How I Started The UK's Fastest Growing Company: My Gymshark Story | Ben Francis

Summary

Ben Francis, the founder of Gymshark, shares his entrepreneurial journey from creating websites as a teenager to building Gymshark, the UK’s fastest-growing company. He began by developing fitness apps, drop-shipping supplements, and sewing custom fitness wear with a friend. Through creative marketing, like sending products to fitness influencers, Gymshark gained traction. Despite challenges and long hours, their passion led to explosive growth, particularly after the launch of the Luxe tracksuit. Ben credits his team's creativity and strong business structure for their success, highlighting his mission to inspire and document his journey.

Takeaways

• 💪 Ben Francis created Gymshark at 19 and is now 24, documenting his journey.
• 📈 Gymshark is officially the fastest-growing company in the UK, with ambitious goals to compete globally.
• 👨‍💻 Ben started by building websites, including one that sold license plates and another fitness-focused website.
• 📱 He developed four iPhone apps, including two fitness apps that charted in the UK and other countries.
• 👕 Gymshark began by drop-shipping supplements and gradually moved into fitness apparel, custom designing its own clothing.
• 🧵 Every Gymshark product was initially hand-sewn and screen-printed by Ben and his team.
• 🎥 Influencer marketing, though not called that at the time, played a huge role in Gymshark’s growth by sending products to YouTube fitness stars.
• 📦 The brand hit a turning point at the BodyPower Expo, where their products gained massive popularity.
• 👩‍🦰 Gymshark's women's range has become a significant part of the business, with the brand investing heavily in its development and community.
• 🤝 The company’s growth accelerated with the help of strategic partners, leading to more structure, international expansion, and 70 employees.

Q & A

Who is the founder of Gymshark and how old was he when he started the company?

The founder of Gymshark is Ben Francis, and he started the company at the age of 19.

What early projects did Ben Francis work on before Gymshark?

Before starting Gymshark, Ben Francis built websites, sold license plates online, and developed iPhone apps, including fitness apps that made it into the top charts in the UK.

How did Ben fund Gymshark initially?

Ben initially funded Gymshark by working part-time jobs, such as delivering pizzas, and using creative methods like drop-shipping supplements through the Gymshark website.

What made Gymshark's early fitness apparel unique?

Gymshark's early fitness apparel was custom-made, designed to be longer, stretchier, and more fitted than existing products in the market.

What was the significant turning point for Gymshark in its early growth?

A significant turning point for Gymshark was when Ben and his team created the Luxe Fitted Tracksuit, which led to a massive growth in sales, especially during their participation in the Body Power Expo.

How did influencer marketing play a role in Gymshark's success?

Influencer marketing was key to Gymshark's growth. Ben and his team sent Gymshark products to fitness influencers like Lex Griffin, which helped increase brand visibility. At the time, this practice was innovative and not widely used.

What challenges did Ben and his team face during Gymshark's early days?

The early days were challenging due to long hours, non-stop work, and manual processes like sewing and printing the products themselves. They also faced logistical challenges, like packaging orders while attending expos.

How did Gymshark's participation in the Body Power Expo impact the brand?

Gymshark's participation in the Body Power Expo had a massive impact, as they were overwhelmed with interest from attendees. The exposure led to a huge increase in sales and helped solidify their presence in the fitness industry.

Why did Gymshark begin focusing on women's fitness wear, and how has it evolved?

Gymshark started focusing on women's fitness wear to expand its product range and address the needs of its growing female community. The women's line, including the Flex leggings, became a significant part of the business and experienced rapid growth.

What decision did Ben Francis have to make regarding Gymshark's growth, and who helped him in the process?

Ben had to decide whether to continue as a relatively small but fast-growing business or take bigger risks to compete with larger companies. Paul Richardson and Steve Hewitt helped him structure and scale the company, balancing creativity and business operations.