The co-founder of what would become the Health & Fitness Association, Caro helped usher the American fitness industry into the mainstream. He also touched many people’s lives, both personally and professionally
Rick Caro, the co-founder of IRHSA (now Health & Fitness Association), and one of the American fitness industry’s most important and widely respected figures, died unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 79.
Caro, whose work in the industry spanned over five decades, helped create the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) in the early 1980s after he suggested that two leading associations at the time, the National Tennis Association and National Court Clubs Association for Racquetball Clubs, combine to form one organization.
In 1983, Caro then created Management Vision, through which he offered consulting and advising services to more than 1,700 fitness industry clubs, suppliers and organizations.
In 2024, IHRSA changed its name to the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), but Caro’s legacy carried on. This past March, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the HFA Hall of Fame, recognized for his achievements in “advancing the industry, championing its credibility and building a strong professional community,” per the organization.
Throughout his professional life, Caro also served as a key thought leader, speaking at many fitness industry events, writing in industry publications and authoring the book, “The Guide to Successful Power Facility Management.” He’s also credited with helping bring the fitness industry to the attention of Wall Street, opening up new paths for gym and club owners to access capital.
Caro also helped lead studies on fitness industry performance, and he contributed to the HFA’s ongoing research efforts. Ahead of his time on this front, the organization credited Caro for his “unwavering belief in data-driven decision-making.”
Many industry leaders, colleagues and friends reacted to Caro’s unexpected passing. Athletech News shares just a few of those below:
“Rick was not only a visionary leader but also a dear friend and mentor to me,” HFA president and CEO Liz Clark said in a statement. “From the moment I became CEO, Rick was there with encouragement, wisdom and steady guidance. I am deeply grateful for the time, care and perspective he shared with me.”
“His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed left an indelible mark on my life and on the lives of so many in our industry,” Clark added. “We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on in the institutions he built and the leaders he inspired.”
ALTA Technology Group’s Al Noshirvani, a longtime colleague and friend of Caro’s, also expressed his condolences and recognition for Caro’s impact on the industry.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Rick Caro, an industry stalwart, a friend and a mentor,” Noshirvani told ATN. “Rick was not only a pioneer who shaped the fitness industry in immeasurable ways, but he was also a man of remarkable generosity — always willing to share his time, his wisdom and his encouragement. He helped launch countless careers and inspired so many of us to aim higher and do better.”
“To me, Rick was more than a colleague; he was a trusted guide and a dear friend,” Noshirvani added. “His impact will be felt for generations to come, not only through the industry he helped build but also through the many people whose lives and careers he touched. We have lost an amazing man, but his legacy of leadership, kindness and vision will live on.”
Bay Club president and CEO Matthew Stevens expressed similar sentiments.
“Words cannot express how much Rick meant to both Bay Club and me personally,” Stevens told ATN. “He was a friend, colleague and mentor to hundreds, if not thousands, of us in the industry. If any silver lining exists, (I’m) glad he got to spend his final day on earth at the U.S. Open.”
Edward Hertzman, ATN’s founder and CEO, expressed his gratitude for Caro’s support of him and the entire Athletech News publication.
“I am grateful to have called Rick a mentor and a friend,” Hertzman said. “He welcomed me with open arms, challenged me with tough love and inspired me with his wisdom. His passing is a profound loss for me personally, and for the entire fitness and wellness community.”
HFA said it plans to honor Caro’s contributions in the near future. The organization said it will share more details regarding plans for a memorial service and celebration of life as they become available.
Caro is survived by his wife, Sue, along with siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as many industry colleagues and friends.
