Veteran HR executive with tech experience joins executive leadership team
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar. 9, 2021– Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE: NLS) today announced that it has hired Ellen Raim as Chief People Officer, effective March 2. In this new role, Raim will lead all aspects of Nautilus’ global human resources, including crafting talent acquisition strategies to build strong pipelines for future hiring needs, promoting inclusion in the workplace, and designing and evaluating career paths to meet the company’s business goals.
Raim brings nearly 30 years of experience, including a deep knowledge of how to link business needs with people and culture, particularly in the tech industry, which includes 10-years at Intel Corporation.
Most recently, Raim was vice president, people and culture for SaaS start-up Invoca, where she built the people systems needed to enhance and protect the culture as the company scaled.
Prior to that, she held vice president of human resources roles at several global technology companies, including ESI and Cascade Microtech. In these roles, she was able to concentrate on integrating business strategy, large-scale change management, and organizational development.
“Ellen is the right leader to help us continue to build an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing culture, which is vital for our business to thrive in 2021 and beyond,” said Jim Barr, Nautilus, Inc. Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that her ability to enhance a culture that aligns with the business strategy will be a strong addition to the executive leadership team, and will continue to position Nautilus as an employer of choice. Ellen brings deep experience crafting impactful strategies to attract and retain the best talent, and her technology background is particularly relevant, as we evolve and grow our digital focus.”
Ms. Raim commented, “Nautilus attracted me with its unique culture, which has been recognized as one of the top places to work eight years in a row. This demonstrates the value Nautilus places on their culture and people, and the understanding that aligning the two is critical to achieving the company’s North Star transformation and growth. I’m excited to join and contribute to this mission, as well as have the opportunity to bridge my tech background with my personal passion for fitness.”
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
This press release includes forward-looking statements (statements which are not historical facts) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including: planned investments and initiatives and the anticipated results of such initiatives. Factors that could cause Nautilus, Inc.’s actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include: weaker than expected demand for new or existing products; our ability to timely acquire inventory that meets our quality control standards from sole source foreign manufacturers at acceptable costs; an inability to pass along or otherwise mitigate the impact of raw material price increases and other cost pressures, including unfavorable currency exchange rates; experiencing delays and/or greater than anticipated costs in connection with launch of new products, entry into new markets, or strategic initiatives; our ability to hire, retain and integrate key management personnel, including our new Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer; changes in consumer fitness trends; changes in the media consumption habits of our target consumers or the effectiveness of our media advertising; a decline in consumer spending due to unfavorable economic conditions; and softness in the retail marketplace. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by our quarterly reports on Form 10- Q. Such filings are available on our website or at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-
looking statements to reflect subsequent developments, events or circumstances.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210309005077/en/
Media Contacts: John Fread Nautilus, Inc. 360-859-5815 [email protected]
Carey Kerns
The Hoffman Agency 503-754-7975 [email protected]
Investor Relations:
John Mills
ICR, LLC 646-277-1254 [email protected]
Source: Nautilus, Inc.
Retail success in 2021 will be complicated to measure – and the sports industry is not exempt from these challenges. Across the industry, we saw both extreme lows and unprecedented highs – both of which will present challenges when making comparisons to this year’s sales. In athletic footwear, we saw the single worst monthly results on record in March 2020 and the single best in June. One should be a cinch to beat and the other likely impossible. Looking at other aspects of the market, as soon as the lockdowns started sales of bicycles and home fitness equipment took off, soaring to heights never seen before. While I believe that consumer interest in these categories will remain high, maintaining or exceeding the momentum of those sensational results will prove difficult. Brands that promoted aggressively and drove their direct-to-consumer sales to unprecedented levels may not be able to grow on top of these already high sales without promoting even more in 2021.
With all of this taken into consideration, how should the industry measure success in 2021?
One thought is to compare 2021 results to 2019, when things were “normal.” Certainly, viewing trends through that lens will be more stable; however, 2021 itself will not be a “normal” year. For instance, sports equipment sales in January will likely be up by more than 50%, which is hardly the norm. So, comparisons to 2019 need to be viewed with caution.
Another way to measure success in 2021 is through capturing market share profitably. That term profitably is an important caveat here. There are two pillar ways companies can take share: profitably or promotionally.
Share is a zero-sum game either way; for one company to win, another must lose. However, viewing share in a vacuum is dangerous. How share gain is achieved impacts the health of a company in very different ways.
Promotions may help brands to grow share in the short-term, but this does not necessarily result in profits. The share gains brands captured via promotions in 2020 will be challenging to replicate, without promoting even more in 2021, and companies do not want to find themselves in this corner of finding growth at any cost.
Today’s circumstances present an opportunity for companies to change the narrative in 2021, to step back and transform their business. Over the last year, the sports industry has exceled in using unrequited demand to drive consumer interest. I say let’s take those principles to the next level. By constraining supply, sales may be dampened but profits will grow.
Instead of focusing on growth at a perilous cost, the industry can focus on profitably gaining market share. Increased profits have many long-term benefits. Investments in marketing or innovation are rewarded with higher profit. Companies’ images are elevated and not bound to short-term thinking and results.
Managing the marketplace remains the sports retail industry’s greatest opportunity. Smart and practical management of our industry focused on improving profitable share gains is a strong measure of success in 2021 and beyond.
***
For more information or to speak with Matt Powell, contact me at [email protected].
Port Washington, NY, March 3, 2021 – The NPD Group today revealed the winners of its first ever Outdoor Sports Industry Performance Awards. The awards acknowledge the fastest-growing brands of 2020 across the major outdoor categories in the U.S. including snow sports equipment, according to NPD’s Retail Tracking Service.
The outdoor market generated $6.1 billion in U.S. retail sales in 2020,* and snow specialty brought in $2.5 billion season-to-date through December 2020.** As consumers have sought ways to be active, outside, and practice social distancing both in their backyards and other outdoor settings, camping (+36%), water sports (+19%), and additional areas of the market experienced year-over-year growth in sales.
Below are the top performing brands of 2020 in the U.S., based on dollar sales growth versus the prior year.
Sports practice. “Congratulations to the award winners. We wish all of you, and our industry in its entirety, a healthy and successful rest of the year.”
*Source: The NPD Group/ Retail Tracking Service, Outdoor Specialty and Sport Specialty E-commerce Channels, Dollar Sales, Jan.-Dec. 2020
**Source: The NPD Group/ Retail Tracking Service, Snow Specialty and Snow Internet Channels, Dollar Sales, Aug.-Dec. 2020
***
About The NPD Group, Inc.
NPD offers data, industry expertise, and prescriptive analytics to help our clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on us to help them measure, predict, and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and B2B. We have services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, home improvement, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys, and video games. For more information, visit npd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup.
Press Contact:
Marissa Guyduy
+1 516-625-2203
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 22, 2021– Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE: NLS) today reported its unaudited operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.
Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights Compared to Fourth Quarter 2019
Net sales were $189.3 million, up 81.7% compared to $104.2 million last year and up 108.3%, excluding sales related to the Octane brand, which was sold in October 2020. Sales growth was driven primarily by continued demand for connected- fitness bikes, like the Schwinn® IC4, Bowflex® C6 and VeloCore®, as well as robust sales of SelectTech® weights and Bowflex® Home Gyms. Strong execution across the organization coupled with supply chain improvements that began earlier in the year drove these record results. Importantly, due to the severe shortage of shipping containers, some factory fulfilled orders, representing over $16 million in revenue, did not ship in late December. Container shortages, worsening global logistics disruptions, and continued factory capacity constraints resulted in $91.5 million of backlog.
Gross profit was $77.9 million, up 104.1% compared to $38.2 million last year. Gross margin rate expanded by 450 basis points to 41.1% driven by increased full-priced selling in Direct, improved wholesale margins in Retail, and fixed costs leverage, partially offset by increased transportation costs driven by global logistics disruptions.
Operating expenses increased by $1.5 million or 4.4% to $36.4 million primarily due to increased general and administrative costs and research and development costs offset by a reduction in sales and marketing expenses.
Operating income was $41.5 million, a $38.2 million or 1,160.8% improvement compared to $3.3 million last year. This quarter’s operating income is second only to the $44.0 million of operating income in Q3 2020, which included a gain of $8.3 million related to the Octane transaction. If we exclude that gain, Q4 2020 represents the highest quarterly operating income in the company’s history.
Income from continuing operations increased by 698.6% to $29.3 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share last year.
Net income increased by 729.8% to $28.9 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to $3.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share last year.
The tax rate for the fourth quarter was 22.7%.
EBITDA from continuing operations1 was $40.3 million, a $34.3 million or 578.1% improvement compared to $5.9 million last year.
1 See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
Management Comments
“Our team’s passion to deliver a best-in-class consumer experience resulted in our strongest quarterly performance of all time. We delivered robust growth across our brands, channels, and products. Net sales grew 82% or 108% excluding the impact of the Octane brand, which we sold in October 2020. We expanded gross margins by 450 basis points, delivered operating income of $41 million, and generated $40 million of EBITDA,” said Jim Barr, Nautilus Inc. Chief Executive Officer. “The demand for in-home fitness has not abated in early 2021, even in the face of a vaccine roll-out. We ended the year with $91 million in backlog as, similar to many industries, we continue to face disruptions in global logistics. We are managing through these temporary constraints which we expect will remain through the first half of calendar 2021. Strong consumer response to our expanding cardio and strength offerings, particularly our IC bikes, SelectTech® weights, and Home Gyms drove our performance in the quarter.”
Mr. Barr continued, “During the holiday fitness season, we added to our product portfolio by launching the new Bowflex ® C7 bike, two Bowflex® Treadmills, and an updated Max Trainer® all integrated with the JRNY® digital fitness platform through HD touchscreens. Additionally, our new VeloCore® bike, the industry’s first (un)stationary, dual-mode bike that combines leaning technology with digital connectivity, won a prestigious Consumer Electronics Show 2021 Innovation Award. These new products and JRNY 2.0 have received incredible coverage and glowing customer
reviews, positioning us well for 2021. Lastly, we completed North Star, our long-term strategy that builds on the company’s well-known brands, reputation for quality and innovation, broad product portfolio, and consumer-focused company culture. We ended the year with over $90 million of cash
and short-term investments, providing additional resources needed to accelerate our North Star strategy and ultimately deliver sustainable long-term growth.”
Fourth Quarter 2020 Segment Results Compared to Fourth Quarter 2019
Direct Segment
Direct delivered their best quarterly sales in segment history. Net sales were $82.2 million, up 128.8% from last year. Cardio sales increased by 78.0%, driven by the Schwinn® IC4, Bowflex® C6 and VeloCore® connected-fitness bikes. In the fourth quarter, the company launched a new generation of Bowflex® connected treadmills integrated with the JRNY® digital fitness platform through an HD touch screen console. Strength products grew 372.1% led by the popular SelectTech® weights and Bowflex® Home Gyms.
As of December 31, 2020, Direct’s backlog totaled $46.5 million compared to $3.5 million as of December 31, 2019. These amounts represent unfulfilled consumer orders net of current promotional programs and sales discounts.
Gross margin rate expanded by 370 basis points to 53.6% primarily driven by increased full-priced sales and favorable fixed costs leverage, partially offset by higher transportation costs.
Segment contribution income was $23.6 million, compared to a loss of $5.0 million last year. The $28.6 million improvement was primarily driven by higher gross profit and decreased media spend. Advertising expenses were $10.5 million compared to $12.9 million last year.
Retail Segment
Retail delivered their best quarterly sales in segment history. Net sales were $106.3 million up 57.5% from last year and by 96.2% over last year excluding sales related to the Octane brand. Cardio sales increased by 59.4%, driven by bikes, particularly the Schwinn® IC4 connected-fitness bikes, Max Trainer®, treadmills and ellipticals. Strength products sales grew by 52.5%, led by Bowflex® Home Gyms and the popular SelectTech® weights and benches.
As of December 31, 2020, Retail’s backlog totaled $45.0 million compared to $2.3 million as of December 31, 2019. These amounts represent customer orders for future shipments and are net of contractual rebates and consideration payable to applicable Retail customers.
Gross margin rate expanded by 230 basis points to 31.1% primarily driven by favorable customer mix and fixed costs leverage, partially offset by higher transportation costs.
Segment contribution income was $25.3 million, 107.0% or $13.1 million higher than last year primarily driven by higher gross profit and leveraging of fixed costs.
Full Year 2020 Highlights Compared to Full Year 2019
Net sales for 2020 were $552.6 million, up 78.7% compared to $309.3 million in 2019 and up 97.2% excluding sales related to the Octane brand. Sales growth was driven primarily by strong demand for the Schwinn® IC4 and Bowflex® C6 connected-fitness bikes, Bowflex® Home Gyms, and SelectTech® weights. Positive customer response to the new JRNY® powered connected fitness products launched in 2020, like the VeloCore® bikes, new treadmills, and new Max Trainer®, also contributed to sales growth. Full year sales results were in the mid-point of company’s guidance of $540 million to $565 million. Importantly, due to the severe shortage of shipping containers, some factory fulfilled orders, representing over $16 million in revenue, did not ship in late December. If these products had shipped as planned, net sales for 2020 would have been approximately $569 million.
Gross profit for the year was $228.8 million, up 106.9% compared to $110.6 million in 2019. Gross margin rate expanded by 560 basis points to 41.4%, driven by increased full-priced selling in Direct, improved wholesale margins in Retail, and fixed costs leverage, partially offset by increased transportation costs driven by global logistics disruptions.
Operating expenses were $151.0 million, down 28.5% compared to $211.1 million last year, primarily because of lower one-time costs. This year, the company recorded a loss on disposal group of $20.7 million and last year, the company recorded a goodwill and other intangible impairment charge of $72.0 million. Additionally, the company pulled back on paid advertising, given strong organic demand and inventory scarcity. These expense reductions were partially offset by increases in general and administrative and research and development costs.
Full year operating income hit an 18-year high at $77.8 million, an improvement of $178.4 million compared to the $100.5 million loss last year.
Income from continuing operations increased to $60.5 million, or $1.88 per diluted share, compared to loss from continuing operations of $92.3 million, or -$3.11 per diluted share.
Net income was $59.8 million, or $1.86 per diluted share, an improvement of $152.6 million compared to last year’s loss of $92.8 million, or -$3.13 per diluted share last year.
The effective tax rate from continuing operations for the year was 16.8% versus last year’s 9.4%. The higher rate this year was primarily due to profit generated in the U.S. partially offset by the 14% rate benefit of net operating loss carry-backs as a result of the enactment of the CARES Act.
EBITDA from continuing operations was $83.7 million compared to a loss of $90.2 million, an improvement of $173.9
million.
The following statements exclude the impact of this year’s loss on disposal group and last year’s goodwill and other intangible impairment charge1
Adjusted operating expenses decreased by 6.3% to $130.3 million compared to $139.1 million last year, primarily due to reduced advertising partially offset by increases in general and administrative and research and development costs.
Adjusted operating income was $98.5 million, an improvement of $127.0 million compared to the operating loss of $28.5 million last year, driven by sales growth and expanded gross margin rates.
Adjusted income from continuing operations improved to $78.9 million, or $2.46 per diluted share, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $23.4 million, or -$0.79 per diluted share.
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $106.8 million, an improvement of $125.0 million compared to last year’s adjusted EBITDA loss of $18.2 million. This result is 7% higher than the top end of company’s guidance of $90 million to $100 million.
1 See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
Full Year 2020 Segment Results Compared to Full Year 2019
Direct Segment
Net sales for 2020 were $240.9 million, up 101.4% from last year. Cardio sales grew by 82.6% and were led by strong demand for our connected-fitness bikes, the Bowflex® C6 and Schwinn® IC4, offset by lower Max Trainer® sales. Strength product sales grew 185.5% versus the same period in 2019 driven by SelectTech® weights and Bowflex® Home Gyms. Positive customer response to the new JRNY® powered connected fitness products launched in 2020 also contributed to sales growth.
Gross margin rates for 2020 expanded by 450 basis points to 54.3% primarily driven by increased full-priced sales and favorable fixed cost leverage, partially offset by higher transportation costs.
Segment contribution income for 2020 was $60.0 million, compared to loss of $24.6 million for 2019. The $84.6 million improvement was primarily driven by higher gross profit.
Retail Segment
Net sales for 2020 were $308.0 million, up 65.1% from last year and up 95.4% excluding sales related to the Octane
®®
brand. Cardio sales were up 66.5%, driven by the Schwinn IC4 connected-fitness bikes and Max Trainer . Strength sales
were up 60.7% led by the popular Bowflex® Home Gyms and SelectTech® weights.
Gross margin rates for 2020 expanded by 490 basis points to 30.6% primarily driven by favorable customer mix and fixed cost leverage, partially offset by higher transportation costs.
Segment contribution income for 2020 was $62.8 million, 291.3% or $46.8 million higher than last year primarily driven by higher gross profit.
Balance Sheet and Other Key Highlights as of December 31, 2020:
The company’s liquidity position continues to improve
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sales securities were $94.1 million, an increase of $83.0 million, compared to $11.1 million as of December 31, 2019.
Debt was $13.5 million compared to $14.1 million as of December 31, 2019.
$54.8 million was available for borrowing under the Wells Fargo Asset Based Lending Revolving Facility.
Account receivables were $91.2 million, compared to $54.6 million as of December 31, 2019. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to the timing of Retail customer payments on increased sales.
Inventory was $51.1 million, compared to $54.8 million as of December 31, 2019. The decrease in inventory was primarily due to the surge in demand for home-fitness products.
To secure factory capacity, the company routinely issues non-cancelable purchase obligations for expected product deliveries in the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2020, there were approximately $165.7 million of non-cancelable purchase obligations, compared to $28.4 million as of December 31, 2019.
Trade payables were $96.4 million, compared to $74.3 million as of December 31, 2019. The increase in trade payables was primarily due to timing of payments for inventory in-transit.
For the full press release, please click here.
ANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), an innovation leader in home fitness for over 30 years, today announced its JRNY® digital fitness platform has been enhanced with a wide array of new video and trainer-led workouts; it also offers the ability to layer adaptive workouts and voice coaching with a member’s favorite Bowflex® Radio station or travel the globe during a workout with the Explore the World™ app.
The iOS JRNY application has also been enhanced and is now compatible with the company’s Bowflex C6 bike for the first time. Like the JRNY user experience on Bowflex embedded screens, iOS members will now receive individualized workout recommendations on the “Just for You” home screen, which are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and curated based on user history as well as post-workout feedback.
Workouts logged in the app or on a Bowflex bike – whether VeloCore®, C6 or C7 – will be synced to the member’s digital journal, which can now integrate with Apple Health®, providing members with a comprehensive way to track their fitness goals.
JRNY members will also be able to leverage off-product workouts for yoga, core, and strength sessions under the videos tab within the “Round Out Your Routine” section. These trainer-led videos will be available across all connected product with JRNY.
“Our users have been clear about what they need in a digital platform, and this overhaul, which is only the beginning of our vision for connected fitness, is our way of saying that we’re listening,” said Garry Wiseman, Chief Digital Officer, Nautilus, Inc. “We’ll continue updating the JRNY platform for our growing customer base as we know that we can help them plan and achieve their fitness goals through engaging experiences and actionable insights.”
Now available across a broad portfolio of Bowflex cardio products, the JRNY platform uses AI to create virtually an infinite number of personalized workouts based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. The JRNY platform offers voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.*
Nautilus will continue to update the JRNY digital platform with fresh content, including video and trainer-led workouts, radio stations, Explore the World routes, and more to enhance the experience. Currently these updates are exclusively available on iOS, with Android updates anticipated as coming in spring 2021.
The immersive, JRNY digital experience is available on connected Bowflex® home fitness cardio equipment, including indoor cycling bikes, treadmills, and Max Trainer® cardio machines. The JRNY platform is available on Bowflex.com, for download in the Google Play and App Stores, and comes pre-loaded on the VeloCore and C7 bikes, Max Trainer M9, T7, T10 and T22 treadmills. Following the two-month trial period, a JRNY membership will cost $19.99 per month or $149 per year, or $9.99 per month on your own device, plus applicable taxes.
For more information about the JRNY digital fitness platform, please visit: https://www.bowflex/jrny.
*Requires a subscription to the streaming service, not included. Also requires a JRNY digital fitness platform membership to access the streaming service from the console.
About JRNY® Digital Fitness Platform
The JRNY® digital fitness platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached, including voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. The JRNY® platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create virtually an infinite number of personalized workouts that include motivation and praise and is based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. This immersive, digital experience is available on Bowflex.com, for download in the Google Play and App Stores, and is integrated with connected Bowflex® home fitness cardio equipment, including indoor cycling bikes, treadmills and Max Trainer® machines. Following the two-month trial period, a JRNY® membership will cost $19.99 per month or $149 per year, plus applicable taxes.
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Erin Beck
Nautilus, Inc.
360-859-5863
[email protected]
Carey Kerns
The Hoffman Agency
503-754-7975
[email protected]
Investor Relations:
John Mills
ICR, LLC
646-277-1254
[email protected]
SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, and the leading provider of sport relationship management software, today announced the formation of its Better Together initiative, a plan that includes tangible actions to be taken by the company to help be part of building a better, more just society. SportsEngine’s Better Together Initiative was born from the belief that children should have access to youth sports programs in their communities regardless of where they live, and that every athlete deserves to be surrounded by trained coaches and volunteers who provide positive and safe experiences. SportsEngine currently works toward these goals through its software solutions, its youth sports directory, SportsEngine.com, and through its Safety division which includes background check provider, National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) a wholly-owned subsidiary of SportsEngine.
But, believing that more can be done, SportsEngine developed the Better Together Initiative to expand its commitment to better serve the communities where its employees live and work.
As part of the initiative, SportsEngine is forming partnerships with Twin Cities-based organizations, ACES and DinoMights, who share similar missions to positively impact the lives of young people in underserved communities through volunteerism, mentoring, sports and technology.
SportsEngine will also provide grants to local and national youth sports organizations who are committed to helping underserved communities and communities of color to receive no-cost access to its software platforms, or reduced background screening costs. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply for a software grant through SportsEngine’s website.
Additionally, SportsEngine is increasing its commitment and investment in national organizations including National Fitness Foundation, Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Council of Youth Sports. These organizations ensure equal access to youth sports in underserved populations through training, equipment, scholarships, and advocacy.
“We are excited to be one of the selected partners to work with SportsEngine in assisting our community to realize the positive power of youth sports,” said Wayne B. Moss, Executive Director, National Council of Youth Sports. “We are thrilled and honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with the National Fitness Foundation and Positive Coaching Alliance as part of SportsEngine’s Better Together Initiative.”
“We’re proud to partner with SportsEngine and support its ground-breaking Better Together Initiative,” stated Clay Walker, Executive Director of the National Fitness Foundation. “From the day it was founded, no organization has committed more time, energy or resources to ensuring that children have access to youth sport programs than SportsEngine.”
“We believe that the youth sports experience is an amazing opportunity to teach social and emotional skills that will stay with kids long after their youth sports experience,” stated Jason Sacks, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy, Positive Coaching Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with SportsEngine and work together to reach more coaches, athletes, league administrators, and parents with the powerful message that sports, if done right, can provide an unmatched opportunity for a positive, youth development and character-building experience.”
“Since the beginning, SportsEngine has been focused on three main priorities: getting more kids involved in sports, helping to provide safe experiences and making the lives of parents, coaches and volunteers easier through our solutions,” stated Brett MacKinnon, General Manager, SportsEngine. “Youth sports is in our DNA. We believe in the power of sports and its ability to open doors and positively impact the lives of children and their families. And while there is much work to be done in ensuring that the benefits of sports are accessible for everyone, with the support of our national partners, NCYS, NFF and PCA, we are hopeful about the progress that has been made and the positive impact yet to come.”
About SportsEngine, Inc.
Helping the world play smarter and live more, SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, is the leading provider of sport relationship management software serving millions of coaches, parents, athletes, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, and associations. SportsEngine helps sports organizations around the globe reduce the time they spend on administrative tasks, and enables them to focus more on developing their athletes, providing safe experiences, and furthering the love of sport. Leagues and governing bodies across the country use National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), a SportsEngine, Inc. subsidiary, to manage their background checks and safety programs. Learn more at: www.sportsengine.com/corp, facebook.com/sportsengine; or twitter.com/@sportsengine.
Wade Welsh to lead the team at the Bedford Park sports and recreation venue
(Bedford Park, IL) January 28, 2021 – Midway Central Station at Bedford Park has hired an Illinois native to lead the team at the 116,000 square-foot indoor venue opening this summer. After a national search, the Village of Bedford Park, which oversees the project in partnership with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), has selected Wade Welsh as General Manager.
Welsh has an extensive background in sports management and marketing, having held management positions at several sports organizations including most recently with NASCAR in Joliet, Illinois. Wade brings results from his past experiences in sales, marketing, management, and organizational structure to Midway Central Station.
“Wade is the ideal candidate we hire for any of our venues,” says Dave Pritchett, COO of SFC. “He brings a wealth of knowledge from the sports industry to Midway Central Station and we are confident he will succeed in this role. His experience in hospitality will serve Bedford Park well in hosting regional events and bringing in repeat customers on a every week.”
About his new role as General Manager, Welsh adds, “It is an honor to join the Sports Facilities Companies and serve as the General Manager for Midway Central Station. The Village of Bedford Park is a tremendous community and I look forward to getting to know the community better to bring excellent programs, events, and entertainment to this destination.”
Midway Central Station will feature 8 basketball courts or 16 NCAA-regulation volleyball courts, an e-sports café, a family entertainment center including a redemption arcade, laser tag/laser frenzy, party rooms, restaurant, and more.
About the hiring of Welsh, Village of Bedford Park Mayor, Dave Brady commented, “Mr. Welsh comes to Bedford Park as a seasoned professional with a proven background. We feel he is the right person to bring excellent events to Bedford Park and create an experience worth visiting time and again.”
The venue will offer comprehensive programming and entertainment, making it a desirable destination for events in the area. In the first year alone, Midway Central Station is expected to bring in $5.7 million in local spending to Bedford Park.
To learn more about or to book with Midway Central Station, contact Wade Welsh at [email protected] or visit: playmidway.com.
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About Midway Central Station: Midway Central Station is a member of the SFM Network, the nation’s largest and fastest growing network of sports facilities and is operated by the industry-leader in outsourced operations, Sports Facilities Companies. Our Midwest location and proximity to Chicago’s Midway Airport increases the likelihood that you and your team will compete against teams from all regions of the United States and beyond. Only minutes from Midway Airport, major interstates and top-rated hotels; athletes and their families consider this the most convenient destination for sports tournaments. Full hardwood courts, a premium lounge with gaming options, and a state-of-the-art arcade that includes laser tag and e-sports are just a few of the amenities waiting for you. Learn more by visiting, playmidway.com.
Introduces Next Generation of Popular Bowflex Max Trainer; Expands Bowflex Treadmill Line
- New connected Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 cardio machine and Bowflex® T22 treadmill integrate with the JRNY® digital fitness platform, which helps members achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workouts and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
- JRNY® members receive voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to their entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
- Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 cardio machine offers a 10″ HD touch screen, so users stay entertained during high-calorie burn interval workouts.
- Bowflex® T22 treadmill features a 22″ HD touch screen console, motorized 20% incline and SoftDrop™ folding system to easily move and store around the home.
January 25, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), the innovation leader in home fitness for over 30 years, today introduced its new connected Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 machine and Bowflex® T22 treadmill, which integrate with the enhanced JRNY® digital fitness platform — helping members achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workouts and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
The JRNY digital fitness platform uses machine learning to create an infinite number of personalized workouts based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. The JRNY platform offers voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.*
“Our new Bowflex products, and JRNY digital fitness platform, mark a milestone in our mission of empowering healthier living through individualized connected fitness,” said Jim Barr, CEO of Nautilus, Inc. “They include the latest technology, and features based on consumer insights, to offer a challenging and engaging home workout experience. When paired with the JRNY platform, users get an in-home personal coach that offers motivation and encouragement, which is especially important during these difficult times.”
The Bowflex T22 treadmill and Bowflex Max Trainer M9 are the latest additions to Nautilus, Inc.’s individualized connected fitness portfolio. Since September 2020, Nautilus, Inc. has introduced two bikes, three treadmills, and a Max Trainer – all embedded with the enhanced JRNY digital fitness platform and HD touchscreens.
The Bowflex Max Trainer took the fitness industry by storm by creating a new category of cardio machine that blends the low impact of an elliptical and high intensity of a stepper to offer short, high-calorie burn interval workouts in a compact design. To enhance this experience, the new Bowflex Max Trainer M9 will come with a 10″ HD touch screen, to help users stay focused, motivated and entertained while they meet their goals. With 20 resistance levels, M9 users reap the benefits of longer workouts in less time.
The newest addition to the Bowflex connected treadmill line, the T22, offers a high-energy and engaging cardio experience. The product features a 22” HD touch screen console, so users can stream their favorite entertainment. With speeds up to 12 mph and a motorized 20% incline, users can push themselves even further with a variety of workouts while experiencing Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for a supportive landing. The SoftDrop™ folding system and transport wheels make it easy to move and store the treadmill around the home. Additionally, T22 treadmill users can digitally connect to popular third-party apps such as Zwift by utilizing their own device and subscription.**
Click here for the full press release.
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
(Clearwater, FL) January 20, 2021 – Halo LAX’s Director of Events, Joel Franklin joined Erin Smith and Lauren Davenport of US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse’s TJ Buchanan Saturday in an all-star panel at the LaxCon digital conference presented by US Lacrosse. Together, they shared their expertise and outlook on the small-sided movement of 6-v-6 lacrosse. As a compliment to traditional lacrosse play, 6onLAX (by Halo LAX) and Flex6 (of US Lacrosse) formats feature less players, a smaller field, and a faster-paced game style. Each participating panelist and organization shared their perspective on the potential for this short-sided game to have long-lasting positive effects for the growing sport of Lacrosse.
“The 6v6 discipline is an incredible tool for global growth of the sport,” said TJ Buchanan, Director of Sport Development at World Lacrosse. “The reduced roster sizes, smaller field of play, unified field markings, and the simplified and harmonized rule sets make it easier than ever before for both new and existing countries to grow participation.”
World Lacrosse, the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse, serves a mission to develop lacrosse throughout the world to positively impact the lives of its participants and communities. The organization is comprised of nearly 70 National Governing Body members and holds five World Championships. World Lacrosse holds the vision for lacrosse to become an official Olympic sport in 2028. A vision that is shared by Halo LAX and US Lacrosse alike.
“US Lacrosse is excited about small-sided play through our Flex6 community-based program to introduce new players to the sport in a highly accessible and affordable way, and also encourage lifelong participation in the sport true to our athlete development model and organization’s mission. We believe the insights shared at LaxCon through this session with Halo LAX and World Lacrosse will increase participation in the sport,” said Erin Smith, Senior Director of Sport Development at US Lacrosse.
US Lacrosse, the National Governing Body for the sport, hosts the LaxCon conference annually and features coach development workshops, courses for officials, training and skill development sessions, networking opportunities, and industry-leading topics like the 6-v-6 format.
Joel Franklin, Event Manager for Halo LAX said, “The opportunity to collaborate with US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse to bring the 6onLAX style game to the national stage at LaxCon is an honor. As we launch into the 2021 events season, 6onLAX is one of the most important tools we have to grow the sport and reach new participants. By making the game smaller, we can make the sport bigger.”
Halo LAX launched in 2020 as the first events brand of the Sports Facilities Companies with a mission to grow the sport of lacrosse and provide exceptional events. Now in its first full season, Halo LAX is slated to host events across the country at venues such as Iron Peak Sports and Events in Hillsborough, NJ and Grand Park Sports Campus of Westfield, IN. Registration for 6onLAX events by Halo LAX is now open for the 2021 season. To register or learn more about becoming a host site for a Halo LAX event, visit http://www.halolax.com/
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About Sports Facilities Companies: The Sports Facilities Companies serve destinations, communities, and athletes across the country with the strongest portfolio of trusted, quality brands in the youth and amateur sports industry including facility development and management services by Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA), Sports Facilities Development, LLC, and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM), SFM Network, and high-quality events by Halo LAX, Amp Events, and Hype Nation volleyball. Since 2003, the firms have served more than 2,000 communities, supported more than more than $10 billion in community based and sports tourism projects and have hosted more than 100 million visitors and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact through the SFM Network. For more information, visit: sportadvisory.com and sfmnetwork.com.
(New York, NY) Fit for Life, the leader in small exercise equipment and activewear, announces it has added adidas and Reebok to its world-class portfolio of brands. adidas and Reebok join Fit for Life’s already impressive portfolio of active brands including Gaiam, SPRI and Tommie Copper.
Fit for Life is the market leader in small, at-home fitness gear at popular retailers including Dick’s, Amazon, Target, Walmart and Kohl’s. Their brands and product lines continue to experience strong growth and resonate with consumers as they increase their practice of at-home health and wellness routines. RFE Sporting Goods recognizes Fit for Life’s success and credibility among top-tier active brands and is proud to partner on distribution for adidas and Reebok fitness equipment.
“RFE is excited to partner with Fit for Life, a proven company, with deep relationship across the US market,” said Dean Jackson, CEO of RFE Sporting Goods. “The Fit for Life expertise along with RFE products and brands is a strong recipe for success.”
Fit for Life is eager to begin innovating with adidas and Reebok brands, creating new products to meet the growing demand for at-home fitness and wellness.
“Adding adidas and Reebok to our portfolio of brands will be a powerful way to continue to penetrate the market and expand into new categories,” said Joey Shamah, co-founder and CEO of Fit for Life. “RFE’s trust and partnership is a true testament to our market knowledge and respected position in the industry.”
The distribution deal between RFE Sporting Goods and Fit for Life kicked off on January 1, 2021 and will quickly bring real value to consumers across the United States.
About Fit for Life
We believe most people aspire to lead healthier, more active lives but are often intimidated by what it takes to get there. Whether it’s what you wear, what inspires you, or what actually helps get you fit, it should make things easier, not harder.
Through our collection of brands, Fit for Life is dedicated to creating innovative products for everyone, from beginners to pros. We bring together distinctive designs, attractive packaging, and digital content to make health, wellness, and fitness more accessible for you, your loved ones, and even your pets. We’re here to empower everyone to be Fit for Life.
About RFE Sporting Goods
We are a global sports and fitness company specialising in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of a comprehensive range of fitness equipment to both the commercial and home markets.
With a distribution network covering more than fifty countries worldwide, our market leading product lines are designed and developed under some of the top brands within the world of sports and fitness today, including adidas, Reebok and Dynamax.
About Reebok
Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Boston, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An Americaninspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enable movement and is committed to accompanying people on their fitness journey to fulfill their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s functional training, running, combat training, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. A subsidiary of adidas, Reebok is the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games, the exclusive authentic global outfitter of UFC; the title sponsor of the Reebok Ragnar Relay series; and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com, or, for the latest news at http://news.reebok.com/
Discover Reebok at the following locations:
http://facebook.com/reebok
http://twitter.com/reebok
https://www.linkedin.com/company/reebok/
http://youtube.com/reebok