Russell Withaeger
Streamwood,IL
Summary
FITNESS SALES MANAGER | MEMBERSHIP GROWTH | PREMIUM CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Sales leader with 10+ years in the fitness industry and consultative sales roles, driving membership growth, retention, and team performance. Proven ability to increase revenue, improve conversion rates, and deliver high-touch client experiences. Skilled in needs-based selling, relationship management, and maximizing customer lifetime value.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Benefits Consultant
GoHealth
Chicago, IL
07.2024 - Current
- Conduct 20–30+ weekly consultations with seniors, guiding them through Medicare Advantage plan selection using a needs-based, consultative sales approach
- Consistently achieve 105–110% of monthly sales targets through effective objection handling and trust-based relationship building
- Educate clients on complex plan options, improving decision confidence and long-term satisfaction
- Generate additional revenue through cross-selling final expense life insurance policies, increasing average client value
- Maintain high compliance and accuracy standards in a regulated sales environment
- Leverage CRM tools to manage pipeline, follow-ups, and conversion tracking
General Manager
LA Fitness – Fitness International
Lombard, IL
10.2022 - 06.2024
- Drive all membership sales, marketing, and operations for a high-volume club generating $1.5M+ in annual revenue
- Increased year-over-year revenue by 18% by improving lead response time, sales follow-up structure, and team accountability
- Led and developed a team of 8–12 sales and operations staff, increasing overall sales productivity by 25%
- Improved membership conversion rate from ~22% to 30% through structured sales training and needs-based selling techniques
- Reduced employee turnover by 20% by implementing a mentorship-focused onboarding and coaching program
- Enhanced member satisfaction and retention through improved onboarding and proactive issue resolution
Loan Partner
Preferred Rate – Oak Brook (DBA American Pacific Mortgage)
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Managed a pipeline of 40–60 active client files monthly, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time closings
- Built strong client relationships, contributing to repeat and referral business
- Streamlined workflows, reducing processing time by 15%
Freight Conductor
CN Railroad (WC Properties)
Homewood, IL
06.2018 - 01.2021
- Operated in high-pressure, safety-critical environments requiring precision and accountability
- Collaborated across teams to ensure efficiency and regulatory compliance
Senior Assistant Sales Manager
Life Time Fitness Inc.
Algonquin & Bloomingdale, IL
05.2012 - 06.2018
- Achieved 110–125% of sales quotas consistently in a premium fitness environment
- Generated 70–90 new memberships monthly through prospecting and referrals
- Increased member retention by 15% through improved onboarding and engagement
- Trained and mentored 10+ sales associates, developing future leaders
- Drove additional revenue through personal training and service upsells
Senior Membership Engagement Advisor
Life Time Fitness Inc.
Algonquin, IL
08.2008 - 04.2012
- Produced 80-120 new memberships per month through high-volume prospecting, referrals, and walk-in conversions
- Maintained a 25–35% lead-to-member conversion rate through effective needs analysis and closing techniques
- Built and managed a consistent pipeline of prospects, ensuring steady monthly production
- Delivered personalized tours and consultations, creating a premium, relationship-driven member experience
- Recognized as a top-performing sales advisor for consistent quota achievement and client satisfaction
Education
No Degree -
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, ILHigh School Diploma -
James B. Conant High School
Hoffman Estates, ILSkills
Sales & Revenue Growth: Membership Sales, Consultative Selling, Lead Conversion, KPI Management, Pipeline Development
Leadership & Coaching: Team Development, Sales Training, Performance Management, Hiring & Onboarding
Operations & Strategy: CRM Management (Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Encompass), Data Analysis, Process Optimization
Client Experience: Relationship Building, Retention Strategy, Needs Analysis, High-Touch Service Delivery
Timeline
Senior Benefits Consultant
GoHealth
07.2024 - Current
General Manager
LA Fitness – Fitness International
10.2022 - 06.2024
Loan Partner
Preferred Rate – Oak Brook (DBA American Pacific Mortgage)
08.2020 - 08.2022
Freight Conductor
CN Railroad (WC Properties)
06.2018 - 01.2021
Senior Assistant Sales Manager
Life Time Fitness Inc.
05.2012 - 06.2018
Senior Membership Engagement Advisor
Life Time Fitness Inc.
08.2008 - 04.2012
No Degree -
William Rainey Harper College
High School Diploma -
James B. Conant High School