Chuck Runyon (left) and Dave Mortensen (right) launched Anytime Fitness in 2002.
Purpose Brands Co-Founders Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen Named to 2026 HFA Hall of Fame
Their induction is in recognition of their transformative impact on the fitness industry, their advocacy efforts, and their support of their franchisees, including military veterans.
Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen, the visionary co-founders behind Anytime Fitness and Purpose Brands, have been named to the 2026 class of the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame. The pair will be formally inducted during a ceremony on March 15 in San Diego, the night before the opening of The HFA Show.
Their induction is in recognition of their transformative impact on the fitness industry, including their role in building one of the world’s largest fitness franchise networks, their advocacy for health and wellness, and their commitment to supporting military veterans through entrepreneurship.
The duo launched Anytime Fitness in 2002 with a mission to make fitness more accessible. Over the next two decades, they expanded their reach globally, culminating in the 2024 merger of their parent company, Self Esteem Brands, with Orangetheory Fitness. The newly formed entity, Purpose Brands, now includes a portfolio of wellness-focused franchises such as The Bar Method, Basecamp Fitness, and Waxing the City.
Today, Purpose Brands serves more than six million members across over 7,000 locations in more than 40 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica.
Beyond growing their business, Runyon and Mortensen have championed initiatives that reflect their values. They created a franchise program designed for military veterans, helping them transition into business ownership by leveraging their leadership skills and discipline. The program has earned top rankings from media brands such as Vetrepreneur and Entrepreneur Magazine.
They’ve also been outspoken advocates for the fitness industry, lobbying at both state and federal levels to promote policies that support physical and mental well-being.
“Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen didn’t just build a brand—they reshaped the fitness landscape,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “Their vision for Anytime Fitness sparked a global movement rooted in accessibility, authenticity, and community. More than two decades later, that same vision powers Purpose Brands. Their franchising model has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams of business ownership.”
Under their leadership, Purpose Brands and its affiliated companies have earned numerous accolades, including Best Franchises in America by Forbes, No. 1 Top Global Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, Fastest-Growing Fitness Club in the World by Entrepreneur Magazine, and Best Company to Work for in Minnesota by Minnesota Business Magazine
In 2009, HFA (then known as IHRSA) honored Anytime Fitness with the John McCarthy Industry Visionary Award.
“We’re honored, humbled, and thrilled to be selected for the HFA Hall of Fame,” said Runyon and Mortensen in a joint statement. “We love this people- and purpose-driven industry as much as we ever have, and we’ll continue dedicating resources to protect, promote, and grow it worldwide. There’s never been a better time to be in the wellness sector—and the best days are ahead. A heartfelt thank you to our employees, franchisees, and suppliers across the Purpose Brands global network.”
Runyon and Mortensen join a distinguished group of 2026 inductees that includes Gainesville Health & Fitness Center Founder and CEO Joe Cirulli, ResetOne Co-founder and CEO Annbeth Eschbach, fitness pioneers Jack and Elaine LaLanne, Fitness Formula Clubs Founder and CEO Gale Landers, and Les Mills Founder Phillip Mills.
Today, Purpose Brands serves more than six million members across over 7,000 locations in more than 40 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica.
The HFA Hall of Fame honors individuals who have elevated the fitness industry through innovation, leadership, advocacy, and global impact. Tickets to the induction ceremony are $250, with proceeds benefiting the HFA Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting health through exercise.
For more information or to register for The HFA Show 2026, visit healthandfitness.org/show.
Pamela Kufahl is HFA's senior director of communication. She is responsible for driving social media content, producing member and industry-facing resources, such as the Global Report and U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, and creating tools to help promote the industry domestically and to international media, NGOs, and policy organizations. When Pamela isn't in the office, she enjoys exercising, visiting museums, going to the theater and movies, and fostering puppies.