Mountainside 'fits' its clients' needs

Submitted by Tom Hatten, company president:

Mountainside Fitness Centers

Business address, phone number and Web site: Chandler location: 1920 S. Alma School Road (at Germann Road); 480-732-9777. Corporate headquarters: 1121 W. Warner Road, Suite 103, Tempe; www.mountainsidefitness.com

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

When founded: 1991.

Number of employees: 680

What does this business offer: Strength training, cardiovascular equipment, group fitness classes, childcare, kid's fitness, massage and tanning.

What has worked better than you anticipated: Kids rock-climbing wall.

What didn't work when you started: Rowing machines.

Biggest daily challenge: Making sure every member stays excited about better health.

What you wish you'd known before you started: Not really sure or easy to say. Sometimes it's better to not know most things; you just deal with them in the normal course of business.

What makes the business unique: There are many health clubs out there, but few, if any, can compete with what we offer in terms of total product and our level of service day in and day out. It truly is a company built by member satisfaction.

Goals for the business: We currently have six Valley locations with four more under construction. We would like to continue to grow smartly through the next several years.

Why the business is in Chandler: Chandler is where Mountainside really took off back in 1994. It's a great growing city with lots of people who believe in exercise and good health. We see that for years to come.

Want to participate? E-mail editor Mike Stephens at mike.stephens@arizonarepublic.com and ask for the business profile questions.