Burn Boot Camp is fueling its nationwide expansion and providing its franchisees with financial options, partnering with ApplePie Capital, a firm specializing in franchise business lending.

The fitness brand made Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list earlier this year and recently launched its first national brand campaign as it eyes growth.

Pat Harding, vice president of finance at Burn Boot Camp, said the franchise selected ApplePie Capital for its ability to offer a dedicated lending program that specifically addresses the financial needs of Burn Boot Camp’s franchise partners.

“ApplePie Capital is our preferred financing vendor because their focus is on the long-term success of our franchise partners and helps make access to the capital they need predictable and easy,” Harding said.

The financial firm noted the financial health of the group strength and conditioning franchise, particularly its rapid growth.

Founded in 2012, Burn Boot Camp began franchising in 2015, having grown to over 335 operating locations and 550 territories sold. 

“Every year, we look at thousands of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) to find the brands that are showing the strongest growth and the best track records of unit-level economics,” said Jamie Davis, vice president of business development at ApplePie Capital. “We are very selective and are focused only on franchise brands that have a desire to grow with a strong capital markets partner behind them. Burn Boot Camp definitely fits that mold with a passion for the brand that cuts across the entire organization.”

Burn Bootcamp is projecting 10,000 global units by 2033 as it ramps up its expansion efforts.

The total estimated initial investment for prospective Burn Boot Camp franchisees is $239,225 – $562,979, with an initial franchise fee of $60,000. 

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Billy Haynes knows what it means to accomplish a complete transformation, having shed 50 pounds and going from lead trainer to multi-unit Burn Boot Camp franchise partner.

His positive attitude and growth mindset set him up for success, leading him to own Burn Boot Camp locations in Carrollwood, Florida, Pineville, North Carolina, and Denver, North Carolina, the latter of which is now celebrating its tenth anniversary. 

Haynes’ Burn Boot Camp journey started after meeting founders and husband-and-wife team Devan and Morgan Kline through mutual friends. First offered a trainer position in 2014, it was only one year later when Burn Boot Camp began to franchise. Haynes was then given the life-changing opportunity to buy the gym, transforming from lead trainer to franchise partner.

“That decision was easy,” Haynes said, reflecting on the offer. “I loved the members, and I just wanted to continue to impact the community at Denver in a really positive way for health and fitness. That’s why I was a trainer in the first place and so when the opportunity came to own it, it was just the next step.”

More Than Just Fitness

Passionate about fitness, Haynes had seen lives transformed by Burn Boot Camp with its results-driven, 45-minute workout sessions in weekly protocols consisting of alternating strength and conditioning days. 

Burn Boot Camp workouts feature an active and dynamic warm-up, a core workout scalable to all fitness levels, and a strong finisher at the close of the session. Throughout the 45 minutes and despite it being a group setting, a dedicated Burn Boot Camp trainer ensures a personal training experience. 

In a nod to its devoted fitness community, each camp ends with “two claps on two,” representing the hard work everyone endured together to hit their fitness goals. Since workouts vary, Burn Boot Camp members constantly challenge different areas of their body, which is meant to ward off plateaus.  

Despite his pivot from lead trainer to franchise partner, Haynes has never lost sight of his desire to help others and encourage those in his orbit to do the same.

“Wherever I have gyms, I just want to give back through health and fitness,” he said. “That’s my passion. I also want to create opportunities for my team to do meaningful, purposeful work that they can be proud of. That’s what attracted me to being a trainer — that’s what got me into it in the first place.”

With community being a core component of Burn Boot Camp, Haynes has seen people become not only fit and healthy, but connected to others.

“It’s fun to see the lifelong friendships that are created from total strangers,” Haynes shared. “You’re working out at 8 a.m. with the same women every day, and connections develop. So those lifelong friendships are really amazing to see.”

He’s also seen Burn Boot Camp communities rally around members during times of need. The franchise has positively impacted young children as well, leading PE classes at local elementary schools.

“The communities are incredible,” he added. 

The (Many) Benefits of Fitness Franchising

Reminiscing on his eight years as a franchise partner and helping countless people on their journey to health and wellness has been enriching, but Haynes notes his top highlight: meeting his wife, whom he met through Burn Boot Camp. 

“Nothing after that would have been possible,” he said.

With franchising providing a proven “business in a box” option for aspiring fitness entrepreneurs, Haynes has simple yet powerful words of wisdom for those looking to enter the fitness franchise industry: “Support your members. Whether you have 100 members or 500 members — just pour into those people, they’ll take care of you.”

While modest, Haynes is immensely proud of the previous decade, which motivates him to continue serving the communities of his gyms and become an even better franchise partner.

“For any business to be open for over ten years is a massive achievement. For a gym to be open for over ten years is even more improbable, so for people to show up every day in support is really all the gratification that we need,” Haynes said.

Burn Boot Camp has opened over 390 locations, with franchisees offered multiple revenue streams including activewear, nutrition and digital memberships. Looking ahead, Burn Boot Camp projects 10,000 global units by 2033.

The group fitness concept recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list as one of the leading fitness franchises. 

The post From Trainer to Owner: How Burn Boot Camp Breeds Franchise Success appeared first on Athletech News.

As fitness and wellness continue to rack up consumer interest and spending, several franchises have made Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking list, with Crunch Fitness taking the top spot among fitness brands and several Xponential Fitness brands also securing a place. 

Aside from flexing the power of the health and fitness franchise industry, Entrepreneur’s list reveals the strength of the franchise system and the lure of franchising as a lucrative business model for both budding and established entrepreneurs. 

The publication then evaluated the franchisors based on associated costs and fees, support, size and growth and brand strength.

Three Fitness Franchises Crack Top 100 

Three fitness centers/studios broke into the top hundred on the list, with Crunch Fitness (#29) taking the top spot in the category. 

The popular fitness franchise has been working on an aggressive expansion plan, while one top Michigan-based Crunch Fitness franchisee recently announced plans to open as many as 75 Crunch Fitness gyms with the support of a private equity firm.  

Following Crunch was Anytime Fitness (#77), which inked a deal with Apple Fitness+ to offer the service to its members. There are also growth plans in the works, as Omega Fitness, the second largest Anytime Fitness franchisee in the U.S., was acquired by a private equity firm late last year.

Heart-rate-based boutique fitness franchise Orangetheory Fitness secured the #96 spot. The fitness franchise has developed a loyal following and is now eyeing the U.K. as the “cornerstone” of its international growth strategy. Orangetheory recently forged a deal to acquire and expand its London studios. 

Xponential Brands Make Their Mark

Club Pilates ranked at #202, securing the top Pilates fitness franchise title. Regarded as the most well-known and successful of Xponential’s eleven brands, the franchise has been targeting expansion in Europe. Xponential also saw Pure Barre rank on the list at #224, as the brand sees strong demand in Japan as well as North America.

Notably, only one assisted stretching franchise made the top 500 list: StretchLab, which ranked at #356. Another Xponential-backed fitness franchise, StretchLab, opened an assisted stretching location every three days last year. 

Xponential’s CycleBar also took the single indoor cycling franchise spot at #411. Similarly, only one yoga franchise cracked the top ten — Xponential’s YogaSix at #472. The boutique yoga franchise has grown across the U.S. and even at sea, with a presence on Princess Cruises. 

From Boutique to Big Box

Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking list also highlighted the top contenders in specific fitness and wellness spaces. As demand for personal training continues to grow, The Exercise Coach, a personal training franchise, took the top spot in the category at #159. 

A fitness pioneer, Gold’s Gym took the #176 spot. The long-standing fitness powerhouse brand bolstered its leadership last year with the appointment of two co-CEOs.

Burn Boot Camp (#319) also made the list as the only camp-style fitness concept. A fast-growing 45-minute fitness franchise, Burn Boot Camp offers personal training in a small group setting, ensuring clients get focused attention with its results-driven sessions. 

Mayweather Boxing + Fitness took the top boxing and functional training spot at #357, while RockBox Fitness, a growing boxing, kickboxing and functional strength training franchise, grabbed #499 on the list.

D1 Training, an athletic training franchise with 100-plus facilities, also made the list at #446. Focusing on family workouts, group training and the untapped market of scholastic training, the D1 Training franchise plans to open 50 locations while another 100 are in development.

Wellness Brands Start To Emerge

In an era where busy consumers are looking for non-invasive treatments that promote longevity, energy and a feeling of overall wellness, wellness therapy and supplement franchises are set to flourish. 

Infrared sauna and red light therapy franchisors had strong representation with Perspire Sauna Studio taking the #336 spot. The franchise has been enjoying the “wellness boom,” especially as it zeros in on the Texas market.

Anti-aging and other wellness modalities such as IV therapy, cryotherapy and peptides were honored with Prime IV Hydration & Wellness following at #389. The wellness franchise operates in over 30 states and has been significantly expanding in Arizona.

A complete list of the health and wellness franchises that made Entrepreneur’s 2024 Franchise 500 can be found here. 

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Eighteen years ago, when Scott Tobin embarked on his fitness journey as a personal trainer, he was fueled by a fiery passion to transform lives through health and wellness. Little did he know, he would help catalyze the expansion of one of America’s fastest-growing boutique gym franchises — Burn Boot Camp.

Burn Boot Camp offers a unique group fitness experience that blends strength training and conditioning high-intensity interval workouts in a 45-minute session. The boutique fitness brand emphasizes inclusivity and mental as well as physical strength, welcoming members from all backgrounds.

Tobin’s narrative goes beyond individual and career achievements; it encompasses the inspiration of others and the promotion of comprehensive fitness and community development. His contributions surpass routine gym operations; he plays a key role in defining the Burn Boot Camp essence and the brand’s profound effect on lives.

Passion & Purpose

Tobin’s initial steps in the fitness world were marked by a profound passion for personal training. This began with a focus on helping people achieve their fitness goals. His early career laid a solid foundation for his understanding of fitness, client needs and the dynamics of the industry.

“I love the results members get; that’s everything to me,” Tobin says.

His transition to Burn Boot Camp in Raleigh, North Carolina, eight years ago marked a life-changing moment in his career. Here, Tobin’s talents and dedication found a new avenue for expression. He played a crucial role in growing the Raleigh location from its early stages, showcasing his ability to inspire, lead and innovate. His success is a blend of personal training expertise and business acumen that he acquired along the way, studying, asking questions and learning from mistakes.

This success eventually led Tobin to become a franchise partner. His role expanded from managing a single location to being part of a broader vision, scaling the philosophies and practices that had brought him success on a local level. Now, he operates 12 locations.

While Tobin still considers himself primarily a personal trainer, he has learned to migrate his training philosophy to management. Currently, Tobin oversees about 215 employees, 32 in upper management positions.

“Now that I’m a franchise partner, I’ve transferred the energy I put into members to taking care of my employees as best as I can,” he says. “I am an advocate of top-down management and believe it starts with me and trickles down. If your employees are happy, they’ll bring that energy, excitement and passion to the members.”

Tobin admits it took some time to place the right individuals in each position.

“We grew rapidly and explosively, and I made multiple mistakes. Learning from these mistakes is crucial. Losing employees, for instance, is often a sign of a mistake,” he says. “Understanding what makes a good fit and then managing multiple locations effectively is about finding the right people for the right roles. Once you have a strong team, success is much more attainable.”

Tobin tells his team, from middle management down, that their success is as good as their weakest link and he uses a feedback loop to continually offer and receive constructive feedback.

“If I’m training at an A-plus level, I need all my trainers to be at that level too,” he says. “Otherwise, how can we succeed if a member’s first experience is subpar?”

Franchise Alignment

Burn Boot Camp’s mission, deeply resonant with Tobin’s beliefs, revolves around empowering members not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The brand’s philosophy extends beyond traditional fitness paradigms, fostering a holistic approach to wellbeing, evident in the supportive community that each location nurtures.

This supportive community is not just a byproduct of the training programs but a carefully cultivated aspect of the brand’s ethos. It’s a place where members motivate each other, celebrate milestones, and share struggles, creating an environment where fitness is a shared journey rather than an individual pursuit.

“I believe that as a member, you need to find what’s right for you,” Tobin says. “Some people love our approach, while others prefer different styles. Then there are those who dislike gyms altogether and prefer at-home options. In the fitness industry, our focus should be on working together. I advocate that if your gym is failing, it’s not because of your competition; it’s due to other factors.”

Tobin expresses deep-rooted commitment to Burn Boot Camp, crediting co-founders Devan and Morgan Kline for creating a supportive environment.

“They’ve created not just a business but a family – the kind of family I needed, not necessarily the one I wanted, which is a significant part of what makes Burn Boot Camp so special,” Tobin says. “This sense of loyalty and community is what fuels my passion.”

Facing Business Challenges Like an Athlete

Each new gym Tobin opens, including those during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects commitment and adaptability. Despite the challenges, Tobin’s leadership ensured that the Burn Boot Camp brand not only survived but continued to thrive and expand.

Tobin shares how he faced the challenges of opening new locations while managing existing ones during 2020.

“Back in April 2020, I was into triathlons, and I remember going on a bike ride. About 20 miles in, watching the sunrise, I had a moment of clarity. It was either make it or break it. I could either excel and continue growing at a fast pace or fail and face bankruptcy. It was one of those ‘aha moments’ where you realize you can’t stress about what you can’t control; you have to live in the now.”

Tobin focused on what he could do to remain successful.

“I decided to read some business books and take time for myself,” he says. “We shifted to virtual, merged gyms and ran about nine live camps a day through Zoom. Financially, it was a hit for me, but that was secondary. The key was that we could still offer the community the experience they valued, just in a virtual format.”

Tobin says this tough period highlighted, once again, that Burn Boot Camp was more than just a gym.

“We lost money, sure, but it wasn’t crippling. It allowed us to keep running and eventually reopen and grow. It took us a couple of years to get back to our pre-2020 levels, but it was a chance to be humble, to recognize that everything can change in an instant. It was also an opportunity to grow, to identify and fix flaws in our business system.”

The Future of Fitness

Looking ahead, Tobin’s vision includes continued expansion and deeper community impact. He’s focused on trends that appeal to members, such as strength training and the ongoing desire to train with others in a team atmosphere that fosters connection.

“We were ahead of the curve, promoting weightlifting, especially for women, in an industry where cardio was dominant,” he says. “We’ve been teaching heavy lifting without the fear of bulking up, emphasizing proper nutrition. And it’s incredible to see the transformations, especially in women who’ve become incredibly strong. Other gyms are now catching on to the importance of weightlifting for results.”

Fitness technology is also high on Tobin’s list, and he’s excited about Burn Boot Camp’s recent app, launched in October 2023.

“It’s live, on-demand, covering everything from our daily workout protocols to yoga, recovery, stretching and more,” he explains.

Tobin’s advice to others who want to own a fitness franchise is to focus on passion, resilience and the willingness to learn and adapt.

“Choosing the right franchise is crucial,” he says. “We often seek perfection, but reality is filled with imperfections, errors and challenges, especially when a business is growing rapidly. These growing pains are real, but the beauty is in growing together, facing issues both as a franchise and at the headquarters level.”

The post How This Personal Trainer Mastered the Art of Fitness Franchising appeared first on Athletech News.

Burn Boot Camp, a boutique fitness franchise with a considerable growth trajectory, has launched “We Are Burn Boot Camp,” its first national brand campaign featuring real-life members and trainers and their stories. Instead of focusing solely on physical achievements, the brand campaign highlights the inclusivity of its members while emphasizing mental strength, self-confidence and spirit.

A new app designed to improve the Burn Boot Camp member experience is also expected to debut soon.

“Burn Boot Camp stands out not just as a gym, but as a stronghold of community and confidence,” said Morgan Kline, the brand’s CEO and co-founder. “The ‘We Are Burn Boot Camp’ campaign reflects the unity and determination that resonates in every corner of our gyms. We are about building connections, fostering friendships, and empowering our members and trainers. This campaign is a testament to the heart of our community.”

While the fitness franchise began as a female-focused boutique gym concept, Burn Boot Camp has grown to include a loyal following of male members. The fitness franchise also encourages family fitness with Childwatch, a member benefit that allows caregivers to enjoy its 45-minute camps while little ones are monitored in a safe and fun environment.

Burn Boot Camp offers personal training in a small group setting, allowing for individual attention while in an encouraging space. With member comfort in mind, the workouts take place on a floating floor, protecting joints and preventing injury. After a dynamic warmup, members embark on a 45-minute camp combining strength and high-intensity interval training. Camps are carefully crafted within weekly protocols, with each day offering a new workout. At the close of each session, members wrap up their workout with a special “finisher” (such as ISO, core and “beat your reps”) to feel even stronger. 

The fitness franchise also offers a variety of equipment including free weights, kettlebells, jump ropes, hurdles, resistance bands, battle ropes and a pull-up rig.

With over 375 gyms, Burn Boot Camp is positioned for continuous growth, having expanded to 41 states and securing over 545 territories. According to its franchise disclosure statement, the brand’s AUV is $515,000, with the top gym attaining $1.3 million.

The fitness franchise confirms that “Burn Nation” is headed to Locust Grove and Vandiver Heights, Georgia, Boerne, Texas, Garden City, South Carolina, and is expanding in Indiana. 

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