Being a leader in wellness today isn’t just about launching the next big thing — it’s about building tools that actually help people live healthier, more connected lives. This space is changing fast, and only a few people truly understand what it takes to stay ahead while keeping it real. Lou Lentine, CEO of Echelon, is one of them. A lifelong entrepreneur with a knack for spotting what people need before they ask for it, Lou has turned Echelon into a powerful name in fitness tech, blending smart products with real community and a personal touch that stands out.
But it didn’t happen overnight. Echelon’s rise is rooted in grit, adaptability, and a deep focus on the people who use its products every day. Lou’s story, from working at his family’s marina as a kid to leading one of the fastest-growing fitness brands, is both grounded and bold. What really makes him stand out, though, is how he leads. With heart, curiosity, and a firm belief in building others up along the way. He’s not just changing how we work out; he’s helping shape what modern wellness looks and feels like.
Let’s dive into Lou’s journey and learn how his vision and adaptability turned Echelon into a fitness tech powerhouse!
A Journey Born from Entrepreneurship
Lou’s entrepreneurial journey began long before he stepped into the fitness industry. Growing up, Lou worked alongside his father at Lentine Boating Marina in New Jersey, where he learned the foundational values that would guide his career. “From a young age, I was devoted to the values of perseverance, discipline, and entrepreneurial zeal,” he reflects. The marina wasn’t just a family business; it was a classroom for him, teaching him the importance of hard work, customer service, and the realities of running a business. These early lessons sparked a vision in him: one day, he would start his own company.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Finance, Lou took his first entrepreneurial leap by founding Viatek, a company that would teach him the intricacies of product development, financing, and business resilience. “Every product I developed was financed. Successes validated my path, while failures taught me to pivot and push harder,” he recalls. Viatek was his first taste of the entrepreneurial world, and it laid the groundwork for everything that would come next. “It wasn’t just about building a business, it was about constructing character and resilience,” he says. The drive to innovate, coupled with an insatiable desire to make a meaningful impact, pushed him into his next chapter, the creation of Echelon Fitness.
A Pandemic Pivot
While many businesses were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lou saw an opportunity to redefine the fitness landscape. The sudden closure of gyms worldwide left consumers searching for at-home fitness solutions. Echelon, with its progressive vision and solid retail partnerships, was poised to meet the demand. “Thanks to prior strategic partnerships and a resilient supply chain, we were ready,” he shares. The result was a dramatic growth surge of over 200% in just a few months, as Echelon expanded operations, hired new staff, and quickly adapted to meet the shifting demands of the market.
But the pandemic did more than drive business growth; it reshaped how Echelon viewed its role in people’s lives. “Fitness wasn’t just physical — it was social, mental, and emotional,” he notes. With this understanding, the company began its foray into commercial fitness, placing its equipment in gyms, hotels, and apartment complexes. Lou also saw the opportunity to diversify further into wellness, recovery, and telehealth, laying the foundation for its continued growth in the next decade. “The pandemic was a pivot point, but it was also a revelation,” he admits. It was a moment where he understood the needs of consumers and expanded the vision to align with those evolving desires.
Defining What’s Next
Innovation, for Lou, is about more than just new products — it’s about pushing the boundaries of possibility to improve lives. Echelon’s journey into connected fitness started in 2017 when he founded Echelon Fitness Multimedia with a singular vision: to democratize access to high-quality, tech-forward fitness solutions. “I envisioned a brand that could challenge the connected fitness industry,” he explains. His goal was clear: to offer affordable, cutting-edge fitness equipment and immersive content that would appeal to a wide audience.
The result was a range of products that combined technology and fitness in new and exciting ways. From bikes and treadmills to smart weights and mirrors, Echelon’s portfolio covered every aspect of home fitness. But what truly set the brand apart was the immersive experience. “Echelon wasn’t just selling machines; we were cultivating a lifestyle,” he says. With world-class instructors teaching in multiple languages and an engaged digital community, its offerings went beyond fitness equipment — they created a sense of belonging and connection.
Echelon’s innovative spirit didn’t stop with its product range. In 2024, Lou led the company to acquire ThriveX, expanding into the recovery and wellness segment, while also launching ActiveMD, a weight-loss solution powered by GLP1s. Additionally, it partnered with Amazon Web Services to create AI-powered customization, taking fitness to a whole new level of personalization. He sees innovation as a continual process, one that requires foresight, adaptability, and commitment to improving lives. “It’s not just about the thrill of the next invention. For me, creation is about improving lives,” he reflects.
Staying Ahead in an Ever-Changing Industry
In a growing, tech-driven industry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Lou understands this more than anyone. “You have to be nimble in this business, fail fast, and pivot when necessary,” he says. This mindset of agility has kept Echelon on the leading edge of fitness tech. He attributes much of the company’s success to its ability to listen to its audience and continually adapt based on feedback. “You must get to know your audience, their likes, dislikes, and expectations,” he notes.
Lou is particularly proud of how Echelon has fostered a community of influencers and fitness enthusiasts who are deeply engaged with the brand. “Within our customer base, we have identified influencers who are thrilled to assist in Beta testing and trials. They give us feedback, and we’re constantly evolving because of it,” he says. This relationship with the community allows the company to innovate quickly, stay relevant, and ensure that the products and services it offers truly resonate with users.
Building a Strong and Resilient Team Culture
At the heart of Lou’s leadership philosophy is the belief that strong teams drive innovation and growth. He knows that no one person can master everything, which is why he emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with experts. “Double down on what you excel at and partner with experts where you don’t,” he advises. His approach to leadership is one of empowerment, trusting his team to take the reins while he focuses on vision casting and innovation.
Lou also believes in celebrating every small win, understanding that success is a mosaic made of many modest moments. “Stay curious, stay scrappy. That’s when the next big idea often strikes,” he says. This mindset not only drives Echelon’s internal culture but also keeps the company agile and ready for whatever comes next.
Balancing Innovation and Scalability Across Sectors
Echelon’s unique position in both the consumer and commercial sectors requires a delicate balance of innovation and scalability. “We put so much time and energy into perfecting at-home equipment, making it durable and long-lasting,” he explains. The commercial products, while similar in design, are made to withstand the rigors of constant usage in gyms and fitness centers. The scaling process also includes managing a diverse range of products to meet the demands of commercial fitness, with Echelon offering anywhere from 20 to 30 different commercial units at any given time.
Its ability to adjust and adapt quickly has earned it a reputation for being a company that delivers whatever is needed. “If you dream it, want it, need it, and we don’t have it, we’ll get it or make it,” he says, demonstrating the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its innovative spirit.
Embracing Challenges and Turning Them into Growth Opportunities
For Lou, leadership is not just about business growth — it’s also about personal balance. Despite the pressures of running a multi-million-dollar company, he is adamant about carving out time for family. “Quality time with loved ones is non-negotiable,” he insists. Whether it’s deep-sea fishing with his sons or managing restaurants with his family, Lou finds joy in blending work and life in a way that fuels both his professional and personal growth.
His leadership style reflects this belief, showing his team that it’s possible to achieve professional excellence while maintaining personal happiness. “I’m not just the visionary at the helm; I’m also the family man fishing with my sons,” he says, underscoring the importance of leading with empathy and authenticity.
The Next Decade of Connected Fitness
As Lou looks toward the future of connected fitness, he sees a landscape that will continue to evolve. “We will continue to be a market leader, innovating, and offering incredible services to our community,” he says. Echelon is focused on expanding its Recovery division, Telehealth partnerships, and live coaching programs, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of fitness technology.
Lou believes that the key to long-term success is staying relevant and continually evolving. “You have to listen to your audience and pivot effectively. That’s how you stay ahead,” he explains. For him, the future of fitness is not just about the next big invention, but about improving lives and making a lasting impact on the way people engage with their health and well-being.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to make their mark in the fitness and wellness space, Lou’s advice is to “pursue your dreams relentlessly and lead with empathy.” He believes that passion is the cornerstone of good leadership, but so is the grace to fail, learn, and rise again. “True impact happens when you empower others, reward excellence, and build communities of shared vision,” he says, emphasizing the importance of building a team that shares your values and vision.
Lou’s journey is far from over. With his eyes set on the future, he continues to innovate, lead, and inspire, shaping not just the fitness tech industry but the lives of countless people around the world. Through Echelon, Lou is not just building a brand — he’s creating a movement that will continue to transform the way we approach fitness, wellness, and connected living.
