Peter Taunton
Peter Taunton (born February 17, 1972) is the founder and CEO of Snap Fitness.
In 2003, Peter Taunton had a vision to give consumers a fast, convenient and affordable workout alternative to traditional "big box" health clubs and entrepreneurs a practical model to run their own business. The result was Snap Fitness, a fitness franchise featuring the same great equipment and workout experience as full service clubs, in locations close to home with no contracts and access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
10 years later, and he has grown the company into the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise, with nearly 2,200 locations open and under development in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, India and the United Kingdom. While the company has continued to grow through the years, Peter’s commitment to providing both members and franchise owners with new tools and programs to help them achieve results.
Before founding Snap Fitness, Peter owned and operated five America's Fitness Centers in Minnesota. He continued to build and expand the business over the next 10 years, adding four fitness centers to the chain, before ultimately deciding to sell his clubs in order to spend more time with his family and pursue new aspirations in the fitness industry.
In 2010, Peter was named Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” in recognition of his vision and dedication to making Snap Fitness the industry leader for compact, state-of-the-art fitness franchises worldwide.
In addition, he has been featured by media outlets included Forbes, Fortune Small Business, Twin Cities Business Journal, Upsize Magazine and more, due to his small business expertise and wealth of knowledge in franchising.
Aside from his professional achievements, Peter is also very active in the community. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, as well as Aspen Research and Common Hope. He also contributes to many local charities and community groups, and travels internationally to assist with philanthropy efforts abroad.
When he's not running his business, Peter spends much of his time with his wife Kristin and children Max, Sunny and Beau. A professional racquetball competitor for eight years - partnering with identical twin Paul - he was once ranked 2nd nationally. He enjoys golfing, travel and giving back to the local community.