Sitting in the lobby of Mecka Fitness on Washington Road, CEO Kevin Beamon, Avon Drive, explains that 200 people have already joined a waitlist for memberships at their upcoming location in Cranberry Township. The new location was announced only three days prior.

“201 — we just got another one,” marketing director Sarah Neff chimes in.

Before Mecka was Mecka, it was a small CrossFit gym Beamon opened in a former auto parts shop in 2013. In 2015, the business shifted to a fitness brand called Mecka — a name inspired by the mechanical origins of the building and its new wellness focus.

“When you’re taking fitness classes, or you’re trying to get healthy, there’s really no end, right? It’s all about that journey,” Beamon explained.

Mecka Fitness offers a variety of services, with everything from classes like The Assential and Bootcamp, to nutrition and chiropractic services through their on-site partners. The company opened a second Mecka location in the Strip District.

While the Strip District location’s clientele is always shifting, Beamon and the Mecka team hope to bring the tighter community aspect of their Mt. Lebanon location to Cranberry.

“We have people here that have been paying members since the day we opened,” Beamon said. “Their kids go here, you know, they’re raising their families here, and that was really what we were attracted to.”

Beamon believes Mecka offers a chance to meet new people in a third space.

“There’s home, and then there’s work, right? So, you’re looking for somewhere that you feel comfortable and you’re fitting in and you’re getting the results that you need.”

Mecka intends to serve a diverse collection of members.

“We’re not just going after, you know, the 30-something white dude that’s a weekend warrior,” Beamon explained.

Mecka offers programs such as Women Only Strength School, Only Dads Strength School and Fitt 55. Fitt 55, only at the Washington Road location, is designed for older adults. Beamon believes fitness for all ages is an essential service.

Community members often recognize Beamon out and about and share how Mecka impacted their lives.

“They tell me ‘Jeez, I was in a really bad spot, and because of this place, I feel like I’m no longer drowning,’” Beamon said. “That’s what gets me.”

Mecka employs eight full-time and about 90 part-time employees. Beamon is the CEO but his leadership philosophy focuses on letting his team shine.

“When you hire really smart people, the worst thing you can do is get in their way.”

With their expansion into Cranberry Township, Beamon hopes to test whether the Mecka business model can continue its success 40 minutes away. From there, the dream would be to eventually expand to other cities.

“I think we’re just now starting to realize that we have the right people, the right process, and a real plan.”