Hottest Home-Based Franchises: GYMGUYZ

HOTTEST HOME-BASED FRANCHISES

Industry leaders reveal why home-based franchising is taking off.

By Jill Abrahamsen

Home-based franchising is taking off. Of course, this comes as no surprise given that these conveniently run businesses improve the quality of life for customers and provide work-life balance for owners. With lowoverhead and lots of flexibility, the home-based model is an ideal optionfor franchisees who want to see quick profits and greater profit margins.

Home-based franchising offers many interesting niche services. Take the folks at PatchBoys®, for instance, who repair minor drywall damage without the hassle of calling a contractor. Then there are the everydayheroes at Restoration 1®, who are basically EMTs for your home. They’reavailable 24/7 to help with household emergencies, such as floodingcaused by exploding pipes or from natural disasters. The energetic group at GYMGUYZ® come through with on-site personal training—you name the place, they get you into shape. Meanwhile the folks at Mosquito Joe®help get rid of those pesky bugs. And though they may have male endings to their names, Mosquito Joe®, GYMGUYZ®, and Patch Boys® are quick to point out that women are some of their most successful owners.Here, home-based franchise leaders talk about their franchises and reveal the trials and triumphs of working at home. Could you be next?

JOSH YORK: GYMGUYZ ®

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF ENERGY, PASSION, OR ENTHUSIASM from founder and CEO Josh York when it comes to describing his home-based franchise, GYMGUYZ.® Back in 2008, York founded the on-demand, personal-training service out of his parents’ New York dining room with nothing more than “a laptop and a vision.” He plans to grow GYMGUYZ® to be the “largest fitness brand in the next 15 years,” and so far, he’s right on track with 145 locations in 24 states, and 100 more planned for 2018.

“It’s all about helping people,” says York. “At the end of the day, if you’re happy and can change lives, you’re successful.” What do you need to make it at GYMGUYZ®? “Drive, passion, and patience,” says York. “If you’re willing to spend a few years like most people won’t, you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.” The homebased model leads to success quickly. The start-up costs are low and the return on investment is high.

Potential franchisees, most between the ages of 27 and 50, go through a six-step process to see if they are a good fit for the GYMGUYZ® culture. Some may have a fitness background, but that’s not a requirement—or even ideal. According to York, the most successful owners are business-minded franchisees. “We are looking for people to work on the business, not necessarily people who are in the business.” GYMGUYZ® is a hot franchise to own because it fills a need. Many people just don’t have the time to exercise at a fitness center. GYMGUYZ® offers on-demand personal training, meaning the gym comes to you. Trainers arrive at your house, your office, even a park, with a van full of equipment. It’s the ultimate in convenience.