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Leap Selects Worksmith’s Progress Retail Suite to Advance Operations Across 100+ Stores

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The expanded Progress Retail deployment deepens Leap’s platform — adding advanced capabilities for audits, associate training, communications, and AI-powered support across the 100+ stores Leap runs to drive unparalleled advantages for 50+ brand partners.

AUSTIN, Texas, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Worksmith, the leading facilities maintenance and experience platform for multi-location retail, today announced that Leap, the leading platform for physical retail, has signed with Progress Retail to implement its full workforce management suite. The expansion strengthens Leap’s operating foundation across the 100+ stores it powers for modern brands — unifying facilities service and workforce execution into a single operational layer.

The expanded Progress Retail deployment deepens Leap’s platform — adding advanced capabilities for audits, associate training, communications, and AI-powered support across the 100+ stores Leap runs to drive unparalleled advantages for 50+ brand partners.

For Worksmith, Leap’s deployment is a clear proof point for the combined workplace-and-workforce platform the company set out to build when it acquired Progress Retail in June 2025.

Leap is a longtime Worksmith customer, making this expansion especially notable as the company deepens its relationship across both sides of retail operations. With this deployment, Leap will implement the full Progress Retail suite, including audits, tasks, training, communications, ticketing, and full AI Sidekick.

Leap joins a growing roster of retailers leveraging the soon-to-be combined solution, including Faherty Brand, M.M.LaFleur, and Lume, that are moving toward a more unified operating model across stores. The momentum reflects a broader shift in retail: brands want stronger orchestration across facilities, audits, tasks, training, and store communications, rather than relying on disconnected systems.

“Brands like Bombas, Malbon Golf, and Ring Concierge work with Leap because we deliver scaled advantages that no single brand can build on its own,” said Jon Levy, EVP Retail Success at Leap. “Combining our platform with Worksmith’s facilities infrastructure and Progress Retail’s workforce suite gives the brands we power retail for real structural advantages: lower costs, better in-store execution and crisp communications between HQ and the sales floor. These advantages lead to better store performance and a better shopping experience.”

Integration work between Worksmith and Progress Retail is currently underway, with the combined platform designed to give retailers a more complete operating system for store execution. As part of that evolution, Worksmith expects to complete the rebrand of Progress Retail to Worksmith Workforce in early Q2 2026.

“When we acquired Progress Retail last June, the bet was simple: retailers shouldn’t have to duct-tape workforce and workplace together, said Bryan Burkhart, Founder & CEO of Worksmith “Leap — the platform 50+ brands trust to run 100+ stores so they can stay focused on what they do best — choosing to run our full stack is the clearest signal yet that the bet is paying off.”

Leap’s selection of Progress Retail further validates the market’s appetite for unified retail operations technology. As retailers look to improve execution, consistency, and agility across their store fleets, the convergence of workforce management and workplace operations is becoming increasingly strategic. For Leap and its 50+ brand partners, that convergence translates directly into brand-partner stores — powering tighter service response, more consistent execution of brand standards, and better-prepared associates across every location Leap operates.

Leap operates more than 100 single-brand stores across 11 markets on behalf of 50+ brand partners, running each location under that brand’s name, visual identity, and standards. Leap’s investment in tooling like Progress Retail — spread across that full store network — is enterprise-grade retail operations muscle that a growing brand couldn’t justify building for a handful of stores on its own.

Ray Riley, Progress Retail’s previous CEO, now Worksmith’s Vice President of Retail, added, “We built Progress Retail for the operators who refuse to let complexity water down the customer experience. Leap is a sharp example of that discipline — running 100+ stores as if each one were the brand’s flagship. Getting our full suite into that environment is the kind of partnership that makes the last nine years of building worth it.”

For Worksmith, the announcement reinforces the company’s vision of serving as the strategic operating layer for modern retail — connecting maintenance, service execution, workforce workflows, communications, and store performance in one ecosystem.

About Worksmith

Worksmith is the leading facilities maintenance and store experience platform for multi-location retail. The company helps brands and operators manage the physical workplace at scale through streamlined service delivery, maintenance coordination, and operational visibility. Following its acquisition of Progress Retail in June 2025, Worksmith is expanding its platform to unify workplace and workforce operations for retailers seeking stronger execution across every store.

About Progress Retail

Progress Retail is a retail workforce management and store operations platform built for modern multi-location brands. Its suite supports store teams through tools for audits, tasks, training, communications, ticketing, and AI-powered knowledge access. In the G2 Spring 2026 Reports, Progress Retail earned significant recognition in Retail Task Management and related categories, including a #1 Mid-Market Relationship Index ranking for Retail Task Management, Top 3 placement across nine reports, and badges spanning Best Relationship, Easiest To Do Business With, High Performer, and Momentum Leader distinctions. Progress Retail is being rebranded as Worksmith Workforce in early Q2 2026.

About Leap

Leap is the leading platform for physical retail, operating physical stores on behalf of modern brands with less cost, complexity, and risk. Founded in 2018, Leap runs a national network of 100+ single-brand stores across 11 markets for more than 50 brand partners — each one built, staffed, and operated under that brand’s name — combining real estate, design, store operations, technology, and in-store execution into a single turnkey solution. Leap’s model lets brands scale their physical footprint while staying focused on what they do best.

Media Contact

Iprita Bhattari, Worksmith, 1 8337472428, hello@progressretail.com, https://worksmith.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/leap-selects-worksmiths-progress-retail-suite-to-advance-operations-across-100-stores-302753502.html

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University of Phoenix Highlights Student Success Stories from President’s and Dean’s List Honorees

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Student reflections from President’s and Dean’s List honorees highlight flexibility, career-focused learning and perseverance while balancing work, family and education

PHOENIX, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix is spotlighting the experiences of students recognized on its July 2026 President’s and Dean’s Lists, sharing stories that illustrate the dedication, persistence and personal goals behind their academic achievement. As an extension of the July 2026 recognition, the University hosted a giveaway for President’s and Dean’s List honorees and invited eligible students to join the University of Phoenix subreddit and share what had been most valuable about their educational journeys. Responses submitted as part of the giveaway highlighted themes including flexibility, career-focused learning, and pursuing educational goals while balancing work, family and other responsibilities.

Celebrating Student Achievement Across University Programs

In July, the University recognized 32,416 students for academic achievement through its semi-annual President’s and Dean’s Lists. The President’s List honored 9,496 students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), while 22,920 students were named to the Dean’s Lists for achieving high academic standing in their programs of study.

“Behind every President’s and Dean’s List recognition is a unique story of commitment, perseverance and purpose,” said John Woods, PhD, provost and chief academic officer at University of Phoenix. “The student reflections shared through this initiative highlight the determination our learners bring to their educational journeys and the many ways they balance academic goals alongside career, family and personal responsibilities. We are proud to celebrate not only their academic achievement, but also the experiences that helped shape their success.”

Key Themes Shared by President’s and Dean’s List Students

The giveaway generated 787 eligible student submissions on the University of Phoenix subreddit, with 30 participants selected to receive University of Phoenix swag boxes.

In reviewing the submissions, the University identified several recurring themes, including:

Flexibility to balance education with work and family responsibilitiesCoursework that aligned directly to career goalsEducational milestones such as becoming the first in a family to earn a college degreeContinued learning through advanced degree programs

Students Share Their Educational Journeys

Derell Vanstory, who recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Business and earned Dean’s List recognition, reflected on balancing school, work and family responsibilities while pursuing his degree. This fall, he plans to pursue dual master’s degrees, an MBA and Master of Health Administration, as he works toward a career in healthcare leadership.

“The most valuable part of my journey at the University of Phoenix has been learning how to stay disciplined and resilient,” said Vanstory. “Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities taught me that success isn’t about having an easy path, it’s about continuing to move forward even when things get difficult.”

Reenae Flores, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management, described Dean’s List recognition as a meaningful milestone in her educational journey.

“This recognition represents so much more than a GPA,” said Flores. “It represents late nights after work, balancing family life, pushing through challenges, and refusing to give up on a dream that once felt out of reach.”

Flores shared that the flexibility of her educational experience allowed her to continue growing professionally while remaining present for her family.

Alisha Saffold, who recently completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Management, graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and is continuing her education as a Master of Public Health student, highlighted the value of applying classroom learning directly to her professional goals.

“The most valuable part of my University of Phoenix experience has been learning how to apply what I studied directly to my career and my passion for serving others,” said Saffold. “Every course challenged me to think like a healthcare leader and strengthened my commitment to improving access to preventive care, advancing health equity, and making a difference in underserved communities.”

Academic Achievement Among Working Adult Learners

The experiences shared by President’s and Dean’s List honorees reflect those of many University of Phoenix students who pursue education while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. According to University data, 75.4% of students are employed. In the Encoura + Ruffalo Noel Levitz Priorities Survey for Online Learners, 63% of University student respondents indicated they have caregiving responsibilities, while 91% expressed satisfaction that their chosen program aligns with their career path and that the course format fits into their busy lives.

To support students managing these competing demands, University of Phoenix offers resources including flexible course scheduling, on-demand support and access to its Life Resource Center.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-highlights-student-success-stories-from-presidents-and-deans-list-honorees-302874381.html

SOURCE University of Phoenix

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iFlex Stretch Studios Adds Kinotek® 3D Movement Technology to Every Experience

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The assisted stretching franchise combines markerless, AI-driven movement analysis with certified stretch therapist expertise to deliver more personalized programming and enhanced member experiences.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iFlex Stretch Studios, the assisted stretching and mobility brand under Sequel Brands, today announced the addition of Kinotek®’s 3D movement assessment technology across its studio network. The integration provides iFlex stretch therapists with a precise, visual understanding of each client’s mobility, potential asymmetries, and movement patterns to further personalize their stretching experience.

Before a therapist begins a session, Kinotek’s markerless 3D movement assessment captures a client’s body in motion – no markers, sensors, or wearables required. In seconds, the technology analyzes range of motion, symmetry, and movement quality to provide deeper insights into each client’s mobility needs.

Each initial assessment helps establish a personalized stretching plan, with movement data informing AI-supported programming that therapists use to customize sessions, recommend at-home mobility work, and suggest recovery and mobility products aligned with individual goals.

“Assisted stretching has always come down to what a good stretch therapist can see and feel,” said Verdine Baker, Founder of iFlex Stretch Studios. “Kinotek gives our therapists a second set of eyes. It shows them things the human eye may miss and gives clients a clear way to see their progress session over session.”

The rollout follows a period of steady growth for iFlex, which has expanded across Arizona, Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, New Mexico, and Virginia under Sequel Brands while continuing to add franchise territories nationwide. Adding Kinotek across the network builds on the brand’s commitment to a more technology-driven studio experience, following the introduction of AI-supported client communication tools earlier this year.

“Movement health is one of the clearest predictors of how well and how independently people live as they age, and until recently there was no fast, practical way to measure it,” said Dr. Marty Miller, Chief Movement Officer at Kinotek. “iFlex is putting an objective measurement in front of every client and pairing it with therapists trained to act on it. Data plus skilled hands is what actually changes outcomes.”

For clients, Kinotek establishes a baseline at the first visit and enables progress tracking over time through easy-to-understand scored movement reports. The technology transforms mobility improvements into measurable insights, helping clients visualize progress beyond simply feeling better.

The technology is now available at participating iFlex locations, with additional studios rolling out Kinotek in the coming months.

To learn more about iFlex Stretch Studios, book a session, or inquire about franchise ownership, visit www.iflexstretchstudios.com or follow @iFlexStretchStudios on social media.

About iFlex Stretch Studios

iFlex Stretch Studios is a Sequel Brands company and a premier assisted stretching franchise offering personalized, therapist-led sessions designed to improve mobility, flexibility, and overall wellness. Founded in 2022 and acquired by Sequel Brands in 2025, iFlex has expanded from its first Arizona studio to locations across Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, New Mexico, and Virginia under the leadership of CEO Verdine Baker. Each guest begins with a personalized flexibility assessment, with ongoing progress tracking to support customized programming. iFlex is actively expanding franchise opportunities nationwide.

About Kinotek

Kinotek is a movement health company serving fitness, wellness, and medical professionals. Its markerless 3D platform measures a client’s movement in seconds, giving trainers, therapists, and clinicians an objective read on movement health – a leading indicator of longevity – and a way to track progress over time. For more information go to www.kinotek.com.

Media Contact:
Sequel Brands Communications
communications@sequelbrands.com 

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BioEdge Research Labs Advances Transparency in Research Compound Documentation

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US-based research peptide supplier expands access to batch-level analytical documentation for its research-use-only materials, so researchers can verify identity and purity records for the lot they receive. All products are sold for laboratory research use only.

MIAMI, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BioEdge Research Labs, a United States-based supplier of research peptides and reference materials, today announced an initiative to advance transparency in how its research materials are documented. The initiative expands researcher access to batch-level analytical records for the company’s research-use-only materials.

Transparency has become a distinguishing factor in the research materials market. Because documentation practices vary from supplier to supplier, laboratory and research customers increasingly look for records they can review and confirm, rather than relying on a supplier’s summary alone. BioEdge’s initiative centers on making batch-level analytical documentation accessible for the material a researcher actually receives.

Accessible Certificates of Analysis

Each lot supplied by BioEdge is paired with its own Certificate of Analysis (COA), and batch-specific COAs are made available on the company’s product pages. Rather than a single certificate carried across multiple production runs, each vial carries a lot number that corresponds to the documentation for that batch, so the record can be matched to the material in hand.

Independent Analysis Behind the Record

The documentation reflects analysis performed by an independent third-party laboratory, covering identity by mass spectrometry (MS), purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and contaminant screening. Because the underlying analysis is conducted by a separate laboratory, the record reflects more than a supplier’s own description of the material.

Records a Researcher Can Match

The emphasis on batch-level records is intended to let a researcher confirm that a document corresponds to the specific lot received. Matching the lot number on the vial to its Certificate of Analysis is a straightforward check, and one that BioEdge’s documentation practices are designed to support across the product line.

Research Use Only

All materials supplied by BioEdge Research Labs are sold strictly for laboratory research and in vitro use by qualified researchers and scientific professionals. They are not drugs, supplements, or medical products.

About BioEdge Research Labs

BioEdge Research Labs is a United States-based supplier of research peptides and reference materials serving laboratory and research customers. The company sources from reputable U.S.-based facilities and supports its research-grade materials with independent third-party analytical testing and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis. Learn more at https://bioedgeresearchlabs.com

Media Contact

BioEdge Research Labs
2751 Biscayne Harbor Drive, Suite 620
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 757-0163
admin@thebioedgeresearchlabs.com

All products sold by BioEdge Research Labs are intended strictly for laboratory research and in vitro use by qualified researchers and scientific professionals. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, are not intended to affect the structure or any function of the body, and are not intended for human or veterinary use, consumption, or self-administration. They have not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventative purposes. BioEdge Research Labs is a chemical supplier and is not a compounding pharmacy or outsourcing facility as defined under Sections 503A or 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. BioEdge Research Labs makes no therapeutic claims.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bioedge-research-labs-advances-transparency-in-research-compound-documentation-302874401.html

SOURCE BioEdge Research Labs

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