Podcast Summary: Gratz Pilates: An Inside Look with Co-Owner John Riccitello

Podcast Information:

• Title: Pilates Business Podcast
• Host: Sarah Glanfield
• Episode: Gratz Pilates: An Inside Look with Co-Owner John Riccitello
• Release Date: March 31, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Pilates Business Podcast, host Sarah Glanfield welcomes John Riccitello, the co-owner of Gratz Pilates. John and his wife Elizabeth acquired Gratz Pilates in June of the previous year. With a background in leading major companies in the gaming and tech industries, John's transition to the Pilates world is both unexpected and inspiring. His passion for Classical Pilates and commitment to revitalizing Gratz Pilates form the core of today's discussion.

2. John's Background and Journey to Gratz Pilates

John shares a personal story that ignited his passion for Classical Pilates. He recounts a severe skiing accident that left him with cracked vertebrae and debilitating sciatica. Traditional medical interventions fell short, leading him to discover Pilates as a means of rehabilitation.

“Following an injury like that, it wasn't the doctors that fixed me. It was Pilates that fixed me. It made me stronger than I was before.” (03:26)

This transformative experience not only healed him but also deepened his dedication to Pilates, prompting him to immerse himself fully in the discipline.

3. Acquisition of Gratz Pilates

Driven by his love for Classical Pilates and the Gratz apparatus, John and Elizabeth decided to purchase Gratz Pilates. They were motivated not by business gains but by a desire to preserve and enhance a respected name in the Pilates community.

“We wanted this company to thrive and serve the classical instructors around the world in the way they should, not the way they had been.” (07:05)

Upon acquisition, they encountered significant operational challenges, including long lead times and inefficient manufacturing processes. However, their commitment to the Classical Pilates community fueled their determination to overcome these hurdles.

4. Maintaining and Improving Quality and Craftsmanship

John emphasizes the importance of maintaining the high craftsmanship Gratz Pilates is known for while seeking opportunities to enhance it. He critiques the company's previous lack of "value engineering" and outlines their strategy to improve manufacturing consistency and product quality.

“Our ambition is not only to maintain it, but to improve it.” (11:19)

Key improvements include tightening manufacturing tolerances, enhancing quality control processes, and continuously seeking ways to refine the apparatus without compromising the traditional design that practitioners cherish.

5. Operational Improvements and Reducing Lead Times

One of the primary goals post-acquisition was to drastically reduce lead times from 18 months to under three months. John and Elizabeth implemented several strategic changes to achieve this:

• Supplier Relations: They prioritized clearing outstanding orders and strengthening relationships with suppliers.
• Workforce Expansion: By introducing comprehensive benefits, they tripled the workforce, attracting skilled craftspeople.
• Leadership Enhancement: Bringing in leaders for operations and engineering facilitated smarter scaling and improved factory efficiency.

“We brought lead times from 18 months on the largest apparatus to six months, and for smaller apparatus, down to three months.” (15:05)

These efforts have not only accelerated production but also increased order capacity, aligning supply more closely with rising demand.

6. Vision and Future Plans for Gratz Pilates

Looking ahead, John outlines a multifaceted vision for Gratz Pilates aimed at strengthening its global presence and enhancing customer support:

• Global Operations: Simplifying international shipping and customs processes to ensure timely deliveries worldwide.
• Wholesale Support: Improving maintenance and reupholstery services to provide comprehensive support to studios.
• Community Engagement: Establishing showrooms and reference points to increase brand visibility and accessibility.

“Our vision is really about making sure that [the special bond of Classical Pilates] is underscored globally in ways that I don't think it has been.” (20:53)

John is committed to ensuring that Gratz Pilates remains a cornerstone for Classical Pilates instructors globally, adapting to modern demands while preserving its traditional excellence.

7. Advice for Studio Owners on Investing in Pilates Equipment

John offers valuable insights for studio owners contemplating the significant investment in Pilates equipment:

• Comprehensive Planning: Emphasizes the importance of having a detailed business plan, including financial viability, customer acquisition, and retention strategies.
• Thoughtful Investment: Advises against impulsive purchases, suggesting that studio owners consider their long-term goals and operational capacities.
• Holistic Approach: Highlights the necessity of integrating various studio elements, such as wall units and unique apparatus, to differentiate and enhance the practice.

“Think through the goals and have a plan, and then kind of get somewhere at least taking logic a little bit.” (30:10)

John underscores that equipment acquisition should align with the studio’s broader vision and operational strategy to ensure sustainable growth and success.

8. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Sarah expressing her appreciation for John’s dedication and the transformative steps he and Elizabeth have taken to rejuvenate Gratz Pilates. John reiterates their commitment to supporting the global Pilates community and invites listeners to connect with them in Philadelphia.

“Elizabeth and I are every day in Philadelphia. We're there to help if we can.” (31:35)

Sarah encourages listeners to engage with Gratz Pilates through the show notes and to utilize available resources to build and sustain thriving Pilates studios.

Notable Quotes:

• John Riccitello (03:26): “Following an injury like that, it wasn't the doctors that fixed me. It was Pilates that fixed me. It made me stronger than I was before.”
• John Riccitello (07:05): “We wanted this company to thrive and serve the classical instructors around the world in the way they should, not the way they had been.”
• John Riccitello (11:19): “Our ambition is not only to maintain it, but to improve it.”
• John Riccitello (15:05): “We brought lead times from 18 months on the largest apparatus to six months, and for smaller apparatus, down to three months.”
• John Riccitello (20:53): “Our vision is really about making sure that [the special bond of Classical Pilates] is underscored globally in ways that I don't think it has been.”
• John Riccitello (30:10): “Think through the goals and have a plan, and then kind of get somewhere at least taking logic a little bit.”
• John Riccitello (31:35): “Elizabeth and I are every day in Philadelphia. We're there to help if we can.”

Timestamp References:

• <a name="timestamp-0326"></a>03:26
• <a name="timestamp-0705"></a>07:05
• <a name="timestamp-1119"></a>11:19
• <a name="timestamp-1505"></a>15:05
• <a name="timestamp-2053"></a>20:53
• <a name="timestamp-3010"></a>30:10
• <a name="timestamp-3135"></a>31:35

Final Thoughts:

John Riccitello's journey with Gratz Pilates exemplifies passion-driven leadership and the profound impact of Classical Pilates. His strategic enhancements to manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and customer support position Gratz Pilates for sustained success. Studio owners and Pilates enthusiasts alike can draw inspiration from his commitment to excellence and thoughtful business practices.

For more information about Gratz Pilates and the equipment they offer, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes linked in the podcast episode.