TERRY JOHN DEZZUTTI

Baltimore, Maryland (410) 935-1970 tdezzutti@gmail.com

SENIOR EXECUTIVE
Over 25 years of successful experience providing fiscal, strategic and operational leadership

OBJECTIVE
Obtain a senior executive-level position at a progressive company within the club industry that seeks future growth and
innovation from a passionate leader.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
An award-winning, entrepreneurial executive with a strong track record of visionary leadership in the club industry.
Uses keen analysis and insights to orchestrate and grow a company through superior interpersonal skills and the quick
ability to resolve multiple complex issues. Staff is motivated to peak performance, and our customer base and the
surrounding communities served are enriched.

Areas of Expertise

Strategy, Vision & Mission Planning

Revenue Generation
Operations Management
Contract and Real Estate Negotiations
Strategic Alliances & Development
Customer Experience Satisfaction

Leadership Development
Budgeting for Profitability
Cost Management
Policy & Procedure Development
Performance & Quality Standards
Turnarounds and Start-Ups

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Merritt Athletic Clubs - Baltimore, MD

1996 Present

Chief Operating Officer

Oversaw all aspects of club operations, growth and profitability, new greenfield projects and renovations for a
chain of nine award-winning athletic clubs and three managed corporate fitness centers that have over 800
employee associates and over 33,000 members.
Overcame initial cash limitations by the implementation of sales and marketing strategies and a strategic
improvement plan for what was initially an underperforming business.
Rehabilitated and reinvigorated four worn-out racquetball facilities by cultivating internal leadership and
implementing thought out design and added value programming to enhance customer experience.
Re-positioned clubs in the community with creative alliances to leverage resources and cross-promote programs
with local hospitals and charities to include Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine,
University of Maryland Hospital, Playworks and the Special Olympics of Maryland.
Created partnerships and/or access exchanges with: ACE, IDEA, Baltimore Ravens, Reebok, Under Armour,
Pepsi/Aquafina, Cybex, Smart CEO, Elite Sports Club Network, Physical Therapy Associates, Rolling Road Golf
Club and more.
Tailored each venue to its specific market demands, including but not limited to the inclusion of night clubs,
restaurants & pool bars, day care centers, water parks, boxing studios, salons, spas, wellness centers, physical
therapy and summer camp programs for kids.
Featured as an industry leader by appearing on the cover of Club Solutions Magazine (April 2011) and Club
Insider (March 2013). Inside profile stories included interviews about innovative practices for carrying on the
future-shaping tradition of the company.
Voted Baltimores Best Gyms by the readers of Baltimore Guide, Baltimore Magazine and The City Paper 2012,
2013 and 2014.
Grew gross revenues annually over 1 million dollars (average) for 19 consecutive years.
Total revenue projected at over $27 million for 2015.
Average profit 10-15% annually over the last 12 years and funded all capital growth with profits.

American Leisure Corporations - New York, NY

1990 - 1996

Senior Vice President and Consultant

Directed and operated all commercial clubs in New York and New Jersey regions, growing membership
and profitability for the club division of the multi-million dollar corporation that conceptualizes, designs
and operates innovative and highly productive Spas, Lifestyle, Sporting and Recreational facilities.
Built an infrastructure with Area Managers, Area Sales Directors and Area Personal Training Directors.
Oversaw Club Acquisition start ups because I love building clubs from ground zero.
Results were reported directly to Board of Directors on a monthly basis for performance.
Interfaced with club owners and developers from companies such as Fisher Brothers Company, Lefrac
Development, Hilton, Sheraton, Omni and Le Parker Meridien hotels.
Increased management fees and the number of new clubs by 162% to 13 commercial clubs overall.
Named Top Company Salesperson for recruiting new business accounts across the country in 1994
and 1995.
Led the sales function as a consultant for The Green Valley Athletic Club (Henderson, Nevada),
Calhoun Beach Club and Decathlon Club (both in Minneapolis, Minnesota) and more.
Served as a motivational speaker/presenter at 30+ IHRSA Club Industry and Smart CEO trade shows
and events.

Arvida Corporation - The Athletic Club At Westin - Fort Lauderdale, FL

General Manager of Club Operations

1987 - 1990

Developed and implemented all aspects of the $12-million showcase club that spread across 19-acres.
Responsibilities included facility design, start-up equipment selection and layout, pre-opening budget,
pricing strategies and sales, personnel recruiting and training, member services, facility maintenance,
food & beverage operations, corporate outreach and promotions, payroll and day-to-day management.
Implemented all associate training programs, including membership sales training, customer service
and personal training.
Exceeded initial year-end goal by over 150% with well over 3,000 memberships.

AWARDS
Smart CEO Future 50 Winner
Ben Franklin Award Winner REX Roundtables for Executives
Ernst & Youngs Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist

2009 - 2015
2014
2005

AFFILIATIONS
REX Roundtables for Executives
Accelerent And Smart 100 Business Networking Groups
Johns Hopkins Special Olympics & Playworks
Get Fit Maryland

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Education in Physical Education, SUNY Cortland

1996 - Present
2009 - Present
2006 - 2013
2004 - 2008