Celebrating an Influential Phoenix of the Brand

“Don’t be afraid of new beginnings, new people, new energy, new surroundings, and new challenges. Embrace new chances at happiness.” -Jay Shetty

Reflecting on the upward career growth, leadership trajectory and industry development that Justin paved during his career; it could be perceived that there's an end in sight. But does passion have an end?

Most people that understand Justin's motives know exactly the opposite; there's nothing he can't and won't accomplish with the motivation and positive culture riddled in each fiber of this Phoenix's feathers. Within each altruistic step in his path, he's laid the ground work for our future leaders in our Ohana.

We had a chance to catch up with our new President between volunteering for the John W. Brick Foundation and being a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Baltimore, to gain some motivational insight on his leadership, culture and what core values drive him through his success in the industry.

What challenge throughout your career do you feel assisted in personally developing you the most?

               I would say COVID. This was instrumental for multiple reasons. In December 2019 is when I was promoted to COO for Ohana Growth Partners. I was smiling from ear to ear and excited to take on the new year and position. Then, boom- March 2020, the country shut down. I was similar to a Phoenix, birthed in the flames of COVID. I learned more about leadership, resilience, culture, communication, and overall business strategy. We had to think different, act different, manage different, and keep our poise and composure for the company all in a time of uncertainty. People were counting on us to be there for them, protect them, make them feel secure and still provide them with a sense of calm, being and motivation. 

In your opinion what makes our Ohana so unique and successful?

             I think it is our culture. We are not perfect, but one of our business philosophies is Kaizen - baby steps, constant improvement. Also, our core values - Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast, Embrace the Aloha Spirit, and WHIM in All Things! - is our lifestyle. These values bleed into the way we think about business, but also in our personal lives. It helps us contemplate decisions on a different level then just dollars and cents. We value people. We work for and with people. We must make them feel seen and heard. We must empower our Ohana family members. Oh, and we MUST have fun doing it! 

What core value influences you the most?

        I think the core value that influences me most is Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast.. Most times when I tell others about it, they pause and think..."what's that mean?" So, I get to explain. To me it means considering our team and our Ohana when we are making business decisions.

It means showing our team that we "see" them. It means that we value our people, just like one values their family. 

What have been your top 3 career moments that have impacted you both personally and professionally?

        1. Opening our 5th club, Catonsville! That’s still my baby. It was my first job in the industry. The king presale challenged me, developing a team challenged me, growing the club and team challenged me. When I started there I was a young man and looking back today provided perspective on how far I have come and how far our company has come. 

        2. Becoming a Director of Operations. This was huge for me because it meant my talent, leadership and overall hard work was paying off and resonating with the Executive team. This also meant that I had more responsibility over more territory. I was proud of, again, what was accomplished thus far, but that I had more work to do. Kaizen! 

        3. Becoming COO. This was huge for me and more so my family. I often think about our sayings at OGP and one of them is "To Change People's Lives". This job/career has afforded me the opportunity to change the lives of so many people I have come in contact with at Planet Fitness and beyond . And some of the most important people's last names are Drummond! 

What advice do you have for our future leaders of our Ohana?

         Resonate! Take control! Don't be afraid to make a decision. The worse thing is not making a decision. Everything is a coaching lesson.

Justin we thank you for all you do and continue to do to 'raise all boats'. Please assist us in congratulating Justin Drummond in his new role with Ohana Growth Partners!