramped up in the late summer. As many of you know, we were constantly in trouble for noise, parking in the wrong spots, having classes outside, people running sprints in the parking lot, and other what we thought to be minor issues. Corporate got involved to help us resolve these disputes, and we worked closely with the marketing company you all know to increase memberships to make sure we could cover our costs and continue to grow. As talks broke down and the landlord decided to no longer work with us, we scrambled to move to a new spot. We were THRILLED to find the spot we did, in the industrial park.
The new spot on Farm Creek dr would have more of what everyone wanted.. MORE TURF, SHOWERS, OUTSIDE WORKOUTS, MORE HARDCORE... The move was anticipated, and we worked with the new landlord to get things transitioned without much down time. Unfortunately, we ran into problems after taking care of zoning, on PARKING spaces available to us…. A silly problem to all of us it seemed, but serious to the county and landlord.
Corporate got involved, both on my behalf and financially, to help us move forward. We have been working closely with the architect (required for permits even though we have minimal buildout). I updated you all here as I was told things from the county and architect on where we stood. The landlord representative assured me parking was our main holdup.
As of Last Friday, parking is approved through the county. The architect worked very hard and close with county inspectors to get it all passed. There are OTHER issues, but none that cannot be resolved. We are now waiting on the landlord to let us in, even though it may be too late as far as many of you have decided.
Please understand, I did NOT set out to have this happen this way. I did NOT set out to SCREW anyone as many of you have suggested, nor have I “walked away with your money” and am living the life on a beach somewhere in paradise… It is QUITE the opposite, as many of you I am close to know what my situation truly is.
I set out to improve the gym you all loved. Billing was not stopped because we were SUPPOSED to move in asap, and I could credit everyone with free time on their existing memberships.
No more billing is being done on memberships. The money that was billed last month did NOT goto me, it is in an account to repay what has to be repaid. Most members are paying between $6 to $25 per month, many on memberships sold through the promotional company we worked with.. Much of that money went to more advertising for the new spot, that unfortunately is just sitting, waiting to be used..
I do NOT have a final answer for anyone today. The gym could have been closed permanently weeks ago, but I have fought and worked more than you can imagine to get the club open again, and make it better. You have no idea the stress or struggles I have endured. I understand that my struggles are not YOUR problem, but I also want you to understand no one set out to “screw you” or take something away that you wanted… The EASY way for me, would have been to sell the equipment and walk away a long time ago. I have not done that, because I believe in what we HAD, HAVE, and the people who truly make Powerhouse special…
I am STILL working with Powerhouse Corporate as to how to move forward. We are trying to still move into the spot we want, but also looking actively at other spots as well.
I understand many, if not most of you, have joined another gym at this point. You have to get yer SWOL on someplace. I also know, from MYSELF working out at another spot for the last month, that NO PLACE compares to Powerhouse FX and the equipment, atmosphere, music, and most of all the MEMBERS. YOU GUYS. As bothered as I am at some of the rumors being circulated, and things being said, I am also thrilled to know that a GYM could evoke this much passion from its members….
When Powerhouse CLOSED without notice over 2 years ago in the middle of the night, it was me, and my fiancé to be who supported my dream, who purchased and reopened the gym in 3 days, and spent untold THOUSANDS to purchase the equipment, and get the club operational, and pay employees and vendors monies that was owed. No one was screwed then, and no one will be now. It will take some time to make all of this right, from members to the ones who invested in me.
Many of you have been through the ringer with me over the last 8 years. From deaths, murders, loss of friendships, financial issues , landlord issues, relationship struggles, you name it. Many of you are like family. Anyone who knows me from PowerhouseFx, or who even sees me daily in the gym, knows my passion and dedication to make it something different form the corporate gyms in the area. I have been through YOUR struggles as well, watched many of your kids grow up, and worked with your schools and clubs and teams to make them the best they can be. I have shared a joke, a hug, given or received advice, talked sports and politics, with almost every one of you…. Although maybe not how YOU would run a business, and maybe not the most financially beneficial way, it has been MY way. Powerhouse FX has been ME. THAT I take pride in, and always will.
I will post updates on the page as I know them, both on the location, opening, and refunds..... Hopefully sooner rather than later as we hope to hear from the new landlord soon. I have not yet given up, probably to the detriment of myself. In the meantime, I am working with Powerhouse Corporate and ABC Financial on how to issue refunds that are wanted. When we reopen, any of you who wish to come to the new spot, will obviously be given credit for missed time on your memberships.
I understand many of you may not return because of the way this has been handled, but understand I am NOT a large corporation with millions in the bank. I struggle as you do, paycheck to paycheck, to make ends meet and keep the gym going. Those of you that have worked for me know, I always try to put you first. You guys are the BEST.
Hopefully we will be back up and running soon, and hopefully I will see many of you back, whether to join and get the best workout in the area, or just to say hi…
Again, I will post updates as they come in, and I apologize once more for to any of you that are upset at how things have been handled to this point.
Kelly Kirk
Owner
