Pinnacle Fitness has been faced with some major changes, and we want to be completely transparent. If you have not already been made aware, Brandon Butler is no longer with Pinnacle.  I had no advance notice about Brandon’s departure. He informed me on Friday, November 1st, at 1:15 pm, just as he was heading to his car, that he wouldn’t be in on Monday and might only return briefly in the afternoon. When I asked for details, he mentioned he couldn’t share anything until Sunday. Then someone shared with me a mass text sent out about Brandon opening his own spot. This left me unable to prepare our members for this change, and I assure you, if it had been up to me, I would have handled this transition as smoothly as possible. Brandon is under a non-compete and non-solicit agreement that we intend to execute. I’m surprised and disappointed by how he’s chosen to handle his departure.

I want to share a bit about how Pinnacle Fitness began in May 2008. For two years, I worked at Eclipse One-on-One Fitness Studio. From the start, I was open with the owner, Steve Uri, about my ambition to open my own studio one day. Over time, we had many discussions, with Steve even questioning whether I truly wanted to take this step. When I was ready, I gave him one month’s notice and agreed not to discuss my plans with anyone outside our immediate team and my personal clients.

Many of my clients were ones I found and built relationships with independently. I went to Steve with a list of those interested in moving with me and negotiated a deal to pay for any clients he’d referred to me and the ones I brought into the gym. Although I wasn’t under any non-compete or non-solicit contract, I wanted to part on good terms. Steve was supportive, even visiting Pinnacle at 6:30 am on our first day to wish me luck.

Brandon’s departure could have been handled in a similar spirit, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I’m truly sorry that this situation has affected you, and I wish it could have unfolded more amicably.

Our recent move to a new location was planned with Brandon in mind, hoping it would provide him with more opportunities and financial growth. When he asked for a raise the same week as the move, I asked for a little time to recover from the substantial investment I’d made into the new space, which I funded out of my own savings. Increasing his compensation was part of the plan.

It’s painful that, after 14 years of working together, things have ended this way. Brandon had a flexible schedule, working around 35 hours a week with substantial earnings, and I genuinely cared about his success. I encouraged him to expand his services, take on mentoring roles, and run programs for kids. I even offered personal and financial support during challenging times, paying for things like Ubers, random cash bonuses, and even covering half his health insurance for years. I took him on a ski trip out west, fully covering expenses. I believed we shared a mutual respect, and I’m deeply saddened to see things end on this note.

Based on the text sent out about Brandon leaving, it sounds like he’s forming a team with Trust Fitness. To clarify, Tramell remains with Pinnacle Fitness. The Pinnacle team, including Tramell, Peyton, Sangeeta, Gabe, Marisa, Kristen, and myself, are staying intact, and we’re committed to growing even stronger from this experience while adding two new trainers over the next few months. I am very excited for what’s to come!

I hope you’ll continue with us here at Pinnacle and keep us as part of your health journey. We can still accommodate you and will keep you on your normal schedule. Kristen or I will be in touch to confirm, or feel free to reach out to us. If you decide to move on, I’m grateful for the time you’ve spent with us and want you to know we’ll always welcome you back.

To your health,

Jamie Bodner