In the business world, change often brings opportunity. For John Santo ’01, Chief Technology Officer at Echelon Fitness Multimedia LLC, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to thousands of new customers and significantly increased sales figures. As people come to terms with the closure of gyms and fitness centers, they are turning to Echelon’s spin bikes, online workouts and virtual training sessions.
During his time at UCF, Santo was hyper-involved around campus and created connections with other students and alumni who would later define his career trajectory. From Mr. UCF, student government to the President’s Leadership Council, Santo exhibited all the traits of someone who successfully leveraged his experience in college to launch his career.
About Your Career
How is your business staying competitive during the COVID-19 pandemic?
For us, every day has been like Black Friday. With people sheltering at home and gyms closing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, sales are climbing sharply. For us it was great; gyms were closed, so now people are working out at home… but what about when they reopen? To stay competitive, we introduced TempCheckin to the market. By leveraging our fitness tracking technology and current screen manufacturing facilities, we are able to create a contactless system that checks employees and guests temperatures before they can enter a building, store or gym. It was important to us to not only help the community, but create a diversified product portfolio for Echelon that can weather the before and after COVID landscape.
In your opinion, what changes are ahead for the average workplace in the wake of COVID-19?
For many of our colleagues, the coronavirus has been the most significant, and perhaps the most traumatic, experience of their lives. For some, while it may be hard to imagine, things will “go back to normal”. Once workers return to work, temperature checks and social distancing will likely be implemented. One thing I think that will change is the Corporate HQ. I think offices will become more of a collaborative work environment where we take advantage of having everyone in one place for a period time. I think we may see a work from home rotating schedule where employees will rotate days of the week they are in based on projects. In a nutshell work will be more about what you do than where or when you do it.
Why do you do what you do?
I am challenged every day. I get to innovate in a growing field and develop new ways to interact with connected devices daily. On top of that the software and products we develop help people to live better healthier lives.
What do you like most about what you do?
Not only am I fortunate enough to have a job where the product we sell helps people lead better lives, but I get to interact with people from all different business acumen and with different points of view. I get to learn something new every-day.
About Your Connection to UCF
Why did you choose to attend UCF?
I chose UCF, because the moment I stepped on campus it felt like home. I knew that I would get a big school experience with a small school feel. Remember at the time I went to UCF they were not the Largest University in the country! I wanted to attend a University that was in growth mode and that would also allow me to form relationships (Small School Feel), where the people I met would be the ones influencing the community 10,15, 20 years after graduation (Big School Experience). That is something to be proud of and gratifying to be part of.
How has your UCF degree helped in your career?
I wouldn’t say it was my degree that helped my career, because you can get those anywhere. It was the connections and the type of people UCF attracts and I met along the way while attending UCF that really help me get to where I am today.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in at UCF?
When I attended UCF I tried to do as much as could.
- Mr. UCF
- Orientation Team Leader 98 and 99
- Student Government – Advisor to the President, and Director of Housing & Transportation
- Business College Senator 2 years
- President’s Leadership Council for 2 years
- Social Chair for LXA
- Greek Council
What is your favorite UCF memory?
My favorite UCF memory is was actually after I had graduated. I was like many looking for a job. What did I do? I called a UCF alumnus and Fraternity brother who had graduated years before me and owned a Knight Images downtown Orlando. I asked him if he was hiring, He said no. But it does not end there. On that same call right after saying no, he introduced me to another UCF alumnus who owned a local business and was looking for a graphic designer. I interviewed the next day and got the job! This is my favorite memory because it reinforced my theory and reason, I chose UCF. It was all about the people and relationships. The Big School with a small school fee.
What advice would you give current students?
Be a doer, get involved, meet people outside your comfort zone. Those people you meet may be the ones that you end up starting a business with later down the road. Professional careers are about relationships and results. The relationships help you get there, the results keep you there and keep you moving forward.
Why do you give of your time, talent and/or treasure to UCF?
Why not? I don’t know where I would be if I had gone elsewhere. It really was the people I met and the relationships and doors that were opened by going to UCF that helped get me where I am. I want to share that experience.