Just Don’t Mess It Up

11/26/2019

As we enter the last month of the year and with that, wrapping up my 6th year as owner of BHC, I wanted to reflect and share some thoughts about the Club.

When I began the stewardship of the Club in 2014, the mission statement to guide my efforts in keeping the Club alive and flourishing was simple - “Just don’t mess it up”.

Lowen Clausen and his daughter Sonya created Ballard Health Club in 1998 to be a simple, low cost, high value, community health club and to make the most of the basement space in the building that was vacated by the previous occupant – the Ballard Backstage night club. Their intent was to make it more of an “unclub” and not do any of the high-pressure sales activity that is typical of most health clubs.

What happened was the evolution of an environment that became an extension of many people’s homes and lives. Visits to BHC became an important part of the social and fitness routine of many people who choose the surrounding area as their home. It was a place to grow friendships with people joined together for a common purpose.

What created and maintains the special vibe present at the Club all these years are the members that have made BHC a part of their lives. These people choose BHC over many other fitness options and locations in Ballard and their personalities help solidify and continue that special vibe.

Thanks to the great foundation Lowen and Sonya started over 21 years ago and the experience of being a member of the Club for 15 years prior to owning it, I felt I had a grasp of how to continue with the Club in a way that would enhance it but not really change it. Because “changing it” would violate my mission statement!

As an owner that is around the Club a great deal, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know many of our members. The warm and open friendship I feel with members has really helped guide my efforts. Members are comfortable enough with me to let me know what they think of anything I’m doing, whether it be a good thing or not so good thing in their opinion.

With all that said, I feel very fortunate to have the job I’ve had these past 6 years. Working every day with a great staff with our common goal of making people feel welcome, happy and healthier is a blessing. I just have to remember not to mess things up!

Thank you for being a part of Ballard Health Club.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, 

Pat Gilbrough
Owner / General Manager
pat@ballardhealthclub.com