Kara Buono
Islip,NY
Summary
Accomplished Regional Manager at Club Pilates, specializing in revenue growth and member engagement enhancement. Proven ability in recruitment and team development, with three successful studio openings that set new performance records. Demonstrated expertise in public speaking and operational management, consistently achieving and exceeding business goals through effective leadership and innovative strategies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Regional Manager
Club Pilates
01.2024 - Current
- Oversee multi-location operations with a focus on revenue growth, member engagement, and team development.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for instructors and studio managers.
- Opened 3 new Club Pilates studios within 9 months, each achieving record-breaking soft opening numbers, overseeing full launch operations, staffing, and market readiness.
- Implement company-wide standards for class quality, brand consistency, and operational excellence.
- Drive regional strategies to increase membership retention and optimize class utilization.
- Collaborate with corporate leadership to execute new initiatives, improve systems, and support overall brand growth.
Fitness Manager
24 Hour Fitness
East Northport, USA
01.2015 - 01.2024
- Promoted to lead grand opening of newest East Northport location after serving as Group Exercise Instructor (2015) and Fitness Coach (2017).
- Recruited and interviewed 100+ candidates; selected and onboarded 24 trainers to support launch goals.
- Sold $70K+ in memberships and $30K+ in fitness revenue on opening day.
- Achieved 120% revenue to budget (2020) and led virtual training for 10,000+ team members company-wide.
- Rebuilt fitness business post-COVID, delivering 117% to budget and $300K annual revenue.
- Selected for Hypo GM Summit (2021) and completed GMIT programs (2022, 2023).
- Delivered $450K+ fitness revenue and 13% profit in 2023.
- Consistently exceeds business objectives through strong leadership, culture creation, and operational excellence.
- East Northport, NY
Regional Director / Head Master Trainer
Beachbody
Santa Monica, USA
01.2012 - 01.2018
- One of only two Master Trainers selected to spearhead the launch of the virtual training certification department.
- Developed training content and strategies to transition the Master Trainer team from in-person to virtual certifications.
- Turned around an underperforming region from last place to #2 nationally within one year.
- Recruited, trained, and supported 15+ new Master Trainers while overseeing 90 leaders.
- Created the '1% Program,' a performance framework for top-tier Master Trainers.
- Delivered presentations at 20+ industry conferences with audiences ranging from 1,000-10,000.
- Led 8-hour certification events, preparing 800+ instructors to teach Beachbody formats worldwide.
- Recognized for conducting the highest number of trainings in company history.
- Served as International Conference Presenter, representing Beachbody at global fitness events.
- Recognized Format Expert for P90X, supporting program education and instructor development.
- Featured as an instructor in fitness videos with Tony Horton, representing the P90X brand.
- Santa Monica, CA
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Buying/Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
Manhattan, NY01.1989
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Revenue growth and budget management
- Recruitment, training, and coaching
- Program development and execution
- Brand strategy and culture building
- Public speaking and large-scale training
Highlights And Accomplishments
- Beachbody Master Trainer of the Year (2015 & 2016)
- Master Trainer for celebrity fitness leaders including: Chalene Johnson - Turbo Kick, Piyo; Shaun T - Insanity, Cize; Tony Horton - P90X
- Featured in national print and social media campaigns for Beachbody.
- Led successful NCO for 24 Hour Fitness (02/01/20).
- Known for high energy, innovative programming, and brand consistency.
- Honored with multiple Beachbody awards recognizing exceptional impact, including achievements in training volume, profitability, and Master Trainer team growth.
Certification
NASM Personal Trainer
Timeline
Regional Manager
Club Pilates
01.2024 - Current
Fitness Manager
24 Hour Fitness
01.2015 - 01.2024
Regional Director / Head Master Trainer
Beachbody
01.2012 - 01.2018
Associate of Arts - Fashion Buying/Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology