W H E N K AT H L E E N O ’ DAY, co-owner of
Strong Body, Strong Mind BY: LESLIE OGLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHELSEA BREN
OrangeTheory Fitness-Lake Norman, was a little girl, her great-aunt Ethel asked her if she wanted to marry a doctor or a lawyer when she grew up, to which a young Kathleen answered, “Neither! I am going to grow up and be a doctor or a lawyer!” Not particularly fond of hospitals, Kathleen became an attorney, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class at the University of Dayton School of Law in Ohio. After working in Chicago and Indianapolis for some time, Kathleen moved to Florida where she met Daniel Schloss, her husband and business partner. “We met on Match.com,” she grins. “I know, super romantic, huh? But without technology we would have never met. We’ve been through everything: death, births, moves, home remodels, two babies in two years, and starting a business together. I cannot imagine not having him by my side. Our children, Delaney and Kieran, are now 3 and 5.” Kathleen has a unique ability to keep things in perspective and to focus on the positives in life, even after losing her parents, who had been both young and healthy, to cancer. For more than 16 years, she has provided a service called SurvivorSupport where she offers legal and financial counsel for families who have suffered a loss. “It is emotionally challenging,” Kathleen shares. “Although it’s rewarding to be able to help people through the worst time of their lives, it is difficult. After spending all these years listening to the pain of families losing their loved ones, while also watching both of my parents die, I just can’t say, ‘Woe is me.’ I have a fantastic, healthy life, filled with love and laughter—others are not that fortunate, so I count my blessings daily.” Daniel and Kathleen had always wanted to move to the Lake Norman area to raise their children, so they jumped at the opportunity to open OrangeTheory Fitness in Cornelius. Looking to start another studio in Mooresville, Kathleen embraces the busy lifestyle. “I also work full time as an attorney for a financial management company, so sometimes I feel like just getting the kids dressed is a victory,” she laughs. Crediting her parents for much of her success, Kathleen is humble in her accomplishments. “Don’t get me wrong,” she explains, “I am very proud of what I have achieved, but my parents were my biggest inspiration and influence; they truly made me who I am today.”
Kathleen O'Day ORANGETHEORY FITNESS-LAKE NORMAN CORNELIUS, NC
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20 LKN
| JULY 2016
Kathleen’s mom was a very successful corporate executive, earning a graduate degree while raising two kids, working full time, and managing the household. “And she could have never done it without my dad who pushed her, cheered her on, and really was a true partner in every way,” Kathleen says. “My mom died in 2010, and I got pregnant two weeks after she passed. I believe my mom gave me that gift because she knew I couldn’t survive without her if I didn’t have children of my own. It is still hard, every day, but I feel like my family is my mom’s final gift to me. For that I am eternally grateful and take nothing for granted.”