our staff

570 E. South Ave. Cranford, New Jersey 07016 908.272.3900

Our Staff

Doug Petschow – Founder, President, and Owner
Mr. Petschow graduated from Cranford High School in 1994. He attended the Universtity of Scranton majoring in Finance and History. He worked for Metlife Investments as a Financial Analyst for 4 years along with personal training on the side before going back to school full time earning his MBA from Rutgers University. Since then Doug has worked as a Product Manager/Pricing Specialist for Dun and Bradstreet, along with working part time with the Family run business (Cranford Sunoco). Doug is on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Cranford Elks and a volunteer fireman for the Cranford Fire Department. Doug’s interests include all Sports, Harley’s, and spending time with his family.

Lynn Petschow – Billing and Bookkeeping
Mrs. Petschow has spent the last 45 years as devoted wife and 38 years as a devoted mother. She has helped run and operate Cranford Sunoco from its inception 25 years ago. During this time she has taught line dancing and helped Patty Kurasz run her UCDC Dance Studio. Prior to help running Cranford Sunoco, Mrs. Petschow spent 5 years as 7th grade English teacher. Her interest includes spending time with her family and working out.

Gail Teese - Membership/Sales Director
Gail attended Montclair University and has 12 years experience in the corporate world. She worked as an administrative consultant for the largest accounting/consulting firm in the world after graduation. She reported directly to the managing partner of the New Jersey practice, which was the sixth largest office with over 700 employees. In her position she used her initiative and judgment to perform duties of a highly confidential nature. She demonstrated knowledge of Firm policies and procedures and handled all confidential matters concerning the New Jersey partners and worked closely with all National Partners, Board members and Operating Committee members of the Firm. She left her position to raise her two children in Westfield. Her interests include working out, roller blading and sitting on the beach.

Mike Brown – Personal Trainer Director

Mike Brown is the product of the Scotch Plains schooling system, after graduating from Scotch Plains Fanwood H.S, Mr. Brown attended Trenton State College(The College of New Jersey), where earned a B.S. in Business. After a brief stint in the corporate arena, he returned to doing work in the health and fitness field and became an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal trainer. Mike has expertise in administering fitness programs for weight loss, strength training, cross training, body sculpting and circuit training. He most enjoys working with clients that are fully committed to learning and improving their health and physical well-being.

Robert McGrady – Sales Director
Robert grew up in East Orange and was a member of the Clifford J. Scott Basketball Team, the 1982 State Champions. He attended Rutgers University at Newark where he was the MVP of the varsity Basketball Team his freshman year. He graduated with a BA in Political Science.† He worked in the insurance industry for 10 years as a Technical Claims Specialist and two years as a Telecommunications Sales Representative with Avaya Technologies, formerly Lucent Technologies. He decided to pursue a career in the fitness industry after seeing so many people fall victim to obesity and bad health do to hectic lifestyles. He is the Fitness Director of Strength-N-fitness and teaches a Total Body Conditioning Class. His hobbies include sports, spending lots of time with family, and helping inner-city youths.

Melissa Marotta - Head Reception/Sales Associate
Melissa grew up in Cranford, and graduated with honors from Cranford High School in2005. She then attended Seton Hall University, where she was the recipient of a University Scholarship, and was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars in 2006. Melissa graduated from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall in 2009 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Melissa's interests include working out, watching football, and spending time with friends and family.

Patricia Kurasz – Director of
Union County Dance Centre
Patricia, a professional dancer, choreographer, vocalist, actor and educator since her teens, holds the Teacher's Certificate in Kinesiology from the Dance Kinetic Institute of NY. She has created Multi-Cultural programs for schools and worked as an artist in residence as part of the NJ State Council on the Arts program. She was Co- Creator/Instructor of the Theater Camp at the Union County College for Kids summer program from 1994-2000. Patricia’s performing venues have brought her to NY, LA, Las Vegas and Miami as a performance vocalist and dancer. She performed over 300 voice-overs and vocals for commercials throughout the United States. As the Director of the Union County Dance Centre, Patricia is overseeing the expansion of the studio to broaden the range of classes to meet the needs and interests of the community. Prior to operating the Union County Dance Centre, Mrs. Kurasz spent 5 years running a fitness club.

Scott Kiernan – President of Sports Athletic Programs
Mr. Kiernan has played for Syracuse University Football Team, which includes 3 years of being All Big East and Captain of the team. Mr. Kiernan also played in 4 bowl games, which included the Fiesta Bowl, the Gator Bowl, the Liberty Bowl, and the Orange Bowl. Mr. Kiernan also spent 3 years playing for the New York Giants and 1 year playing for the Carolina Panthers organization. Mr. Kiernan has spent the last 4 years as a Mortgage Broker which he has had great success in doing. Mr. Kiernan has also coached football part-time and has extensive knowledge in strength, conditioning, and coaching. Mr. Kiernan is married with 3 children and his hobbies includes Harley’s and corvettes.

Joe Kurasz – Director of Ren Music, Inc.
joe kurasz piano instruction

Joe Kurasz, a composer, arranger and educator for over 35 years, directs the music program at Union County Dance Centre and will also be joining STRENGTH N FITNESS CLUB staff. He is a member of the Conductor’s Guild of America and BMI. Joe composed the original song “Intergeneration” performed by NJ Intergenerational Orchestra at Lincoln Center and on NBC’s “4 Stories” television show. He composed music for GUIDING LIGHT daytime soap opera and for one of the top reality shows in 2002, THE BRAVEST. His original song “Just A Simple Song” was voted #1 Jazz Song in Billboard Magazine’s Songwriting Competition. He received a H.E.A.R.T. Grant to create a workshop presentation for students called "From Idea To Song" on the elements of composition. Joe has also received credit for his contribution to Disney's 4 CD Box Set “The Music Behind The Magic" featuring composer Alan Menken. Joe’s music is featured on Jazz radio stations internationally.
VIEW PIANO INTRODUCTION VIDEO