press release: Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness expands Florida presence with veteran industry professionals
Matrix Fitness announced the expansion of its Florida, USA sales team with the addition of longtime fitness industry professionals Lori Main, Blythe Zimmerman and Mark Smilek. Together, they bring nearly 70 years of combined industry experience and longstanding relationships across the Florida market.
Florida continues to represent one of the country’s most active and strategically important fitness markets. According to the Health & Fitness Association’s 2024 economic impact report, Florida’s health and fitness centre industry supports more than 33,600 jobs, $1.19 billion in wages and $3.22 billion in statewide economic output. Nationally, fitness facility membership reached a record 77 million members in 2024, reflecting continued growth in consumer focus on health, wellness and active lifestyles.
The expanded team strengthens Matrix’s ability to provide local, relationship-driven support to customers across Florida’s commercial, hospitality, multi-housing and community fitness segments.
“Florida continues to be a critical growth market for the fitness and wellness industry,” said Jake Glore, Matrix district sales manager for Florida. “Adding experienced professionals like Lori, Blythe and Mark strengthens our ability to support customers locally with responsive communication, project expertise and long-term partnership. Their knowledge of the market and experience with Matrix products will provide immediate value to customers throughout the state.”
The expansion also aligns with broader global wellness trends. The Global Wellness Institute reported that the global wellness economy reached $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $9.8 trillion by 2029. As consumers increasingly prioritise health, longevity and wellness-focused lifestyles, Matrix Fitness continues investing in the people and resources needed to support customers across commercial, hospitality, multi-housing and community fitness spaces.
Main and Zimmerman join Matrix Fitness with 28 years of industry experience serving customers across multiple market segments throughout Florida. Smilek brings 13 years of experience in commercial fitness sales and customer support.
Chris Brown, sales director
Julian Taylor, commercial director
• Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
• Marriott Hotels
• Accor
• Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
• InterContinental Hotels Group
• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
• Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and
• Club Med
Beyond the launch of our redesigned Upper Body Cycle and the wonderfully simple but effective Stretch Platform, we are also launching over 8 new pieces of plate loaded equipment.
Matrix doesn’t just manufacture equipment - we craft strength training innovations that evolve with your fitness facility and your lifters. We listen to owners, trainers and users to put real-world insights at the heart of our designs, captivating a new generation and delivering solutions that outperform the ordinary in better, smarter ways.
Choose Matrix, and discover strength that never rests.
We see the Matrix team as an extension to our own and together, we have designed and opened some amazing clubs and I’m sure we will continue to go an open many more.”
– Isaac Buchanan, chief executive officer, Snap Fitness United Kingdom & Ireland
– Alison Ainsworth, senior director of golf, leisure & spa operations Europe, Marriott Hotels
