2018 in review: Michael Vivio, Corporate Fitness Works

Power couple Michael and Beth Vivio bought Corporate Fitness Works in St. Petersburg in August 2018. The company specializes in health and wellness programming, fitness center design, equipment procurement and fitness center management, and at the time of the purchase it served more than 80 companies across 140 sites nationwide.

Here’s Michael Vivio, former CEO of Valpak, reflecting on 2018 and looking ahead to 2019.

St. Pete Catalyst: What were your company’s biggest accomplishments in 2018?

Vivio: This was a milestone year for our company that saw an ownership change from its founders to Beth and me.  Even with all that change and disruption, Corporate Fitness Works added new marquee clients and saw revenue and profit growth. 

St. Pete Catalyst: What was a challenge the company faced in 2018 and what did you learn from it?

Vivio: Preserving our great culture without losing business momentum. This challenge reinforced the value of focusing on the needs of the team, the needs of our clients and most of all the needs of our members. By doing this we did not miss a beat in 2018. 

St. Pete Catalyst: What are your goals for your company in 2019?

Vivio: Stay focused on our core mission of delivering fitness solutions that meet the unique needs of working populations.

St. Pete Catalyst: What do you see for your business sector or industry in 2019?

Vivio: Continued growth in niche solutions and increased use of artificial intelligence and technology.

St. Pete Catalyst: What business insight (advice or a tip) can you share with readers?

Vivio: Culture first. Focus second. Always innovate and adapt to meet the changing business climate.  

St. Pete Catalyst: How do you organize your day?

Vivio: I enjoy the process of getting my son off to school and the communication that happens during that time. I start the day with quiet, coffee and email correspondence.

I usually end the day with a workout to re-energize for the evening.  

St. Pete Catalyst: What are you listening to?  Always audiobooks.

Vivio: Currently it’s a biography of the Wright Brothers by David McCullough

St. Pete Catalyst: What are you watching?

Vivio: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Amazon Prime

St. Pete Catalyst: What’s a must-read or must-listen for our readers?

Vivio: A great podcast by Rachel Maddow called “Bag Man.”