Apr 11, 2025
From 100 to 5,000 Members: How Balboa Move Preserved Personal Touch at Scale
Vaishnavi Srinath
In conversation with Timo Klein, Founder and Partner of Balboa Move, Zurich.
Balboa Move is a beloved functional training space with two thriving locations in Zurich. Home to a vibrant community of 5,000 members, Balboa prioritizes exceptional service quality and a top-tier member experience.
At a Glance
Challenge
As Balboa grew, so did the demands on staff. A system that worked for 100 members broke down for 5000. The front desk had become a bottleneck. Those quick but unnecessary check-in conversations were adding up.
Solution
After switching to Kenko, check-ins happen in seconds. The contactless check-in system lets members walk in, tap their phones, and head straight to class.
Impact
Automated check-in has created more space for real interactions. Now the staff has more time to be on the studio floor to engage with members.
Key Features Used
Kenko Kiosk
Automated Check-in
App Based Bookings
Scaling personal touch in a growing studio
Balboa Move in Zurich has built its reputation on a strong human connection. As they grew from 100 members to 5000+, the front desk had become a bottleneck. Those quick but unnecessary check-in conversations were adding up. Balboa Move needed a system that let members check in smoothly—without taking away from meaningful interactions.
"We had a very personal approach, always human to human. And that was always one of our big pillars at Balboa. But we realized that staff had more and more tasks to juggle. That personal interaction became a very small part of the job,” says Timo, founder of Balboa Move.
The front desk had become a bottleneck. Those quick but unnecessary check-in conversations were adding up.
In 2025, Balboa Move has a different rhythm
After switching to Kenko, check-ins happen in seconds. No more waiting. No more front desk bottleneck.
The simplicity of automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. And for Balboa Move, it’s opened the door to even bigger ideas.
“Kenko helped us create a 100% user-oriented online experience, from our dedicated app to a seamless check-in system. And we haven't even started to unlock its true potential for our business,” shares David Iselin, co-founder at Balboa.
The right system for what’s next
The right platform isn't just about fixing today's problems—it's about pursuing tomorrow's opportunities. Want to see what Kenko can do for your studio?
