Paul Jackson and
his wife Lynn were members of the Workout Anytime club for four years. So when
the club closed for financial reasons, as good stewards of a local business and
because of their love of the concept, the couple saw the potential in keeping
it open and decided to explore the option of making it their own. The Jacksons were able to do so, and after two
months, they took the club out of bankruptcy in April 2010. Three years later,
their experience with Workout Anytime has them slated for a second location to
open in August in Alpharetta, GA. Paul, who is a commercial airline pilot, will
maintain that profession while helping operate the clubs.
Randy Clevenger,
who had been a member of Paul’s club, had no background in fitness prior to his
plans of partnering with the Jacksons for the second Workout Anytime location,
but saw the business’s potential. Having
owned several other businesses over the past 21 years, Randy believes the
fitness industry, and Workout Anytime in particular, represent one of the best
franchise opportunities you’ll find.
Unlike other industries, the Fitness industry is still in a growth phase
and WOAT has found a distinctive niche within the industry. The business model is sound & the
corporate support is outstanding. It’s a
great brand, and we just felt the concept was a winner. With our experience & background running
other small businesses, we believe we can grow our organization quickly to a
multi-unit, multi-state operation.
Randy’s experience
in all facets of starting a business from scratch & growing it into a
multi-million dollar organization, uniquely qualifies him as a WOAT owner /
operator. Combined with Paul’s acute
business acumen, in tandem with their drive and passion for the project, all positioned
the pair to run a well-organized business. Their experience in running tight
financials, marketing and customer relations will certainly help take their
vision for the brand to growth. WOAT is
a concept that you can really get excited about. I feel passionate about the brand, the
opportunity and what this business is all about.
How did you learn
about the brand?
We were originally looking for an economical club without
a contract. So, we went online to explore the possibilities of joining the
organization.
Why did you choose
an opportunity with Workout Anytime?
I thought the business model is superior to all the other
business models in the industry.
Randy: I almost pulled the trigger with a fitness competitor
about 18 months ago, but backed off because I didn't feel they had the level of
passion and interest in developing a relationship with me. I also liked the
idea of being part of a
franchise for help with growing not only in our area,
but into other territories. After doing more research, I was determined that
these guys “get it,” and it feels right.
Are you involved
with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?
We work with the Fraternal Order of Police, area schools
and No Longer Bound, which is a men’s substance abuse recovery program. We
support largely through monetary donations.
What challenges
have you overcome to get where you are now?
When the first club originally closed, we inherited 1,100
potentially unhappy members because they either had no place to work out
or had seemingly lost money. Lynn and I made calls to everyone and decided to
honor all full memberships to gain the trust of these folks.
Also, the new location in August will be completely
different. The original was a salvaged location so we are getting into
something brand new.
Do you have any
superstar employees? What is their story?
Chris Maier is our lead marketing professional, beginning
with us last year as a member of the club. Chris quickly became the manager of
the club and has done a great job. He’s very business savvy and is the face of
our business.
The way we’re set up is Lynn and Chris manage for much of
the time to account for my pilot position, so I’ll do whatever I can when I’m
here. Lynn is managing partner and Chris is the store manager.
What are your
expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Workout Anytime?
Randy and I would like to open 10 total in the next several
years and three more within the next three years. We are currently looking at Flowery
Branch and Dawsonville as next locations.
Do you have any
other interesting hobbies or passions?
We like going to church and
fishing when we can.
WORKOUT ANYTIME was recently featured in an article in the Idaho Business Review titled, "New 24-hour Gym Chain to Expand into Idaho". The article begins with details about the brand’s plans for expansion
into the northwest, including Idaho. The article then provides
background on how Rick Hascall (WORKOUT ANYTIME Pacific Northwest Area Developer) and Chris Gately (WORKOUT ANYTIME North Florida Area Developer) met while overseas. Rick and Chris talk
about the plan to open a club by the end of the year and then use that
as a showcase for other franchise prospects. The article closes with
more details about the brand, information on the investment, and how WORKOUT ANYTIME is able to grow in large cities.
