ATHENS – What began as a family experiment during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 lockdown has grown into a technology company serving gyms in small markets across Canada, the United States, and even Iceland, all from rural Leeds Grenville.

Facility Kinetics, creators of the Kinect gym management and access control software, was founded in February 2020 by father BJ Ward along with his sons Brandon and Ty. While many businesses were struggling to adapt, out of necessity and inspiration, the Ward family began developing technology that would eventually help independent gym operators run their facilities more efficiently by consolidating multiple systems into one platform.

“The idea began when Brandon created an app on his smartphone that could remotely lock and unlock a physical mechanism,” BJ explained. With years of experience in the fitness industry through his former business, Fitness Solutions in Kingston, BJ understood the challenges faced by independent operators in small markets.

“Many smaller facilities don’t have the resources of larger chains,” BJ said. “We’ve positioned this as the only Canadian gym management software with door access built right in. It’s a simple, affordable all-in-one solution that allows owners to spend less time behind a desk and more time on helping their members and growing their business.”

The family tested the system in their Athens gym, where results were immediate; 135 members joined in three days. Their Westport facility followed, adding approximately 170 members within weeks.

From there, Kinect evolved into a fully integrated platform that extends beyond access control. It combines membership management, recurring billing, point-of-sale, class scheduling, reporting, analytics, and security integration. Owners manage operations remotely, while members access facilities 24/7 through a smartphone app.

“Setup only takes a few steps, and new members can create an account, enter the gym, and start working out in about ten minutes—no staff required,” BJ said.

Growth now extends well beyond Eastern Ontario. Most Kinect customers are in Canada, the company’s core market. “You’ll notice our brand colours are red and white, that’s intentional,” BJ said. Additional clients are located across the United States as far away as Alaska. Today, Kinect supports approximately 150 facilities.

Despite its reach, Facility Kinetics remains firmly rooted in Leeds Grenville. “It’s a great place to live, it’s my home and where my family is,” BJ said. Local clients include PowerPole Fitness in Merrickville and Heavy Weights Gym in Elizabethtown-Kitley, while the family continues operating gyms in Athens and Westport.

The company’s strength lies in a rare combination: BJ’s retail and customer service leadership, Ty’s financial training, and Brandon’s technical expertise. Together, this “trifecta” has built a successful and scalable global business grounded in practical needs and innovation, operating from the small community of Athens.

Photos: Top - Kinect's BJ Ward displays the mobile client security access interface.

Above from top - interface shows security status of doors; owners can generate reports like number of visits; software works via multiple types of devices and platforms; members access facility via smartphone; member's interface shows schedule of programs and more.

Article by Cyndy Bolton, Leeds & Grenville Economic Development

I’m an Economic Development Officer, content developer, and photographer with extensive experience in print and digital media, e-learning, e-commerce development, and business administration. I manage and edit Leeds and Grenville’s biweekly business eNewsletter, where I highlight local entrepreneurs, share funding opportunities, and celebrate business growth through the “Biz Bytes” feature.

Raised in a family of entrepreneurs and having run my own small business, I understand the realities of entrepreneurship from the inside out. I’m also a certified personal trainer, which has shaped my approach to discipline, adaptability, and supporting others in achieving their goals.

I thrive on storytelling, collaboration, and community-building — whether through writing, photography, or connecting businesses with the resources they need. My goal is always the same: to help foster innovation, resilience, and growth across Leeds and Grenville and amongst our rooted entrepreneurs.