Meet the team

  Chris Stevenson - former Power Ranger stuntman - is the founder of The Empower Group, a full-service consulting firm based in Westlake Village, California. Chris’s current focus is to help businesses and entrepreneurs of all types maximize potential. His expertise stems from his past hands-on experience in all aspects of the health club industry. For almost 20 years, Chris and his team successfully owned and operated Stevenson Fitness, a full-service boutique health club in Southern California. The club’s success was based on providing an unparalleled member experience, centered on proper staffing, systematic operations, and world-class leadership. This success was reflected in the club’s NPS, which was consistently in the 90s (industry average is in the 40s). Chris recently embarked on a new fitness solution and founded Be Military Fit California. Be Military Fit is the world leader in military fitness and outdoor training.  In addition, Chris is an international speaker who regularly presents at IDEA, IHRSA, Club Industry, and many other fitness and business events. He also sits on the board of directors of IHRSA and the Customer Engagement Academy. From health and wellness to business strategies, Chris has the unique ability to instantaneously connect with people and to present viable, applicable lectures that resonate with every audience. 

    Named one of IHRSA’s Women Who Inspire in 2019, Marisa Hoff is the Director of Operations at The Empower Group, a full-service consulting firm based in Westlake Village, California. Marisa’s current focus is working with fitness professionals and their businesses to achieve growth and continued success. For nearly ten years, Marisa was the General Manager at Stevenson Fitness, a full- service 7500 square foot boutique health club in Southern California. Marisa oversaw all club operations and worked to build a membership of over 2000 members with an NPS (net promoter score) consistently in the 90s, retention rates over 70 percent, high active user rates, and a booming group exercise program. Both the personal and small group training departments thrived under her leadership. Recently, Marisa has co-founded Be Military Fit California, bringing the world-renowned brand to the U.S. market. Be Military Fit is the world leader in military fitness and outdoor training. Marisa holds a master’s degree in education and is an international presenter at fitness conferences, including IHRSA, The Retention Convention Beijing, Club Industry and IDEA.