Michael Scott Scudder holds a B.A. in liberal arts from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, and an advanced M.A in exercise physiology from Long Island University in New York. He worked as a stockbroker and insurance specialist from 1963 until 1976 before getting into the health, fitness and recreation industry, where he managed and operated clubs and facilities ranging in size from 9,000 square feet and 800 members to 75,000 square feet and 5,000 members.
He served as the Guest Activities/Recreation Director at the Lake Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York, the Executive Manager of the Fifth Avenue Racquet club in New York City, the Business Manager of the Athletic Training and Physical Therapy of Northern Westchester in Yorktown Heights, New York, the Vice President/Executive Manager of the Club at Montrose in Montrose, New York, and a a Limited Partner/Executive Director of Player's Gold Gyms in Danbury, Connecticut.
In addition, Scudder co-owned Fitness Advantage in Saugerties, New York and was a Consulting Partner of Fit for Life Centers. Currently, he is the President/CEO of Michael Scott Scudder's Fitness Focus (MSS) in Taos, New Mexico. He has consulted and advised over 400 fitness facilities in 46 states and 6 countries on advertising, marketing, sales, operations, management, programming, computer software, business planning and development, personal training and group fitness.
Scudder has been a featured speaker at international conferences and trade shows since 1987, including IHRSA, Club Industry, IDEA, Gold's Gym International, World Gym International, BodyLife, and FILEX. He has been named "#1 Speaker" and "Top Speaker" on more than a dozen occasions. Scudder has been published and/or has written regular columns in several fitness industry trade magazines such as Club Business International, Club Industry, IDEA Fitness Manager, Peak Performance, and Fitness Management.
Michael Scott Scudder