Meet our Franchisee: Zelly Wesson

Zelly Wesson is originally from Portland, OR. He attended La Salle University, earning a degree in marketing and organizational management. He has been playing professional basketball for 14 years in Europe and is currently in his 6^th season in Turkey. He also owns three smoothie franchises called NRgize Lifestyle Café which is located inside LA Fitness in Georgia.

How did you learn about the brand?

During the past four years, I have done personal training in the offseason. I was looking at a number of fitness related opportunities and a friend of my wife; who is the Workout Anytime franchisee in Roswell, Georgia, recommended the brand. I went and saw her gym as a part of my due diligence and even worked out there to get a good feel. After looking into every opportunity, I knew this was the right choice for me.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Workout Anytime?

After analyzing my smoothie businesses, it became clear – that as an owner, I depended heavily on my employees. The food service model is the type of business that constantly needs an employee to be on site and run the day-to-day operations. With the Workout Anytime business model, I don’t need someone there all the time. There’s no food involved and members have access to come and go, as they desire. This is appealing to me because I live overseas most of the year. The 24/7 aspect of the business is also appealing to me, personally as a professional athlete – you can literally workout anytime that fits into your schedule.

What makes your business unique in the community?

The biggest reason people will choose us over the competitors is that we are very hands on with the community. We offer free fitness boot camps and have started offering the boot camps even before our business has been open. We’re very passionate about the health and wellness industry. We genuinely care about people getting in shape and educating the community on the importance of fitness and health.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We have plans to get more involved with the community and would love to be able to work with the local schools in getting kids active.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

Educating myself on the importance of nutrition and being healthy has been a challenge. I was a big kid growing up. I know first hand the difficulties a child endures, when they’re not in great shape. I battled weight issues until I was about 22. At that time, I hired a dietitian and began my transformation to really getting in shape. It’s really about discipline, balance and doing the right thing for your mind and body.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Workout Anytime?

My end goal is to own multiple clubs in the area. We’re taking it one step at a time, but we’re very excited about this opportunity.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I like to design! I do a lot of interior decorating. I love creativity and finding unique presentations for new things, new projects and new businesses.

WOAT New Website!

We're one month into 2013 and sticking to our resolutions! We're trimming the fat and making ourselves over. Our new website features a sleek new simple design that's much more user friendly and to the point, just like your workout should be! As in our gyms, when it comes to online info, we want you to be able to find exactly what you're looking for without sorting through the needless bells and whistles. What do you think of our new look?

Check out our new website by clicking HERE or going to www.workoutanytime.com, or join us on Facebook to let us know what you think by clicking HERE.

Meet our Franchisee: Jeff Cercy

Name: Jeff Cercy

Territory: Chicago

Before purchasing the Workout Anytime territory in Chicago, Jeff Cercy spent 21 years (active and reserve) in the military with the marines and army special forces including a tour in Afghanistan shortly after 9-11. In addition to his leadership experience in the military, Jeff has an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He was previously a franchisee for Sports Clips and LA Boxing in Colorado. His Sports Clips was the first in Colorado and was a top location for the company. He also won a Franchisee of the Year award  his first year of operation with LA Boxing. Jeff has also been involved with pharmaceutical sales in a Fortune 100 company for the past 25 years.

How did you learn about the brand?

I was looking for a new opportunity. After I sold my LA Boxing franchise I bought back into their company because I’m passionate about the fitness industry. I wanted to open an LA boxing in Chicago but it would have been difficult with my current job. Did some research on other opportunities and was very intrigued with the model’s simplicity and the growth potential, I thought it would be a good fit.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Workout Anytime?

I felt the direction of the company was right for me. With my previous career in franchising I enjoy going into a new market and building a brand. Besides that, I see great value in Workout Anytime and the potential for growth in this market and across the country.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

I do some work for the Wounded Warriors program and I’d like to do more through my business once things get off the ground.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

The challenges have a lot to do with timing in life being right to start something like this and all the experiences gained up to know that will make this even more successful.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Workout Anytime?

I would love to help get a number of people to be really successful new franchise owners and establish the Workout Anytime brand across IL. For now, making our first location a hub for growth is the start.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

If it is fast, physical or outdoors and has some risk/adventure involved……I am there.

ABOUT WORKOUT ANYTIME: Atlanta-based Workout Anytime is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept with 36 units in the Southeastern U.S. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at the lowest cost possible, while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees. Built on the founders’ motto of, “think big, keep it simple and do it with integrity,” Workout Anytime is preparing for significant expansion into new territories by providing opportunities to business-minded entrepreneurs. For further information about franchise opportunities, visit its website.