To some people, this industry consists of clubs, programming and equipment, but the reality is that this industry's greatest element is the people who created it and changed it. That's why in the fifth installment of our 25th anniversary retrospective, we look at the people who influenced the industry during the past 25 years.

These people came from various backgrounds, but they all shared a love for fitness, business and helping people. They grew that love into businesses that have had lasting impacts on the industry. They are people like Joe Gold, who started not just one club franchise, but two. And people like Dr. Kenneth Cooper, who started an unprecedented wellness model. They include Alan Schwartz, who was a leader and teacher to others. They include Michael O'Shea, who showed that personal training could be the basis for a profitable business. They include Joe Cirulli, who showed how to dominate a city with his clubs. And they include Rick Caro, who helped found the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association and has since helped hundreds of club operators through his consulting business.

For more details about these people of influence, read the full story online in our special 25th anniversary celebration page at www.fitnessbusinesspro.com/25th-anniversary.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.