STEPHEN P. SMITH is the Founder of Planet Beach and HOTWORX®. He has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors since April 1996. He received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Mississippi, a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and the Distinguished Certified Franchise Executive Designation from the International Franchise Association for his work and study in the Franchise industry. He has received his Personal Training certification through AFAA and Suspension Training certification through TRX among other fitness training certifications. His background as an athlete includes college football and Arena Football as well as numerous bodybuilding titles including NPC National Collegiate Champion. Mr. Smith has an extensive business background, which includes being an entrepreneur since 1986. He opened and operated Bodyplex Fitness Center from 1986 through 1989, Bay Street Tanning Boutique from 1988 through 1989, and was a licensee of three Gold’s Gym locations from 1989 through 1995. Mr. Smith also opened the original Planet Beach location in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1995, and he still owns this store today. In 1996, Mr. Smith founded Planet Beach Franchising Corporation and began franchising that same year. In 2014, Mr. Smith invented a new infrared fitness sauna which is now patented. It was designed for three people to work out with virtual instruction. He opened the original HOTWORX® 24 Hour Infrared Fitness Studio in 2017 and founded the HOTWORX® Franchise in that same year.
