05-04-2025
GreatLIFE is now employee owned
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Following years of expansion and growth, GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness Club announced it's transitioning to becoming employee owned.
'Succession planning has always been a thing for companies looking for legacy and future,' GreatLIFE President Nick Ovenden said. 'This was something that we've been exploring for the last five years.'
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The ownership change allows GreatLIFE team members to become employee-owners in the Sioux Falls-based business.
'Everyone who has been with us and hit certain criteria, now are owners of the company, and it's roughly about 100 people,' GreatLIFE CEO Tom Walsh said.
Staff say the decision gives them the ability to make local decisions based on the needs of each GreatLIFE location.
'We're in several different communities right now, and in the future, if we have plans to be able to grow to other places, if that's part of our plan, then we'll be able to make local decisions based on those places as well,' Ovenden said.
GreatLIFE said there's no impact to those who currently use its facilities.
'We're going to continue being involved in the community and helping with every program that we can,' Walsh said. 'With GreatLIFE Cares, doing things that are best for the community and our charitable partners.'
GreatLIFE has a number of locations in Sioux Falls including golf courses and a bowling also has fitness centers in Dell Rapids, Hartford and Yankton.
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