In 1989, Will Phillips founded REX Roundtables for Executives after a distinguished international consulting career and after speaking to hundreds of executive peer groups across North America, Australia and England. What he saw was clear. The most valuable insight rarely came from top-down advice. It came from the honest, practical exchange between peers who had lived the same challenges, faced the same pressure and were willing to share what actually worked.

That idea became the foundation of REX Roundtables. 

From the beginning, REX was designed to be more than a meeting. It was a place where business owners and leaders could bring real issues to the table, test ideas, challenge assumptions and leave stronger than they arrived. The model was practical, affordable and deeply human. It gave leaders access to the collective intelligence of people who understood not only strategy, but the realities of running a business.

Over time, that original vision found a natural home in the fitness industry. The first REX Roundtable members helped shape the culture that still defines REX today: generosity, trust, accountability and a willingness to share best practices openly. Many of those early members have now earned major recognition across the global industry, and they have consistently acknowledged the contribution their fellow REX members made to their growth as leaders and to the success of their businesses.

A major chapter in the REX Roundtables story began in 2008, when Eddie Tock partnered with Will Phillips to expand REX Roundtables. Eddie brought deep industry credibility, commercial experience and a clear belief in the power of peer learning. Under his leadership, REX broadened its reach and strengthened its role as a trusted forum for owners, executives and leadership teams across the fitness industry. Eddie grew REX from 4 roundtables in 2008 to 16 in the US, and with the help of Justin Tamsett and Fausto DiGiulio, 4 in Australia, 4 in Italy and one very large international REX Roundtable.
 
Today, REX Roundtables for Leaders is a global organization serving business owners, chief executives and leaders across the fitness industry. What began as one founder’s conviction about the value of peer-to-peer learning has grown into a worldwide leadership network known for candid conversation, practical thinking and measurable growth. REX members stay connected not only through in-person meetings, but also through ongoing conversations and support throughout the year.
 
That is the real story of REX. It is not just the story of a company. It is the story of leaders making one another better.
 
From Will Phillips’ original vision, to the commitment of the founding members, to Eddie Tock’s expansion of the model into today’s global fitness leadership community, REX has remained true to its core idea: better conversations build better leaders, and better leaders build better businesses.