When Echelon Health & Fitness was founded in 2016, the focus was not just creating a lasting and lucrative business but also becoming the kind of gym that sincerely cares about its members and its standing in the community. Every decision since then has been based on that mission, so it comes as no surprise that owners David Chung, Susie Chung and Jeff Quinn are celebrating Echelon’s anniversary by staying true to the values that mean the most to them.
As the family-owned fitness and wellness center reaches the milestones of nine years in the flagship Voorhees location and two years at the Audubon location, it is marking the occasion with an initiative called the Local Heroes Program. Over the past year and through May 31, Echelon is offering free one-year memberships to South Jersey’s teachers, nurses, military personnel and first responders.
The bronze membership is good for three trips to the gym per week, eight total personal training sessions through the exclusive MSBC Thrive program. The package is valued at $500.
“As a locally owned business, we take pride in building stronger communities,” David Chung says. “That starts with helping the people who keep this region running every day—teachers, nurses, first responders and those who serve.”
The program has been a major hit with local residents: During a fall campaign geared toward teachers, 200 were enrolled, and during a winter campaign for first responders, 350 memberships were handed out.
As one local teacher says: “I’ve never made time for myself like this before. Echelon gave me a reason—and a place—to finally prioritize my health.”
This kind of philanthropy is nothing new for Echelon, which annually takes part in holiday toy drives and is a supporter of several other charitable causes. Customer service is also a priority, as evidenced by MBSC Thrive—a performance-driven strength and conditioning program developed by renowned trainer Mike Boyle—and MemberPERX, a unique partnership with 800 local businesses in which members gain discounts and deals, while the business owners and their team members receive free gym memberships.
MemberPERX was used over 34,000 times last year for a total savings of $94,000.
“We’re not a hedge fund dumping millions into cookie-cutter gyms,” Quinn says. “We’re local. We’re family-owned. And we’re obsessed with one thing—our members. That’s why we double down on service, programs and community impact, because that’s what actually matters.”
Echelon also holds a “Members night out” every quarter in collaboration with one of its PERX partners. It’s a chance for staff and clients to get together for food, drinks and live music, and the next one will take place June 19 at Chickie’s and Pete’s in Marlton.
As for the gyms themselves, both locations offer the latest state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, a cycle studio, a mind and body studio, a studio for HIIT training or Zumba and a recovery center. The owners and staff have close relationships with the members and it’s common to receive a personal greeting or words of encouragement during workouts.
Unlike other gyms where old or broken-down equipment is not replaced, machines, treadmills and bikes are kept in working order. Members will soon be able to report any equipment concerns through a mobile app as well.
“Equipment does break down, but ideally we like to get it up and running within 48 hours if possible, unless we’re waiting for parts,” Quinn says. “We’re also getting ready for a major remodel with our locker rooms and bringing in new equipment at our Voorhees location. Every 10 years you should change your strength training equipment; every five years you should replace your cardio. If you don’t invest back into the gym, people will see it. There’s always going to be a new, bigger gym that moves in next to you—that’s just how it works. So we need to maintain our core values of always focusing on each member’s experience every time they come in.”
Echelon is also different from other gyms in that it encourages new members to get as much use of the facility as possible: If they visit nine times within the first month, they receive two months free.
It’s easy to see why both locations are hitting their stride and striking a chord with South Jerseyans looking to become healthier, stronger and fitter.
“Dave and Susie didn’t just invest money—they invested their entire lives into this place,” Quinn says. “Their time, their energy, their life savings … all poured into something bigger than a business. They didn’t just build a gym—they built a second home for the community.
“Because at the end of the day, we’re not just building a gym—we’re building a movement. I call it spreading awesomeness. That starts with showing up for our members, protecting our space and creating an environment where people feel seen, supported and stronger every single day.”
Echelon Health & Fitness
Voorhees
(856) 454-2976
Audubon
(856) 316-4962
EchelonHF.com
