Tracy Argondizza doesn’t just believe in her mantra, Who has time for maybe?—she lives it every day. From her early career in the Navy to running one of Portland’s most beloved boutique fitness centers, Argondizza’s life has been a masterclass in seizing opportunity and staying true to her passions. While her story is filled with impressive career moves and big wins, it’s Argondizza’s energy and heart that truly shine.
After graduating high school in Maryland, Argondizza joined the U.S. Navy, where her natural leadership and athletic ability quickly earned her the role of Master Chief of the Drill Team during bootcamp. One of her proudest assignments during her six years serving was working as Social Assistant to James Webb, Secretary of the Navy, in Washington, D.C. This pivotal position provided Argondizza with the confidence to take on challenges and embrace leadership roles in any setting.
Following her time in the Navy, Argondizza and her first husband relocated to Maine to raise their son, Brandon. Her career took her to various industries and locations, from Tennis of Maine to L.L. Bean, but fitness was always her true calling. In 2000, she picked up a part-time job at Bay Club Fitness, and within three months, she was promoted to General Manager. Six years later, she became the owner of the club, turning it into one of the most notable boutique fitness centers in Portland.
Bay Club Fitness isn’t a typical gym—it’s a place where customer service is key, the amenities are thoughtful, and the atmosphere feels personal. It has everything you’d expect from a high-end club, including group classes, trainers with top certifications, steam rooms and saunas, and even laundry services for workout clothes, but what really sets it apart is excellent hospitality and attention to detail. “We want this to be our members’ second home, a place where they feel cared for and connected,” Argondizza says. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about knowing our members, asking about their lives, and helping them achieve their goals.”
Like many businesses, Bay Club Fitness was hit hard by the pandemic. In 2019, the club’s corporate accounts were booming, and lunchtime workouts filled the gym. COVID-19 forced a pivot, and Argondizza met the challenge head-on. She led a major renovation of the facilities, updated the logo and brand, streamlined operations, and redefined the club’s offerings to adapt to a post-pandemic world. With the help of Mary Slattery, the dynamic new Operations and Group Fitness Director, Bay Club has emerged even stronger.
Always one to embrace new opportunities, Argondizza recently entered the world of real estate. Joining Rebecca Kingsley at Peninsula Real Estate, she’s channeling her extensive local network and passion for helping people into this fresh chapter. “Real estate is something I always thought I might do—I just had a feeling I’d love it. Working with Peninsula Real Estate, I’m able to work from my office at the club and still be available to my members,” she says, nodding toward the Peninsula Real Estate logo printed on one side of the room.
If Argondizza’s professional life sounds busy, her personal life is just as full. She and her husband, Andy Argondizza, share a passion for music, food, and the outdoors. Andy, a professional guitarist and master gardener, has encouraged Tracy to take the stage with him as a singer over the years. When they’re not working, the couple split their time between a cabin on Webb Lake and their condo in Fort Myers, Florida. Whether gardening, hiking, canoeing, or just enjoying the sunset, Argondizza finds joy in living an active, balanced life. Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her son, Brandon, and his work with Native Movement, an Alaskan nonprofit focused on social justice and Indigenous rights. She also treasures the close relationship she shares with her sister, Bobbie, who Argondizza got to cheer on at her first marathon in November 2024 at the age of 53.
As Bay Club Fitness continues to grow, Argondizza is excited about its future. She envisions more community-focused events, expanded partnerships, and a continued emphasis on holistic wellness. “It’s about more than fitness,” she says. “It’s about creating a space where people feel valued and supported, where they can build a lifestyle that makes them happy and healthy.” Health, of course, is about more than just physical fitness—Bay Club will continue to promote mental and social well-being through programs like self-defense classes and partnerships with nutritionists and physical therapists.
Whether she’s participating in a fitness class, helping a real estate client find their dream home, or singing alongside her husband, Argondizza approaches life with purpose and joy. Her mantra, Who has time for maybe?, isn’t just a tagline—it’s a way of life, and it’s proof that embracing opportunities, living boldly, and bringing others along for the ride can lead to a truly fulfilling journey.
"The Bay Club is about more than fitness—we're creating a space where people feel valued and supported, where they can build a lifestyle that makes them happy and healthy."