# Michael Grondahl

> Michael Grondahl co-founded Planet Fitness with his brother Marc in Dover, New Hampshire, in 1992. Working with Chris Rondeau, they developed its inexpensive, welcoming club model and expanded through franchising. Grondahl stepped down as CEO in January 2013. A former motocross racer, he also became involved in GEICO Honda, Alias MX and the effort to reopen Southwick’s motocross track.

- **Role:** Co-founder and former CEO of Planet Fitness
- **Organizations:** Planet Fitness, Alias MX, GEICO Honda / Factory Connection Racing, Motocross 338 / Southwick
- **Known for:** Co-developed Planet Fitness’s low-price club model with Marc Grondahl and Chris Rondeau., Led Planet Fitness during its early franchise expansion; it had more than 400 clubs in 40 states by June 2011., Helped preserve Southwick’s motocross venue through a long-term agreement with the American Legion.

## Career timeline

- **1979** — Began racing at Southwick.
- **1981** — Earned an AMA Pro Motocross license.
- **1991** — Bought a Gold’s Gym in Leominster, Massachusetts, with his brother Marc.
- **1992** — Co-founded the business that became Planet Fitness in Dover, New Hampshire.
- **1993** — The Grondahl brothers hired Chris Rondeau to work the front desk.
- **2003** — Planet Fitness began franchising.
- **2006** — Planet Fitness acquired World Gym International.
- **2013** — Stepped down as Planet Fitness CEO in January; Chris Rondeau succeeded him.
- **2014** — Became the lease holder at Southwick’s Motocross 338 and pursued reopening the track.
- **2016** — Southwick returned to the national motocross schedule after the preservation effort he supported.
- **2021** — Appeared on Gypsy Tales, Chapter 149, released April 5.

## Achievements

- Co-developed Planet Fitness’s low-price club model with Marc Grondahl and Chris Rondeau.
- Led Planet Fitness during its early franchise expansion; it had more than 400 clubs in 40 states by June 2011.
- Helped preserve Southwick’s motocross venue through a long-term agreement with the American Legion.

## Latest updates

- **2024-06** — A Planet Fitness franchisee profile recounted his role in introducing Kalpana Lubrano to the franchise opportunity; the profile reported 13 clubs in her group.
- **2021-04** — Featured in Chapter 149 of Gypsy Tales, an extended conversation on business and motocross.

## Links

- Twitter/X: https://x.com/mggrond

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-grondahl
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-14