"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."
In recognition of his role as a visionary leader with a passion for making others better, Caro was awarded the first-ever HFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
This past March, he was an inductee in the inaugural class of the HFA Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to advancing the industry, championing its credibility, and building a strong professional community. Watch the video tribute.
Caro’s influence on the health and fitness industry cannot be overstated. In 1973, after he had earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Tufts University, an MBA with distinction from New York University (where he also served as assistant dean and faculty member) and spent time at an advertising agency and New York Youth Services Agency, he and two friends began operating tennis clubs, adding racquetball courts, weight rooms, a pool, aerobic rooms, and snack bars at a time when multisport facilities were uncommon.
In 1982 while serving on the boards of the National Tennis Association and National Court Clubs Association for racquetball clubs, he suggested that the two associations combine. The result was the founding of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), now the Health & Fitness Association. Caro was instrumental in the appointment of John McCarthy as the association’s first executive director, and Caro served as its second board president, helping to lay the foundation for its long-term success.
In 1983, Caro began consulting in the industry. As president of Management Vision, he was a trusted advisor to more than 1,700 clubs, suppliers, and organizations, playing a pivotal role in shaping the professionalism and credibility of the industry.
Caro’s commitment went far beyond individual businesses. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the industry as a whole. He brought the fitness sector to the attention of Wall Street, educating financial institutions about its structure and potential. His efforts opened doors for club operators to access capital and helped attract meaningful investment, transforming the industry's growth trajectory.
A prolific speaker at industry events and author in industry publications, Caro also wrote "The Guide to Successful Power Facility Management." He led groundbreaking studies on club performance, and mentored generations of owners, operators, and executives. His unwavering belief in data-driven decision-making and his advocacy for high standards continue to shape the industry today. His legacy lives on in the countless professionals he inspired and the institutions he helped build.
