Our Story
Built on Community. Driven by Purpose.
Founded in 1991 by Tom Hatten while still attending Arizona State University, the first Mountainside Fitness was located within a small shopping center (Mountainside Plaza) in Ahwatukee, Arizona. What began as a 4,800-square-foot gym built with grit, long hours, and a belief in helping people quickly became something bigger – a place where Members felt supported and part of a community.
Tom’s vision was simple: create “the friendliest gym in town.” That commitment to service, innovation, and hospitality still defines us today.
From One Location to the Statewide Leader
Three decades later, Mountainside Fitness has grown into Arizona’s premier fitness brand, serving more than 150,000 Members across 22+ locations.
While our footprint has expanded, our focus hasn’t changed:
- Exceptional Member experience
- Full-service locker rooms with FREE towel service
- Welcoming environments
- High-energy, top-tier group fitness classes
- No-reservation, interactive childcare
- Premium recovery and wellness amenities
- State-of-the-art equipment
Leadership for the Next Chapter
Today, Mountainside Fitness is guided by an experienced executive team which is committed to thoughtful growth and long-term excellence. With deep expertise across operations, finance, marketing, and leadership, the team is focused upon enhancing the Member experience inside every club with new amenity offerings, developing exceptional employees, and expanding to new growth areas in need of the Mountainside experience. Our leadership blends entrepreneurial spirit with operational discipline, honoring the foundation Tom built while positioning the company for the future.
- Craig Cote, CEO: Brings deep experience in finance and strategic growth, focused on expanding Mountainside’s footprint, enhancing Member experiences, and strengthening community impact
- Mario Arce, President & COO: Oversees operations across all locations to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences for our Members and unmatched culture for our employees
- Jacqueline Wallace, Chief Financial Officer: Guides financial strategy to support disciplined growth and long-term stability
- Toni Teplitsky, Chief Marketing Officer: Leads brand and marketing initiatives that connect with current and future Members
- Robyn Klawitter, EVP – Human Resources: Cultivates a culture where employees thrive and deliver exceptional Member service
- Michaela Raner, VP – Membership & Community: Drives brand engagement and community outreach
Where Fitness Meets Wellness
We believe fitness is personal, but the community makes it powerful.
Every workout, every class, every high-five at the front desk is part of something bigger. We’re here to help our Members build strength, confidence, and lasting habits in an environment which feels welcoming from day one.
Because at Mountainside, it’s never just about the workout. It’s about the community we build together.
GIVING BACK
Mountainside Fitness is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Arizona every fall for our giving campaign. During this time, we donate a portion of all new memberships to Make-A-Wish, participate in the Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes, host a variety of raffles and exclusive classes, and sell limited-edition merchandise with 100% of proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Arizona. Over the past 10 years, Mountainside Fitness has raised close to $300,000 to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. We cannot thank our Members and employees enough for their support and efforts for this great cause.
As an Arizona based company, we believe in giving back to our community. We are pleased to continue our involvement and support of these vital organizations:
