Are Your Fellow Businesses Noxious to Your Business?
I read this story today, and it made me think about how you really have to watch for the other types of businesses operating in your building or strip mall when you are a club owner. The story is about a Gold’s Gym in Oaks, PA, operated by franchisee Bob LePage. The club was located in the same building as an automotive shop. At least twice, staffers called emergency workers complaining that they smelled gas fumes. Fortunately, tests by county officials showed that the air quality was safe both times, but it prompted LePage’s insurance company to advise him to move his club to a different building, which he is doing. Unfortunately, with a move often comes some issues with memberships, as LePage is finding out.
Stuart reminded me about a news item he wrote in 2008 about a club that also shared a buidling with an automotive shop. One of the owners of that club mentioned that the odor from the automotive shop occassionally wafts into the club. Apparently, however, not enough to cause a panic and close the club.
Have you ever had to deal with a similar odor situation due to a neighboring business? What did you do about it?
