Press

April 30, 2013

Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

How to Create a Healthy Workplace: Retrofit Provides Tips for Losing Weight at Work

Chicago, IL - (April 30, 2013) Retrofit, the weight loss program for busy professionals, provides unrivaled strategies for creating healthy work environments through innovative technology and client support. The stakes are increasing rapidly as overweight full-time workers become less productive and healthcare costs rise. Corporate clients that choose reward-based programs in lieu of punitive measures are having great success as they drive sustained results.

“Employers nationwide feel the need to rev up energy and productivity among workers, while at the same time reducing their healthcare costs,” said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman. “Short bursts of attention to behavior change do not help the employee, employer, or our healthcare system. Only sustained behavior change is meaningful, so small baby steps towards healthy habits are more useful than grand plans for both corporations and their employees.”

A 2011 Gallup survey estimated that American obese and overweight full-time workers miss an additional 450 million days of work each year compared with healthy workers, resulting in $153 billion in lost productivity.

“Work has become the perfect place to implement the latest behavior modification strategies,” said Retrofit Advisory Board member Brad Saks, PsyD. “In the wake of companies using 'the stick,' or penalties, to change employee behavior, decrease obesity, and lower health care costs, Retrofit is committed to vigorous behavior change through more positive 'nudges'.”

More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight and 96.5% of those say they have made at least one positive behavior change since starting the program. The Retrofit corporate client roster includes: Walgreens, Oreck, Dolby Laboratories, Accretive Health, the NFL Players Association, Salesforce.com, VISTA Staffing Solutions and more.

The Retrofit program includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and behavior coach via Skype videoconferencing. Clients learn how to change behavior by identifying areas where small changes can be made to incorporate healthy new daily habits. This personalized coaching approach, enabled by wireless tracking, is gaining traction. Forbes.com calls Retrofit the “front-runner in harnessing wireless and remote technology to help busy clients lose weight.” TechCrunch named Retrofit as one of the “Hottest Health and Fitness Apps” of 2012.

In January, VISTA was awarded the Retrofit My Company Grand Prize of free weight loss for its employees. Collectively, VISTA Staffing employees have already lost more than 500 pounds. Executives at the company's Salt Lake City headquarters, where more than 75 employees are enrolled in Retrofit's weight loss program, have noted that employees seem “happier and more productive.”

“We have witnessed firsthand how social support at work can be a key variable and asset to building healthy habits and subsequently promoting behavior change,” said Retrofit Lead Behavior Coach Jennifer Plotnek, LCSW-C.

Plotnek reports that Retrofit clients at one law firm in Chicago meet every afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to walk stairs in their office building; the company also offers healthy snacks to employees several times a week.

“Clients reported that they were more compelled to increase their daily step counts when they walked with colleagues. They also posted charts displaying data from Fitbit activity trackers. This incentive-based program inspires healthy competition among its employees. The example demonstrates how to cultivate people's strengths to promote behavior change. This is a company filled with high achieving corporate executives who are tenacious in their work, but have not had prior success at addressing their health issues,” Plotnek said.

Dr. Saks suggests the following changes to encourage a healthier corporate environment, based on research from Cornell University among others:

Workplace cafeterias can offer “healthy discount cards,” prepaid cards used for food purchases. The cards can be used for a discount on items such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products. Chips, desserts and soda can only be bought at regular prices with cash.
Food from the cafeteria can be pre-ordered so employees can commit to their choices before being tempted by some of the less healthful food options they might encounter while waiting in line.
By simply changing the shape of food containers, cafeterias can promote consumption of certain foods and beverages relative to less healthful foods. Larger bowls can be used for fruit and vegetables, while small plates and dishes can be used for desserts or other less nutritious foods.
Employers can make their physical environment conducive to healthier workplaces. Offices or cubicles can come with stand-up desks, and walking paths can be part of corporate campuses (with specific times set aside for walking).

“Working toward these personal goals at the office may seem odd, but losing weight at work is clinically proven to be easier than going at it alone,” said Hyman, referring to a study published in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

According to research from Tufts University and Massachusetts General Hospital, worksites have the potential to become a central element in national efforts to reduce obesity because they have naturally occurring social groups. In theory, this type of support makes it easier to lose weight.

In spite of these findings, many employers opt for the stick instead of the carrot. According to a recent study of 800 mid- to large-size firms by human resources consultancy Aon Hewitt, an astounding six in 10 employers say that in the next few years they plan to impose penalties on employees who don't take action to improve their health.

“Our experience shows that the more successful strategy is to incentivize health improvement efforts with reward-based programs,” Hyman said. “Employers should remove the stigma surrounding overweight employees and instead create learning environments where sustainable, life-long behavior changes can flourish and benefit the company for the long run. Individual progress is most likely to occur with a combination of readiness and rewards – not punishments. Companies need to lower the emotional temperature so that employees are not defensive and become open to change.”

“There needs to be a shift in thinking and practice,” Hyman said. “Penalties create mistrust and will eventually be counterproductive to the work environment. This is an exciting time for behavior change in the workplace. With advances in technology and data-driven programs, health care costs are going down as we implement the latest strategies that behavioral economics has to offer.”

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and behavior coach. Retrofit has raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million. Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

April 18, 2013

Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman Named Finalist for 2013 Illinois Technology Association (ITA) CityLIGHTS Award for CEO of the Year

14th Annual CityLIGHTS Awards honor companies and individuals whose innovation and success drive growth in Illinois

Chicago, IL – (April 18, 2013) – Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman has been selected as a finalist for a 2013 Illinois Technology Association (ITA) CityLIGHTS award for the CEO of the Year. Hyman's success is being recognized by ITA for founding and leading the Chicago-based high-tech weight loss program for busy professionals. Retrofit has also been named by Forbes as the “front-runner” in harnessing wireless & remote technology to help busy professionals lose weight and keep it off.

Winners will be announced at the CityLIGHTS Awards Gala on Thursday, May 9, 2013, in the Great Hall at Union Station in Chicago. The gala attracts more than 700 people – representing 400 organizations – including business owners, investors, legislators and policymakers.

A panel of accomplished judges representing the Who's Who in Illinois technology reviewed nominations and selected the finalists. Judges hail from major organizations including Microsoft, University of Chicago, New World Ventures, Walgreens, and World Business Chicago. The list of past winners includes GrubHub.com, NAVTEQ, Model Metrics, Redbox, and Braintree.

“I am honored the judges of the 14th Annual ITA CityLIGHTS Awards have recognized me and Retrofit as a leader in innovation and achievements by selecting me as a CityLIGHTS finalist. I am honored to be in such good company among the select group chosen for the CEO of the Year Award,” Hyman said.

The award is presented to the company CEO who has “led successful company growth through leadership, ability to attract and retain talented resources, financial accomplishments and strategy for continued company growth.”

“We are thrilled to host an event where some of the many accomplishments of the local tech industry are recognized,” said ITA President & CEO Fred Hoch. “Technology advancements affect every company, no matter the product or the industry. The need for companies to leverage the efficiencies offered through these new tools has never been more important, especially as they look to grow, attract and retain talent, and gain visibility. The Awards Gala is a celebration of the companies developing the technology and the companies utilizing it.”

Public voting is open until April 22, 2013. Winners will be determined by composite score (50 percent judges; 50 percent community voting) in all categories except the CityLIGHTS Award, which is determined solely by the ITA Board of Directors. Votes can be submitted through end of day on April 22, 2013.

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

About the ITA

The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is the driving force behind Illinois' vibrant technology industry. ITA's extensive lineup of curated member programs and services address three key critical areas: growth, talent, and visibility. By leveraging the connections and expertise of its more than 600 member companies representing a workforce that is 50,000 strong and growing, the ITA provides the ecosystem growing technology companies need to succeed. For more information, visit www.illinoistech.org, follow the ITA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itabuzz, and view the ITA’s Facebook profile at www.facebook.com/illinoistechnology.

Media Contacts:

Dorothy Radke, Marketing & Communications, ITA, 312.924.1044, dradke@illinoistech.org
Jennifer Zeidler, Director of PR & Social Media, Retrofit Inc. 855.473.8763 x776, jenniferz@retrofitme.com

March 19, 2013

Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Retrofit Weight Loss Recruits Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Williams, Former President of McDonald’s Corporation Technology Subsidiaries

Chicago, IL - (March 19, 2013) - Retrofit, Inc., the weight loss program for busy professionals, has appointed leading global technology executive Kimberly Williams as its first Chief Operating Officer. Williams, a senior-level executive with management experience in a variety of businesses, will combine her knowledge of the technology and service sectors to drive growth for the Chicago-based weight loss company.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kimberly Williams as the C.O.O. of Retrofit,” said Retrofit C.E.O. Jeff Hyman. “Her experience in leveraging technology to drive scalable business will help create a high-performance culture. Her expertise in building repeatable systems will allow us to improve our client services and increase efficiency as we grow.”

Williams will lead Retrofit's team of national wellness experts as they drive unrivaled outcomes for weight loss clients through innovative technology and client support. More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight on the program, which includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype videoconferencing. The company was named by TechCrunch as one of the “Hottest Health & Fitness Apps” of 2012. Forbes.com calls Retrofit a “front-runner in harnessing wireless and remote technology to help its busy clients lose weight.”

“I'm proud to join the talented management team at Retrofit,” said Williams, the former President of Restaurant Technology Services, LLC, which provides IT help desk services for 13,000 McDonald's restaurants worldwide. “I look forward to helping Retrofit improve upon its already world-class weight loss results and helping our clients overcome the nation's most critical healthcare issue.”

Williams brings over 20 years of experience in building organizational structures and managing remote teams. Retrofit, headquartered in Chicago, has 80 full-time & part-time employees, most of whom work from remote offices across the country. Williams has overseen businesses that include rapid-growth start-up ventures as well as Fortune 500 entries.

Prior to her role at Retrofit, Williams served as President of both Restaurant Technology Services and Restaurant Application Development International (formerly Verety Software, LLC, which was later acquired by McDonald's Corp. headquartered in Oakbrook, IL). Under her guidance, RDI handled global software for point of sale systems for restaurants in 89 countries. Williams built an organizational structure and management team to direct 600 work-at-home agents who leveraged Voice Over IP technology to take restaurant drive-through orders remotely.

Williams also served as President of a $240M subsidiary of Banta Specialized Publications Group (now owned by R.R. Donnelley), where she managed more than 1,200 employees and generated operating earnings of nearly $27 million by growing the business and implementing cost-saving measures.

In her early career, Williams worked for Boston Consulting Group and Arthur Andersen. She holds a BBA degree from University of Michigan and an MBA degree from University of Chicago. Williams is currently an active member of Vistage, a national group of business thought leaders.

“Kimberly has a history of creating value through her ability to merge technology with customer service systems,” said Hyman. “We see her unique skill set as an opportunity to further serve the needs of business professionals as Retrofit Weight Loss continues to tackle the nation's obesity crisis.”

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

March 18, 2013

Contact:
Mayor’s Press Office
312.744.3334
press@cityofchicago.org

Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Mayor Emanuel and Retrofit Weight Loss Announce the Relocation of Retrofit Inc. Headquarters to Downtown Chicago

Company Projects In The Upcoming Year To Double Staff To 100 Employees

Today, Mayor Rahm Emanuel in partnership with Retrofit Inc. announced Retrofit (www.RetrofitMe.com) will move its national headquarters to downtown Chicago, IL, a move that will lead to the doubling of its staff.

“I welcome Retrofit to Chicago and commend the company on its choice of Chicago for its corporate headquarters,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I am committed to bringing new and technologically advanced businesses to Chicago, especially those that want to grow their businesses creating jobs and opportunity for Chicagoans.”

Retrofit is a data-driven weight management company, dedicated to long-term weight loss for working professionals. Retrofit provides an innovative year-long program that includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach.

"Retrofit Inc. is excited to establish strong roots in Chicago and be among the technology companies that are thriving under Mayor Emanuel’s pro-growth, pro-business leadership," said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman. “City Hall’s strong emphasis on investment in commuter infrastructure and workforce development made Chicago the right fit for our continued growth.”

Job creation and the attraction of corporate headquarters to Chicago are central to Mayor Emanuel’s economic blueprint. Today’s announcement marks the 12th corporate headquarters relocation to Chicago and over the 50th technology company to commit to creating jobs for Chicagoans during Mayor Emanuel's administration.

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit has created a 20% off code good through the end of this month for City of Chicago Employees, who can enter "Chicago" to save 20% off the program by visiting: http://www.retrofitme.com/save/city-of-chicago

All others can save 20% on the Retrofit weight loss program through 3/31/2013 by entering "Chicago" at checkout when visiting http://www.retrofitme.com/offer/chicago

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

February 14, 2013

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Relationship Rescue: Retrofit Helps Couples and Co-workers Lose Weight

Skokie, IL – (February 14, 2013) - Skip the candy this Valentine’s Day and celebrate by making time to get healthy with a friend or loved one. Studies show that people trying to lose weight with a partner find social support a huge factor in their success. Retrofit, Inc., the weight loss program for busy professionals, has found that clients who embark on a weight loss journey with a partner value the additional support because it contributes to successful results.

“Teaming up with someone to improve your health is a great way to ensure long-lasting success and shed those extra pounds,” said Retrofit Lead Behavior Coach Jennifer Plotnek. She adds that clients who are working together have an easier time sticking to their weight loss goals and subsequently creating a healthy environment for the entire family or workplace. “There is power in numbers.”

A study published last month in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships reports that mixed weight couples, where one partner is overweight and the other one isn't, have more relationship conflict. However, Retrofit Advisory Board Member Dr. Brad Saks, PsyD, finds the opposite is true for couples who support each other in their efforts to exercise and eat healthy.

Numerous Retrofit clients have signed up for the innovative weight loss program alongside a spouse or co-worker. More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight on the program, which includes wireless monitoring of a client’s weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype videoconferencing.

"Weight management can be a real challenge in our food-rich environment. Having honest and caring communication with your significant other, and having support, is vital for losing weight,” said Dr. Saks, who suggests not being afraid to ask a partner for help. “Ask for help removing foods that get you into trouble and make sure good foods are available around the house or office, so you and your weight loss partner both stay on track.”

“It helps to have a partner who understands that you are trying to make overall healthier choices,” said Retrofit client Amy Williamson, who recently completed the year-long Retrofit program with her husband Kilby. Together they lost almost 65 pounds. “There is less likelihood of sabotage, where one is influencing the other to ‘be bad.’”

Dr. Saks also references the social contagion theory published by the Framingham Heart Study in the New England Journal of Medicine, which demonstrates how chronic/behaviorally based diseases such as obesity can spread through social networks.

“The take-home is that the better you do on a weight loss program, the better your significant other, spouse, friend or co-worker does as well. Working in tandem is actually doing the other person a favor because success can come easier when you work towards a unified goal,” adds Dr. Saks.

“When you have those around you working towards the same goals, then you have a strategic advantage with idea bouncing,” said Jake Dekelver, Facilities Manager at VISTA Staffing Solutions, a Salt Lake City company that won a year of weight loss in the “Retrofit My Company” contest.

“When you can hear others’ ideas and bounce some of your own off of them, the ideas only get better. It goes with the old adage of ‘Two heads are better than one’. You can refine ideas on how to get your step counts, find better, healthier recipes, and cheer on achievements. It helps to have that extra accountability to push you through both the good and bad times.”

Plotnek offers the following tips to her Retrofit clients for losing weight and making sustainable behavior changes with a partner:

1. Support, but don’t police. Remember that motivation waxes and wanes. If your loved one is also trying to lose weight and you find yourself losing focus, your partner is a great person to help you stay committed to your goals with positive support and encouragement. Take walks together and support each other with meal planning.

2. Make time to get healthy by scheduling appointments. Block out time on your calendar for exercise and grocery shopping, and hold each other accountable to the plan.

3. Challenge each other to eat slowly and mindfully. See who can be the last person to finish their meal rather than the first one. It takes 20 minutes for your head to catch up with your stomach, so slow down and give your body a chance to recognize that it is full.

“Losing weight together creates a bond that makes your love grow stronger,” Plotnek said. “Inspire each other to want to get healthy and live longer for your children or grandchildren. Don't wait for health problems to happen. Be proactive and prevent them together.”

About Retrofit

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

February 4, 2013

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Get Back in Your Game with Retrofit:
Official Weight Loss Program of the
NFLPA Former Players

Skokie, IL – (February 4, 2013) - Today is probably a rough day for football fans, whether they were rooting for the Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers. The Super Bowl has increasingly become a day of national celebration when Americans pile their buffet tables high with chicken wings and pitchers of beer. Retrofit, Inc., the official weight loss program of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Former Players, recognizes that armchair quarterbacks often need extra support and coaching so the big game doesn't cause big gain.

According to the USDA, Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving Day in terms of food consumption. Unfortunately, the calories from all those snacks and unhealthy choices add up quickly. The average fan consumed an estimated 1,200 calories and 50 grams of fat yesterday on snacks alone, reports the Calorie Control Council and Snack Food Association. Check out these additional jaw-dropping statistics:

An estimated 8 million pounds of avocados were mashed by football fans to serve as guacamole dip. (Source: California Avocado Commission)
1.25 billion chicken wings were eaten during the big game. (Source: National Chicken Council)
55,200 hot dogs were served at the stadium in 2009 when Tampa Bay hosted Super Bowl XLIII. (Source: Raymond James Stadium)
51.7 million cases of beer were sold to quench the thirst of Super Bowl fans during yesterday's game. (Source: The Nielsen Company estimate)

“It is important to remember that you can always get back on track after any indulgence,” said Retrofit Lead Behavior Coach Jennifer Plotnek. “Living mindfully is about staying aware and remembering that you are just one snack or meal away from getting it right.”

Retrofit teaches sustainable behavior change to its clients, some of whom played for the NFL and now appreciate the expert support and coaching. Retrofit, the weight loss program for busy professionals, delivers results through an innovative program utilizing the latest wireless technology along with personalized guidance from highly trained wellness experts. Each client receives private lessons with a registered dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing. More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight.

“Football players who make it to the Super Bowl have to train each day with the knowledge that every workout session has a purpose and a plan,” said Retrofit Lead Exercise Physiologist Gary Ditsch. “Take inspiration from NFL athletes and fully dedicate yourself to a workout routine. Try to consistently meet those training goals one day at a time. Getting back on track is challenging, but it can be done with support and dedication.”

Former NFL player and Retrofit Vice President of Business Development Reggie Smith agrees. “The NFL trains you to play at the highest level of competition. That need for competition doesn't go away once you leave the gridiron. Retrofit clients are high achievers whether they played in the NFL or not. They respond well to the advice and support of our highly trained wellness experts.”

Smith, who played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, introduced Retrofit to NFLPA members last May at a NFLPA Former Players, Chicago Chapter meeting hosted by Chicago Bears All-Pro Kicker Robbie Gould. The NFLPA recently kicked off a partnership with Retrofit on a national level.

Retrofit experts are sharing some tips on how to recharge and strategize for weight loss success to shed those unwanted pounds for good.

“If your New Year's resolutions were stalled by Super Bowl fever, it is time to set new rules for the eating game,” said Retrofit Lead Registered Dietitian Amy Margulies. “Choose meals that follow the guidelines of the ‘Perfect Plate,' which is 25% lean protein such as lean meat, beans, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds; 25% whole grains; and 50% fruits & vegetables. Get back to basics with three meals and two healthy snacks per day.”

“Stop beating yourself up for things you can't change.” said Plotnek. “Start focusing on changing your patterns to positively impact your future.”

Ditsch said, “If you ate more than you anticipated during the game, you are not going to burn off those extra calories by doing a little harder or longer workout on Monday. So just commit yourself to getting back on a regular schedule for the week ahead.”

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

January 31, 2013

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 473-8763 x776 (office)

Escaping the Corporate Fat Trap: Retrofit
Turns Weight Loss Resolutions into Reality

Skokie, IL – (January 31, 2013) - Two-thirds of Americans make New Year's resolutions to get healthy, but most fail to stick to a plan. Busy executives often need additional support to escape the trap of sitting behind a desk all day. Retrofit Inc., the weight loss program for busy professionals, is keeping employees active and accountable as they strive to shed those unwanted pounds for good.

More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight on the innovative program using the latest wireless technology along with personalized guidance from highly trained wellness experts. Each client receives private lessons with a registered dietitian, an exercise physiologist, and a behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing.

Retrofit is setting an example of its strong commitment to combating obesity in the workplace by giving almost $300,000 of weight loss services to qualifying employees at one lucky company. Earlier this year, VISTA Staffing Solutions in Salt Lake City, Utah, was selected as the winner of the “Retrofit My Company” Contest.

The winning essay described how the majority of employees spend their days “practicing the sedentary art of desk-bound communication”. For many VISTA employees, the gift of health couldn't have come at a better time. Retrofit cameras went behind the scenes to videotape candid interviews that revealed the challenges of losing weight.

Retrofit wellness experts will spend a year educating VISTA employees about how to avoid the dangers of living a sedentary lifestyle that have been well documented by researchers:

According to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, those who spend 11 or more hours a day sitting are 40 percent more likely to die over the next three years regardless of how physically active they are otherwise.
Emerging research shows that sitting for long periods of time contributes to the risk of metabolic syndrome, heart attack and stroke risk, and overall death risk. Those who sit a great deal also have lower life expectancies and slower metabolisms.
Studies show that average adults spend 90 percent of their leisure time sitting down, and fewer than half meet World Health Organization minimum recommendations for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

“Sitting all day at work can wreak havoc on even the best-intentioned plans to lose weight,” said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman, who flew to Salt Lake City January 2nd to surprise overweight VISTA employees with high-tech weight loss technology and services. “Retrofit creates strategies for small behavior changes that result in improved individual health and office productivity.”

“I am hearing some great comments from our staff members who are already on the way to meeting their weight loss goals,” said Clarke Shaw, Executive Vice President, VISTA Staffing Solutions. “Retrofit seems to have energized the participants. They feel confident that this will be the year they master their weight.”

Retrofit will return to VISTA after a year of data-tracking to see the results firsthand.

VISTA joins a growing roster of Retrofit corporate clients including Dolby Laboratories, NFLPA Former Players, Millennium Pharmacy Systems, Oreck, Walgreens and more.

In addition to coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Retrofit has recently been featured in Forbes as the “front runner in harnessing wireless and remote technology to help its busy clients lose weight”.

For more information on following VISTA on its journey to health, please contact jenniferz@retrofitme.com.

About Retrofit

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

About VISTA Staffing Solutions

VISTA Staffing Solutions, a division of On Assignment, Inc., is a leading provider of locum tenens physician staffing and permanent physician search services. Founded in 1990, the company helps hospitals, medical practices, and government agencies solve their physician staffing challenges. VISTA is the only agency that offers short- and long-term domestic jobs, international work opportunities, and permanent placement for physicians. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO). Physicians can visit VISTA's website for more information about U.S. locum tenens, extended placements, international locum tenens, and permanent physician jobs. Health care facilities can visit VISTA's website for more information about U.S. locum tenens staffing, extended placements, international placements, and physician search and consulting services. For more information please visit: www.vistastaff.com.

January 15, 2013

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 4 RETROFIT x776 (office)

RETROFIT WEIGHT LOSS ENTERS FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY IN NEW YORK
Lorenzo Valiente Named Retrofit Vice President of Business Development

Skokie, IL – (January 15, 2013) - Retrofit Inc., the first weight loss program created for busy professionals, announces the addition of New York-based Lorenzo Valiente as Vice President of Business Development. Valiente's primary goal is to make weight loss a corporate priority for employers in New York, where Mayor Mike Bloomberg's ongoing effort to combat obesity has made headlines.

TechCrunch recently named Retrofit one of the “hottest health and fitness apps” of 2012. Many employers throughout the country have already joined Retrofit in its fight to turn the tide on obesity in the workplace; Valiente aims to add even more large corporations to the company's client roster.

“As obesity continues to pose one of our country's greatest public health challenges and adds $4 billion a year in healthcare costs, the New York area was a logical choice for Retrofit to expand its business,” said Retrofit CEO and Founder Jeff Hyman. “Lorenzo brings an outstanding record of experience in the health and wellness industry. His strength in business development will allow Retrofit to build relationships with employers throughout the Northeast who are focused on revitalizing their staff and increasing productivity.”

According to Mayor Bloomberg, 58% of New York City adults are overweight or obese. It is a main driver for the city Board of Health's recent controversial move to prohibit the sale of large sugary drinks.

“New York is a key market for Retrofit, as we aim to help busy professionals take control of their weight and their lives. From Wall Street business consultants to high-profile lawyers and bankers, there are many opportunities for corporate growth and expansion,” said Valiente, who held a number of positions at New York Sports Club (NYSC).

As Corporate Sales Director for NYSC, Valiente successfully forged relationships with dozens of employers. His performance consistently placed him atop the organization's business development team.

“NYSC has a very similar sales model to Retrofit, and Lorenzo is committed to delivering the same results for Retrofit in New York,” said Hyman.

Retrofit offers businesses nationwide a comprehensive program designed to deliver sustainable weight loss results. Clients receive wireless tracking devices along with private lessons from a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing.

“Retrofit offers private lessons in mindset, fitness and nutrition to clients who are stuck behind their desks all day. The program offers the support and accountability they need to successfully manage their weight,” said Valiente. “As a busy professional myself, I understand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and look forward to helping others achieve their personal weight loss goals.”

Retrofit has also recruited seasoned VPs of Business Development in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and San Francisco.

“Our roster of high-profile individual clients and corporations demonstrates our commitment to the business professional,” said Hyman. “Our relentless passion to drive unrivaled results with the latest technology and a personalized approach is what sets us apart in the weight loss industry.”

Retrofit provides a turnkey solution for weight loss within the corporate environment. Current corporate clients include Salesforce.com, Walgreens, Dolby Labs, Oreck and the NFL Player's Association.

“Companies are getting hit hard as obesity and related diseases drive healthcare costs higher,” said Hyman. “90% of our clients are losing weight. When employers do a cost-benefit analysis, they welcome the chance to offer the Retrofit program to employees.”

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the first weight loss program created for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and by calling 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook and Twitter at @retrofitme.

January 2, 2013

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
Retrofit Inc.
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 4 RETROFIT x776 (office)
847-414-0828 (mobile)

Retrofit Weight Loss Announces Winner of National “Retrofit My Company” Contest: Surprises Salt Lake City Company with $300,000 in Free Weight Loss Services

Skokie, IL - (January 2, 2013) – Retrofit Inc., the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, announced today that it is making long-term New Year's health resolutions come true for the employees of one lucky Salt Lake City company. Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman awarded VISTA Staffing Solutions the Grand Prize of up to $300,000 in free weight loss services to transform and revitalize its staff.

VISTA entered the groundbreaking Retrofit My Company Contest last month with hopes of winning a year of free weight loss for up to 100 employees. Hyman flew to Salt Lake City on behalf of Retrofit to personally congratulate VISTA employees and Executive Vice President of VISTA Staffing Solutions Clarke W. Shaw.

More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight on the innovative program that uses the latest technology in wireless tracking devices along with highly-trained wellness experts. Each client consults with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing. The Retrofit program is designed for individual clients as well as corporate weight loss programs.

“Employers incur an average of almost $1,500 a year in additional health care expenses for each overweight employee,” said Hyman. “Such high costs drain companies of money that could otherwise be invested in growth, new products, and hiring. Retrofit is excited to award this program to VISTA employees and track their progress as they reap the health benefits of weight loss.”

“Winning this contest is a great opportunity for VISTA and our employees who want to make meaningful changes in their lives,” said Shaw. “What resonates with me about the Retrofit program is not only its focus on losing weight, but also how the program assists its participants in establishing a healthy lifestyle – a lifelong New Year's resolution!”

“We're very happy to have been selected as the winning organization of the Retrofit My Company Contest,” said Christian Rutherford, president of VISTA Staffing. “The Retrofit program will be a welcome and leading part of our wellness efforts in 2013, as 100 lucky VISTA Staffing Solutions employees receive the gift of sustainable weight loss.”

VISTA joins the growing list of Retrofit corporate clients, including Dolby, Oreck, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Millennium Pharmacy Systems, and more.

Dr. Rich Interdonato, a VISTA employee, compiled the winning entry, which stated:

“VISTA deeply understands and even depends on the universal need for quality health care providers. In spite of our awareness of the importance of health care and health in general, the nature of VISTA's global business requires that our employees spend a large portion of their day practicing the ‘sedentary arts' of deskbound communication....Achieving the Retrofit promise of reducing participant weight by 10% and keeping it off throughout the end of the program would not only benefit the employees of VISTA by improving their health and reducing at least one significant risk factor (i.e. overweight), it would also inject ‘the fun' of participating in a health promotional intervention into the workday again and that would be a warmly welcomed change.”

Retrofit has recently been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes as the “front runner in harnessing wireless and remote technology to help its busy clients lose weight”.

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and costly related health conditions including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes are soaring. According to a Duke University study, the combined estimated value of medical expenditures, absenteeism, and reduced productivity resulting from overweight full-time employees is $73.1 billion per year.

The Retrofit My Company Contest aims to help turn the tide on America's obesity epidemic. Retrofit wellness experts, who teach sustainable behavior change through private lessons, will spend a year transforming the winning company into a healthy and energized workplace.

Retrofit launched the month-long contest November 13, 2012. Prominent judges included: J.B. Pritzker, Managing Partner of The Pritzker Group; Larry Levy, CEO of Levy Organization; Bruce Cazenave, CEO of Nautilus, Inc.; Wayne Cooper, Publisher and Chairman of Chief Executive Group; Jeffrey Yordon, CEO and President, Sagent Pharmaceuticals; and Dr. Holly Wyatt, Clinical Researcher at The Center for Human Nutrition.

About Retrofit

Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep, as well as private lessons with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Retrofit recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), bringing the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million.

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/retrofitweightloss and Twitter at @retrofitme.

About VISTA Staffing Solutions

December 18, 2012

Contact:
Jennifer Zeidler
Director of PR & Social Media
RETROFIT
JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com
855 4 RETROFIT x776 (office)
847-414-0828 (mobile)

National Football League Players Association Kicks Off Partnership with Retrofit As the Official Weight Loss Program for Former Players

Skokie, IL (December 18, 2012) -- Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, today kicks off a winning partnership with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) to improve the health of its former players.

Retrofit wellness experts will work closely with former players to implement behavioral and nutritional changes to help them lose a minimum of 10% of their body weight and keep it off for life.

"The NFLPA is excited about the opportunity to partner with Retrofit," said Nolan Harrison, NFLPA Senior Director of Former Player Services. "Through this innovative weight loss program, our members will receive private lessons in fitness, nutrition, and mindset. The partnership with Retrofit shows our commitment to strengthen and improve the health of our players once they leave the gridiron."

"We are proud to add the NFLPA to our roster of clients," said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman. "Retrofit is better positioned than any other commercial weight loss program in the industry to provide such a high level of personalized service, accountability and support. Our expert team is trained to work with top-performing athletes, who are used to the regimen and coaching of the NFL. The partnership is the perfect fit to help NFLPA members reach their health and fitness goals."

More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight, using wireless tracking devices, along with private lessons via Skype™ videoconferencing with their own registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach.

Retrofit Vice President of Business Development and former NFL player Reggie Smith was instrumental in introducing the program to his fellow former players.

"Our number one goal is to make our guys aware of the health issues out there and work proactively to help them make changes for the better. The best way to combat any problem is through education and hard work," said Smith, President, NFLPA Former Players, Chicago Chapter. "Most athletes need a little prodding, which is why the Retrofit program works so well."

Smith, who played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is also a Retrofit client. He first introduced Retrofit to NFLPA members at a NFLPA Former Players, Chicago Chapter meeting hosted by Chicago Bears All-Pro Kicker Robbie Gould last May.

The NFLPA is now officially rolling out the Retrofit program on a national level to its chapters across the country. Qualifying NFLPA members can enroll at www.RetrofitMe.com.

"When you're an athlete, you’re full of hope and love for your teammates," said Smith. "That's what the NFLPA is all about. I want my former teammates to succeed at being healthy post-career and Retrofit is a huge help in crossing that new goal line."

About NFLPA:

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining.

Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players' interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA's responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; ensuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; providing other member services and activities; providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; and enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field.

For more information, visit www.NFLPlayers.com.

About Retrofit:

Retrofit can be found on the Web at RetrofitMe.com and 855-4-RETROFIT. Follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/retrofitweightloss and Twitter at @retrofitme.

December 6, 2012

CareerBuilder CEO Matt Ferguson Joins Retrofit Board of Directors

Skokie, IL (December 6, 2012) -- Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, has appointed Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder, to its Board of Directors.

"It is a privilege to announce the addition of Matt Ferguson to the Board," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of Retrofit. "He brings a wealth of strategic and tactical leadership experience that will position Retrofit to further meet industry demands, client needs, and corporate growth objectives."

Retrofit delivers unrivaled results in the weight loss industry, with more than 90% of its clients losing weight. Ferguson will be instrumental in leading Retrofit as it continues to reduce healthcare costs for businesses nationwide.

The innovative weight loss company recently raised $8 million in a Series A financing round led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ). The turnkey approach to weight loss is designed to offer private lessons in nutrition, fitness and mindset to executives and corporate employees. The Retrofit program includes one year of data tracking, accountability and support. Retrofit clients receive wireless tracking devices, along with private lessons from a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing. Current business clients include such companies as Salesforce.com, Dolby Laboratories, Oreck, and Sagent Pharmaceuticals.

"I have witnessed the growth of Retrofit as it aims to lead the weight loss industry in combating America's obesity epidemic in the workplace,” said Ferguson. "I look forward to providing guidance and support as Retrofit positively impacts the lives of employees and corporate bottom lines."

"Our role is to help support the company and ensure Retrofit is best positioned to meet its goals," said Mohanjit Jolly, DFJ Managing Director. "Matt brings strength in the enterprise industry that's incredibly valuable to our team. I'm delighted with the collective experience and background on the board that will guide Retrofit into its next phase of growth."

Ferguson is the CEO for CareerBuilder, the global leader in human capital solutions. Through constant innovation, unparalleled technology, and customer care delivered at every touch point, CareerBuilder helps match the right talent with the right opportunity. Under his direction, CareerBuilder is quickly expanding its global footprint with a presence in more than 60 markets.

"The formation of the Retrofit Board of Directors is key to our success," said Hyman. "Matt Ferguson brings a wealth of knowledge on successfully scaling a technology-enabled services business. His experience in outpacing competitors in traffic, revenue, and technology innovation will be a great asset to Retrofit."

About Matt Ferguson:

Ferguson took CareerBuilder to the No. 1 position in the online recruitment industry within five years. Focused on empowering employees and creating a culture of exceptional customer service, Ferguson has transformed CareerBuilder into a world-class organization that has revolutionized recruitment and job search. He set into motion an evolution that has taken CareerBuilder beyond being the largest job board in the nation to a company that offers a wide range of talent intelligence and consulting services. His ongoing commitment to delivering the greatest ROI to clients has driven dynamic growth that sets the bar for the industry.

Working with the nation's top employers on a daily basis, Ferguson is often called upon to provide insights on emerging trends, the impact of the economy on the job outlook, and advice for job seekers. He has appeared on CNBC Squawk Box, ABC World News, CBS Evening News, Bloomberg TV, the TODAY Show, FOX Your World with Neil Cavuto, Nightly Business Report and CNN Money, among other media outlets. In 2004, he was named to Crain's Chicago Business "40 Under 40" and ranked in the top ten list of Glassdoor.com's "Highest Rated CEOs." In 2007, Ferguson was recognized as the Staffing Professional of the Year by the Staffing Management Association of Greater Chicago, formerly EMA Chicago.

Ferguson first joined the company following CareerBuilder's acquisition of Headhunter.net, where he had been serving as senior vice president of business development. Prior to that, Ferguson developed strategic partnerships for DigitalWork.com. He also started two entrepreneurial ventures and practiced law at Baker & McKenzie. Ferguson has a B.S. from Indiana University and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Northwestern University.

November 29, 2012

Retrofit Expands Corporate Sales Team With Leadership Positions: Robb Folser and Garret Orr Named Vice Presidents of Business Development

Chicago, IL (November 29, 2012) -- Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, announces the addition of two new vice president positions for the Southeast and Southwest regions. On the heels of its $8 million in Series A financing, Retrofit has recruited seasoned VPs of Business Development Robb Folser and Garret Orr to expand its national corporate sales team.

"Retrofit is thrilled to announce this new acquisition of talent," said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman of Folser and Orr. "Their combined depth of experience in business development, strategy, and management strengthens the ability of Retrofit to scale at a faster pace as we continue to build relationships with employers throughout the country."

Retrofit, headquartered in Skokie, Ill., recently made headlines when it raised $8 million for its successful high-tech weight loss company. Retrofit offers businesses nationwide a comprehensive program designed to deliver sustainable weight loss results. Clients receive wireless tracking devices, along with private lessons from a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferences. More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight.

Folser is based in Atlanta, Ga., and will oversee all facets of development and acquisition of new business for Retrofit in the Southeast. Orr, based in Dallas, will focus on developing the Texas market and the Southwest region. Both vice presidents will report directly to Hyman.

"Our roster of high-profile individual clients and corporations sets us apart from the rest of the weight loss industry and demonstrates our commitment to the business professional," said Hyman. "Our relentless passion to drive unrivaled results is what attracts top-notch talent."

Retrofit provides a turnkey solution for weight loss within the corporate environment. Current business clients include such companies as Salesforce.com, Dolby, Oreck and Sagent Pharmaceuticals.

Folser joins Retrofit from the leading for-profit education company DeVry Inc., where he was Regional Manager of National Accounts for the Southeast. He is credited with establishing some of the strongest strategic partnerships with large corporations in the region. Prior to that, he spent more than 11 years as a top-producing Sales Executive with AT&T/BellSouth. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

"I strongly believe not only in the Retrofit model, but also its impact on the obesity epidemic. I hope to bring better solutions to employers for addressing the health concerns of their employees," said Folser.

Orr joins Retrofit from Ashford University, also a leading for-profit education company, where he was Director of National Accounts. He forged dozens of strategic partnerships and relationships with Fortune 500 employers nationally. Prior to that, he was Manager of Business Development with University of Phoenix, where he consistently ranked number one in the organization. He holds a B.A. in Organizational Psychology from Southern Utah University and an M.B.A. from University of Phoenix.

"My key focus is to enable workplaces to function better," said Orr. "Companies are getting hit hard as obesity and related diseases drive outrageous healthcare costs. The Retrofit approach is unique by design and aimed specifically at reducing that corporate risk."

November 13, 2012

Retrofit Weight Loss Raises $8 Million Series A Financing Led By DFJ Also Debuts the Breakthrough ‘Retrofit My Company' Contest

Chicago, IL (November 13, 2012) -- Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, has raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson. DFJ has invested $6 million in the innovative company dedicated to combating America's obesity epidemic. This round includes new investments from Correlation Ventures and Hyde Park Angels. Previous investors New World Ventures and I2A Fund also participated.

"Retrofit is thrilled to partner with venture capital pioneer DFJ," said Retrofit CEO and Founder Jeff Hyman, who points out that more than 90% of Retrofit's clients are losing weight. "With this investment, we will continue on our mission to achieve unrivaled weight loss outcomes for our clients."

DFJ is based in Menlo Park, Calif. and has a history of investing in emerging trends before they become mainstream. Retrofit will use the Series A financing to enhance its highly-effective online weight loss program as it continues to turn the tide on America's obesity crisis. Mohanjit Jolly, DFJ Managing Director, will join the company's board of directors.

Retrofit is a high-tech, high-touch weight loss program, which uses the latest technology in wireless tracking devices along with highly-trained wellness experts. Each Retrofit client consults with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferences. Retrofit delivers weight loss through behavior change to achieve results that can last a lifetime.

"Retrofit's mission is a big one: to reverse the course of the obesity epidemic by addressing the underlying physical and psychological hurdles of losing weight," said Jolly. "The passionate team at the company has demonstrated in just a short time how powerful the platform can be in changing lives for the better, and we firmly believe in the power of data-driven weight loss as a massive market opportunity."

The Series A financing brings the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million. Hyman created the company and initially raised $700,000 after he and his wife visited a destination wellness resort. Working with a personal team of experts inspired him to create a holistic program using technology to deliver the same kind of personalized weight loss program to consumers via the Internet. The company now has 80 full-time & part-time employees nationwide.

"Retrofit is a game-changer for the weight loss industry," said Brad Feld, a Retrofit client and Managing Director of Foundry Group. "A private team of wellness experts helped me re-program some bad patterns so I could lose those 'last 20 pounds' I had been talking about for a decade. Retrofit provided a positive and powerful feedback loop for success. Not only does the program help you lose weight, but also it helps you establish the skills to keep the weight off for life."

Two-thirds of America's population is overweight and related health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, are soaring. Retrofit is committed to changing those statistics as it transforms companies into healthy and energized workplaces. The weight loss company is so passionate about its mission and proven success with busy professionals that it is giving away almost $300,000 worth of weight loss programs in the groundbreaking Retrofit My Company contest.

Applicants simply submit a 500-word essay describing why they should win a free year of Retrofit weight loss for up to 100 of their co-workers at RetrofitMyCompany.com.

Prominent judges include: J.B. Pritzker, Managing Partner of The Pritzker Group; Larry Levy, CEO of Levy Organization; Bruce Cazenave, CEO of Nautilus Inc.; Wayne Cooper, Publisher and Chairman of Chief Executive Group; Jeffrey Yordon, CEO and President, Sagent Pharmaceuticals; and Dr. Holly Wyatt, Clinical Researcher at The Center for Human Nutrition.

The contest goes live on November 13, 2012 at 12:00 AM (CST) and closes on December 12, 2012 at 11:59 PM (CST). Retrofit will announce the Grand Prize winner on January 2, 2013.

About DFJ:

DFJ is a venture capital firm that partners with extraordinary entrepreneurs who set out to change the world. Since 1985, DFJ and the DFJ Global Network have had $7B committed to their funds and have managed more than 400 portfolio investments, including AdMob, Baidu, Box, Skype, Hotmail, SpaceX, Tesla Motors, SolarCity, Twitter, Tumblr and Yammer. DFJ works with companies at seed, early and growth stages, with the goal of creating iconic and lasting businesses. DFJ pioneers investing in emerging markets including consumer and enterprise information technology, digital media, and disruptive technologies. The DFJ Global Network is a federation of 16 independent venture funds operating on four continents that cooperate on investment diligence and co-investing. Learn more at dfj.com.

About Correlation Ventures:

Correlation Ventures, a $165 million venture capital fund, leverages world-class analytics to offer entrepreneurs and other venture capitalists a dramatically better option when they are seeking additional co-investment capital to complete a financing round. The firm makes investment decisions in two weeks or less and offers reliability and transparency about reserves and its intentions to follow in future financings. Correlation Ventures invests across all industry segments, U.S. geographies and investment stages – from seed through late stage. Current portfolio companies include Aldea Pharmaceuticals, Bunchball, edo interactive, Framehawk, Getaround, MOGL, SAY Media, Telly, and Virsto Software. Correlation Ventures has offices in San Diego and Palo Alto, CA. For more information, visit correlationvc.com.

About New World Ventures:

New World Ventures, a member of The Pritzker Group, is a multi-stage venture capital firm helping entrepreneurs build market-leading information technology companies. Since its founding in 1996, the firm has worked side-by-side with entrepreneurs at more than 70 companies by providing a broad network of strategic relationships, advice based on decades of experience, and flexible capital. Recent successes include SinglePlatform (acquired by Constant Contact in 2012), Zinch (acquired by Chegg in 2011), and Playdom (acquired by Disney in 2010). For more information, visit newworldvc.com.

November 13, 2012

Retrofit Weight Loss Announces Breakthrough 'Retrofit My Company' Contest Awarding up to $300,000 in Free Corporate Weight Loss Services

Chicago, IL (November 13, 2012) -- Retrofit, the expert-led, data-driven weight loss program for busy professionals, is solidifying its commitment to reduce skyrocketing healthcare costs for corporate America. The highly successful weight loss company is giving away up to $300,000 in free services to transform and revitalize one lucky company selected in the groundbreaking "Retrofit My Company" contest.

"Employers incur an average of almost $1,500 a year in additional healthcare expenses for each overweight employee," said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman. "Such high costs drain companies of money that could otherwise be invested in growth, new products, and hiring. Retrofit is awarding its program to one company, which will reap the health benefits of weight loss at no charge."

Retrofit also announced today that it has raised $8 million in a Series A financing led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ). This brings the total investment in Retrofit to $10.7 million, including funding from Correlation Ventures, Hyde Park Angels, New World Ventures, and I2A Fund.

DFJ believes in data-driven weight loss as a massive market opportunity and investing in emerging trends before they become mainstream.

"The office is a great place to drive participation in the Retrofit program, and it can have a profound impact on reducing healthcare costs for corporate America," said Mohanjit Jolly, DFJ Managing Director. "I've experienced the power of this program first-hand in my own office, as a couple of my colleagues have joined the program and we support each other through healthy competition."

More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight on the innovative program that uses the latest technology in wireless tracking devices along with highly-trained wellness experts. Each client consults with a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach via Skype™ videoconferencing. Retrofit has 80 full-time and part-time employees nationwide.

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and costly related health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, are soaring. According to a Duke University study, the combined estimated value of medical expenditures, absenteeism, and reduced productivity resulting from overweight full-time employees is $73.1 billion per year.

The Retrofit My Company contest aims to help turn the tide on America's obesity epidemic. Retrofit wellness experts, who teach sustainable behavior change through private lessons, will spend a year transforming the winning company into a healthy and energized workplace.

"With the Retrofit program, a wide range of our employees were excited to take part in losing weight alongside their co-workers. The strong appeal of this program, with its wireless devices and private one-on-one expert support, led over 100 of our employees to join Retrofit," said Donna Jennings, Senior Vice President of Human Resources of DeVry University. "Results have been very positive with over 90% of our employees losing weight. More importantly, our organization is becoming more wellness-oriented. Enabling both the organization changes and the individual transformations is incredibly rewarding."

Retrofit delivers personalized weight loss programs to consumers and corporate clients including: Dolby, Oreck, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Millenium Pharmacy Systems, and more.

The "Retrofit My Company" Contest launches on November 13, 2012 at 12:00 AM (CST) and closes on December 12, 2012 at 11:59 PM (CST). Qualifying entrants simply submit a 500-word essay describing why they should win a free year of weight loss for up to 100 co-workers at RetrofitMyCompany.com. The Grand Prize winner will be announced January 2, 2013.

Prominent judges for the Retrofit My Company contest include: J.B. Pritzker, Managing Partner of The Pritzker Group; Larry Levy, CEO of Levy Organization; Bruce Cazenave, CEO of Nautilus Inc.; Wayne Cooper, Publisher and Chairman of Chief Executive Group; Jeffrey Yordon, CEO and President, Sagent Pharmaceuticals; and Dr. Holly Wyatt, Clinical Researcher at The Center for Human Nutrition.

July 30, 2012

Diets Don't Work: Retrofit Offers Free Recipe for Weight Loss Success

SKOKIE, IL (July 30, 2012) -- Retrofit, LLC ( retrofitme.com ) the company dedicated to permanent weight loss, is giving free access to its exclusive recipe book, formerly reserved for clients. More than 400 Fit-Your-Life Recipes Under 500 Calories can now be easily downloaded at www.retrofitme.com/recipes.

"We feel a strong obligation to help build positive habits in a world that is not friendly to our waistlines," said Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman. "By allowing free downloads of our recipe book, we found a simple way to share a powerful piece of our successful program."

Just a click of a button provides healthy well-balanced ideas for using simple, fresh ingredients for easy-to-make recipes. This guide can help reduce caloric intake and provide nutritional meals and snacks from breakfast through dinner.

The philosophy behind creating 400 Fit-Your-Life Recipes Under 500 Calories came from the author and Retrofit Advisory Board member Dawn Jackson-Blatner, RD, CSSD.

"The recipes are at a sweet spot of calories - enough to fuel an active lifestyle without weighing anyone down," Jackson-Blatner said. "Recipes lower in calories make you feel cheated, deprived, restricted and honestly, just hungry. Recipes higher in calories can add up to weight gain, sluggishness and fatigue. So, we found the perfect balance for both nutrition and mental satisfaction."

Committed to combating America's obesity epidemic, Retrofit uses teams of experts to implement behavioral, nutritional and scientific methods to help clients lose a minimum of 10% of their body weight and maintain the loss for more than one year. More than 90% of Retrofit clients are losing weight.

The data-driven, expert-led approach to weight loss includes providing each client with wireless activity trackers, Wi-Fi scales and a personal team of wellness experts, including registered dietitians, exercise physiologists and behavior coaches, to stay accountable and reach goals.

"We are relentlessly pursuing the strongest results in the industry for our clients," said Hyman. "Major corporations throughout the country are motivated to help their employees benefit from the healthy improvements that our slow and steady weight loss approach delivers. By providing our clients with a personalized and unparalleled approach to weight loss, we are giving them the tools they need for success."

About Dawn Jackson-Blatner RD, CSSD:

The author of The Flexitarian Diet and co-author of Counseling Overweight Adults: the Lifestyle Patterns Approach and Toolkit, Jackson-Blatner has been an expert resource for media outlets such as Dateline, Newsweek, USA Today, and Web MD. She has a private practice based in Chicago, IL providing personalized nutrition counseling, healthy cooking classes and educational workshops.

Dawn was a national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and has 13 years experience working with clients to improve health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. She received Lifetime Television 2011 "Remarkable Woman Award" for her work in the field of nutrition. She holds a BS in Human Nutrition and Food Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

To set up interviews with Dawn Jackson-Blatner or for permission to publish the recipes, please contact Jennifer Zeidler at JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com.

June 20, 2012

The Impact of Technology on Healthy Behavior Change: Is Positive Behavior Addictive?

SKOKIE, IL (June 20, 2012) -- Retrofit, LLC ( retrofitme.com ) the data-driven, expert-led weight loss company dedicated to permanent weight loss will be addressing the "Impact of Technology on Healthy Behavior Change" on Saturday, June 23rd, with panelists from WeightWatchers.com, Fitbit, University of Miami Health Systems and MapmyFITNESS at Chicago's 2012 Techweek Conference.

Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman will discuss how a holistic approach to weight loss can deliver results to help combat America's growing obesity epidemic. The group of panelists will address how social implications combined with technology can drive behaviors, possibly making checking personal fitness data as "addictive as Facebook". Renowned executives in the weight loss, fitness and health industry will highlight the technological advances made in those areas of wellness and discuss the tools and behaviors that drive success.

"With two-thirds of the nation overweight, we need to look at what we can do to create sustainable results," said Hyman. "Technology gives us the tools for our teams of experts to analyze data and assist our clients on their journeys to health. Having an ‘angel' on your shoulder is the accountability necessary for the slow and steady results that our program provides."

On the heels of a $2.7 million financing effort this year, RETROFIT provides its clients with hi-tech wireless Fitbit activity trackers and a Wi-Fi scale so that clients can check behavior patterns and results with a team of supportive personal wellness experts, including a Registered Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist and Behavior Coach.

Retrofit's team of experts implements behavioral, nutritional and scientific methods to help clients lose a minimum of 10% of their body weight and maintain the loss for more than one year.

Panelists, who are converging at 1:00 p.m. Saturday on the Second Stage at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, include some of the biggest influencers in weight loss:

Jeff Hyman, Founder and CEO of Retrofit
Hyman is serial entrepreneur with a relentless passion for creating innovative companies and brands. He is driven by the belief that every individual is capable of doing incredible things once given the opportunity and knowledge. Prior to founding Retrofit, he was Founder and CEO of three internet-based services companies in the talent management field. Jeff served as SVP Sales & Marketing for Ameritox, a private equity-owned healthcare services company. He was the first VP Marketing of Dyson, now a market-leading consumer products company. Jeff gives back by advising a number of startup companies. He holds a BS from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from The Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Catherine Ulrich, Senior Vice President of WeightWatchers.com
Ulrich leads the Product Development, Content, and Creative teams at WeightWatchers.com. She is responsible for the global strategy and development of WeightWatchers' websites and mobile applications across 11 countries. Since joining the company in 2006, she has held various positions in Product Development and Financial Planning and Analysis. Rather than making money by "not doing evil," Catherine believes you can make money by doing good. She graduated with a BA in Engineering Sciences from Harvard College and a Certificate in Public Health Policy from the Harvard School of Public Health.

James Park, CEO of Fitbit
Park is an entrepreneur with a passion for creating great products and companies. Fitbit is the third startup that he has founded. Previously, James was a Director of Product Development at CNET Networks, where he led product management, engineering, and design for Webshots. Before CNET, James was a co-founder of Windup Labs, which was acquired by CNET in 2005, and prior to Windup Labs, he was the co-founder and CTO of Epesi Technologies. James also worked at Morgan Stanley, where he helped develop trading strategies and software for a quantitative trading fund. James never quite finished his computer science degree at Harvard College.

Jonathan "Jack" Lord, M.D., Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Miami
Dr. Lord, a nationally recognized leader in innovations in health care, has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Miller School of Medicine and UHealth-University of Miami Health System. A board-certified forensic pathologist who began his medical career in the U.S. Navy and later served as chief operating officer of the American Hospital Association and several biotech companies, Lord was the former chief innovation officer and senior vice president of Humana. He created Humana's Innovation Center and serves or has served as a member of a number of prestigious boards and organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee to the Director; the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality, which advises the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Kristina Bartoccini Bryndal, Director of Sales for MapMyFITNESS
Bryndal, who will serve as the Techweek panel moderator for this session, oversees media operations, manages key strategic partnerships and acts as a liaison for both Enterprise and Consumer MMF offerings. Prior to joining MapMyFITNESS, Kristina spent over 15 years in digital advertising in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago working for MTV Networks, Tribune Interactive, LAUNCH Media/Yahoo!, Ignited and Ogilvy & Mather. Kristina graduated Summa Cum Laude from New York University with a BA in Journalism in 1997.

About Techweek 2012 Conference

The Techweek 2012 Conference showcases the technology renaissance and entrepreneurship evolving in Chicago and the Midwest. From June 22-June 26, visitors will experience the life cycle of an emerging technology business – from idea to scale, focusing the conversation around the emergence of a global information society.

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact Jennifer Zeidler at 855-473-8763 x776 or e-mail JenniferZ@RetrofitMe.com.

May 14, 2012

Data-Driven Weight Loss Company Retrofit Expands Team to Support Customer Success

SKOKIE, IL (May 14, 2012) -- RETROFIT, LLC (retrofitme.com) - the company dedicated to permanent weight loss continues to deliver results to more than 90% for its growing customer base. On the heels of a successful $2.7 million financing effort, RETROFIT is expanding its expert-led, data-driven weight loss program to include 5 key positions. The company markets its innovative weight-loss protocol to consumers through employers and physicians. Committed to combating America's obesity epidemic, RETROFIT's team of experts implements behavioral, nutritional and scientific methods to help clients lose a minimum of 10% of their body weight and maintain the loss for more than one year.

Based on newly released data of active clients, RETROFIT announced the following results:

94% of RETROFIT clients are losing weight
12% of RETROFIT clients have already surpassed their 10% weight loss goal
RETROFIT clients have lost an average of 1.05 pounds per week utilizing the support of unique wireless data collection tools and RETROFIT's team of wellness experts

"We are relentlessly pursuing the strongest results in the industry for our clients," said RETROFIT CEO Jeff Hyman. "Major corporations throughout the country are motivated to help their employees benefit from the healthy improvements that our slow and steady weight loss approach delivers."

Deb Jerome, Human Resources Director of Chicago-based law firm Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, LLP, has been pleased with both the employee participation and the results. "With Retrofit we have made a huge impact on the way wellness and weight loss is viewed in our organization," she said. "People are excited. They are organizing their own daily meetings to walk the stairs together and they are actively encouraging one another. The program is contagious in the way it drives success for our employees."

RETROFIT is further investing in driving client success and sharing solid results, including accelerated hiring in key areas below:

Amy S. Margulies, 43, joins RETROFIT as Lead Registered Dietitian. She leads the dietitian team in developing nutrition strategies and training to enhance client results.

Jennifer Plotnek, 40, joins RETROFIT as Lead Behavior Coach. She is a licensed clinical social worker and leads the behavior coach team in addressing difficult cases and progressing coping strategies and training to enhance client results.

Jennifer Zeidler, 43, joins RETROFIT as Director of Public Relations and Social Media. She will accelerate the awareness of the unique RETROFIT program through increasing word of mouth through traditional media exposure, as well as social media channels.

Greg King, 43, joins RETROFIT as Tech Guru and Quality Ninja. He is leading customer service and improving the overall client experience.

Larry Myers, 31, joins RETROFIT as a Senior Software Developer, accelerating key platform initiatives to further client success and enjoyment using the Retrofit program.

March 15, 2012

Retrofit Raises $2.7 Million From Three Leading Chicago Venture Funds and Angels Data-driven weight loss company declares war on dieting

SKOKIE, IL (March 15, 2012) -- RETROFIT, LLC (retrofitme.com) - the data-driven weight loss program for data-driven people - announced today that the company completed a $2 million financing round led by I2A Fund, New World Ventures, and FireStarter Fund, in addition to the $700,000 previously raised in late 2011. A number of prominent business leaders committed to defeating the nation's obesity epidemic also participated in the financing.

"Although the obesity epidemic has reached crisis proportions in the United States, there has been almost no disruptive thinking in the weight loss industry. RETROFIT's data-driven nutrition, fitness, and counseling program promises to change that. The approach is intensive without being invasive and the results are promising. Over 90% of all clients report positive weight-loss results, with an average of 1.1 pounds lost per week," said Stuart Larkins, Managing Director, I2A Fund. "We see great potential in RETROFIT's revolutionary model."

The capital infusion will be used in RETROFIT's ongoing efforts "to ensure that our customers realize long-term weight loss success," said CEO Jeff Hyman. "Our mission is to free the healthy person within all of us. We achieve this through a blend of sustainable behavior change, data analysis, and personalized support."

"Our program marries advanced internet technology with direct one-on-one counseling by a team of nutrition, fitness, and behavior professionals," Hyman said. "It is an optimal solution for busy people whose schedules and responsibilities have made achieving healthy weight levels so challenging. We are committed to turning the tide on the obesity epidemic."

During the 12-month program, RETROFIT clients follow a personalized nutrition and fitness plan; attend weekly Skype video meetings with a private team of registered dietitian, behavior coaches, exercise physiologists; and use advanced wireless devices to track weight, body composition, physical activity, and sleep patterns from home.

Clients receive ongoing communication and reinforcement from their personal professional advisors that helps new habits stick. "It's a very different approach and our clients love it," Tucker Toft-Dupuy, one of Retrofit's 40 Wellness Experts, shares. "Our Wellness Experts love it too. I get the high impact expert interaction of my peers and we work together to change people's lives for good. Nothing could be more exciting."

Retrofit markets its innovative service directly to consumers, through employers, and physicians.

The investment group includes:

Lon Chow, General Partner, Apex Venture Partners
Brian Jacobs, General Partner, Emergence Capital Partners
Renee LaBran, Partner, Rustic Canyon Fontis Partners
Matt Ocko - Partner, Three Kingdoms Capital Partners
Shaun Abrahamson - Partner, EigenValue Fund
Matt Dickinson - Partner, Growth Angels
Larry Levy, Chairman, Levy Restaurants
Dan Malven, Chairman, Analyte Health
Sridhar Murthy - CEO, Analyte Health
Jai Shekhawat, CEO, Fieldglass
Ancelmo Lopes, CEO, Ameritox
James Roberts, CEO, Chamberlain Group
Jerry Acuff - CEO, DeltaPoint
Jeff Hughes - CEO, BizLab
Tom Peterson - CEO, Social Leverage
Brian Spaly - CEO, Trunk Club
Howard Lindzon - CEO, StockTwits
Dan Clifford - CEO, AnswerLab
Matt Gray, President, G Bar
David Rosenblatt, Vice Chairman, Arava Power
Bob Brinker - Publisher, Brinker Advisory Services

February 24, 2012

RETROFIT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION WITH TWO SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Maureen Giroux, Vice President of Patient Wellness, and David Myatt, Vice President of Employee Wellness, join RETROFIT team

SKOKIE, IL (February 24, 2012) - RETROFIT, LLC, the company dedicated to permanent weight loss, announces the expansion of their company with two new vice president positions. Maureen Giroux and David Myatt join the RETROFIT senior management team.

Maureen Giroux, 41, is vice president of patient wellness. Maureen will consult with physicians about how RETROFIT can benefit patients and their practice. Maureen brings 19 years of experience. Previously, Maureen worked at Bayer Healthcare as an executive sales consultant.

David Myatt, 43, is vice president of employee wellness. In his role, he will lead business development at RETROFIT, focusing on the business-to-business market. David will work primarily with CEOs, vice presidents, and heads of compensation and benefits within human resources departments, to incorporate RETROFIT into their employee wellness offering.

"We are thrilled to add two executive leadership positions, and bring the expertise and talent of both Maureen and David to our growing team," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of RETROFIT. "Both Maureen and David will play a critical role in leading RETROFIT into the future as we continue to grow at a rapid pace."

January 4, 2012

RETROFIT LEADS NEW APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT IN 2012

National Launch of RETROFIT incorporates Fitbit and Withings performance feedback devices to build weight loss success

SKOKIE, IL (January 4, 2012) - RETROFIT, LLC, the company dedicated to permanent weight loss, is leading the way to long-term weight loss success by incorporating two new monitoring devices: the Fitbit Ultra Tracker and Withings Body Scale. RETROFIT believes that new weight loss management systems providing updated technology and information to motivate consumers will provide a stronger platform for long-term behavior change. New data from a limited beta, that began admitting users in September, is promising with 21 of 22 activated RETROFIT beta clients losing weight.

Retrofit's activated clients transmit data via their Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker and Withings Wi-Fi body scale and have had 1:1 Skype video consultation with their own registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach. Each of the devices provides rich data that is vital to supporting the data-driven RETROFIT weight management program.

"This was a much more intelligent and strategic approach," Scott Kirkpatrick, a sports agent and Retrofit beta client, shares. "You do get addicted to checking in and seeing where you are on a daily basis. You want your numbers to be positive. You want your numbers to be trending in the right direction. And, knowing a team is evaluating your daily performance, you are definitely motivated to stay on the program."

The Fitbit Tracker tracks a person's all-day activity to provide real-time feedback on steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed to encourage more activity, an essential element in the weight loss management system. The tracker also monitors sleep. The data is wirelessly uploaded to Fitbit.com to allow deeper insight into fitness and sleep levels with free online graphs and charts, as well as the ability to compare with friends and earn badges for extra motivation.

The Withings WiFi Body Scale makes weight and BMI tracking a cinch. Once a user steps on the scale, it uses WiFi to wirelessly record and transmit that user's body weight, lean & fat mass, and calculated body mass index (BMI) onto their own secure Withings webpage.

With the RETROFIT partnership, data from both Fitbit and Withings accounts automatically sync to the client's personal RETROFIT dashboard. The combined data is analyzed daily by the client's multi-disciplinary expert team in an innovative year-long program. The team, which consists of a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach, uses the data to help clients lose at least 10% of their body weight and then achieve sustained weight stability before graduating from the program.

The partnership between RETROFIT, Withings, and Fitbit marks the beginning of a coming revolution in how Americans manage their health. Eric Topol, MD, Director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute, says in an upcoming book that wearable sensors, smartphone apps, and social networks will deliver "big data" to clinics, laboratories, hospitals and wellness teams influencing everything from the treatment of disease, to the prolonging of health, to the development of new treatments.

"We are dedicated to delivering simple, innovative health and fitness products and services that empower people to lead healthier, more active lives by providing them their own fitness data online, mobile or in real time." said Woody Scal, Fitbit's Chief Revenue Officer. "This product integration with RETROFIT opens up a unique opportunity to better understand the potential of building consumer behavior when the consumers are further supported by a team of coaches."

"We are extremely fortunate to have the superior technology of Fitbit and Withings as part of the RETROFIT program. These incredible devices deliver data to our clients and their wellness teams in real time, which in turn informs their future choices with respect to diet and exercise," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of RETROFIT. "We look forward to a long and successful alliance with partners like Fitbit and Withings that continue to drive innovation in self-monitoring."

About FITBIT

Founded in 2008 in San Francisco, CA, Fitbit is dedicated to delivering simple, innovative health and fitness products and services that engage people to lead healthier, more active lives by giving them the tools to become more aware, more motivated and more fit every day. Fitbit is the market leader for wireless activity trackers. Fitbit's Ultra Wireless and Sleep Tracker is the leading wireless activity tracker on the market, with distribution at such retailers as Best Buy, Amazon, Brookstone, REI, Radio Shack and 24 Hour Fitness. Fitbit is funded by the Foundry Group, True Ventures, and SoftTech VC. For more information please visit www.fitbit.com or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About WITHINGS

Withings designs, develops, and industrializes connected objects. As a French start-up established by executives from technology and telecom industry, Withings has a focus on innovation and design for everyday products. Firstly, Withings released the world's first internet and WiFi connected body scale and has since then expanded its product line with the iOS connected Smart Blood Pressure Monitor, and an internet connected Smart Baby Monitor. Withings is an actor in the Internet of Things and thus increases capabilities of an object by network resources allows accessing to infinite calculation and storage capacities without increasing the cost. For more information, visit www.withings.com.

December 28, 2011

PRELIMINARY DATA SHOWS OVER NINETY PERCENT OF ACTIVATED RETROFIT CLIENTS ARE LOSING WEIGHT

No Dropouts from Program That Began Admitting Users in September

SKOKIE, IL (December 28, 2011) - New preliminary data released today by RETROFIT, the company dedicated to long-term weight loss, show exciting results after a four-month period. The results show that 21 of the 22 activated RETROFIT beta clients have lost weight. Average weight loss for the group is a safe and steady 1.1 pounds per week.

Activated clients are clients who have set up the Retrofit provided wireless devices to transmit data and have had 1:1 video consultation with their registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach.

"We are obviously thrilled to announce these preliminary weight-loss figures," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of RETROFIT. "We have designed our protocol to achieve lasting weight loss over a longer period of time, and so far the beta results are entirely consistent with that design. We look forward to sharing data six to eight months from now with an expanded client base."

The data for all clients in the program is reviewed daily. Where deviations from the planned success path are identified, client plans are reviewed by the assigned wellness team and then escalated to the RETROFIT Advisory Board when additional counsel is needed. For beta clients that are averaging below one pound per week, all have had modifications to their plans and most are now increasing the speed with which they are losing weight.

Furthermore, many of the newest RETROFIT clients have already lost weight before entering into a single session with a member of their private wellness team, a development RETROFIT advisory board members attribute to the power that simple self-monitoring has on overall weight management.

"With a small initial beta we are cautiously optimistic at this time," said Dr. Robert Kushner, Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity in Chicago, Illinois, and a member of RETROFIT's advisory board. "Our focus is on the long term results, so we will continue to look at the trend lines very closely as the client pool is expanding and address any deviations that we are seeing. The fact that we are seeing a 95% weight loss rate among our fully activated beta participants is extremely encouraging. We are definitely off to a strong start."

December 21, 2011

BUSINESSES HAVE A SIGNIFICANT STAKE IN THE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT OF THEIR WORKFORCE

Experts: A Ten Percent Change in Weight Can Lead to Greater U.S. Productivity and Reduced Costs

SKOKIE, IL (December 21, 2011) - Authors of a new white paper released today say that costs in the American workplace can be reduced significantly through a 10% weight loss for overweight and obese employees. The paper also revealed some misconceptions about the cost of obesity in the workplace. It cited results from a recent Caravan survey, which found that 53% of those surveyed believe that obese employees are "as equally productive" as employees who maintain a healthy weight.

The new white paper was commissioned by RETROFIT, the company dedicated to long-term weight loss. Experts who contributed to the article underscored significant benefits are gained from an achievable 10% reduction in body weight.

"Studies show that employees who are overweight or obese incur more medical costs than those employees who maintain healthy weight levels, even if both sets of employees have low rates of absenteeism. We have seen strong evidence that a 10% weight loss brings about significant health benefits, and would expect to see reduced related health costs in the workplace," said Dr. Robert Kushner, Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity in Chicago, IL, and a member of RETROFIT's advisory board.

"Offering weight management as part of overall wellness programs with a focus on gains in health is an excellent investment for both the company and the individual." Dr. Kushner notes many studies indicate that even small weight losses have a disproportionately positive effect on improving people's health and significantly reduce their risks for a wide range of illnesses. He said such a weight loss can be brought about by making a complete lifestyle change.

"Short term diets don't work. In fact, 95% of people who lose weight put it right back on within 12 months. It takes time to impart good behaviors and make them stick," he says. "It is therefore vital to lose weight by establishing long term healthy patterns of behavior. Any weight management plan should include an extended maintenance phase to ensure people have the skills and tools necessary to successfully maintain reduced weight for life."

Many American companies already offer health maintenance programs. Including weight loss programs for individuals with an emphasis on long-term sustainable results is likely to yield significant benefit for both companies and their employees.

Download the White Paper : The 10% Solution

November 30, 2011

NEW SURVEY SHOWS PEOPLE HAVE A "SUPER-SIZE" MENTALITY ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT

More than one in three believe overweight Americans need to lose 30% of their weight to improve their health; experts say most would benefit more from a "10% Solution"

SKOKIE, IL (November 30, 2011) - Is it possible that Americans, who live in a country with the highest obesity rates in the developed world have expectations as outsized as our waistlines? Do our misperceptions about weight loss and health contribute to the obesity problem? Have shows like "The Biggest Loser" discouraged people from adopting healthier approaches for losing weight?

These are some of the questions raised by these findings from a national survey commissioned by RETROFIT, the company dedicated to long-term weight loss:

More than one in three respondents believes overweight Americans need to lose at least 30% of their weight to improve their health.
More than 70% think that overweight Americans need to lose at least 20% of their weight.
Only one in five put this figure at 10%, which medical experts have identified as a target goal for successful weight loss maintenance.

"The most concerning implication from this survey is that people believe that they need to lose an exorbitant amount of weight in order to achieve health benefits. This leads to frustration and disappointment when they don't reach these unrealistic goals. And it can also stop some people from attempting weight loss altogether," said Dr. Robert Kushner.

"Helping people understand that 10% weight loss can have meaningful impact on your health is a critical first step towards setting a realistic goal."

Dr. Kushner also notes many studies indicate that even small weight losses have a disproportionately positive effect on improving people's health and significantly reduce their risks for a wide range of illnesses.

"Our mission is to help people lose at least 10% of their body weight and keep it off for one year and beyond," he says. "We hope that this survey will help dispel the general public's misinformed ideas about appropriate weight loss goals and encourage a healthier focus on long-term weight loss."

RETROFIT provides a new high-tech, high-touch, and data-driven approach to weight loss designed to deliver lasting results. Its innovative year-long program includes wireless monitoring of a client's weight, activity and sleep quality. Each client also receives ongoing, indvidualized counsel from a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach.

The survey was conducted by CARAVAN and included a national probability sample of more than 1,000 adults living in private households. It was completed during the period November 10-13, 2011.

November 15, 2011

NATION'S TOP WEIGHT LOSS EXPERTS COMBINE FORCES TO LAUNCH RETROFIT

$700,000 First Round Financing Supports New Data-Driven Weight Loss Company

SKOKIE, IL (November 15, 2011) - RETROFIT, LLC, the company dedicated to long-term weight loss, announced today it has closed an initial $700,000 round of financing. The capital will enable the company to expand its operations nationwide on November 28, Cyber Monday.

RETROFIT provides a new approach to weight loss that is designed to deliver lasting results. The company combines the power of wireless client tracking with the expertise of a multi-disciplinary expert team in an innovative year-long program. Each client is assigned their own registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavior coach to help clients lose 10 or 15% of their body weight and then achieve sustained weight stability before graduating from the program.

"Commercial weight loss programs have focused on delivering short-term results, because people think that is what they want," James Hill, PhD, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado. "Without a focus on permanent supported behavior change, there will be no significant impact on the burden of excess weight in our nation."

Participating individual investors include Larry Levy, Chairman of Levy Restaurants, Brian Jacobs, General Partner of Emergence Capital Partners, Renee LaBran, Partner of Rustic Canyon Fontis Partners and Matt Moog, CEO of Viewpoints.com

"RETROFIT takes a high tech approach to delivering proven best practices in weight loss," said Jeff Hyman, CEO of RETROFIT. "Wireless monitoring of daily weight, activity and even sleep quality, gives our clients and expert teams the reliable data needed to drive lifelong behavior change."

RETROFIT's advisory board is made up of some of the nation's most prominent weight loss experts and hands on clinicians. The board includes:

Robert Kushner, MD, Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity and Past President of The Obesity Society
James O. Hill, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center at University of Colorado and Past President of The Obesity Society
Holly Wyatt, MD, Medical Director at the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado
Brad Saks PsyD, Co-owner of the North Shore Center for Weight Management and faculty member of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, CSSD a registered dietitian, nutrition advisor to the Chicago Cubs, and author of "The Flexitarian Diet"
Melissa Paolino, MS, lead exercise physiologist for Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Center for Partnership Medicine

"RETROFIT is challenging the premise of short term weight loss, using high tech tools and high touch teams to drive long term sustainable outcomes," said Larry Levy, chairman of Levy Restaurants and a managing partner at Levy Family Partners, a founding investor in RETROFIT. "The entire nation has a role to play in addressing the issue of persistent weight gain. We are proud to help private enterprise do its part for the collective health of the country."

Other participating investors in RETROFIT include:

Jai Shekhawat, CEO, Fieldglass
Christopher Ainsley, CEO, Shoppertrak
Ancelmo Lopes, CEO, Ameritox
Rick Inatome, CEO, InfiLaw
James Roberts, CEO, Chamberlain Group
Matt Gray, President, G Bar
Matt DiMaria, SVP, Rovi
David Rosenblatt, Vice Chairman, Arava Power

Press

April 30, 2013

How to Create a Healthy Workplace: Retrofit Provides Tips for Losing Weight at Work

April 18, 2013

Retrofit CEO Jeff Hyman Named Finalist for 2013 Illinois Technology Association (ITA) CityLIGHTS Award for CEO of the Year

March 19, 2013

Retrofit Weight Loss Recruits Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Williams, Former President of McDonald’s Corporation Technology Subsidiaries

March 18, 2013

Mayor Emanuel and Retrofit Weight Loss Announce the Relocation of Retrofit Inc. Headquarters to Downtown Chicago

February 14, 2013

Relationship Rescue: Retrofit Helps Couples and Co-workers Lose Weight

February 4, 2013

Get Back in Your Game with Retrofit: Official Weight Loss Program of the NFLPA Former Players

January 31, 2013

Escaping the Corporate Fat Trap: Retrofit Turns Weight Loss Resolutions into Reality

January 15, 2013

RETROFIT WEIGHT LOSS ENTERS FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY IN NEW YORK Lorenzo Valiente Named Retrofit Vice President of Business Development

January 2, 2013

Retrofit Weight Loss Announces Winner of National “Retrofit My Company” Contest: Surprises Salt Lake City Company with $300,000 in Free Weight Loss Services

December 18, 2012

National Football League Players Association Kicks Off Partnership with Retrofit As the Official Weight Loss Program for Former Players

December 6, 2012

CareerBuilder CEO Matt Ferguson Joins Retrofit Board of Directors

November 29, 2012

Retrofit Expands Corporate Sales Team With Leadership Positions: Robb Folser and Garret Orr Named Vice Presidents of Business Development

November 13, 2012

Retrofit Weight Loss Raises $8 Million Series A Financing Led By DFJ Also Debuts the Breakthrough ‘Retrofit My Company' Contest

November 13, 2012

Retrofit Weight Loss Announces Breakthrough 'Retrofit My Company' Contest Awarding up to $300,000 in Free Corporate Weight Loss Services

July 30, 2012

Diets Don't Work: Retrofit Offers Free Recipe for Weight Loss Success

June 20, 2012

The Impact of Technology on Healthy Behavior Change: Is Positive Behavior Addictive?

May 14, 2012

Data-Driven Weight Loss Company Retrofit Expands Team to Support Customer Success

March 15, 2012

Retrofit Raises $2.7 Million From Three Leading Chicago Venture Funds and Angels Data-driven weight loss company declares war on dieting

February 24, 2012

RETROFIT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION WITH TWO SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

January 4, 2012

RETROFIT LEADS NEW APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT IN 2012

December 28, 2011

PRELIMINARY DATA SHOWS OVER NINETY PERCENT OF ACTIVATED RETROFIT CLIENTS ARE LOSING WEIGHT

December 21, 2011

BUSINESSES HAVE A SIGNIFICANT STAKE IN THE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT OF THEIR WORKFORCE

November 30, 2011

NEW SURVEY SHOWS PEOPLE HAVE A "SUPER-SIZE" MENTALITY ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT

November 15, 2011

NATION'S TOP WEIGHT LOSS EXPERTS COMBINE FORCES TO LAUNCH RETROFIT

Get Back in Your Game with Retrofit:
Official Weight Loss Program of the
NFLPA Former Players

Escaping the Corporate Fat Trap: Retrofit
Turns Weight Loss Resolutions into Reality

RETROFIT WEIGHT LOSS ENTERS FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY IN NEW YORK
Lorenzo Valiente Named Retrofit Vice President of Business Development