Health and beauty march 2016 franchising usa 4#5 2

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FranchisingFeature spo rts and & fitnesss health beaut y

march june 2 0 1165

Fingernails2Go

offering opportunities in a fast growing industry

health & beauty feature

athletes in franchising

life after the game Franchising USA

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what’s new!

Blink Fitness signs its first two franchise agreements Blink Holdings, Inc., the New York-based operator of the premium quality, value-based Blink Fitness™ brand, recently signed its first two franchise agreements.

The brand’s first-ever franchise agreement was signed with The Bairrada Group. These entrepreneurs - Vipul Sawhney, Tom Ehlers, Harit Desai and Sushil Duddempudi – plan to develop their first club in the Seaford, NY area with a desire for extensive development throughout the U.S. The second franchisee agreement was signed with AMP Capital Corp., with plans to develop their first club in Carle Place, NY. Blink is known for its signature Mood Above Muscle™ philosophy, which celebrates the positive emotions generated by exercise as opposed to solely focusing on physical benefits. With over 50 company-owned Blink Fitness gyms currently open or in development in the New York metropolitan area, the company plans to open more than 300 additional gyms by the end of 2020. Blink Fitness Franchising’s focus is on offering franchise opportunities to qualified candidates in markets across the U.S. Blink Fitness Franchising is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with business, management and/or marketing experience. Multi-unit investment groups and franchise candidates should have a commitment to exceptional customer service, as well as a minimum net worth of $1,500,000 and liquid assets of at least $300,000.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Blink Fitness Franchising, Inc. visit blinkfranchising.com.

Quick-Service Restaurant Froots Provides a Healthy Alternative to Traditional Fast Food Fare Miami residents will soon have a healthy haven to escape from the mundane, traditional fast food options, thanks to local entrepreneur Evellyn Morales. She is opening a new Froots location this February at 13909 SW 88th St in Miami, right outside of Kendall, Fla. The restaurant offers a variety of great tasting menu options that cater to a large, growing segment of the U.S. population

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that is more health conscious and aware of better eating habits. Its menu includes all-natural smoothies, energy shakes, fresh-squeezed juices, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soups and more.

Over the next two years, Froots expects to add 50 restaurants nationwide.

Entrepreneurs appreciate that Froots meets two popular demands in the quick service industry by catering to consumers who are increasingly looking for healthier

food choices and the booming juice and smoothie bar market.

With a 2.9 percent annual growth increase since 2010, the $2 billion U.S juice and smoothie bar offering has proven it’s more than just a fad. Additionally, as a relatively low investment for a restaurant franchise and the growth of the sector, Froots is an easy decision for potential investors. www.froots.com

two new chiefs for Orangetheory Fitness As chief financial officer, Tanguay will lead the management of financial planning, record-keeping, reporting and analysis. In her role as chief learning officer, Daley will lead the company’s comprehensive learning and development efforts and oversee all human resources functions.

“Orangetheory Fitness has experienced such incredible growth since our inception in 2010, and as we dive into the New Year, I’m thrilled to welcome Tim and Leslie to the team as we continue to make our presence even more widespread in the U.S. and beyond,” said Dave Long, chief executive officer of Orangetheory Fitness. “With decades of experience and a commitment to driving exceptional results, they will have a big hand in helping propel the brand to new heights in 2016 and beyond.”

Orangetheory® Fitness, the energizing and fast-growing fitness franchise, announced recently Tim Tanguay and Leslie Daley have joined the company’s executive leadership team as chief financial officer and chief learning officer, respectively.

In addition to the new hires, Orangetheory Fitness promoted three existing directors to vice president level – Paul Reuter to vice president of area representative development, Dan Adelstein to vice president of franchise sales and real estate and Grace Pineda to vice president of operations.

More information about Orangetheory Fitness is available at www.orangetheoryfitness.com.

i9 Sports Corporation Sells Company to Employees Frank Fiume, founder and chairman of i9 Sports ®, the nation’s first and largest youth sports league franchise, announced he fulfilled a life-long dream by selling his company to his employees.

“Our employees have acted like owners for a long time,” said Frank Fiume. “Now, they no longer need to act - all eligible i9 Sports Corporation employees will have a literal ownership stake in the company they are helping to build. This is about more than just compensation. It’s about rewarding the contagious sense of pride and personal ownership our employees have in the company’s success.”

Companies that are employee owned are known as ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). An ESOP is designed as a retirement benefit for employee owners linking them to the long term success of the company. Over time, employees are granted shares in the company at no cost to them.

year in 2015 and is already on pace for another record leap in 2016. “A company comprised of owners who have skin in the game on top of the momentum we already have as a business is an unbeatable combination,” said Fiume. “This is a game changer for our employees and for our company.”

i9 Sports just completed a record-breaking

www.i9sportsfranchise.com

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what’s new!

KWENCH JUICE CAFÉ ANNOUNCES FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS that we shop locally for fresh and organic ingredients to ensure you won’t find a fresher juice or smoothie,” says CEO Chris Gregoris.

The menu at Kwench Juice Café includes: fresh juices, juice cleansing, fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls and juice shots.

Kwench Juice Café is proud to announce today that they are currently offering franchises to qualified candidates.

Chosen applicants will get the opportunity to run a franchise with an exceptional

business model, extensive training, and consistent ongoing support.

Kwench Juice Café prides itself on making healthy concoctions that taste great, and also making drinks that make you feel refreshingly healthy. While using the freshest natural ingredients, Kwench Juice Café’s priority is keeping your health in mind to ensure that each drink gives your body the boost it needs.

“What sets Kwench Juice Café apart is

Currently, Kwench Juice Café has a opened location in Boston with many more under way in:, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Franchisees receive full site selection assistance, lease negotiations, layout & design of their Kwench Juice Café, on-site training, ongoing Support and marketing assistance.

If you interested in learning more about becoming a franchisee, please visit kwenchjuicecafe.com.

Launch Trampoline Park Announces Opening of Two New Locations in Maryland locations are scheduled to open in early 2016.

The parks provide unparalleled high-flying entertainment, whether playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit, there’s endless fun for the entire family. The parks will feature open jump, X-treme dodgeball, bounce-basketball courts, tumble tracks, foam pits and a dedicated “kids court” for jumpers under 42 inches.

Launch Franchising, LLC, co-founded by former NFL Cornerback Ty Law, is adding two new locations to its roster.

Former teammate and NFL wide receiver Deion Branch will be the latest to franchise. Branch will co-own two new locations in Columbia and Rockville, MD with already successful Launch franchisees, Stephanie Eldridge and William Garrett. Both

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“It’s great to have Deion on board,” said Ty Law, co-owner of Launch Franchising. “As professional athletes, we are passionate about fitness. Launch allows us to bring a new twist to family fun.

Our history as teammates and friends made it a smart business decision for us.”

“I am so excited to bring family fun and fitness to Columbia and Rockville,” said Deion Branch, co-owner of Launch Trampoline Park Columbia and Rockville. “Like Ty, I wanted to invest in something meaningful after my career in the NFL.” launchtrampolinepark.com

Tropical Smoothie Café Announces Strongest Year of Growth Tropical Smoothie Café, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, recently announced it’s strongest year of growth in the brand’s 19-year history.

The award-winning smoothie franchise reported same-store sales of 11.25 percent — its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit positive comp sales — and signed franchise agreements to develop nearly 200 new cafés across the U.S., including about two dozen locations in Southern California. The brand’s first café in California opened in Lake Forest in mid-january.

Franchisee RanaKaran “R.K.” Sidhu is leading the expansion in Orange County.

The new restaurant is located at 23841 El Toro Road, Suite C - E127. This is part of the brand’s aggressive franchise development plans for the state, which includes future locations in Rancho Cucamonga, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Fountain

Valley, Orange and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Atlanta, Columbus and Charlotte, N.C.,

This year, the food and smoothie franchise plans to exceed 550 restaurants nationwide. The brand currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth,

Café plans to have 800 stores open across

among others. By 2018, Tropical Smoothie the U.S.

For more information about Tropical Smoothie Café, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com

JUICE IT UP! REPORTS STRONG CLOSE TO 2015 Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading raw juice bar and hand-crafted smoothie franchises, announced samestore sales were up 10 percent over the previous quarter.

The company saw an increase in year over year same-store sales along with an uptick in chain wide sales overall. These financials follow Juice It Up!’s holiday brand campaign, which was heavily promoted via social integrations and a variety of digital marketing platforms.

“2015 was a pivotal year for Juice It Up! as we gained meaningful traction in the raw juice space, which continues to grow in popularity with no signs of slowing down.

We are thrilled to have closed the year so strong!” said Frank Easterbrook, President & CEO. “We’re focused on continuing to raise the bar this year, and we’re hard at work designing new products that we’re confident our fans and franchisees alike are really going to love.”

Juice It Up! continues to attract highlyqualified franchise operators to grow with the brand. Ideal franchisees possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a creative local store marketing mindset, and are passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about the benefits of owning a Juice It Up! visit www.juiceitupfranchise.com.

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Fing er nails2G o

Fingernails2Go

Offers Opportunity in the Fastest Growing Area of the Cosmetics Industry The world of glamour and cosmetics has moments of dramatic change, but they are few and far between.

Since the time that the pyramids were built, cosmetics have remained constant.

Blushers, lip paints, eye liners, nail polishes, eye shadow.

Wait. Something is changing.

Fingernails. Nail art. The fastest growing area of the cosmetics industry. Driven by the consumer wanting to do something different.

And now you can join in this revolution, and join with HP, Tensator SA and Tritron with a Fingernails2Go kiosk. A Kiosk that

“The kiosk is simple to operate. The customer can either print their choice of design onto their own nails, or onto a set of acrylic nails. It is quick and the quality of printing is superb.” will change the way that nails are painted for ever. The only kiosk that has the HP

developed digital printer specifically made for nail printing. The kiosk that is built by

Tensator, a leading manufacturer of kiosks for a range of industries, and that has

speciality inks developed by Tritron that

are regulated around the world for health and safety.

The Fingernails2Go Kiosk has been

developed by Butch Baird. We interviewed Butch to find out more.

How does it work?

The kiosk is simple to operate. The customer can either print their choice of design onto their own nails, or onto a set of acrylic nails. It is quick and the quality and durability of the printing is superb. Anyone buying a kiosk will get full training. There are also marketing opportunities as the screen can play ads while not being used for printing, and point of purchase advertising is also available – with sound too if you want it – while the printing process is underway.

What was the big breakthrough?

I thought through the process of nail printing, and it kept coming back to me that the person who is going to put their finger into a machine has to trust that it is going to work, and be safe. That made me think that we needed the best printer and the best kiosk manufacturer Tensator approached HP on our behalf and since then our relationship has been great -working together to develop a unique solution, hitting all the quality thresholds you would expect from such a reputable brand. HP had already worked closely with Tensator, and so they recommended them for the kiosk design and build. The inks needed to be completely safe, so Tritron developed a range of speciality inks that are unique to Fingernails2Go. The

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support that we have received from our manufacturing partners has been amazing.

How many designs are there?

How many? It is unlimited. The nails can be as unique as a fingerprint. The customer can choose from the range of thousands that are on the kiosk, or design their own.

Pets, friends, favourite music artists, a photo of the flower that has just blossomed in the yard. This is an opportunity for creativity. If you have just bought a new dress or blouse with a pattern, get your nails done like that too. If you are heading to a red carpet with a colorful gown, why not get your nails to match?

“The nails can be as unique as a fingerprint.

The customer can choose from the range of thousands that are on the kiosk, or design their own.�

What about the business opportunity?

This is where I get really excited. The Fingernails2Go Kiosk is a business in itself, but also a driver of sales wherever it is located: a store, a mall, an airport or railway station, beauty parlour or shoe shop. If you have a kiosk in your boutique, it will bring people in, giving you a chance to show them other products. If they are buying new clothes, you can sell them nails too. If you want to lower your customer age profile, this is a way to do it, as young girls will probably be more likely to change designs more often.

The marketing opportunities are huge too.

Has there been a better product for social media sharing - you can see the first thing that lots of young people will do will be to share images of their nails, and that will promote the location and the kiosk.

We are putting a worldwide marketing plan in place using the digital channels, competitions, video, and partnerships. #fingernails2go will get your designs onto our website and social channels.

The screens can also be used for in-store advertising, promoting products in the store, or advertising brands who have bought space through agencies.

Can you buy one kiosk, or do you need to go through a distributor?

There are no rules. If you want one kiosk, buy one, but if you want to distribute

kiosks in an agreed area, we can have that conversation too. Our website has an easy to fill in form and we will get in touch by Skype around the world.

Butch is an enthusiast. He loves the process of taking an idea and seeing it through. He does not see barriers, he sees opportunities, and it is our opinion that

Fingernails2Go is a great opportunity.

Fingernails2Go is a proud

partner of the Pink Ribbon

charity, with a contribution from every sale.

www.fingernails2go.com

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Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

health & beautye r u t a Fe American Culture is enthralled in health and beauty standards. Pictures of models, cosmetics and fashion surrounds us through social media, advertisements and billboards. The American economy has managed to take over every viable surface to reflect a marketing statement, that usually includes a health and beauty standard.

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People are willing to invest in products that help maintain their physical appearance, insure a protection against aging and guarantee a healthy lifestyle. In fact, in 2014, the U.S. market for beauty and personal care reached around 76.3 billion U.S. dollars.

The market for health and beauty is a definite win. It’s a part of the everyday American lifestyle. Every morning starts with vitamins at breakfast, followed by a trip to the local gym, a shower using various products and then a regiment of hair and make up to follow. This is the typical day for most people, and this industry now extends beyond women to men. From deodorant, to shaving cream to moisturizer and cologne and well beyond into fitness and nutrition retail, the health and beauty market is diversified and profitable in all areas.

Vitamin and Nutrition Franchises Consumers are hyper sensitive and overly aware of their health. People are self-diagnosing and treating themselves in hopes of obtaining a better lifestyle.

Google Searches and easy access has allowed the public to research products and draw their own conclusions.

A lot of consumers are taking vitamins for a variety of reasons, to supplement their food, to ail mild conditions or simply boost their immune system. It is one of the leading industries in health and beauty and in 2014 vitamins made $6.47 billion worth of sales.

This type of franchise would mostly be available in a retail venue. Someone interested in pursuing this field, would also have to enjoy the sales side of the business. Alternative health and medicine is constantly evolving and discovering new trends, therefore a franchisee would have to be willing to invest their time and research to keep up with the demand.

A lot of the products are the result of the public’s personal research, therefore

A lot of consumers are taking vitamins for a variety of reasons, It is one of the leading industries in health and beauty and in 2014 vitamins made $6.47 billion worth of sales. owners have to be aware of the latest crazes and be invested in the field. Being health conscious and aware could help this type of franchise succeed.

There are a lot of criteria and policies to follow regarding specific products and a franchise option in this field would guarantee a strict policy to meet the necessary guidelines.

Cosmetic Industry Cosmetic Industry covers a wide variety of products and services. Make up and beauty products used to be sold in pharmacies and wholesale stores, where as now they have their own locations. The demand for products has become specific and varied.

Malls now carry stores with just makeup product and just hair product. This would

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Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

be considered a retail franchise, but it is currently a growing trend. People are willing to pay big bucks and they want their product straight from the source.

A lot of consumers are willing to invest in makeup, but want the guidance and insurance of a professional. A store unit gives consumers confidence and helps boost sales by establishing the customer connection.

“A lot of consumers are willing to invest in makeup, but want the guidance and insurance of a professional.�

Though makeup has been around for centuries and its consumer base and profit continue to grow, specific retail locations is a somewhat new industry. A franchise in this field would guarantee great profit, but the future is unknown at this point. Beauty trends come and go, however, makeup has always been here to stay.

Hair Salons Hair Salons have mostly been known as a small business venue, owned by successful stylists and professionals. It’s an emerging trend within the franchise industry and it is becoming more and more established.

Hair Salon Franchises are now creating a consistent brand that consumers can trust and also offering lower prices to draw a larger consumer base. Most salons also create a huge success with spa services and product retail. This can go well beyond hair services to include nails, massages and many more aesthetic services to widen the consumer base.

Although it is not necessary for a franchisee to have experience in the field, it would be of great advantage. An owner would have the support and guidance of the franchisor, but hair salons are such a specific field, a background would add to the success of the business, plus it creates passion.

Hairstyling is hugely dependent on clientele and therefore profit is mostly created by employees. Running a franchise would help guarantee success with policies and marketing that a small business would not have. That being said, a franchise in this field would constantly be in direct competition with local business. There are a lot of hair salons going around and every town is saturated with them, creating a low demand and a high competition.

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facilities has been steadily increasing since 2011and is forecasted to continue on that upwards path.

Though people are paying for a service, a lot of the time they are not using that service to its potential. Therefore, this industry is simply bringing in money without exhausting equipment or services.

One might hold a lifelong membership, but skip the gym for weeks on end.

“From deodorant, to shaving cream to moisturizer and cologne and well beyond into fitness and nutrition retail, the health and beauty market is diversified and profitable in all areas.�

Gym and Fitness Recreational Centers The gym has grown into a wellestablished industry with a lot of services.

What used to be a small weight lifting room where a few body builders gathered has now become a multi facilitated industry with multiple services and availability to everyone.

There are centers and activities for children, tennis courts, swimming pools, towel services and retail products for sale.

Some recreational facilities offer food services and rent out room for events.

There is a lot of potential for a huge consumer base with a greater amount of facilities.

The market size and revenue for such

This type of franchise does not require any experience but a passion for the industry would be helpful. A knowledge and practice of healthy lifestyle would benefit the company and create similar values with employees. Most of these facilities are run in a retail fashion; with employees have criteria and client based goals to help boost revenue.

The Health and beauty industry covers a huge proportion of the franchise industry, including products, services, shipping and handling and retail venues. It’s a wellknown field that is continuously growing and it is guaranteed to have a huge amount of consumers from all areas. It usually requires no experience and little training, but a specific following of franchise expectations to ensure consistency.

This is a field that should be followed with a lot of passion and interest from the franchisee, but it allows them a lot of work and lifestyle balance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina Gill became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.

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Bedros Keuilian, Founder and CEO, Fit Body Boot Camp

Why is the Business of

Fitness Franchises So Successful?

There are a lot of trends that come and go, but fitness and health are things that people will always want to invest in.

As the population grows in both age

and size, so does the demand for fitness

franchises. We offer our clients the key to

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a healthier and more productive life, which is an appealing idea to anyone.

The thing is that a good fitness franchise benefits everyone involved. It provides motivation and accountability for the client and a sustainable business model for the owner. With a fitness franchise like Fit Body Boot Camp, you’re not trying to do everything alone. You’ve got a whole team of other owners behind you that can teach you lessons from their successes

and failures. This allows new owners to learn and grow quickly as their teammates teach them the ins and outs of the business model. It’s almost like a cheat sheet to success.

That sense of community is another great benefit of joining a fitness franchise.

Members and owners get to be a part of something bigger, and it fills them with a sense of pride. For example, one of the most popular aspects of Fit Body Boot

of buying. If you don’t think about these things ahead of time you’re going to end up frustrated later.

It should only take you about 3 months to choose and invest in a fitness franchise.

If you find yourself taking longer than that you may not be in a good place to be purchasing a franchise at that moment.

Wait until you’re ready, don’t rush into it.

Otherwise your business will suffer.

The last thing you need to do is make sure you’re asking the right questions.

Yes, there are a lot of “sexy” things about owning a fitness franchise, such as the machines and equipment, but that’s not all there is. You need to tap into the “unsexy” side, ask questions about the business and what is expected from you as an owner.

Stay on track and find your straightest line to success, and the other stuff will fall in to place.

Camp is the private Facebook groups we set up for each location. Those groups are a great way for members to get genuine support and advice from people who are on the same path that they are.

On the business end, franchises come with a lot of built-in client trust (assuming they’re a good franchise). Good franchises offer a form of stability for their clients, because they know that they can expect a consistently high quality experience no matter which facility they visit. If a friend in another city or state swears by a specific fitness facility then you are going to be more likely to go to that same facility in your hometown. People don’t want to feel like they’re wasting their money.

What is your personal advice for entrepreneurs looking to start or purchase a franchise?

Research. You should always look in to whatever company you’re thinking about buying into. What are the company’s other facilities like? What kind of reviews are they getting? You don’t want to open a location for a franchise that doesn’t have a good reputation.

“A good fitness franchise benefits everyone involved. It provides motivation and accountability for the client and a sustainable business model for the owner.”

And see how much they’re willing to give you information-wise. Companies should always be straightforward about their lead generating strategies and how they’re going to help you get off the ground and quickly get your first clients through the door. The second they start saying that you need to pay to find any of this out, get out of there. If information isn’t readily available then how are you supposed to know if that franchise is the right fit for you?

You also need to organize your personal life before purchasing a franchise. Make sure you sit down with your friends and family and explain what, exactly, your goals are. If you have a strong support structure around you, you’re more likely to succeed, and letting others know what your goals are will push you not to let yourself or anyone else down.

Figure out how you’ll raise your initial investment money and how you plan to run your business before beginning the process

Bedros Keuilian is the founder and CEO of the world’s fastest growing indoor fitness boot camp franchise: Fit Body Boot Camp. He’s also the fitness industry’s leading consultant for marketing, business systems and development. His blogs, products, books, and live events help tens of thousands of fitness professionals and business owners around the world build more robust and profitable systems. Bedros has been featured as a host and expert on Spike TV’s Gym Rescue, and he’s also known as the “Hidden Genius” behind many of the biggest names in the fitness industry including top celebrity personal trainers featured on popular television shows. An immigrant from a communist country turned hugely successful entrepreneur, Bedros uses the stage to share his personal American Dream story and imparts his passion for success with audiences worldwide. www.fitbodybootcamp.com

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Keith Smith, i9 Sports Franchisee

Athletes in Franchising:

Life After the Game

As a former professional football player, I was all too aware of the pitfalls of post-retirement life that often plague retired athletes.

The end of a professional sports career tends to be accompanied by a sudden realization of your financial vulnerability and a question of what to do next. In the past several years, more and more athletes have been able to find success later in life by transitioning into the world of franchising, an industry chock-full of potential.

Following my seven-year career in the NFL, during which I played for the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Omaha Nighthawks, I was lucky enough to find an opportunity to launch my own franchise business. When embarking on this new endeavor, I was determined to pursue a

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business channel that would allow me to find a rewarding life after the game while still making a career out of my passion for sports, which is what led me to discovering an opportunity with the nation’s first and largest youth sports franchise, i9 Sports.

Marking my first venture into the world of franchising, I was initially introduced to i9 Sports from a former teammate, whose son plays for one of the leagues in Jacksonville. After extensive research on the company’s franchising opportunities, I immediately knew this was the business for me based on the proven track record of success of its business model. With convenient flexible hours, no real estate or upfront inventory, i9 Sports is a low-investment, home-based franchise opportunity offering entrepreneurs a compelling business with great profit potential. Additionally, there is immense room for growth in the youth sports market, considering that it’s a multi-billion dollar a year industry encompassing 42 million participants annually.

Putting the numbers aside, the biggest factor in deciding to become an i9 Sports franchisee was how much the company’s core values aligned with my own in regards to how I believe the youth sports experience should be. The ugly truth of organized sports today is that kids are having less fun and are instead facing more pressure, leading to low participation numbers in leagues throughout the country. However, the more I learned about the brand, the more apparent it became that i9 Sports is in a league of its own (no pun intended). In fact, i9 Sports was founded on the principle that the number one reason kids play organized sports is to have fun - not to become the next draft pick. I witnessed first-hand how this philosophy has allowed the league to shape a program that emphasizes “how the game is played” and promotes good sportsmanship instead of the “win at all costs” mentality that often strains young children and can negatively impact their self-esteem.

As a former NFL player and lifelong

“During my time in the NFL, I learned valuable life lessons that have helped me succeed both on the field and off it, such as the importance of teamwork, responsibility and perseverance, and I believe that children can also learn how to succeed in life through sports.” sports enthusiast, I strongly believe in the value of sports during childhood, and was thrilled to find a league that is getting back to what should be the foundation of youth sports: mastering new skills, developing friendships and learning the value of healthy competition. During my time in the NFL, I learned valuable life lessons that have helped me succeed both on the field and off it, such as the importance of teamwork, responsibility and perseverance, and I believe that children can also learn how to succeed in life through sports. As a family man with four children of my own, i9 Sports was the perfect franchising opportunity because

owning a league of my own has allowed me to create a resource that families in my community can trust to have their kids learn to play sports in a safe and positive environment.

Furthermore, the issue of concussion awareness in youth sports is an issue that hits home for me both as former NFL player and as a father. We’re in a race against the clock, and protecting players against head injuries that can impact them for the rest of their lives should be the utmost priority. That’s another huge reason why I chose to purchase an i9 Sports franchise, as the league is a leader

Keith Smith

in raising national awareness about safety in youth sports. In fact, it was the first national youth sports league to implement a “when in doubt, sit them out” concussion safety policy and education for parents and coaches system-wide.

I now own and operate an i9 Sports league in Douglasville, Ga., about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, offering basketball, baseball, cheerleading, flag football and soccer. Based on my experience, I can speak first hand to the great opportunities that lie in the franchising industry for athletes transitioning from professional sports into the business world.

For more information on i9 Sports, visit www.i9sports.com.

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T H E

I N E M A G A Z

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F O R

VOL 10 ISSUE

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