OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Metro CEP held a ribbon cutting for the grand reopening with improvements of Zone Health and Fitness on S. Pine Ave. on Sept. 23, 2025.
It was 11 years ago, that Zone Health and Fitness became a fixture in Ocala, however, it was a higher source that was a major variable in the equation, that made a vision a reality, said Ben Marciano, Zone Health and Fitness co-owner and Mayor of the City of Ocala. But the facility, which is firmly established faced a number of challenges during its nascent stages.
“It was God, who put it on my heart to open Zone,” said Marciano. “I remember talking to Danielle (his wife) about it, we prayed on it, I really feel like that’s what God is calling us to do. I have to tell you, when we first opened Zone, it was some of the hardest days of our lives. The struggle of owning a business is real. For nine months, everything that we did as a family we did as a family coming out, grinding to be able to keep this place open.”
One of the huge factors, has been the staff at Zone Health and Fitness which has been a critical component in the business’ success.
“We wanted to create a facility that when people walk in, they feel like they’re part of a family, and it always starts with amazing people,” said Marciano. “I’ blessed into having an amazing partner in Tracie (Bracie). I see that Tom Ingram is here today. Tom was the initial investor for us to open the business. I remember presenting the business plan to him. And he said, ‘I believe in you. I believe in this project.’ He made a huge commitment.”
The way Marciano describes Zone Health and Fitness to his staff, and if the business were to be removed from the community, there would be a significant void, as lives are changed every day.
“I’m really proud of the work that’s being done,” said Marciano. “The staff do an amazing job, The members, thank you for the community support. It’s truly an honor to be able to serve Ocala.”
Bracie and Marciano had worked with each other for a period of time prior to starting Zone Health and Fitness and came on as a partner and co-owner in the business nearly five years ago.
“It’s an amazing experience in being part of Zone in this community, and our staff is amazing,” said Bracie. “They are the reason for our success and the reason that our members come in. They’re the reason that the members come in and they’re so happy. We get so many compliments on this daily in how they treat our members, and how we just feel like a family. It’s a huge blessing for me, and I know that the staff feels the same.”
