Rick Caro, Industry Pioneer and Former IHRSA President, Dies at 77
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Rick Caro, a prominent figure in the health and fitness industry and a founding leader of the Health & Fitness Association, died on August 30 after attending the United States Open Tennis Championship. He was 77.
Caro was widely regarded as one of the architects of the modern fitness business. As president of Management Vision, he consulted with more than 1,700 clubs, suppliers, and organizations, helping establish professional standards and financial credibility across the sector.
He was a driving force in the creation of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), now the Health & Fitness Association, and served as its second president. Colleagues credit him with introducing the health club industry to Wall Street, improving access to financing, and opening the door to greater investment.
Caro authored The Guide to Successful Power Facility Management and led comprehensive studies of club business performance, providing operators with benchmark data that shaped business practices for decades. Beyond his published work, he mentored countless owners and executives who carried his emphasis on data-driven decision making into their own companies.
In March 2025, Caro was inducted into the inaugural class of the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame.
“Rick was not only a visionary leader but also a dear friend and mentor to me,” said Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. “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. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on in the institutions he built and the leaders he inspired.”
The Health & Fitness Association said it will share details about a memorial service or celebration of life in the days ahead.
Caro is survived by his wife, Sue, along with family, friends, and colleagues across the fitness industry.
