The SOZO STORY
Wellbeing Rooted InConnection & belonging
Across every demographic, we are living in an era marked by anxiety, emotional fatigue, and disconnection. In the rush to measure, perform, and perfect, wellbeing lost what made it meaningful: Human Connection. SOZO was created to restore what was forgotten—our need for real connection, community, and belonging.
A Wellness Health ClubFor Today's Adults
Designed exclusively for adults 30+, SOZO is not another gym. It’s a new kind of Social Wellness Health Club, unlike anything that exists today, created to bring back what’s been missing: authentic connection, genuine community, and a sense of belonging that feels both timeless and vital.
Where ConnectionBecomes Community
SOZO is envisioned as a new kind of Third Place, where adults reconnect with themselves, with others, and with life. Here, connection becomes community, and community evolves into shared-interest tribes that make wellbeing feel human again.
The Vision Began
SOZO began with a simple idea: true wellness starts with Human Connection.
Its name reflects that belief — SOZO means to heal, restore, and make whole. That purpose brought together experienced leaders committed to creating a new kind of wellness community, one intentionally designed to foster connection, belonging, and whole-person wellbeing.
FOUNDERS & EXECUTIVE TEAM
Gary Henkin – Co-Founder & Chairman
With over 40 years leading premier health, fitness, spa, and wellness operations, Gary is the Founder and former CEO of WTS International, a global leader in wellness facility management. He brings deep expertise in scaling multi-site operations, optimizing performance, and delivering exceptional member and guest experiences across international markets.
Herb Lipsman – Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Herb has spent more than four decades operating and elevating iconic health clubs and spas, including The Houstonian, The Clubs at Houston Oaks, and VillaSport. A seasoned operator and industry visionary, he brings a proven track record in revenue growth, member engagement, and developing high-performing teams within large-scale, experienced-driven environments.
Dan Lynch – Co-Founder & Chief Wellness Officer
For 40+ years, Dan has designed wellness and fitness programs for major hospitals, physician groups, and Fortune 100 companies such as Mobil Oil Corporation, JP Morgan, Chase, HBO, American Express, and Merrill Lynch. A pioneer of medically integrated wellness, he has partnered on numerous large-format health and fitness centers, bringing evidence-based strategy and operational rigor.
Jamie Gull – Chief Development Officer
Jamie is an experienced development executive specializing in site selection, construction, and scalable market expansion. Formerly Chief Development Officer at L.L. Bean, and now a strategic advisor to the SOZO brand, he brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to multi-unit rollout, capital planning, and development execution.
The SOZO Team
Building on the founders’ vision, the SOZO team blends strategy with soul in everything they create. Advised by leaders in wellness, longevity, medicine, psychology, and design, they bring uncommon depth to every detail. With expertise spanning operations, real estate, finance, branding, marketing, and technology, this execution-ready team brings vision into place. Together, they’re redefining what wellness can feel like.
Castle Placement
Premier private capital investment bank.
Fabiano Designs | Architect | Rudy Fabiano
Award-winning designer shaping SOZO’s flagship facilities.
Reitler Law | Legal Counsel | Jesse Nash
Tier-1 legal team with $10B+ in venture and real estate deals advised.
TRUELL | Branding & Marketing Partners | Jacqueline Elliott & Curtis Armijo
Experts in luxury brand creation, marketing, and pre-opening strategy—crafting brand architecture and positioning built to endure.
ALTA Technology Group
Leading health, wellness, and longevity technology consultants.
Brightside Marketing | Digital Marketing Experts | James & Emily Hamill
Leaders in digital marketing strategy driving investor interest and member engagement.
VOA Worldwide | Wellness Travel Partner | Jonathan Stoker, CEO
International experts in crafting restorative, wellness-centered travel journeys that elevate and extend the SOZO experience.
3rd Capital Fund | Investment Adviser | Loren Brink
Seasoned investor and founder of 3rd Capital Fund; former CEO of Health Fitness Corporation.
SRS Real Estate Partners | Karla Smith
Veteran broker with national expertise in securing high-value real estate sites.
Financial Strategy Consultant | Scott Krosnowski
Expert advisor on SOZO’s investor-grade financial model; currently CFO with deep experience scaling growth capital.
HR & Culture Adviser | Prospective Chief People Officer | Karen Joy
People and culture strategist guiding SOZO’s HR vision; positioned to lead post-funding.
Medical Adviser | Prospective Medical Director | Dr. Denise Brown
Partner at 3rd Capital, advising SOZO on longevity and medical strategy with potential leadership role post-funding.