By Jim Paro
A Platform for Bold Thinking
When I received the invitation to present at the Triangle2 Innovation Summit in Tulsa this May, I knew it would be a unique opportunity to share Operate Fit’s story with fellow innovators in the YMCA movement. The summit’s theme of “bold thinking, shared learning, and genuine connections” perfectly aligned with our mission to transform how YMCAs manage their operations.
Standing before 175 YMCA leaders from across the country, I had the chance to present “Evolution of a Big Idea” — the story of how Operate Fit grew from recognizing a simple problem to developing a comprehensive digital transformation platform for YMCAs.
From Life Paths to Business Processes
My presentation began with a concept that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt stuck by circumstances: the idea that while we can’t change our past, the future remains full of possibilities. This philosophy became the foundation for Operate Fit’s approach to helping YMCAs break free from outdated, paper-based processes.
The summit provided the perfect setting to share how feedback truly is like Play-Doh — malleable, shapeable, and essential for building something better. Through conversations with YMCA professionals across the country, we discovered that the challenges we initially identified weren’t isolated incidents but systemic issues affecting YMCAs everywhere.
Building a Framework That Works
During my presentation, I outlined our three-pillar framework that transforms traditional operations:
Business Processes — Moving from paper forms and Excel spreadsheets to automated digital workflows that actually work for busy YMCA staff.
Data Analytics — Turning scattered information into actionable insights that help leadership make informed decisions about safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Approvals & Alerts — Creating systems that ensure the right people know about critical incidents immediately, without overwhelming staff with unnecessary notifications.
This framework now powers modules for incident reporting, contract management, facility safety checks, wellness asset tracking, and more — all designed specifically for the unique needs of YMCAs.
The Power of Community Innovation
What struck me most about the Triangle2 summit was the energy in the room when we talked about real solutions to real problems. The audience understood immediately why a wellness attendant shouldn’t have to hunt for incident forms or wonder who needs to be notified about a member injury. They’d lived those frustrations themselves.
The summit’s format — mixing Big IDEA Talks with peer-led sessions and networking opportunities — created space for the kind of authentic conversations that drive innovation forward. From the opening showcase at Tulsa’s innovative YMCA facilities to the closing night at the Drillers game, every moment reinforced the collaborative spirit that makes the YMCA movement so powerful.
Leveraging AI for Smarter Operations
One of the most engaging parts of my presentation was demonstrating how we’re integrating AI to make YMCA operations even more efficient. Our AI features don’t replace human judgment — they enhance it by:
- Summarizing complex incident data into clear, actionable insights
- Flagging potential data discrepancies before they become problems
- Improving data entry accuracy and speed through intelligent suggestions
The response from the audience confirmed what we’ve seen with our early adopters: YMCAs are ready for technology that actually makes their jobs easier, not more complicated.
Real Impact, Real Results
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of presenting at Triangle2 was hearing from attendees who recognized their own operational challenges in our case studies. The story of Mike, the wellness attendant struggling with paper-based incident reporting, resonated because it’s a story playing out in YMCAs across the country every day.
As Jennifer Dunn from the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County shared in our recent case study, “With so many locations, this software easily allows us to track what’s being done in each branch.” This real-world validation of our approach was exactly what the Triangle2 audience needed to hear.
Looking Forward
The Triangle2 Innovation Summit reminded me why we built Operate Fit in the first place: to help YMCAs focus on their mission of strengthening communities rather than wrestling with outdated administrative processes. Every conversation, every question, and every connection made during those three days in Tulsa reinforced our commitment to this vision.
The summit’s closing theme about “the power of innovation, connection, and collective leadership” perfectly captures what happens when the YMCA movement comes together to solve shared challenges. Operate Fit is proud to be part of that solution.
Watch the full “Evolution of a Big Idea” presentation from the Triangle2 Innovation Summit: Watch on YouTube
For YMCAs ready to transform their operations and focus on what truly matters — serving their communities — we’re here to help make that evolution possible.