Anytime Fitness Franchisee Testimonial – Meet Our Franchisees

Summary

This video script features several franchise owners sharing their personal journeys and experiences with Anytime Fitness. Each individual highlights their initial passion for fitness and the connections they formed with the brand’s culture and people. From overcoming challenges during the early days to establishing multiple locations, they reflect on how the business has transformed their lives. Despite the 24/7 nature of the franchise model, they emphasize the value of building relationships with members and creating a sense of community. The script underscores the dedication and personal fulfillment these owners have found in their franchise ownership journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 The owners have been in the business for a long time, with 17 years of experience in running Anytime Fitness franchises.
• 😀 They started their business journey with significant challenges, including opening their first gym only a few days after a major personal event (childbirth).
• 😀 Several owners manage multiple franchises, with some owning as many as 14 franchises over the years.
• 😀 The founders were drawn to the Anytime Fitness brand because of the culture, the people, and the business model, particularly connecting with the co-founders and the company’s vision.
• 😀 Many of the franchise owners had previous career experiences outside of fitness and transitioned into the business seeking a change, leaving behind traditional jobs to pursue something new.
• 😀 The owners emphasize the importance of relationships with their customers, treating them like family, and focusing on creating positive connections within the community.
• 😀 Opening their first gym was a stressful but exciting experience, full of positive energy from customers eager to get started, and it motivated them to expand their businesses.
• 😀 One of the owners has a background in basketball and fitness, using that experience to fuel their desire to open a gym and improve their community.
• 😀 The growth of Anytime Fitness franchises involves both careful planning and a passion for fitness, with some owners planning to open additional locations as their business grows.
• 😀 The franchisees value the 24/7 accessibility of their gyms but found personal connection with customers and community-building to be key to their success in the business.

Q & A

How long have the speakers been involved in their business?

The speakers have been involved in the business for 17 years, starting in 2005.

What motivated the speakers to get into the franchise business?

The speakers were motivated by a desire to leave their previous jobs, connect with a business model that focused on people, and create a positive, community-oriented business.

How many franchises do the speakers own, and how many have they owned in total over the years?

One speaker currently owns seven franchises and has owned 14 over the last 17 years.

What was the initial experience like when opening the first franchise?

The initial experience was very stressful yet exciting, with positive vibes as customers were eager to pick up their key fobs. Despite the exhaustion, it was fun, and the speaker quickly realized they enjoyed the business.

What did one speaker hope to achieve by opening a gym in their hometown?

The speaker wanted to improve their hometown by offering a place for people to work out and make the community better, which is why they chose to open a gym in Michigan Center.

What was the first challenge the speakers faced when opening their first location?

The first challenge was the stress of opening the gym, managing the rush of customers, and ensuring everything ran smoothly during the first few days.

What made Anytime Fitness the right business for the speakers?

The speakers connected with the culture of Anytime Fitness and loved its business model. They also had a great relationship with one of the co-founders, which helped solidify their decision.

How did the speakers approach running their business compared to the traditional model?

While Anytime Fitness is a 24/7 business model, the speakers wanted to interact with customers directly and build personal relationships with them, making the gym more like a family.

What personal qualities did one of the speakers bring to the business?

One of the speakers is outgoing and able to connect with anyone, which helped in building relationships with customers and retaining long-term members.

How have the relationships with gym members evolved over time?

The relationships with gym members have evolved into friendships, with some members remaining part of the gym for 17 years, highlighting the strong community aspect of the business.