This is not nothing. A national headquarters is taking up residence in Butte. Not Bozeman. Not Missoula. Butte, AMERICA.
This new Planet Fitness in Cornerstone Plaza is more than treadmills and purple walls. According to KXLF, the Leon Franchise Group, which operates many Planet Fitness locations across several states, is relocating its national headquarters to Montana.
In other words, Dave Leon, the CEO, is relocating to Butte. Not visiting. Moving. And they are filling eight management roles connected to the headquarters. That may not sound colossal in big city terms. But in Butte? It’s a big deal.
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Planet Fitness
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Planet FitnessWhy This Is More Than Eight Jobs
Butte has been grinding for years. Mining history. Economic ups and downs. A town that has fought for momentum more than once. So when a national franchise group says, “We’re putting our HQ here,” it means something. It signals confidence.
It reminds other companies that Montana is more than a vacation postcard. It is a place you can run a business from. It is a place executives will relocate their families to. It is a place with a work ethic. And if they can attract one corporate headquarters, why not two? Why not five?
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesButte Pride Hits Different
There is also something symbolic about this happening in Butte. This is a town that built America’s copper backbone. A community that knows how to work. Seeing a national franchise group recognize that grit and choose Butte as its home base? That is a shot of Butte pride.
It may not be Silicon Valley. It does not need to be. It is Montana. And sometimes steady growth beats splashy headlines. If other corporate offices choose to plant roots here, that is a real economic impact. Real jobs. Real stability. And for Butte, that feels overdue.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Montana
Sometimes a place’s strengths are the same as its weaknesses.
Potential Names for a Pro Sports Team in Montana
Here is a list of 10 potential names I came up with that are inspired by the state’s geography, wildlife, culture, and history.
Gallery Credit: Nick Chrestenson
