Franchising Magazine USA Feature Supplement

fEbrUary 2023

Q&A with stAce Y howell of woodhouse spas

laTEST n EWS in he A lth, F itness & b e Aut Y

tA pping into the globA l billion doll A r be Aut Y & skinc A re m A rket

h E alth, F itn E ss & BE a U t Y

Expert

46 Evan Hackel: authenticity is the Key to recruiting the right Owners for your Fitness Franchise

54 Lauren Wanamaker: new Year, new Business Owner

42 RockBox Fitness: caps 2022 success

50 Camp Unbeatables: a Multi-sports, life skills training and Educational camp Program

Focus

44 The Little Gym: cartwheels into 2023 with several Multi-Unit Franchise agreements

48 Volofit: sees Opportunity in the Future of Fitness

56 Ninja Nation : leading World - class Obstacle course Provider announces new and innovative Franchise Opportunity

Franchisee

58 Dale Huff Athletic Republic: the scientific approach to Youth athlete safety

Snapshot

52 GymGuyz: changing lives Everyday

60 Clean Juice: announces new Franchise Partner

prime iv h ydration & w ellness Reports 113% System-Wide Growth to Close Out 2022

After only 2 years spent in the franchising space, Prime IV Hydration and Wellness, the nation’s foremost vitamin infusion therapy brand, has achieved what most would consider to be herculean feats of expansion, systemwide development, and profitability. Enough so to establish Prime IV among the ranks of the wellness industry’s upper echelon. As we embark on the New Year, here’s a look at all that happened in 2022.

Over the course of the last 12 months, the Prime iv brand has opened 26 new franchise locations, raising their total number of operating spas to 49. t his doesn’t include the 101 additional locations currently in development throughout the country, many of which stem from the 95 signed agreements that have been secured in this past year. all culminating in a record 113% yearover-year rate of growth for the emerging wellness concept.

“ in many ways, Prime iv is still very much in the infancy of its franchise opportunity,” said amy n eary, founder and cEO of Prime iv. “But having the depth of franchising expertise that we do, coupled with the growing foothold that iv therapy is building within the larger wellness sector as a safe and effective treatment option, the brand has managed to advance at an incredible speed that very few concepts can compete with.”

https://primeivhydration.com/franchising

athletic r epu B lic Franchisee, Rod Jones, Finishes 21st Overall in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Athletic Republic, the premier destination for individualized, sport-specific training backed by data and science, recently had an Australian franchisee owner compete in the adventure of a lifetime! Rod Jones participated in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR), which is widely considered one of the world’s most difficult yacht races. Over the past 77 years, no regular annual yachting event has attracted media coverage like the start at Sydney Harbour.

Jones sailed on his yacht, the ‘alegria r epublic,’ which is 43 ft (13.1 m) long. starting in sydney and ending the race in h obart, the race has a distance of 630 miles (1,170 km). t he alegria r epublic sailed for a little over three days with a time of 03:02:55:35 and finished 2nd in its division and 21st overall. Jones was incredibly proud of his team’s efforts and determination throughout the experience.

When not competing in the rshY r , Jones is the Managing and Facility director for his own athletic r epublic franchise, the nation’s leading sports performance franchisor, with over 80 training centers and two million athletes trained in the program. it is the top tier place for data-backed training for athletes of all ages and abilities who seek to improve their speed, power, agility and stamina. athletic r epublic conducts functionality testing on its athletes to determine a performance baseline and identify areas for improvement that fine-tune an athlete’s strengths and improve weaknesses. t he athletic training has helped Jones stay fit and healthy, so he can compete on one of the biggest stages for yacht racing.

Xponential fitness Partners with t erritory foods to Optimize Health Results for Members

a s part of the partnership, territory Foods has curated customized menus of nutritious, delicious, fresh prepared meals to complement each of the Xponential brands’ fitness programs and help members maximize the benefits of every workout, whether that is barre, rowing, boxing or assisted stretching. Members can sign up to receive meals from this healthy meal delivery service through a promo tile link in their brand’s app or on the brand website when logged into their member account.

“Xponential Fitness studios provide worldclass fitness and wellness experiences across a variety of modalities, but a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle also requires a nutritious diet,” said s arah luna, President of Xponential Fitness. “ t hat’s where territory Foods can enhance the member experience, ensuring that our members’ exercise and movement goals are supported by healthy eating.

Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchisor of boutique fitness brands, has teamed up with its first official prepared meals partner Territory Foods. Further demonstrating Xponential’s commitment to holistic wellness inside

and outside of its studios; the strategic partnership spans four brands, including Pure Barre, r ow h ouse, rumble Boxing, and stretchl ab, to enhance studio members’ healthy eating habits and change lives across the country.

t his exciting partnership allows us to further expand the value and benefit our members receive from their studio membership, while supporting their overall health & well-being.”

Please visit the Company’s website at xponential.com

pure Barre Welcomes 2023 with New Class Format, Pure Barre Align™

Pure Barre, an Xponential Fitness brand offering the most effective full-body barre workout, announced today the launch of its newest class format focused on balance, flexibility and strength, called Pure Barre Align™. The new class format, which expands on the company’s current offerings – Pure Barre: Foundations™, Classic™, Reform, and Empower™ – rolled out on January 3.

Pure Barre align™ combines the classic strength-building barre technique with an emphasis on flexibility and balance training to deliver a low-impact, full-body workout and restorative experience for members at every fitness level. in 50 minutes, members will enjoy elements of the signature Pure Barre class experience with the addition of

complementary stretching that increases joint mobility and improves alignment, all while delivering mind-body connection.

“We are thrilled to offer this one-of-akind workout experience that focuses on the restorative needs of our clients. t his balances out our programming perfectly, providing a class format for everyone,” said r egan stokes, President of Pure Barre.

in celebration of the n ew Year, Pure Barre is also introducing the “First ten challenge,” which encourages new members to create healthy habits by taking 10 classes

in 30 days at their home studio. t his new challenge will be offered to all new members throughout the year and tracked within the Pure Barre app.

Offering an effective full-body workout focused on low-impact, moderate to high-intensity movements that improve strength and flexibility for everybody, Pure Barre has quickly become one of the largest franchised fitness brands in the world with over 600 studios.

https://www.purebarre.com/

territory Foods Becomes the o fficial Prepared and ready to eat Meal d elivery Service Partner of Pure Barre, row h ouse, rumble Boxing, and Stretchlab

CIRCUSTRIX CHANGES NAME TO sky Zone

parks to our owned portfolio, signed dozens of new franchise agreements and renewals, and added hundreds of new attractions across our owned and franchised parks. For our owned parks, we hosted 70% more parties than our prior peak year in 2019, and exit the year with well over 300,000 active members. Our franchised parks put up similarly strong increases. Moving into 2023, we’re excited to adopt the sky Zone name, reflecting our heritage as the original and most exciting active entertainment company in the industry.”

CircusTrix, the world’s largest developer, operator and franchisor of indoor active entertainment parks, recently announced it has changed its name to Sky Zone, Inc. (Sky Zone).

sky Zone is now the umbrella organization

for three distinct indoor active entertainment brands: sky Zone, d efy and r ockin’ Jump.

“2022 was a phenomenal year for sky Zone and our family of brands,” said Elizabeth Blair, cEO of sky Zone. “We added nine

sky Zone will continue to pursue aggressive expansion plans in 2023. t he company is actively seeking engaged community and business leaders to add to its growing roster of new franchisees.

To learn more about Sky Zone and its family of brands, or become a franchisee, please visit: www.skyzone.com

t he covery Looks to Build Upon a Successful 2022

The Covery, a boutique Wellness Spa brand offering a diverse collection of non-invasive therapies that work to strengthen both the mind and the body – is gearing up for a busy year after rounding out 2022 with more new locations and brand partnerships.

t he brand opened 4 new spas throughout 2022 in addition to signing 9 deals for new locations across 8 states. t he brand has no plans to slow down their growth as they start development on 45 locations with the anticipation of opening at least 15 more locations in the new year.

“ i am tremendously proud of the work that we have done and the growth that we have accomplished in 2022,” said Edward navan, co-Founder and cvO of t he covery. “We have welcomed incredible new franchisees into our brand that are committed to our mission of expanding what recovery and wellness can be on a personalized level and helped more communities live a more well-balanced life.

Part of t he covery’s growth in 2022 were new partnerships cultivated. t he covery is set to open a spa location inside t he h oustonian in February of 2023 to bring restorative wellness to the h ouston community. t he brand has also partnered with MU v

Brands to offer t he covery exclusive rights to the n orthwest r egion of the United states for licensing and franchising for MU v Well by t he covery (associated with health clubs) and standalone t he covery clinics. t his agreement includes Washington state, i daho, Oregon, and Montana.

“2022 has been an incredible year for t he covery,” said navan. “Our passionate leadership team is helping to guide our brand as well as our franchisees to greatness.

www.thecoveryfranchise.com/

t he lA rge S t i ndoor Active e ntertA in M ent oP er Ator A nd Fr A nchi S or Ado P t S ‘Sk Y Zone’ AS it S n e W cor P or Ate i dentit Y

perspire sauna s tudio Outlines Future Developments After a Record-Breaking 2022

Perspire s auna studio has welcomed 10 new studios into their system this past year, increasing their total number of operating franchise locations to 29. t hey’re excited to announce that an additional 30 studios are currently in development entering into the n ew Year, as well. Many being a result of the 53 signed agreements they secured this past year. a number of those are slated to open in the early months of 2023, bringing the Perspire brand and its unique experience to more communities than ever right out of the gate.

Perspire Sauna Studio, one of the fastest-growing sauna franchise brands specializing in full-spectrum infrared and red-light therapy (RLT), is bringing the heat for 2023. The record expansion of

the emerging wellness concept during these last months has highlighted the increased attention that consumers are paying to new-age experiences that promote personal wellbeing.

my Backyard s ports Looks to Continue Rapid Growth in 2023

One of the most significant reasons for Perspire s auna studio’s record percentage of growth for the year could be attributed to the brand’s rapid rate expansion and debut in some of america’s top markets. t he brand nearly doubled the number of newly-opened locations in 2022, making their official entrance into such states as arizona and colorado. r esidents of Michigan, n evada, and Kansas can expect to get their first taste of Perspire in the early months of 2023, too.

To learn more about the brand’s franchising opportunities, visit https:// franchise.perspiresaunastudio.com/.

additionally, the franchise is continuing to grow its product line to include installations of sports on turf. With My Backyard sports having another successful year, the brand looks to the future and to continue its growth in new markets.

My Backyard Sports is a full-service sports specialty sales, design, and installation company exclusively offering its customers a wide variety of sports products and services.

t he company is now looking forward to 2023 by continuing its national growth. l ast year, the brand opened

four new territories and added two new franchisees to the My Backyard sports family. in addition, My Backyard sports was recognized by inc., Entrepreneur, Frans erve, and Franchise t imes as one of the fastest emerging companies or franchises in the United states. My Backyard sports offers various services, including installing over 3,000 sportsrelated products and accessories, single or multi-courts for over 30 sports, high-quality basketball hoops, and comprehensive and customized sports painting, patching, and repair on courts.

“We are excited to further My Backyard sport’s expansion across the country in the new year and to give back to our local communities,” said s cott stricof, v ice President of Franchise d evelopment.

“We anticipate the continuation of strong interest and demand in 2023. additionally, we expect to see the continued explosive interest and growth of new popular sports activities such as pickleball to help fulfill the demand and installation of new sports surfaces across the country.”

For additional information on franchising opportunities, please visit mybackyardsportsfranchise.com.

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Q&A

with s tAce Y h owell o F woodhouse s pA s

when did you buy your franchise?

My husband Hollis and opened our Woodhouse Spa location in May 2022 in Buckhead, GA.

how did you find about the franchise and why did you choose that franchise?

I was first introduced to the brand through visiting as a customer in New Jersey and I

was impressed with the look and feel of the spa as soon as I walked through the door. Because I believe in self-care first, I was inspired to recreate the experience I felt the first time I walked into a Woodhouse Spa. At Woodhouse, we offer guests a variety of luxury treatments that are fully customized to meet their unique needs in a calming environment. We offer a variety of luxury treatments such as massage therapies, facials and other exquisite services, such

as waxing and nails. Our Woodhouse Spa location was carefully crafted to provide each guest with a tranquil, transformational environment that is memorable and healthful.

what was your working background?

Prior to starting my journey at Woodhouse, I had a lengthy corporate career in sales and held a position for four years as CEO and Executive Director of the nonprofit, Every Woman Works, whose mission is to put women back on their feet after trauma. I also served as a councilwoman in Township of South Orange Village in New Jersey for four years.

what was the turning point that made you realize you wanted to change your career path?

Following some life transitions that led me to move to Atlanta where I met my husband, Hollis, I was introduced to a lifestyle that included travel, massages, working out and overall wellness. As a spa owner, I’ve made it my mission to be an ambassador for health and wellness – and I want every customer to feel like they have a safe place to unwind.

what was the process like

once you signed the franchise agreement? as far as training, site selection, fit out, etc.

The corporate team at Woodhouse Spas made the entire pre-opening and post-

opening stage run seamlessly and made it easy to streamline all the openings and management operations. The team helped guide us every step of the way on how to successfully open a new spa. I looked at spaces all around metro Atlanta, including near Truist Park, the home of the 2021 World Series champions, the Atlanta Braves. However, something told me to to keep looking in the Buckhead area, a diverse community in metro Atlanta.

what type of training/ support was (still is) provided to you?

Woodhouse Spa continues to provide us franchise owners with unrivaled mentorship, proprietary educational programs and events such as the annual reunion, where franchisees and corporate employees from across the country come together to participate in breakout sessions with CEO Christina Russell; learn about crisis management techniques; talk about industry trends, educate on best practices for recruiting and retention; among many other seminars.

has your work/life balance improved since buying the franchise?

Starting a business in the first few years can be chaotic. However, I often pause and look for ways to take care of myself. The beauty of the franchise industry that I’ve chosen to be a part of is that I can take a break and get a massage from one of our therapists to provide myself with the selfcare that I need. Being in this industry also allows me to be intentional about my own self-care.

if someone was interested in joining your franchise system, what would you say to them?

My biggest advice to a potential franchisee would be to consider the environment, location, competition, and growing market of the area. It’s also important to be aware of the long-term and short-term redevelopment plans for the site. Woodhouse Spa is a rapidly growing franchise that is cutting-edge in the luxury spa industry, which is booming. Potential franchisees should be prepared for the ups and downs of starting a business but there’s no better time than now. People are hungry for touch and self-care post-COVID and we are in a good space to provide this through luxury spa services with a well-known name behind it.

any last thoughts on a particular aspect of your franchise system that stands out to you

As an African American female business owner, I always strive to promote inclusivity in my community. Woodhouse Spa Buckhead is one of the few spas in the area owned by a Black woman, so my mission is to work closely with my network to continue to be an ambassador for health and wellness — I continue to do this by giving my employees two paid volunteer days each year. We are giving people the opportunity to experience luxury for the first time.

additional woodhouse spas information:

• The brand reported a 19% sales increase year over year and is currently experiencing its highest growth rate since its 2001 inception.

• With over 900 thousand people visiting the Woodhouse Spa each year, there’s no mistaking the fact that guests coming through the doors are dealing with more than ever, especially as they find normalcy and a need for self-care post-pandemic. Following The Woodhouse Spa’s acquisition by Radiance Holdings in July of 2020, the brand has been aggressively targeting key markets throughout the U.S. for franchise development.

• Woodhouse Spa is revered for providing professionals with unrivaled mentorship, proprietary educational programs, and events like the 2022 fall summit. Looking into 2023, Woodhouse Spa will open location doors in Raleigh, NC; Savannah, GA; and Odessa, TX, among others. Woodhouse Spa is part of Radiance Holdings, a global company representing a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sectors.

• The rapid expansion has solidified Woodhouse as a premier spa franchise and the unequivocal leader in mood care, pioneering a new category of wellness services in the approachable luxury space.

• For more than 20 years, the awardwinning Woodhouse Spa has offered guests a variety of luxury treatments that are fully customized to meet their guests’ unique needs in a calming environment that is rich with warm earth tones and textures, sounds of nature, soothing aromatherapy for skin treatments, massage therapies, facials and other exquisite services, such as waxing and nails. Every treatment, detail, space, and feature has been carefully crafted by the Woodhouse masters of mood care.

• Woodhouse Spa is part of Radiance Holdings, a global company representing a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sectors and was recently acquired by TSG Consumer Partners.

tA pping into the g lobA l b illion d oll A r b e Aut Y & s kinc A re mA rket

This year rang in with the echoes of resolutions for 2023 — organizing our homes, reading a stack of unread books, furthering our careers — the list is different for everyone. However, some people woke up January 1st with the intention of renewed goals that include skincare regimens, beauty routines, and self-care. The market is teeming with trending business concepts to meet these needs and wants.

The franchise marketplace has always been home to some of the hottest beauty and wellness trends. Latest stats say that the beauty industry is set for an 8% growth this year and is expected to be worth over

$570 billion globally in 2023. If your new year’s goal is business ownership, then this may be the industry you want to invest in. Check out the following list of just a few of the newest franchises around, each one touching on some of the best, most lucrative segments.

luscious lashes and unbeatable Beauty

If you haven’t seen the new lash look sweeping the nation, then you soon will. Lush and full, lash extensions and lash lifts are a wildly popular beauty trend that naturally beckoned to be franchised. On top of this high-demand revenue stream, Avari Beauty harnessed even more revenue inducing services and created a powerful, can’t-be-stopped brand that is full of potential. The company took the opportunity to franchise in 2022. The brand gives its franchise partners strong

chris conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion. visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

buying power, some seriously diversifying services — such as microchanneling, LED light treatment and tiny tattoos — and full spectrum support.

Beauty from the inside out

What do primary healthcare, IV therapy, and a medical spa have in common? They are all billion dollar market segments that are expected to grow. So when Health + Glow chose to develop a franchise model that touched on each one of these industries simultaneously, they were choosing sure-footed success. Franchise partners gain access to all operations, IV combinations, marketing, key vendors, and other important business elements. Health + Glow works with major insurance providers to get first time customers in the door with their primary physician services and then share their med spa and IV therapy solutions.

new year, new you

Grandview Research cited that the body sculpting industry has a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

of 14.3% from 2022 to 2030. That being said, it takes a strong, proven model, stable branding, established systems, and great customer feedback to win in any market with this type of business and Bodenvy Cool Sculpting delivers. Aside from a traditional storefront, Bodenvy Cool Sculpting can be operated from a retail location and based on the corporate operations incredible success and roll out in the Orlando and Tulsa markets, the response has been nothing short of game changing for the beauty services franchise market. The flexibility combined with a variety of services — all of which are nonsurgical — makes Bodenvy Cool Sculpting a great step into this industry.

set sail with this salon

This California-based salon franchise took the old adage “blondes have more fun” to heart and created a dedicated niche salon that specializes in creating the perfect blonde look for its clientele; the company also offers haircuts and extensions. The company has two company-owned units in Portland and San Diego. Differentiated

by its specialties, franchise partners will find themselves as an instant stand-out and can feel confident about growth in the appropriate markets. Blonde Voyage has several perks to ownership including an exclusive territory, site selection assistance, design collateral, training, field consultant access, and more.

the suite spot

You’ve probably noticed that the salon booth renting model got an upgrade to a tenant-occupied suite model. Rather than strictly adhering to cut and color services within a shared common space, this model

offers private rental suites for all beauty and wellness related services, depending on the brand’s specific parameters. Beauty Bungalows is one such model that was first launched in 2022 that rents suites to professionals such as hair stylists, barbers, estheticians, laser hair removal specialists, make-up artists, and more. The brand offers a mutually beneficial agreement to the franchisees and their tenants as both work to ensure a welcoming environment for all guests. Franchise partners gain recurring revenue through rental agreements, experience initial and refresher training, and have full spectrum support for the life of the franchise.

My franchise consulting firm, Franchise Marketing Systems, can help guide you in the right business for you. We work with several business owners around the world to develop their successful businesses into successful franchises.

Whether you are seeking to own a franchise or you’d like to franchise your business, our team can help. Contact us at www.fmsfranchise.com

“ The franchise marketplace has always been home to some of the hottest beauty and wellness trends. Latest stats say that the beauty industry is set for an 8% growth this year and is expected to be worth over $570 billion globally in 2023.”

RockBox Fitness C APS

2022 SUCCESS with Entr E pr E n E ur FRANCHISE 500® R ANk IN g

RockBox Fitness, one of the nation’s fastest-growing boutique fitness franchises and a leader in the boxing and functional fitness space, begins 2023 with a major franchising recognition fresh off a year full of milestone expansion.

RockBox Fitness was listed in the highlycoveted Entrepreneur Franchise 500®, ranking No. 468 out of more than 1,300 brands who applied. Not only did RockBox crack the top 500, but it was also named the top brand in the Fitness: Boxing/ Kickboxing category.

“We have ambitious goals for the future of this brand, and it’s incredibly exciting to see that vision coming into focus with honors like the Franchise 500® ranking,” said RockBox Co-Founder and CEO Roger Martin. “As exciting as our workouts are for our members, the real strength in our model lies in the passion of our people. Our franchise owners, managers, trainers, and staff are all instrumental in this growth and will be key to building on this in 2023.”

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® rates brands on a variety of factors including

growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power—areas in which RockBox excelled during 2022.

The North Carolina-based fitness brand opened its 50th location as its studio in Livingston, New Jersey, capped a year full of growth. In addition to reaching the 50unit mark, RockBox Fitness also expanded into several new states, with the first studios in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, New York, Utah, and Florida either already open or currently in development.

Those system-wide accomplishments were celebrated at the 4th Annual RockBox Fitness Summit in October. The brand highlighted several franchisees and awarded two in particular for their impressive performance: Jennifer Halloran of Virginia Beach was named Franchisee of the Year while Yves Lamothe of the Rockledge, Florida location was named Rookie of the Year.

The annual Summit was also a chance to celebrate—and continue—the charitable work done by franchisees and members throughout the RockBox system. The brand’s national charity partner To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) was in attendance and RockBox raised $3,000 more to their cause.

This national effort by studios across the country was led by an impressive effort in Flower Mound, Texas. Franchisees John and Paul Rouse saw their studio staff and members raise more than $10,000 in 2022 for TWLOHA, the most of any studio in the nation.

“These franchisees are such great representations of what makes RockBox Fitness so great,” said Martin. “The Virginia Beach studio has been a case study

in driving continued success for several years now. The Rockledge location shows just how quickly a community can be built in a new market when our franchisees and staff show members the value of this experience. And the Flower Mound studio shows what can happen when a community is built with a common goal of fitness, wellness, and philanthropy.”

These achievements set the stage for an exciting 2023, during which RockBox Fitness aims to reach the 75-unit mark. Now that the brand has expanded nationally, there is an opportunity to add depth in existing RockBox markets with more multi-unit ownership. RockBox will also continue its partnership with TWLOHA in 2023, with a goal to reach $100,000 across its nationwide system.

aBout rockBox fitness

Founded in 2017 and franchising since 2018, RockBox Fitness is a state-of-the-art fitness studio that combines boxing, kickboxing, and functional weight training to help members get into shape.

With strategically designed studios, advanced audio system and psychological mood-altering lights RockBox’s workouts are an immersive experience for every member that walks through the door. Every workout from group fitness to personal training are designed to focus on an individual’s improvement and self-esteem while increasing their strength and agility. Today, there are roughly 50 studios open and successfully operating in the United States, with numerous others in various stages of development across the country. For more information, visit www.rockboxfitness.com/

“ As exciting as our workouts are for our members, the real strength in our model lies in the passion of our people. Our franchise owners, managers, trainers, and staff are all instrumental in this growth and will be key to building on this in 2023.”

the LittLe Gym

C

ARTWHEE l S INTO 2023 WITH S EVERA l

lTI -U NIT FRANCHISE Ag REEMENTS

The Little Gym International, the world’s premier enrichment and physical development center for children ages four months through 12 and part of the youth enrichment growthfocused platform Unleashed Brands, recently announced several multi-unit franchise agreements, which will bring new locations in Minnesota, Texas, and Florida. These agreements help extend the brand’s impressive growth trajectory well beyond 2023.

This jump start into the New Year comes hot on the heels of the brand’s significant growth in 2022, as the franchise commemorated one year as part of the youth enrichment, growth-focused platform Unleashed Brands. Showing no signs of slowing down, the company signed 31 new franchise agreements in 2022, topping the total number of agreements signed from 2019 to 2021.

The first deal The Little Gym announced in 2023 was a franchise agreement with longtime customers Jenny and Brandon Conard, who brought their daughters to The Little Gym across the world for years and are now set to open a gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota early next year.

After graduating college, Jenny received her degree in Adaptive Physical Education and went on to teach for over eight years. During this time, she and her husband Brandon had two daughters and juggled

numerous moves due to Brandon’s career. However, no matter where they moved, The Little Gym remained a consistent place to take their kids for activity, socialization, and physical development for six straight years, starting at age three. Even a move overseas to Kuwait couldn’t stop them from visiting The Little Gym, since there was an international location near their home there.

Along with the Minnesota deal, the brand announced an additional franchise

agreement in the Tampa area, which will bring three new locations over the next three years. Behind the deal are John and Dena Murphy, Tampa Bay locals who also own a successful Christian Brothers Automotive franchise in the area.

The Murphy’s currently run one of the topperforming Christian Brothers Automotive franchises in the United States. Since the Murphy’s acquisition and investment in the store’s employees and culture, annual revenue has increased by over 200% and ranks among the brand’s top 5 stores.

Prior to investing in that business, John spent 25 years working for his family’s manufacturing company, where he managed a 350-employee operation. After the sale of that business in 2019, he and

his wife turned to franchising, seeking a business opportunity that was a fit for their lifestyle.

The Murphys are targeting the Westchase area for their first The Little Gym location and have eyes on Odessa and Wesley Chapel for their second and third gyms.

To round out the already impressive growth in the New Year so far, The Little Gym inked a new franchise agreement with entrepreneurs Eric Alstrin and Nicole Stiles to bring two new gym locations to Katy West and Cedar Park, Texas within the next year. The entrepreneurial duo already owns and operates six locations throughout Houston and Austin, which will bring the pair to eight total gyms throughout Texas.

Based in Fort Worth, Alstrin initially met Unleashed Brands’ CEO and Founder Michael Browning Jr. in 2014 at a local church where both of their families attended. After learning more about Browning’s vision with Urban Air Adventure Park and franchising, Alstrin invested in the brand in 2016 and opened two Urban Air parks in Humble and Spring, Texas. Then he hired Nicole Stiles, who was 19 years-old at the time, as an assistant manager. Stiles was quickly promoted to general manager for both parks.

As Unleashed Brands began to further its portfolio with other innovative and profitable youth enrichment brands, Alstrin became interested in diversifying his franchise portfolio with The Little Gym, since he understood the value the brand brought to early child development, having seen the impact firsthand with his own daughters. He teamed up with Stiles to join him as part-owner and by February of 2022, the two opened The Little Gym of The Woodlands and acquired the Katy East gym two months later. Shortly after, they opened gyms in Copperfield, Fairland, and Round Rock.

Since becoming a part of the Unleashed Brands portfolio last year, The Little Gym is experiencing record-breaking systemwide revenue, average revenue per gym, and enrollment numbers across its U.S. locations.

With nearly 400 locations across 31 countries, The Little Gym teaches kids social and physical skills appropriate to each stage of childhood by creating opportunities to experience achievement and build self-confidence. At the core of the international franchise’s mission is becoming the foundation of a child’s development that will set them up for success. Through three-dimensional learning including physical activities, cognitive skills and social and emotional learning, the core teaching methods create opportunities for children to experience achievement and build self-confidence.

Authenticit Y is the k e Y to r ecruiting the r ight owners For Your Fitness Fr A nchise

Are you a fitness franchise that is actively recruiting new owners?

If you are, you are not alone. Fitness and exercise franchises are expanding rapidly in all areas of North America. There are exercise gyms, yoga franchises, rock-climbing franchises, kickboxing franchises, and even franchises that send trainers to members’ homes.

If you are a franchise hoping to expand into this segment by selling to new owners, I would like to share just one word with you, which defines the most important trait you should be looking for in the new owners you bring on board . . .

authenticity

Perhaps more than in any other kind of franchise, the owners of successful exercise and fitness franchises need to be authentic in a number of ways . . .

• They should share genuine enthusiasm, knowledge, and goals with their target customers. The owner of a yoga franchise, for example, should be a yoga

practitioner. The owner of a martial arts franchise should be a martial artist. The owner of a rock-climbing facility should know about that sport and should probably know the most popular rock climbing attractions in the area where the franchise is located. Why? Because people who are genuine enthusiasts in a given area will speak the same language of their target customers and will attract

more of them. If your owners are only in it for the money – if they have to “fake it,” their chances of success are reduced.

• They should dress like their target customers. When customers come into franchises, they want to be greeted by owners at the front desk who dress the way they do. Granted, your owners can compensate for this somewhat by hiring the right front-desk personnel and

trainers. But in my view, the people who own and represent exercise and fitness franchises should “fit” with the members of their target audiences.

how can you recruit the right authentic owners?

• Advertise in the places your target franchise owners go. Your outreach and advertising should be in publications

evan Hackel President of the New England Franchise Association, is a 35-year franchising veteran as both a franchisor and a franchisee. Evan is an Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster. Evan is the CEO of Ingage Consulting and an advisor to Tortal Training. Evan is also host of the highly successful Training Unleashed podcasts and author of the book Ingaging Leadership Meets the Younger Generation. For more information, visit https://www.evanspeaksfranchising.com and follow him on linkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhackel/

even your franchise name. Getting bona fide enthusiasts take part in focus groups that shape your brand can save you time and result in a brand that “speaks” to both potential franchise owners and their future customers.

• Consider the financial profiles of your possible owners. Young skiers, martial artists, and rock climbers might not have the financial resources they need to purchase your franchise. So speak with your business-oriented executives in headquarters to devise ownership plans and financial options that will help them afford the cost of ownership.

• Offer great training to potential owners and let them take the training before they buy. Because they will want to feel confident that they will have the business knowledge to succeed, offering them excellent training on operating the business side of your franchise will go a long way toward bringing them on board.

they read, at the equipment and trade shows they attend, and in the other places they go. Having a booth in place at a body building competition, for example, can put your franchise right in front of your target owners if you have a franchise of gyms that cater to that group of enthusiasts.

• Have current enthusiasts and potential members help you define your brand and

• Hire the right salespeople. Here again the rule is to hire people who share the enthusiasms and energies of your target owners. When your salespeople are rock climbers, for example, they will be far better able to sell to rock climbers than will salespeople who know nothing about the sport.

Again, authenticity is the rule at every step as you bring in the right owners and watch your franchise expand and prosper. Fitness and exercise franchises are expanding quickly and with the right kind of knowledge and preparation, you can be part of the boom.

Vo Lo Fit s ees o ppo R tunity in the Futu R e o F Fitness

While pandemic measures helped to keep people safe, it is clear now more than ever the importance of social interaction and community on overall health and wellness. Following the pandemic, the fitness and wellness space is booming again as people reestablish healthy fitness routines and relationships. With a foundation built on community and group fitness, Volofit is poised to capitalize on the industry’s growth.

“One advantage I think we have is that our brand was developed during the pandemic when we completed our rebrand in 2020,” said Volofit CEO Britt Canady. “We had a great foundation but wanted to truly meet the moment and anticipate the fitness trends we see in the coming years. Right now, that anticipation is paying off and our members feel like a family.”

The foundation Canady mentions comes from Volofit’s origins in nationwide fitness sensation Tough Mudder, a series of obstacle course events that eventually opened brick-and-mortar franchise locations as Tough Mudder Bootcamp. Canady, a franchisee of the former boutique concept, became CEO of the brand when it separated from its parent company. Together with his executive partners, Volofit was born through a rebrand and a new commitment to the future of boutique fitness.

Boutique studios have the capability to thrive for a long time as Gen Z and Millennials continue to drive the market.

The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association found that Gen Z and Millennials make up 60% to 70% of boutique studio membership. The Gen Z generation is just now beginning to graduate college, entering the professional world, and many already have disposable income with a commitment to wellness.

Few industries in franchising have been affected by the pandemic as much as the fitness and wellness space. Decades of growth came to a halt, as fitness businesses were forced to temporarily restrict operations or move to a virtual format.

Gen Z and Millennials also prefer the community and atmosphere these gyms provide, which researchers attribute to their increasing popularity.

Now, consumers look for the community to go beyond the workout, including on social media. Private Facebook groups and Instagram posts can help create a sense of belonging and support for members, a trend feeding into the boutique fitness model based on group classes and community support.

One thing social media also has affected is the need for variety.

“Fitness trends are changing more rapidly than in the past. Gyms that are able to adapt quickly and on a cost-effective basis are more likely to be successful over the long-term,” said Jeff Kulik, Volofit’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Volofit was designed with this goal in mind. Our gym is an open concept fitness floor with no expensive fixed equipment, allowing our fitness team to program an unlimited variety of workouts. No day is the same in our studios, and members love it.”

Volofit invested heavily in technology to ensure those workouts are multidimensional. They can vary on time, reps, gamification, and more. Another key is that the workouts are based on High Intensity Interval Training.

HIIT first took the top spot in the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends back in 2014, and ever since then, it has remained one of the most popular segments in the industry. Volofit’s open floor concept, flexible equipment layout, and dynamic technology platform allows us to adapt and consistently remain at the forefront of what fitness consumers demand.

“Boutique fitness memberships often come at a higher cost than your average big box gym, so members want to see results,” said Canady. “Our HIIT programming is designed for full-body wellness. These functional workouts can increase your metabolic rate, reduce insulin resistance, burn calories, lose fat, and build muscle. At Volofit we take it another step by utilizing the technology needed to track that progress and keep members motivated.”

Integrating technology is essential in today’s boutique fitness environment. People rely on tech for progress tracking and accountability so much that they’ve incorporated it into their daily lives. Every Volofit studio is built with this commitment to technology in mind.

Volofit studios incorporate state-of-the-art wearables and smartphone technology to provide members with robust data to set goals and track health and fitness results during classes. The daily programming is shown on monitors on the fitness floor, while wearables show workout stats to members in real time. Members can see

their progress both in the moment and over time, scratching the itch to get a little better every day.

“Above all, the community aspect of boutique gyms provides accountability to the consumer,” said Canady. “First, signing up for a class is already setting a standard or a commitment to honor. You also have a coach and other members right beside you to push your further, along with the technology as an added motivator. We always say fitness isn’t a solo journey. You need help along the way, and your community is there to help you get there.”

Two full years after the rebrand, Volofit is already making major splashes throughout the nation. Its flagship studio in Charlotte, N.C. has built a strong community with members both inside the studio and around town. Two major multi-unit development deals—15 units in South Florida and 20 in North Texas—are the result of the confidence franchisees have that Volofit and the boutique fitness industry as a whole are both set for growth.

Volofit specifically provides the opportunity to be a part of an alreadystrong HIIT fitness sector with a chance to get in early with brand that is rapidly expanding.

With increased urbanization, fitnessfocused generations now driving demand, and a wide range of prime markets available for a franchise that fits current and long-term trends, Volofit is ready for the future of fitness.

c A mp unBe AtABLes A MU lTI -S PORTS, lIFE Sk Ill S T RAININ g AND E DUCATIONAl C AMP PRO g RAM

From a very young age, I worked in Venezuela, my country of origin, in the world of sports camps for children. Due to the critical situation of the country, I decided to emigrate to the United States to pursue a safer and a better quality of life.

With my degree in Psychology, I came to the US where I obtained my Masters Degree in Family Therapy as well as different certifications in the field of human’s behavior. Upon graduation, I began my private practice as a psychologist, life coach, and clinical hypnotherapist, and it was at that moment when I realized the growing need to create extensive programs that equip children and their families with effective tools that will help them cope with all the challenges

u n BE ata B lE

E

that modern life imposes. Then, I decided to leave my practice to dedicate myself to creating programs for children that combine the physical and sports aspects of camps with a professional and unique system of social and emotional learning, also known as life skills. So, what better way to broadcast these programs than to offer them during the more than 600 free hours that children have during the year in their school breaks?

I spent a full year researching how kids learn these life skills faster and more effectively and how to apply them to camp programs, and it was then when the concept of Camp Unbeatables emerged.

I started by doing a pilot test in a camp with 25 children in the condominium where I used to live, basically with the kids of my friends. And, without having to say much more, 15 years later, we have worked with more than 10,000 children in South Florida.

Through a unique blend of the virtual and real worlds, a powerful reinforcement and motivation system, and a robust program of physical activities and sports, the children who attend Camp Unbeatables learn how to be happier and more successful in life, in a fun and entertaining way.

As a main part of our virtual-real program, we have created a group of animated superheroes (The Unbeatables), whose “super powers” lie in the fact that they have “the formula” to be successful and happy in life. This formula is passed on to the children who attend our programs through virtual presentations on a comprehensive array of topics such as: fitness, nutrition, wellness, social skills, family improvement, school success, basics in finances, earth conservation, career exploration, inner emotional balance, among others.

Those who facilitate these presentations are our camp counselors, who are young student-athletes, who serve as “reallife”role models for the children. With our program, we strive to move kids away from the exaggerated technological trend, which is one of the main causes of so much

“Building

kids, famili

s and futur E s”

g aby casanas | ceo and Founder

psycho-emotional imbalance in our youth, as well as in many adults.

Speaking of adults, as a complementary part of our program, we have created “The Unbeatables Academy”. It consists of an online platform of courses, articles and blogs for parents; understanding that in the world we live in, being a parent requires constant help, training and being up to date with the techniques and rules that effectively work to raise well rounded individuals.

So, after all this vast and successful trajectory, we are proud to announce that we have launched our franchise!

We are ready to replicate and expand our program by adding more contributors to our mission of creating spaces where children can: feel comfortable while having certain structure; be accepted while respecting others, are reinforced but not spoiled; make real friends for life, learn to love sports but without insane competition and, acquired effective tools to deal with life challenges while keeping their joy.

Camp Unbeatables franchise is perfect for those who are looking for: 1) a more meaningful life since they will be empowering the new generations with the skills that are necessary and truly matter 2) own a business in a recession-proof area, such as child care and education; 3) be their own boss while having the backup and support of a proven successful business model 3) run a profitable business that allows time flexibility since it is carried out only seasonally throughout the year. What more can be asked for? It’s Unbeatable!

“ The children who attend Camp Unbeatables learn how to be happier and more successful in life, in a fun and entertaining way.”

g Ymgu YZ. changing lives every day.

GYMGUYZ is the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world, and is changing lives every day through convenient, customized and creative workouts.

Headquartered in Melville, New York, and founded in 2008 by fitness specialist Josh York, the brand utilizes a fleet of branded vehicles to bring expert personal trainers and stateof-the-art fitness equipment to their customers’ doors to provide fantastic and efficient workouts.

GYMGUYZ has a diverse client base that ranges from seasoned fitness fanatics, to high school athletes, to people living with and working through disabilities and medical conditions. The brand’s workout plans, customized for each individual, include strength training, cardio fitness, sports conditioning, weight loss and toning, youth training, senior fitness programs, and more.

GYMGUYZ comes from humble beginnings. Upon college graduation in 2007, Founder and CEO Josh York worked at a marketing firm during the day, and

as a personal trainer in the evenings. He eventually decided the 9-5 office life was not for him, and instead, wanted to follow his passion for fitness. York wanted to develop a solution for people who were struggling to become consistent gymgoers. Tapping into his creativity, his professional background in marketing, and his solid knowledge of health and fitness, Josh launched GYMGUYZ with nothing but a laptop and one van. He conducted business in his parents’ dining room with a cordless phone and one folder with a few client names.

GYMGUYZ has grown exponentially since then, and now services nearly 1,000 cities internationally, including in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. In November of 2022, GYMGUYZ celebrated the purchase of its brand new, 18,000 square-foot state-of-the-art headquarters in Melville, New York.

Due to its growing success and diverse client base, GYMGUYZ has launched new fitness programs outside of in-home workouts, now offering programs at major corporations, schools, hospitals, and senior living centers. GYMGUYZ will continue to remain innovative and expand based on the needs corporations, remote workforces and the ever-growing consumer demand for convenience.

GYMGUYZ is an exciting franchise opportunity that allows entrepreneurs to be a part of redefining the in-home and on-site personal training and fitness industry. Entrepreneurs will also be a part of a company that puts culture first, and focuses on providing an energetic, fun and engaging environment for all. York believes positive energy is contagious, and in order for a team to be successful, everyone needs to feel that energy on a daily basis. GYMGUYZ is always coming

up with ways to keep team members happy and energized.

GYMGUYZ doesn’t require a brick-andmortar office space, so new franchise partners can be up and running in as little as eight weeks. The brand provides unmatched training and support to set each franchise owner up for success.

GYMGUYZ franchise partners can expect extensive initial training at GYMGUYZ Headquarters, ongoing corporate support, and assistance with setup activities like launching marketing campaigns and planning a grand opening event meant to raise funds for meaningful charitable organizations. Franchise partners do not need to have a background in fitness. Each franchisee comes from a variety of backgrounds and careers. Franchise partners will work with a highly trained personal training team that will break down the traditional barriers to getting fit and implement healthy lifestyles with the

clients they work with. GYMGUYZ has an unprecedented opportunity to grow rapidly, as in-home personal training has never been more popular and more needed in the community.

GYMGUYZ territories are available across the globe, and the company is currently targeting the Dallas-Fort Worth

Metropolitan area, Miami, and Boston for expansion.

For more information about GYMGUYZ franchise opportunities and available territories, visit https://www.gymguyz.com/franchiseopportunities/

n ew Ye A r, n ew b usiness owner

You are knocking on the door of a new year, and that means resolutions, diets and major life changes can’t be far behind. For some people, the new year seems like a natural time to commit to doing something they’ve been dreaming of, like opening their own business.

In franchising, we often hear franchise candidates talk about wanting a fresh start or a new beginning, especially after a big life event or milestone birthday.

At WellBiz Brands, some of the catalysts for change that we most commonly hear about are:

• People who were recently divorced and seeking a clean slate as they start over.

• Stay-at-home moms who are looking for something else to do as their kids get older.

• Dual-income couples who are starting a family and looking for more flexibility and ways to create generational wealth for their families.

• Corporate employees who have been overlooked for a promotion and are looking to become their own boss.

what’s your passion?

Many of the franchise candidates we talk with say they are at a point in their lives when they want to pursue their passions. That may be the result of having devoted much of their life to a spouse or children and being ready to do something for themselves – something they might find personally rewarding. Others say they are burned out in their old job and are looking for a “refresh” with a new challenge.

The desire to feed your passion may stem from the industry the WellBiz Brands portfolio is in. As part of the self-care industry, the brands are the kind that attract franchisees who make up the brands’ customer base. Drybar® franchisees, for instance, often come to the brand as “Barflies” – the brand’s term of affection for members and most valued customers. These women have likely treated themselves to regular blowouts for years, so when they think about a business that they love, that they enjoy visiting and that they would be happy to own, the Drybar brand is at the top of the list.

what’s your goal?

One of the most important questions we ask prospective franchisees is, “What’s your goal?” Are they trying to build a portfolio to leave to their families? Are they hoping to work for 10-15 years and then take an early retirement?

All franchise brands – even those within the WellBiz Brands portfolio – work a little differently. We try to educate prospective franchisees on those differences so they can best choose the brands that may help them meet their goals. That’s especially important if the goal is to get a fresh start. If you’re leaving a job that doesn’t make you happy, the last thing you need is to transition into owning a business that also leaves you dissatisfied.

If a friend were to ask me about franchising at a New Year’s Eve party, I would tell him it’s all about “finding your why,” as author Simon Sinek would say.

If you’re ready for a change, ask yourself, “Why would I make this leap?” Consider what you feel passionately about and what you find fulfilling. What are your financial and personal goals, and could this opportunity help you reach them? If franchising checks those boxes for you, go for it!

Happy new year, friends!

Let’s raise a toast to new beginnings.

lauren Wanamaker is the Vice President of Franchise Development for WellBiz Brands, the pre-eminent beauty and wellness franchise portfolio. The WellBiz Brands portfolio includes Drybar®, Amazing Lash Studio®, Radiant Waxing™, Elements Massage® and Fitness Together®.

“ If you’re leaving a job that doesn’t make you happy, the last thing you need is to transition into owning a business that also leaves you dissatisfied.

ninjA nAtion: Le AD in G Wo RLD - cLA ss oBstAc Le cou R se pR o V i D e R Announces n e W An D i nno VAti V e FRAnchise o ppo R tunity

As the sport and entertainment industries continue to explode, so does the demand for new and exciting experiences for children and families.

To meet this demand, Ninja Nation, the Colorado-based leading provider of world-class obstacle course arenas and experiences, has unveiled a new mobile franchise opportunity. This will allow the brand to further expand its “sporttainment” model, melding youth sport and fitness with family fun.

about ninja nation

Popularized by TV show American Ninja Warrior, the sport of Ninja has boomed in recent years. Founded in 2017, Ninja Nation’s family and kid focused stateof-the-art facilities provide adults and

children the opportunity to play, train, and compete while developing skills, strength, and confidence, encouraging them to explore their passion for moving their bodies, staying active and overcoming obstacles. The brand has five Arenas and 7 mobile courses open and operating in Colorado, Texas, North Carolina and California and 15 more Arenas in development.

The youth sports entertainment concept’s goal is to create over 1 million heroes with their on-going mission to provide a fun, safe, and engaging space where everyone can find that “hero” within themselves. To accomplish this, Ninja Nation focuses on their core values of engagement, encouragement, and energy. They help kids improve their physical health and learn to focus on the importance of staying active while having a good time. The brand prides

itself on building a community within their facility by fostering a culture of positivity, encouragement, goal setting, and building confidence.

“Our mission has always focused on creating a fun, engaging experience for children that will push them to become the best versions of themselves,” said Wayne Cavanaugh, Founder of Ninja Nation. “We believe in ‘failing up,’ and creating a positive impact in the life of every child that steps through our doors or tries a Ninja Nation course.”

Each Ninja Nation facility is kept safe, clean, and up-to-date. Obstacles in the arena are designed by Ninja legend Geoff Britten, the first person to ever complete the entire American Ninja Warrior course in season 7. An expert on the sport, he designs and builds the obstacles while ensuring they remain updated and refreshed so that Ninja Nation clientele never get bored.

ninja nation’s services

Ninja Nation offers a wide variety of services to appeal to any obstacleenthusiast or family fun lovers’ needs. For those who just want to play and have fun or are new to the world of Ninja, the brand has an assortment of exciting events and options, including open gym, birthday parties, day camp, field trips, summer camps, and team building events.

Some of Ninja Nation’s clientele are more familiar with the sport of Ninja or Obstacle Course Racing (OCR), and are interested in training and developing skills within their Arenas. The brand’s Ninja Development Program is designed to help bring out your full potential as a ninja athlete, ranging from beginners to seasoned veterans of the sport. The program features a series of classes designed to learn the skills needed to advance in the sport while getting a great workout and having fun at the same time.

Finally, there are those who want to experience what it’s like to compete and feel like a true American Ninja Warrior. Weekly Ninja Nights are mini competitions, great for practicing a competition type course designed to challenge athletes in a variety of skillsets.

They also set up competitions so athletes can test out their abilities against the clock. For those who develop a passion for the sport, the Ninja Nation Team competes at local and national level competitions, encouraging kids to bond, support one another, and grow together with a shared passion.

ninja nation mobile

In the past, franchisees who were interested in becoming a part of the Ninja Nation brand only had one option, The Complete Package, containing a brickand-mortar Ninja Nation Arena and mobile course. In January of 2023, the brand announced that interested parties would now be able to purchase a Ninja Nation Mobile on its own, allowing for a whole new wave of Ninja Nations to new communities.

Ninja Nation Mobile is the ultimate mobile Ninja obstacle course. It is quick to set up and take down and is an incredible addition to any event, fair, festival, or public gathering. Fun for all ages with tons of adaptability and customization for indoor or outdoor events, the mobile unit offers franchisees an exciting, different way to own a business while maintaining a high level of revenue opportunities.

The brand prides itself on providing an amazing experience for the client, and they make sure to set their franchise owners up for success. Mobile-only franchisees will still have access to the library of amazing

Ninja obstacles, high-quality & durable equipment, and strong corporate support that comes with being a part of the Ninja Nation brand.

“The launch of Ninja Nation Mobile as its own franchise opportunity is a great way for our brand to expand,” continued Cavanaugh. “Without the requirements of a traditional storefront, as well as a lower investment cost, more people interested in owning their own fun, communitycentered businesses will be able to become franchisees and bring Ninja Nation to new communities across the United States, allowing a higher number of kids to experience the benefits we provide.”

own a ninja nation franchise

With a dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive leadership team, Ninja Nation is searching for franchise partners who possess a passion for youth sports, are looking to make a positive impact in their community, and own a business that changes lives while having fun. To own a Ninja Nation Mobile, the brand is looking for future franchisees with a strong business background, with experience or knowledge in sales preferred. Including a franchise fee of $39,500, the overall investment cost to open a Ninja Nation Mobile is $237,500 - $245,500, while the overall investment cost to open a full package is $824,000 - $1.58M.

For more information, visit www.ninjanationfranchise.com.

the s cientiFic AppR oAch to youth Ath Lete sAFety

Playing sports often exposes athletes to the unfortunate circumstance of performance injuries. Athletic Republic helps youth athletes to better prepare themselves and often prevent these injuries by providing them the tools to get stronger and train smarter. The brand’s “secret sauce” is its state-of-theart sports-training facilities backed by evidence-based protocols and perfected with specialized equipment, that unlocks the potential of any athlete, helping them perform at their best.

Dale Huff, an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist turned Athletic Republic franchisee, shares his thoughts on the ever-relevant topic of youth athlete safety and how Athletic Republic has designed its programs around these concerns for the betterment of its athletes.

Before becoming an Athletic Republic franchisee, Huff completed his undergraduate training at Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics & Exercise Science. During that time, Huff interned at Hammonds’ Heart Institute where he worked with a traveling wellness team and gained knowledge of exercise testing. He earned the title of Registered Dietitian by completing a comprehensive internship at St. Louis University and passing the registration exam in October 1994. While working at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center as a Registered Dietitian, he learned further refinement of nutritional counseling skills and dietetics.

Huff opened his Athletic Republic of St. Louis location in 2005 and has loved every minute since. “Being able to work with all athletes to help perfect their

craft while encouraging their desire for success is what brings me joy in life,” said Huff. Unfortunately, with success comes setbacks, and he has seen firsthand the importance of athlete safety in youth sports and is outspoken that it’s an issue that deserves more attention than it currently receives.

The reality is that youth sports are becoming more and more competitive, and athletes are specializing younger and younger, and with that comes an increased risk of injury. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 30 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports in the United States, and about 3.5 million injuries occur each year. It is a staggering number, and it is one that needs to be addressed.

One of the biggest challenges in youth sports is that many young athletes are not properly prepared for the physical demands of their sport. They may have the

desire and drive to succeed, but they lack the proper training and conditioning to do so safely. This is where Dale Huff and Athletic Republic come in. The franchise’s training programs are specifically designed to improve the physical preparedness of youth athletes, teaching the correct form, reducing the risk of injury, and helping them to recover more quickly if an injury does occur.

Athletic Republic’s training focuses on five key areas: speed, power, agility, strength, and stability. By improving these areas, the brand can help young athletes become more explosive, more agile, and more resilient. This not only helps them perform better on the field but also makes them less susceptible to injury.

One of the key components of Athletic Republic’s training is its use of sportspecific exercises and drills. The brand understands that different sports place unique demands on the body, and its

training reflects that. For example, a baseball player needs to be able to generate power from their lower body to hit a home run, while a soccer player needs to be able to change direction quickly to avoid defenders. By focusing on the specific movements and skills required for each sport, Athletic Republic is able to provide athletes with a more tailored and effective training experience and return them to their coaches as better well-rounded athletes. Another important aspect is Athletic Republic’s use of technology. The franchise uses a variety of tools and devices, such as high-speed running treadmill cameras (ARVision) and force plates (3PQ), to help them better understand exactly how an athlete’s body is moving and how much force they are generating. This allows them to identify any areas of weakness or imbalances that may be contributing to an increased risk of injury. Once they have identified these areas, they can formulate an individualized training protocol-plan, and can work with the athlete to correct them and improve their overall performance.

In addition to its training programs, Athletic Republic offers injury prevention and recovery services. These services include things like injury assessments, rehabilitation exercises, and massages. By providing these services, they are able to help athletes recover quicker from injuries and get back to their sport as soon as possible.

The future of athlete safety in youth sports is one that Huff and Athletic Republic are optimistic about. As more and more people become aware of the importance of proper training and conditioning, the brand believes they will see a reduction in the number of injuries that occur. Athletic Republic is dedicated to providing ALL athletes with the training and support they need to perform at their best and stay safe on the field of play. Huff is proud to be a part of this organization, and he looks forward to continuing to serve the youth sports community in St. Louis and beyond.

“ One of the key components of Athletic Republic’s training is its use of sport-specific exercises and drills.

cle A n juice A nnounces new F r A nchise pA rtner

Existing Guest and Health Coach Takes the Reigns of Clean Juice Levis Commons Store in Perrysburg

issues, she decided to change how she thinks about how food fuels the body. Years later, on Christmas Eve, while last-minute gift shopping with her boyfriend, Jennifer walked into the Clean Juice Levis Commons store at 3155 Levis Commons Boulevard for the first time.

“I was so thrilled to learn about Clean Juice and what it represents,” said Sigmon. “My boyfriend and I are very healthconscious individuals. We only eat organic, gluten-free, and dairyfree, so when we found Clean Juice in our town, where nothing like this exists, we were elated. We have a great passion for this lifestyle and became instant fans of the brand.”

After multiple visits, Jennifer ultimately befriended the Franchise Partner. She leaped at the opportunity when she learned he was selling the business to move closer to home. For Jennifer, Clean Juice represents a personal and professional investment where she can materialize her passion for health and wellness for others while gaining an incredible amount of support from the Clean Juice Home Office as a first-time small business owner.

“My biggest motivation is to be part of the solution to my health problems and experiences,” added Sigmon. “I want the passion of healthy living and clean eating to resonate with others who may be experiencing what I did years ago. Through their research and education, they too may find the power to transform how they think about food as fuel and the types of foods available to people while on the go with very busy, hectic schedules. Clean Juice represents that opportunity for me as an owner and to this community as our guests.”

Clean Juice®, the nation’s first and only USDAcertified organic juice and food bar franchise, announced its newest Franchise Partner, Jennifer Sigmon recently took ownership of the Perrysburg, OH store after years of being a loyal guest.

As a registered health coach, yogi, and holistic nutrition and wellness practitioner, Jennifer joins a growing list of Franchise Partners from within the health and wellness industry. From physicians to nutritionists, healthy lifestyle advocates are inspired by the brand’s rising popularity by offering an all-organic, nutrientrich, fast-casual food bar experience. The Levis Commons Clean Juice will celebrate its grand re-opening on Saturday, January 14th. Like many others, Jennifer set out to ensure that people had greater access to healthy food options in a fast-casual setting. After battling a metal poisoning earlier in life that created chronic health

Clean Juice was recently named to Newsweek and Statista Inc.’s elite list of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains for 2023. This prestigious award was based on nearly 40,000 evaluations collected across nine different evaluating criteria, including taste, cleanliness, hygiene, transparency, location, environment, accessibility, service quality, and treatment of employees. This is one of many awards given to Clean Juice in 2022, including Entrepreneur’s Top 500, Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies for the 3rd consecutive year, and Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, among several others.

clean Juice nation continues to inspire into the new year

heading into 2023, clean Juice continues to receive a steady flow of development leads and discovery calls from existing Franchise Partners and new prospects like sigmon who want to bring healthy, organic fast casual food options to their communities. clean Juice has 203 store units in its system, with 127 open and operating and another 70+ in development since it began franchising in 2016.