D1 Training Announces Major Expansion in Leadership team
Explosive, nationwide growth of D1 Training requires additional franchise operator support. New positions within D1 Training’s operations team include Director of Education, Director of Training Camp, Director of Field Support, and Director of Corporate Stores.
Austin Clark is the Vice President of Operations at D1 Training. “I'm fired up to be adding so much world-class talent to our operations team with Austin, Chip, Ben, and Myles,” Clark said. “Each of them brings extensive industry experience to the table and all exemplify our core values. Together, they’re exactly the caliber of talent we need to continue to WIN in a competitive landscape and provide best-in-industry service to our franchisees.”
D1 Training has over 115 facilities open nationwide, with more than 250 in development. That’s some heavy lifting now secured with additional team members who share a wealth of experience and knowledge in both the fitness and franchising industries.
Austin Miele takes on the role of Director of Education at D1 Training, bringing national fitness brand experience and leadership with him. He has served as an FBC and Global Education Manager for F45 Training, he was the Senior Director of Operations at ISI Elite Training and worked in the Regional Sales and Operations divisions at Orangetheory. Miele loves connecting with people and is “absolutely stoked” to be at D1. “I love the mission and values that the brand stands on,” Miele says, “And the genuine heart of service to our customer base.”
Chip Pelasky brings over 30 years of domestic and international experience in business ownership, operations, and coaching, to his new role as Director of Training Camp. He specializes in financial planning and bolstering unit economics to grow facility sales. He has implemented global sales and marketing strategies across 800+ facilities worldwide and has a proven ability to guide businesses through growth phases by leveraging financial expertise, strategic insights, and customized solutions that enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
Myles Baker is the new Director of Field Support. Baker specializes in franchise and business operations and is a licensing and operations expert. He brings broad experience to his new role that includes franchise development, marketing, and promotions, having opened 210 locations over three years for a youth fitness brand. He also served as Vice President of Operations for an additional multi-unit franchise concept. Baker has multiple black belts in martial arts and is passionate about D1 Training’s impact on scholastic athletes.
“I’m honored to join a team who all share the same mission,” Baker said. “D1 Training has built something amazing that is super important to the development of our culture, and I’m so thrilled to be here. We have a unique opportunity to have a big social impact by preparing kids to be leaders and not followers, as we help them reach their athletic and fitness goals.”
Ben Ludwig is no stranger to D1 Training and will now serve in the official role of Director of Corporate Stores. Ludwig has led global trainings on fitness sales, marketing, and operations for over 60 countries, has taught in-person and virtual seminars for fitness business owners, and has created sales material for brands across the globe. He is a collaborative author of the Best-Selling Book "Real Talk with Real Business Pros" and has contributed to multiple fitness business magazines.