BOSTON, August 31, 2025—It is with profound sadness that the Health & Fitness Association shares the news of the passing of Rick Caro, a true pioneer of our industry and one of our association’s founding leaders. Rick passed away on August 30, after spending the day at the United States Open Tennis Championship enjoying a game he loved.
Rick’s influence on the health and fitness industry cannot be overstated. As president of Management Vision and a consultant to more than 1,700 clubs, suppliers, and organizations, Rick helped define the credibility and professionalism of our industry. He was instrumental in the founding of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), now the Health & Fitness Association, and served as its second president.
Throughout his career, Rick dedicated himself to building not just better businesses but also a stronger industry. He put the fitness industry on the radar of Wall Street, familiarizing the financial market with how the industry works, which made it easier for club operators to get financing and led to greater investment in the industry.
He authored The Guide to Successful Power Facility Management, conducted the most comprehensive studies of club business performance, and mentored countless owners, operators, and executives who continue to carry forward his vision today. His passion for data-driven insights and his tireless advocacy for professional standards elevated our industry to new heights.
In March 2025, Rick was inducted into the inaugural class of the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a lifetime dedicated to leadership, integrity, and service.
“Rick was not only a visionary leader but also a dear friend and mentor to me,” said Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. “From the moment I became CEO, Rick was there with encouragement, wisdom, and steady guidance. I am deeply grateful for the time, care, and perspective he shared with me. His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed left an indelible mark on my life and on the lives of so many in our industry. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on in the institutions he built and the leaders he inspired.”
The Health & Fitness Association will honor Rick’s remarkable contributions in the days ahead. Read his obituary.
Our thoughts are with Rick’s beloved wife Sue, his family, and the many friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him. The industry has lost one of its greatest champions, but his lifelong dedication to strengthening our field ensures his legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.
Three celebrations of life are planned. The first will occur on October 13 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago as part of the welcome reception at the Fitness Technology Summit.
Registration for the Fitness Technology Summit is not required to attend this celebration, but space is limited (and the Chicago Marathon is occurring that weekend), so you are encouraged to register for the no-cost event here.
Details on the other two celebrations have not been finalized, but one will occur either November 6 or 7 in New York City, and the other will occur December 4 or 5 in Sarasota, Florida. This page will be updated when these plans are finalized.
About the Health & Fitness Association
The Health & Fitness Association, a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health.
Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.
Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
