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C. Victor Brick

CEO | PF Growth Partners, LLC

Co-Founder | John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation

Miami Beach, FL, USA

Victor Brick

George Brooksbank

Fairway Capital

Victor Brick’s Biography

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Victor Brick is the CEO of PF Growth Partners, LLC (PFGP), the largest privately-owned franchise division of Planet Fitness. As a motivational speaker and philanthropist, Victor is focused on promoting the connection between wellness and healthy living and physical and mental health.

PF Growth Partners has been recognized by Planet Fitness for its continued growth of 85 health clubs across the US and Australia, with locations in Maryland, DC, Tennessee, Florida and Washington. In 2014 & 2015, PFGP was named Planet Fitness Developer of the Year. Also, in 2016, it received the Judgement Free Generation award for its exceptional work with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee. Prior to PFGP, Victor and his wife Lynne co-founded Brick Bodies, a chain of health clubs in the Baltimore area.

Victor is a strong advocate for mental health and wellness and co-founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation in memory of his brother who battled mental health issues in his life. The foundation's goal is to educate people and change how the world views mental health. It works toward this goal... Victor Brick is the CEO of PF Growth Partners, LLC (PFGP), the largest privately-owned franchise division of Planet Fitness. As a motivational speaker and philanthropist, Victor is focused on promoting the connection between wellness and healthy living and physical and mental health.

PF Growth Partners has been recognized by Planet Fitness for its continued growth of 85 health clubs across the US and Australia, with locations in Maryland, DC, Tennessee, Florida and Washington. In 2014 & 2015, PFGP was named Planet Fitness Developer of the Year. Also, in 2016, it received the Judgement Free Generation award for its exceptional work with the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee. Prior to PFGP, Victor and his wife Lynne co-founded Brick Bodies, a chain of health clubs in the Baltimore area.

Victor is a strong advocate for mental health and wellness and co-founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation in memory of his brother who battled mental health issues in his life. The foundation's goal is to educate people and change how the world views mental health. It works toward this goal by funding and advancing research and programs that promote exercise, nutrition and mind-body practices as a way to treat mental illness and improve mental wellness. For his tireless work, Victor, along with Lynne, was awarded the 2020 Global Wellness Summit Debra Simon Award. They have also been recognized as two of Maryland's 50 most influential people.

He is a leading voice in the industry and has presented workshops, lectures and keynotes in over 25 countries, including at the renowned Global Wellness Summit, an international organization that convenes industry leaders to develop solutions for challenging issues in the health and wellness industry. Victor also serves on the advisory board of Global Wellness Summit and the advisory council for the Johns Hopkins Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. moreless

Victor Brick’s Newsfeed

PR Newswire

John W. Brick Foundation Joins with PFGP to Support the National Center for Healthy Veterans

The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation (JWB) and Planet Fitness Growth Partners LLC (PFGP) have established a partnership with The National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) to support veterans in overcoming post-traumatic stress.

John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation

Move Your Mental Health™ Report

The groundbreaking report synthesizes over 1,600 peer-reviewed scientific studies on how exercise affects brain function and mental health. This research is vital to advance and revolutionize mental health care by showing the importance of a well-rounded, integrative treatment plan.

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Victor Brick’s Background

PF Growth Partners, LLC

Owner & CEO

2007 - Present

Baltimore, MD, USA

PF Growth Partners LLC owns and operates a franchise division of Planet Fitness health clubs in the United States and Australia with the overall mission to provide availability to a safe and welcoming fitness environment. It has been recognized for its exceptional work with the 2016 Judgement Free Generation award and has been named Planet Fitness Developer of the Year several times.

John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation

Co-founder & Chairman

2015 - Present

Lutherville-Timonium, MD, USA

The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation seeks to promote healthy lifestyle choices as a way to help those suffering from mental health issues with the mission to mitigate dependency on medication, institutionalization, and psychoanalysis.

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Victor Brick’s Gallery

victor brick global wellness award

victor brick magazine cover

victor brick brick bodies

victor brick at the opening of a new planet fitness location

victor brick speaking engagement planet fitness

Victor brick planet fitness

Victor Brick and family

Victor Brick for HCM

Victor Brick franchisee of the year award

victor brick global wellness award

victor brick magazine cover

victor brick brick bodies

victor brick at the opening of a new planet fitness location

victor brick speaking engagement planet fitness

Victor brick planet fitness

Victor Brick and family

Victor Brick for HCM

Victor Brick franchisee of the year award

Current Board Positions

Global Wellness Summit

Board of Advisors

2020 - Present

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), founded in 2007, brings invited delegates from around the world with the overall mission to lead initiatives in the wellness industry. GWS strives to promote conversation and collaboration between wellness leaders to offer resources and to encourage research to shape the future of the industry.

PF Growth Partners, LLC

Board of Directors

Lutherville-Timonium, MD, USA

With the ultimate objective of providing access to a safe and inviting workout environment, PF Growth Partners LLC owns and manages a franchise division of Planet Fitness health clubs in the United States and Australia.

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Current Advisory Roles

Johns Hopkins Hospital Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department

Advisory Council

Baltimore, MD, USA

The Johns Hopkins Hospital Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department Advisory Council works with the Program faculty and Internal Advisor Council to find and promote ways to better health as found through medical and scientific research. The External Advisory Council consists of experts in the wellness field.

Media

Mental Health and Illness with Victor Brick

Interview

Feb 2022

Victor Brick joins the Club Solutions Magazine podcast to share his thoughts on mental health and, among other topics, his experiences leading the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation.

Beyond Theory: Victor Brick on Democratizing Mental Health Resources

Interview

Jan 2022

Victor Brick discuses founding the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation after his experiences with his brother John, who passed away from complications of schizophrenia. He also discusses the importance of and reasons for his advocacy for mental health resources for all.

The Global Wellness Summit Creates Scholarship to Promote Equity and Inclusion in the Wellness Industry

Dec 2021

Victor Brick and his wife Lynne, along with four other families, were the first to fund the "Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness”. The scholarship will create more inclusivity at the annual Global Wellness Summit by providing financial assistance to a member of an underserved population to join the conference each year.

Club Industry: Health Clubs Can Play a Role in Mitigating The Mental Health Crisis

Featured

Jun 2021

Victor Brick offers compelling insight on the two things needed most for sound mental health: connectivity and coping skills, and explains how health clubs and fitness professionals play a vital role in helping people go from languishing to flourishing.

Your Superior Self with Cassi Vieten

Interview

Jun 2021

Does consciousness survive? Listen as our Executive Director, Dr. Cassandra Vieten, shares valuable wisdom on her groundbreaking research on spirituality and health, transformative experiences and practices, the development of mindfulness-based interventions for emotional well-being, and the development of media technologies to inspire awe.

Club Solutions: The Mental Health Crisis with Victor Brick

Featured

Jun 2021

When 100,000 people were asked the question, 'Why do you exercise?', the top reason, across all four age groups, had the same response: mental well-being. Listen as Victor Brick joins Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM, and Rachel Zabonick-Chonko, the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine, for a frank discussion on the current state of the fitness industry.

Club Industry: Future of Fitness ft Victor Brick

Featured

Jun 2021

Mental health issues are in the spotlight these days as the COVID-19 pandemic may have had created difficulties for people coping with isolation, job loss, illness or the death of a loved one. Physical activity can help improve mental health in some cases, but many club operators haven’t tapped into how they can be a resource.

Move Your Mental Health™ Press Release

Featured

Jun 2021

"The US is facing a mental health crisis like never before. Since 1999, suicide rates have increased 35 percent; approximately 8 million deaths each year are attributable to mental disorders; and at any given time, 18% of adults in the U.S. are living with mental illness. Mental health issues skyrocketed among the general public during the pandemic..."

Epoch Times: Rediscovering the Healing Power of the Great Outdoors, Nature's Role in Medicine, & Outdoor Health Benefits

Featured

Jun 2021

Epoch Times interviews our Executive Director, Dr. Cassandra Vieten, to explain why implementing a solely mechanical focus of the brain can be detrimental and to explore the multitude of mental health benefits that the outdoors generously provide.

Victor Brick discusses mental health post COVID and Never Alone Summit with Deepak Chopra May 21st

Interview

May 2021

Victor Brick discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, how to improve mental wellness by preserving physical health and the Never Alone Summit with WNST's Deepak Chopra.

Escape Your Limits: Episode 186 - Victor Brick Explains What Makes Planet Fitness Successful? It’s NOT What You Think!

Interview

May 2021

In this podcast, Victor Brick shares insightful information on the heart behind his business endeavors.

The Absolute Strength Podcast ft Victor Brick

Interview

Apr 2021

The latest episode of The Absolute Strength podcast, hosted by author, powerlifter, and fitness entrepreneur, Kyle Hunt, features an engaging discussion with Victor Brick about business, success, mental health, sleep, and more.

The You Project ft Victor Brick

Interview

Apr 2021

Podcast host, Craig Harper, invites Victor Brick for an episode of inspiration and education with great stories, ideas, strategies and lessons in sport, business, science, media and health.

The Aware Show featuring Victor Brick, Gabriella Wright, and Cassandra Vieten

Interview

Mar 2021

In this virtual show, Lisa Garr gathers Victor Brick, Dr. Cassandra Vieten, and Gabriella Wright to discuss the importance of mental wellness and working towards a more holistic view of mental health. Learn more about building a new mental health culture.

Inner Truth with David Newell: Transforming the Mental Health Paradigm with Victor Brick

Interview

Mar 2021

In this episode, Victor Brick joins David Newell’s Inner Truth podcast, the home of all things self-discovery. Listen as David and Victor discuss the paramount value of implementing holistic plans to support wellbeing, while inspiring you to discover your true gifts and ignite your purpose into the world.

Health & Well-Being with Pat Farnack

Interview

Mar 2021

In this virtual interview, Pat Farnack talks with Victor Brick ahead of the Never Alone Summit on Friday, May 21st: the free, virtual summit on mental health that explores a variety of ways to address the issue, beyond medication, such as exercise, medication and so much more.

Happiness 2.0 with John Tukums #21: Victor Brick - Building a Fitness Empire and Changing the Perception of Mental Health

Interview

Mar 2021

In this podcast, Victor Brick speaks about his journey and passion to change the way the world sees and treats mental health.

Holistic Approach to Battling Mental Health Issues with Victor Brick

Interview

Feb 2021

Victor shares a story of grit in business and his passion to uplift others. Topics include: how grit and success are related, having dreams, why he chose the fitness industry, having the right kind of people around you, how sports and business are related, why Victor started the mental health foundation, mental health today, healthy habits and positive stress and connectivity and coping skills.

GWS Q&A with Victor Brick: Why the Wellness Pie Has Never Been Bigger

Interview

Feb 2021

In this Q&A, Beth McGroarty (VP of Research & Forecasting at the Global Wellness Institute), interviews Victor Brick to speak upon the limit to the digital fitness boom, a new era of inclusivity/affordability, a new focus on resilience and positive stress, and mental wellness as the industry growth-driver.

The Healing Power of Wellness: A Selfcare Tool for You! Tita Talks With Lynne and C. Victor Brick

Interview

Jan 2021

Victor and Lynne Brick speak with Tita from Wellness World USA to offer advice on maintaining physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine. They recommend different methods of self-care such as relaxation techniques and physical activities including exercise.

Global Wellness Podcast: Judgement-Free Fitness & Changing the Mental Health Conversation - with Victor & Lynne Brick from Planet Fitness

Interview

Dec 2020

In this audio podcast, Victor and Lynne converse about the democratization of wellness, judgement-free fitness, and shifting the way society perceives mental health.

What is a Realistic Optimist ? - with Victor Brick - United States - 11 minutes

Interview

Nov 2020

Victor Brick was interviewed for World Wellness Weekend, during which he discusses the meaning of realistic optimism and how to stay optimistic during hard times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can we Cultivate Resilience ? - with Victor Brick

Interview

Nov 2020

Victor Brick joins World Wellness Weekend to speak on how to maintain a positive mindset during the COVID-19 crisis. He encourages others to put themselves under "positive stress" and travel out of their comfort zones.

Lynne and Victor Brick share simple ways to get moving toward better mental health during COVID

Interview

Oct 2020

Victor and Lynne Brick describe and recommend ways that people can improve their mental health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victor Brick - John W Brick Foundation

Featured

Oct 2020

Victor Brick details the importance of mental health organizations and researching how to help those who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. He also describes the work of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation.

Global Wellness Summit Adds C. Victor Brick, Fitness Industry Thought Leader and Mental Health Philanthropist, to Its Advisory Board

Featured

Sep 2020

Victor Brick is welcomed as an illustrious advisory board member for the Global Wellness Summit.

Victor and Lynne Brick at Never Alone Summit

Interview

May 2020

Victor and Lynne Brick join the Never Alone Global Mental Health Summit to speak about the research and work done at the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. Victor shares the powerful inspiration behind the Foundation and the importance of mental wellness.

Victor and Lynne Brick on hand to celebrate opening of John W. Brick Memorial Fitness Center at Arundel Lodge

Interview

May 2019

Victor and Lynne Brick, amongst others, celebrate the opening of the John W. Brick Memorial Fitness Center granted to the not-for-profit Arundel Lodge.

ClubSolutions: A Window of Opportunity

Interview

Mar 2019

“We truly believe that at the end of the day we will be remembered not for Planet Fitness or Brick Bodies, but for the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation,” - Victor Brick. Read more to learn how JWB's mission aligns in parallel with why Lynne and Victor entered the fitness industry in the first place.

Two Fit Crazies & A Microphone Podcast: Victor and Lynne Brick - Co-Founder & CEO at Planet Fitness Growth Partners/Brick Bodies/John W Brick Mental Health Foundation/International Fitness Consultants - Episode 120

Interview

Sep 2019

In this podcast, Victor and Lynne Brick touch on their personal life experiences, offer inspirational advice, and discuss the purpose of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation.

Q&A with Lynne and Victor Brick

Interview

Feb 2019

Victor and Lynne answer important questions about their experiences as franchisees for Planet Fitness and rising fitness trends. They also offer advice for other fitness club operators.

The John W. Brick Foundation - Who We Are

Featured

Jan 2019

Victor Brick discusses the John W. Brick Foundation's purpose, passion, and vision for changing the way the world treats mental health.

Interview: Lynne & Victor Brick

Interview

2019

Hitchin, UK

Victor and Lynne Brick discuss their humble beginnings and the growth of their businesses in an interview with Health Club Management’s Kate Cracknell. Victor is quoted: “We grew the chain organically,” explains Victor. “We were like a lot of people in the fitness industry in that we got into the business because we loved it."

WMAR – Exercise & Mental Health

Interview

Oct 2018

Baltimore, MD, USA

WMAR featured a segment on exercise and mental health, which highlighted Victor and Lynne Brick speaking about the John W. Brick Foundation's current efforts and visions for future health & wellness initiatives.

Lynne and Victor Brick for Club Business International

Interview

Jul 2016

Victor Brick and his wife, Lynne, speak with Club Business International about how they got their start and where they believe the fitness industry is headed.

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Memberships

The Mental Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute

Member

Miami, FL, USA

The Mental Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute commits itself to understanding ways to better mental health and finding methods that will help people thrive physically and mentally. The Initiative promotes mental wellness through self-care and self-help remedies.

Awards & Endorsements

Global Wellness Summit

Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness

2020

Victor and Lynne Brick were honored for their work with The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. The Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness award honors an individual or individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of mental health and wellness, and have been a leader, advocate or innovator in wellness programs and pathways that help people thrive mentally.

Planet Fitness

Judgement Free Generation Award

2016

The Judgement Free Generation is designed to prevent bullying among today's youth by building a culture of support and kindness. PF Growth Partners was given this award for their outstanding work with the local Boys and Girls Clubs in Tennessee.

Planet Fitness

Developer of the Year

2015

PF Growth Partners was awarded the Developer of the Year award by Planet Fitness for their work in expanding the Planet Fitness Franchise.

Planet Fitness

Developer of the Year

2014

PF Growth Partners was awarded the prestigious Planet Fitness Developer of the Year award for opening 11 new clubs in 12 months.

Planet Fitness

Highest Brand Excellence Review

2014

Planet Fitness awarded PF Growth Partners the Highest Brand Excellence Review Award in 2014.

Planet Fitness

Franchisee of the Year

Oct 2013

The Planet Fitness Franchisee of the Year Award is presented to a franchisee that represents the best of the best when it comes to service and dedication to growing the Planet Fitness brand.

IDEA’s Businessperson of the Year

Honoree

1990

San Diego, CA, USA

Victor Brick was honored with IDEA Businessperson of the Year award in 1990 for his achievements in the wellness industry.

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Speaking Engagements

Florida MANIA

Keynote Speaker

May 2022

In their Keynote titled 'The Parallel Pandemic: Mental & Physical Health', Victor and Lynne Brick discuss the significant connections between how humans respond to crises and their mental, emotional, and physical health, and many related topics.

Live Stream MANIA Fitness Convention: May 2021

Presenter

May 2021

In a panel for Live Stream MANIA, Victor and Lynne Brick discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. They also address how physical wellness, diet, exercise and mind-body practices benefit mental health.

Never Alone Summit 2021

Presenter & Sponsor

May 2021

The Never Alone Summit is a 3-day mental health and wellness convention that features a wide number of expert panelists such as Victor Brick. The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation is a sponsor of the event.

GWS Wellness Master Class: Defining an Industry: A Conversation with Ophelia Yeung & Katherine Johnston ft. Victor and Lynne Brick

Featured

Mar 2021

In this virtual master class, the Global Wellness Institute's Senior Research Fellows Ophelia Yeung and Katherine Johnston dive behind-the-scenes of the latest groundbreaking report: Defining the Mental Wellness Economy, sponsored by the John W. Brick Foundation.

ClubSolutions Connect: How Gyms Play a Vital Role in Combating the Mental Health Crisis

Presenter

Mar 2021

During the Club Solutions Connect virtual roundtable event, Victor and Lynne Brick speak on the lasting mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis and what measures can be taken worldwide.

Live Stream MANIA Fitness Convention: February 2021

Presenter

Feb 2021

An online fitness convention, Live Stream MANIA allows professionals in the industry to bring fitness right to the home to teach and inspire. In the February convention, Victor and Lynne Brick speak on mental health issues caused by COVID-19 and how to use healthy lifestyle choices to benefit mental health.

John W. Brick Foundation: Founding Vision

Speaker

Nov 2020

Victor Brick recalls his brother's life and memory, and how his brother's struggle with mental illness inspired him to found the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. He describes how he wants to keep his brother's memory alive through the Foundation.

Turning Heartache into Action with C. Victor Brick

Speaker

Nov 2020

Victor Brick speaks about the heart behind the John W. Brick Foundation. In this impassioned speech, Victor draws on his experiences with his brother John's mental health struggles. This led Victor to found the John W. Brick Foundation. which continues to serve those with mental illness and find solutions to help those suffering lead full lives.

Renew, Restore, Rewind - Mental Health Check-In on The Ray Lewis Show, Episode 1

Interview

Oct 2020

For The Ray Lewis Show Episode 1, special guest Victor Brick joins NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and co-host John Brenkus to share inspiration and explore the importance of mental health.

World Wellness Weekend: Wellness-powered Mindset

Interview

Sep 2020

In this Facebook Live, Victor joins the World Wellness Weekend for a one-on-one conversation on the value of a wellness-powered mindset.

Club Solutions Webinar Series: Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future #21: Mental Health for Fitness Pros

Panelist

Aug 2020

In this webinar, Victor Brick discusses opportunities for the fitness industry to boost mental health during the pandemic.

GWS Wellness Master Class: Managing Cashflow During the Coronavirus Crisis

Moderator

Apr 2020

In this virtual master class, Victor Brick speaks about practical ways for businesses to manage cash flow during the Coronavirus crisis as he delivers noteworthy principles including: rent and payroll; debt; operating expenses; and tips for applying for loans, grants and government assistance.

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Press Releases

Planet Fitness to Add Parkland, FL Location

Oct 2022

“Planet Fitness believes fitness is essential to our physical and mental health and we are thrilled to invest in the Parkland facility and bring our Judgement Free Zone® to the community,” said Victor Brick.

Global Wellness Summit Presents Leadership Award To Lynne And Victor Brick

Honoree

Jan 2021

Lutherville-Timonium, MD, USA

At the 2020 Global Wellness Summit, Susie Ellis (CEO & chair of GWS) presented The Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Wellness to Victor and Lynne for their admirable efforts as founders of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation.

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Victor Brick’s Education

Towson University

MA | Education

Towson University

BA | Education