Debra Strougo: From Row House to Founder's Co-Pilot

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

n a recent episode of The ATFW Podcast, host Krissy Vann sat down with Debra Strougo, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Known for her groundbreaking work as the founder of Row House, Debra successfully scaled the brand from a single studio to 300 locations through a strategic partnership with Xponential Fitness, ultimately leading to a successful IPO in 2021. However, this episode dives beyond her achievements with Row House, exploring her current role as a Founder's Co-Pilot, guiding early-stage growth companies to success.

Debra’s journey in the fitness industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her strategic vision and leadership propelled Row House to the forefront of the boutique fitness market, earning the brand a 390% growth rate and a spot on the INC.com 5000 list.

Now, through Fitizens Holdings, Debra has pivoted to advising and investing in early-stage companies within the Health, Wellness, and Fitness sectors. In her conversation with Krissy Vann, she shares valuable insights on the key components of building a successful business— from understanding target customers to developing effective client acquisition and retention strategies. Debra emphasizes the importance of creating a strong value proposition and the need for sustainable growth in today's competitive market.

For listeners of The ATFW Podcast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and key takeaways. Whether you're an executive in the fitness industry, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone interested in business growth, Debra Strougo’s story and insights provide a wealth of information that can inspire and inform your own journey.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: Listen Here