“Leslie’s been our secret weapon since 2004 and working with her has been one of the smartest business decisions I’ve ever made. She really “gets” wellness and why traditional health clubs and weight loss programs don’t work for the customers or the business owners.

She really knows her stuff and has counseled us on everything from A to Z.  I’ve come to count on her to help me translate big picture goals into practical “go do this next” steps.  Her guidance has facilitated the success of every aspect of Ultimate U’s business - invaluable help with financial forecasting, sales, marketing, customer relationships, people issues, investors—you name it.  The financial work we did was absolutely key and I cannot overstate its significance. The spreadsheets she and her team created have been great tools for analyzing profit and seeing how the puzzle pieces fit together.

Her ability to help us tell our story to investors and corporate clients is amazing. For example, when I presented to a potential investor a while back, my goal was to go in guns blazing and knock his socks off with a great presentation. It worked, because he spent the last 20 minutes of the meeting selling US! We accomplished our goal and a big part of of it was Leslie’s coaching on what to say, and how to say it.

Leslie's got a terrific “bedside manner”.  Our conversations always renew my sense of mission and enthusiasm.  She's helped us sift through many competing opportunities and narrow our focus to those with the greatest potential.   Time and time again she's provided an endless stream of ideas for making the most of each opportunity and quickly getting past problems that would've otherwise wasted time and energy.  Whether you’re just starting a business, or looking to take yours to the next level, Radial can get you there, and I give them my highest recommendation.”

Ultimate U has nimbly responded to new opportunities while keeping its core business concept intact.

In the late 1990s, founder Zoe Guirlinger was working as a licensed physical therapist frustrated with her own weight and health issues when she began collecting ideas for what became "The Ultimate U Challenge," a medically-based weight loss and personal development program for women and men. Initially an eight-week program built mainly around a sensible diet and exercise, The Challenge was first marketed to traditional health clubs.

Zoe continued to expand and enrich the program, adding modules to address issues like clinical depression that often accompany chronic weight issues. The program eventually grew to a year-long sequence of five phases, each addressing specific needs.

As the program grew, it became clear that The Challenge as designed performed best in a dedicated facility with permanent staff.  It moved into a 12,000 square foot facility. Its unique whole-person approach received raves from customers and interest from regional media, healthcare investors, and employers.

This success has led to a strategic relationship with a leading regional medical practice and to web-based program delivery reaching both individuals and employees of large corporations. Ultimate U’s also attracting national media attention through its collaboration with retired NFL Pro Bowler Eddie George on the NFL Moms Challenge featured on Fox Sports and Dr. Oz’s talk show.

Interest from new nvestors continues, and the company today continues its focus on growth through strategic healthcare partnerships and online delivery of services to corporate and individual clients.