We're proud of what we've become. But it wouldn't have happened without the most passionate team members in the business. And it all starts right at the top.
Bahram Akradi founded the Company in 1992 and has been a director and President since its inception. Akradi founded Life Time Fitness with the mission to provide an educational, entertaining, friendly and inviting, functional and innovative experience that meets the health and fitness needs of the entire family. With unwavering commitment to the member point of view, he and Life Time Fitness have since been credited with transforming the health and fitness industry.
Mr. Akradi has over 20 years of experience in healthy way of life initiatives. Prior to launching Life Time Fitness, Akradi led the growth of the Minnesota-based U.S. Swim and Fitness (formerly Nautilus Fitness Center, Inc.), of which he was part owner. It was the second-largest health club chain in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market when Akradi and his partners sold it to Bally Total Fitness in 1986. After continuing to operate the business as a division of Bally for more than two years, Akradi left the company to develop business plans and secure investors for his own company, which was established three years later. Life Time Fitness subsequently was introduced to consumers in 1992.
A native of Tehran, Iran, Akradi relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, at age 17. He began his health club career in sales at Nautilus Fitness Center while attending the University of Colorado and completing the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
Michael R. Robinson was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer upon joining the Company in March 2002. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Robinson was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Next Generation Network, Inc., a digital video advertising company, from April 2000 to March 2002. Prior to April 2000, Mr. Robinson spent approximately 17 years with Honeywell International, Inc., a diversified technology and manufacturing company, where he held senior management positions from 1994 to March 2000. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Robinson held the position of Vice President of Investor Relations and he was responsible for financial communications with investors and other third parties. From 1997 to 2000, he was the Vice President of Finance, Logistics and Supply for Europe, the Middle East and Africa where he managed accounting, finance, tax and treasury functions.
Eric J. Buss joined the Company in September 1999 as Vice President of Finance and General Counsel. Mr. Buss was elected Secretary in September 2001 and was named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development in December 2001 and Executive Vice President in August 2005. In December 2010, Mr. Buss transitioned from the General Counsel and Secretary positions, and became responsible for the company's media division in addition to his other responsibilities as an Executive Vice President. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Buss was an associate with the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP from 1996 to August 1999. Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Buss was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP.
Tami Kozikowski joined the Company in August 2012 as Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Construction. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Kozikowski was Chief Development Officer of Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer from June 2009 to December 2011. From November 2007 to February 2009 she served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising for Best Buy Co., Inc., a specialty retailer of consumer electronics, office products, appliances and software, where she was responsible for Best Buy's appliance, music, movies and gaming businesses. Prior to that, she served in other senior leadership operational roles with Best Buy Co., Inc., including Senior Vice President of Services (Geek Squad) Operations from August 2006 to November 2007, Senior Vice President Retail Support/Operations from March 2004 to August 2006 and Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Property Management.
Jeffrey G. Zwiefel joined the Company in December 1998 as Vice President, Health Enhancement Division and became Vice President of Fitness, Training and New Program Development in January 2004. Mr. Zwiefel was named Senior Vice President, Life Time University in March 2005, and named Executive Vice President of Operations in June 2008. Mr. Zwiefel has 23 years of comprehensive and diverse experience in the health, fitness and wellness industry. Prior to joining the Company in 1999, Mr. Zwiefel worked for over nine years with NordicTrack, Inc. where he served most recently as Vice President, Product Development. Mr. Zwiefel has a M.S. in exercise physiology.