"It was so obvious, I can't believe I never thought of it before," said Don Hoffman.
"It was definitely a chocolate and peanut butter moment," added Mike Connolly.
Hoffman and Connolly are two entrepreneurs each owning what seem to be unrelated businesses, however both share a common passion, bringing health and well being into the home in a fun and motivating way. Now, together they are trying to change the way families approach health and fitness.
Hoffman is the owner of Creative Playthings, one of the nation's oldest and largest children's backyard play-set manufacturers and retailers. Connolly is the owner of Creative Fitness Solutions, one of the largest quality fitness equipment retailers.
In summer of 2009, Hoffman walked into one of Connolly's stores looking for a treadmill for his home. When the two met, lengthy discussion regarding the importance of fitness at every age ensued.
Hoffman noted to Connolly that they were essentially in the same business, only Creative Playthings was for kids and The Fitness Store was for adults. In fact, they were sharing many of the same customers who were ultimately buying products for different members of the family for the same goal.
Their shared passion for the importance of health and wellness was evident and the synergy between their two businesses became clear.
In late 2009, Hoffman and Connolly entered a joint venture to bring their two businesses together to form the nation's first and only family focused exercise and fitness store aimed at giving the whole family fun and motivational exercise options that suit each member of the family's age and lifestyle.