For President and Co-Founder Robb Leone, BIÂN is an authentic passion project that moves far beyond capital or career. Dedicating his work and lifestyle to holistic healing, Robb uses his passion for community and connectivity to fuel the membership sector of BIÂN. Robb and his fellow partners, life-long friends Joseph Fisher and Kevin Boehm , share strong personalities that simultaneously complement and challenge one another. For himself and BIÂN’s members, Robb believes wholeheartedly that wellness requires balancing fierce commitment with an equally receptive mind. Robb’s transition from a career in the highest levels of finance to his position at BIÂN was a natural one. Although trading and meditating might seem like an unconventional crossover, both have proven the strength of Robb’s intuitive nature. Working in an industry defined by extremes, Robb’s internal sense of openness to the universe has helped him remain calm in times of high stress and grounded in times of great success. Outside of the office, Robb’s personal life has always been influenced by yoga, exercise and nature. His perspective on life itself, and the impact his own could have, was influenced by a pivotal year-long residency in Hawaii with his family. Since that year of reflection, Robb’s endeavors, professional and personal, have been lined with a search for deeper meaning, ultimately bringing him to the creation of BIÂN. The vision with which Robb and his partners created BIÂN has always included ultimately moving past its own walls. Since the early 1990’s, Robb has dedicated his time to the Cabrini Green Community — starting with his mentorship of children in little league and basketball teams. Still heavily invested in their success, Robb has made it his life’s work to support those same kids well into adulthood. Robb believes that holistic lifestyle is rooted in a consistent effort to give back, and plans to infuse into BIÂN a commitment to positively impacting communities.
Cold Plunge and steam Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
What was the impetus to create BIÂN?
There was a huge void in the market for a fully integrated wellness space. We wanted to bring the highest level of hospitality to the health & wellness industry. Prior to BIAN, we found ourselves racing all over Chicago, visiting multiple different locations around Chicago to fill our own health and wellness needs. None of the practitioners, healers, and doctors communicated with each other. We decided to bring everything under one roof and create the best experience within every discipline.
Fitness Room Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
Lounge Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
From ideation to creation, how long did it take to make BIÂN a reality?
From the initial spark that drove us to believe in this, it was 5 years. We ruminated on the concept for two years and then decided to fully commit. It was so fun to be fully involved in the design, allow for the scope of BIAN to evolve and grow as we continued to incorporate more modalities and offerings for BIAN. It’s incredible what happens when the universe welcomes an idea!
What was it like creating a business with childhood friends?
Most days.. it’s amazing. Start-ups force you to learn a lot about yourself and each others professional strengths. It’s been a true growth experience for me to work so closely with friends that are like family and our very close bond has strengthened tremendously.
Kevin Boehm, Joseph Fisher, and Robb Leone
Tell us about the origin of the name BIÂN?
We were researching “to transform” and BIÂN came up… there is a legendary story of a ancient healer named BIÂN Que, who lived in 300 BC. He was a doctor who also incorporated acupuncture, yoga, meditation and other elements that embody BIÂN’s offerings.
Listening Room Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
Studio Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
Your co-founder + BIÂN CEO was recently diagnosed with Kidney cancer. What role did BIÂN play in identifying his cancer?
Integral role in helping with Joe Fisher’s diagnosis. He was experiencing numbness in his leg. Having a whole team of medical professional able to have discussions together over 48 hours led to ensuring he continues to test and get further information that led to his kidney cancer diagnosis.
You maintain a very healthy lifestyle. Have you always been active or did BIÂN help bring about this change in lifestyle?
BIÂN helped me explore more new things to compliment my fitness. Cold plunge, infared sauna, various classes and IV therapy. It has allowed me to really elevate my routine. The diversity of the all the classes have made me healthier, happier and stronger than I’ve ever been.
How did you learn about your cancer?
I had a routine physical and was actually feeling my best ever. Since I am a Concierge member, I had my annual executive physical and my Doctor took the extra time to dive deep into my blood work. I had a slightly elevated White Blood Cell count (19k vs 12k normally). This led to a series of tests that my doctor stayed on top of me (thankfully because I was reluctant thinking that I was fine), and this led to my diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia .The diagnosis was a total shock to me, and I am so grateful to have caught this early.
What role did BIÂN play in identifying it?
Without BIÂN, I would have no idea that I have cancer right now. The likely outcome is that my cancer would have advanced to another phase (acute or blast) and my treatment plan would be much more challenging and my health prognosis would not be as positive.
Where do you see BIÂN in five years?
We have big plans to grow BIÂN to other markets outside of Chicago. We have identified a number of potential markets and are excited to expand when the right opportunity lines up.
Meet BIÂN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkE37M1xtA // @livebian
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