Larry Brank – Owner/Manager: Larry is a native of the Swannanoa Valley and over 30 years in organizational and athletic leadership which includes a 20 year career with the YMCA of WNC. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in program, property and risk management. He also has an extensive background in financial development, management and fundraising. Larry also serves as a National Program Consultant with the NYPUM program which is a National Youth Outreach and Mentoring program serving 28 states. The program is based in Boston, Ma. and is administered by the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corp and supported by American Honda. Larry is married to Darlene Williams Brank and has four sons. He enjoys his family, all outdoor sports and working out. Larry is an active member of the Black Mountain Rotary Club. If you would like to know more about the NYPUM (National Youth Program Using Minibikes) please go to their website at www.nypum.org .
Dave Wilks – Owner/Manager. Dave grew up in Atlanta, Ga. and spent 10 years living in Colorado, eventually receiving his Bachelors Degree in Psychology at the University of Colorado and Masters Degree from Western Carolina University. He has lived in Western North Carolina for the last 29 years and spent about half that time in Mental Health counseling and continuing education for NC state agencies. Dave is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has been involved with a variety of non-profit organizations (Family Services Center, Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), Partnership for Pastoral Counseling and Kiwanis Club). He does the advertising, marketing, public relations and KidZone for the Cheshire Fitness Club and manages special fundraising events. Dave and his wife, LuAnn live in Black Mountain and share their house with three Labrador dogs and a cat. Dave is the proud parent of two kids who live in the area and the grandparent to Killian (age 6) and Ryleigh (born August 19th, 2011). He enjoys road cycling, soccer, tennis, camping and any outdoor activity.
Stephanie Hayes – Director of Operations/Owner. She has a total of 25 years of management experience (10 years with the YMCA organization). She worked as a tennis pro in Florida (USPTA) for 12 years before moving to Western North Carolina. Her passion is staff development and customer service and she was with the Club as Director of Operations for three years. She left for one and a half years, but returned in July, 2011 to serve as the Director again and part of the Clubs’ ownership. Stephanies’ goal is to make the Cheshire Fitness Club a unique, special and inviting facility for residents and guests to the Black Mountain/Swannanoa and Old Fort area.
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