Albert Ramos discovered his calling in an unexpected place—stuck in traffic on Brand Boulevard in Glendale, California. Fresh from two years in television casting for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, he spotted a 24 Hour Fitness and felt something click. The former college football player missed the energy of athletics, the community, and the shared pursuit of betterment that defined his sports background.

That moment ignited a six-year journey with 24 Hour Fitness, during which Ramos advanced from sales manager to district manager. His path continued through Gold’s Gym and eventually led him to Life Time. His experience expanded beyond fitness to include serving as VP of Operations at Lori’s Gifts, overseeing more than 125 stores across 12 states, which provided him with a multi-industry perspective on scaling operations. Each stop taught him that businesses had incredible potential but struggled with outdated financial systems and workflows that held them back from reaching their full capacity.

Albert’s Journey Through Fitness Operations

Albert’s foundation stemmed from an economics and finance degree at Occidental College, but his real education took place on gym floors and in boardrooms across multiple major brands. His analytical mind thrived in complex business practices, eventually managing full P&L responsibility for operations generating up to $200 million in revenue. The experience spanned PE-backed, public, and founder-led organizations, giving him exposure to different funding structures and growth strategies.

The shy kid who once hid in college libraries analyzing financial statements had evolved into someone who could translate complex numbers into actionable business strategies. His unique combination of deep financial expertise and hands-on operational experience has caught the attention of the industry. Clients began reaching out for help with franchise portfolios, studio improvements, and optimizing wellness clinics.

What set Albert apart was his ability to see beyond traditional spreadsheets. While many finance professionals stayed behind computer screens, he developed skills in human capital management and strategic communication. This approach allowed him to work directly with banks on funding rounds, present to boardrooms, and build relationships that surpass the typical CFO responsibilities.

Stratego: AI-Powered Financial Solutions for Fitness Businesses

Stratego emerged from Albert’s recognition that the fitness industry desperately needed modern financial tools and workflows. The company reflects Albert’s strategic mindset and willingness to challenge conventional approaches. As President of ValiSights, Albert also developed AI-powered FP&A strategic finance tools, providing sophisticated forecasting and analysis capabilities across multiple sectors.

Stratego offers fractional CFO services tailored specifically for fitness and wellness businesses, combining traditional financial expertise with cutting-edge AI applications.

Stratego helps multi-location fitness and wellness businesses, particularly those scaling beyond three locations or facing cash flow challenges. The company focuses on operators generating between $1 million and $50 million in revenue who struggle with profit visibility despite growing sales numbers. Albert works with fitness studio owners, multi-unit wellness chains, and PE-backed longevity businesses that require financial systems to be rebuilt from the ground up.

Albert’s AI integration sets Stratego apart from traditional financial consulting. He has developed custom bots and automated workflows that can live within existing accounting systems, providing instant access to critical financial data. A simple query about outstanding receivables generates immediate results, complete with automated follow-up options for collections. Marketing departments benefit from AI agents that research industry trends and generate content without requiring daily prompts or oversight.

The company also tackles operational efficiency through AI-powered tools that analyze everything from staff scheduling to equipment utilization. For personal trainers and group fitness instructors, Albert has developed systems that integrate wearable device data, client preferences, and performance metrics to optimize programming and enhance retention rates. These tools help fitness professionals deliver more personalized experiences while reducing the administrative burden that often leads to burnout.

Final Thoughts

Most people overthink their next move, allowing the perfect opportunity to pass them by. Albert spotted 24 Hour Fitness during a traffic jam and acted on impulse, turning a random moment into a career-defining decision. His story raises an important question: how many breakthrough moments get lost because we’re waiting for certainty?

The fitness industry is filled with operators who know their businesses inside and out but freeze when faced with financial complexity or new technology. Albert’s success comes from his willingness to dive into unfamiliar territory, first leaving entertainment for fitness, then embracing AI when others hesitated. His approach suggests that the biggest risk isn’t making the wrong choice, but making no choice at all while opportunities compound for those brave enough to act.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.