advance_fitness

	SHANE VERHOEVEN Managing Director 021 790 997 Shane studied in Sports Science at Wintec before starting work for Life Fitness in 2003 and quickly developed a passion for the fitness industry. After several years with various equipment supply companies, Shane spotted an opportunity and started Advance Fitness in 2005 as New Zealand distributors for SportsArt Fitness. After a successful 5 years building the SportsArt brand in New Zealand Shane still had a dream he was working towards... That was to be the distributor of the top selling fitness equipment brand worldwide, "Life Fitness". His dream was realised in April 2010. Shane's uncompromised passion for the industry is second to none and he doesn't mind getting involved with all aspects of the company.		AMANDA VERHOEVEN Managing Director/Administration 07 849 3364 Amanda has been a huge driving force behind the scenes and in the forefront of Advance Fitness. Amanda has a Business Management degree majoring in Marketing and Strategic Management. Amanda has a great interest in health and fitness which evolved from her years of competitive sport in the likes of ski racing, cycling and rowing. A young family now keep both Shane and Amanda extremely busy but they love every minute of it. Amanda's positive and winning attitude is infectious and her influence is felt throughout the entire company.
	ANDREW HIGGINS General Manager 021 710 269 Andrew is no stranger to the fitness industry and many of you who have been in the industry for over ten years would remember Andrew when he held the General Manager position under Life Fitness NZ from 2001 to 2005. Andrew comes back to the fitness industry with a wealth of experience in corporate systems analysis from his time in a telecommunications organisation. Andrew completed his MBA (Masters of Business Administration) in 2004. With this experience Andrew is committed to support Advance Fitness in the continuous improvement of systems and process to support a truly excellent customer experience.		MIKE HOLCROFT Service/Parts Manager 021 662 952 Mike is the Advance Fitness; Go To Man. Mike has 25 years experience in the fitness equipment industry. Along with Mike's business and engineering experience he is also a registered electrician. Mike's experience and qualifications makes him the perfect choice to manage the service, parts and installation departments. Mike has a strong work ethic and can be found in the office all hours of the day and night. Mike will always make himself available to answer any service or parts questions and can organise a technician to visit your gym.
	COLIN WALKER Northern Sales Manager 021 710 263 Colin has worked for Life Fitness NZ for 4 yrs and prior to that was in the industry for over 10 years. Colin owned one of New Zealands first "Body for Life" Sports Supplement Shops. Colin has a Sport Science degree and has completed postgraduate work in Biomechanics specifically on Olympic weightlifting. He concurrently completed his degree and his Personal training certification through AUT and has Level II ISAK papers, demonstrating the depth he has to be able to help you make an informed decision on your equipment choice and requirements.		Robbie Tulia Southern Sales Manager 021 710 265 Robbie has worked in the fitness industry for many years and has been working for Life Fitness for 8 years. Robbie loves staying fit and is well versed in all the choices Life Fitness has to offer your gym. Give Robbie a call and he can organise a visit to you when he is in your area next. If you need to see him urgently please call and Robbie can make arrangements to see you as soon as possible.
	CHRIS JOWSEY Electronics Technician 07 849 3364 Chris joined the team of Life Fitness in 2007 after 22+ years in the radio/television servicing industry. Chris's adaptive skill set and abilities has enabled Life Fitness and now Advance Fitness to be a leader in the area of technical support. Advance Fitness has the ability to be able to provide service to most brands of fitness equipment. Give Chris a call he may be able to get your equipment up and running again.		JOHN NICHOLS Service Technician 021 710 266 John has a love of anything mechanical or electrical, and at age 15 started his apprenticeship and became a registered electrician. He then joined his father for 25 years designing, building & installing neon & electric signage. John has a passion for computers & has spent many years troubleshooting, fixing & building systems. John joined the team in 2008, and enjoys the positive atmosphere of the gyms & the steady stream of electrical & mechanical problems they produce. Prior to working for Life Fitness he had never been inside a gym. John is married to Cathy & they enjoy living in Wellington city with their 2 teenagers. John is a keen cyclist and kayaker and enjoys being busy.
	ROSS ALLAN Service Technician 021 710 264 Ross joined Life Fitness in 2005 and had already been repairing gym equipment 2 years previously. Before that Ross worked for 3 years making and repairing marine equipment. During his spare time you will find Ross sailing in the Auckland Harbour.		RAY ADAMSON Service Technician 021 248 1173 Ray has had a long history as a service technician. From owning his own business to working for various electronics and mechanical repair shops. You can see Ray zipping through the traffic in the morning and evening rush hour on his trusty mountain bike. He enjoys travelling with his wife around the world and every few years travels for a few months overseas.
	BARRY SMIT Installation Technician Barry joined the Advance Fitness Team after owning his own business "Hammer Ready" for many years. He travels the Island as part of the installation team and enjoys visiting different places. Barry has a passion for motorsport in particularly to the "Ford" brand as we are to the "Life Fitness" brand.		AMMON PLEOG Installation Technician Ammon joined the Life Fitness team in 2006 (now Advance Fitness). He has travelled extensively since then and has enjoyed meeting gym owners all over New Zealand. Ammon is our most experienced installation technician having assembled nearly the entire life fitness range of equipment. He is currently studying at Wintec to be a qualified engineer.
	TIM DOWNLEY Installation Technician Tim worked in technical and mechanical engineering for a research and development company, building products from the ground up. Tim wanted to be involved in an industry that offered a variety of work options with lots of problem solving opportunities. Tim is a great asset to the team and is on the road most days visiting clubs and checking equipment.		NICKI BRANIFF Administration 07 849 3364 Nicki is the bubbly personality you will hear on the other end of the phone when you call the office. Having previously worked in childcare administration for three years she is now enjoying being part of the fitness industry. Nicki has a busy family life with her husband and 3 children, yet Nicki still manages to rise early and fit in a gym session at Contours.