Sandy Hall

Like many young people, when I graduated high school, I hadn’t decided on a career path. At the time I went to work for a company who developed hotels. I took a job in the construction division of the company in the interim. I was working on a project and the superintendent developed a health problem and could no longer work.

Due to a heavy construction schedule, there was no one to take over in his place. As a young man, with little experience, I was left on the job alone to pick up the pieces. It was trial by fire so to speak, but it was during this trial that I realized this was what I wanted to do.

I worked in construction for other companies for many years, working on publicly funded projects, schools and private companies like IBM, and have over twenty (20) years in commercial general construction. Through the years, I realized not only did I enjoy construction; I was very good at my job and felt I could do this for myself. I started Taft Construction, Inc. in 1994.

I started in the health club industry when my late business partner, Eddie Dail approached me about building a new health club facility for him. I worked as Eddie’s contractor and built several more clubs for him. As our relationship grew, Eddie recognized my abilities with leasing, design, and construction. It was at this point our partnership began, with me taking on the role of handling all of the front end work for the new clubs. I currently own and operate twelve health clubs, with several more currently under construction. I am passionate about fitness. I work out regularly and encourage my family to do the same. The greatest reward in what I do is seeing the difference I can make in people’s lives. Not only do I help new club owners get started or assist owners with expansion, I help people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. It is wonderful to see the excitement in their face when they accomplish their goals, whether it is just to exercise regularly or if they are on a weight loss regimen. Owning a health club is a way to reach out and make a difference, one person at a time.

My success is not only measured by the sheer number of clubs I have been able to open, but by the leases I have negotiated and the rate with which I have recognized a return on my investments. After being approached by several other individuals seeking my help with their health club projects, I realized I had an opportunity to use my experience to help others achieve the same goals. I started Taft Consulting with that in mind. I asked James (Jim) McQuagge and James Sheffield to join my team because of their experience and knowledge in the health club industry. They both bring skills and experience common to mine and some of their own unique attributes. Together, we can make a difference.