Franchisee Profile: Marc Flame

Franchisee Profile: Marc Flame

Marc Flame is originally from the Bronx in New York, specifically Riverdale. Growing up, Marc spent every summer on Long Island at his grandmother’s beach house and loves the outdoors. After graduating from JFK Highschool, Marc’s parents moved to South America where Marc learned to speak basic Portuguese. After living in Brazil for a while, Marc moved back to New York where he attended New York University. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in Economics and International Business. Upon graduation, Marc spent much of his time on Wall Street starting his career Bankers Trust Company. Marc eventually became Chief Financial Officer at the banks Technology subsidiary. During Marcs’ tenure he established a successful record of improving operational efficiency and profitability. After fourteen years at BTCo, Marc left and joined Citigroup. Marc spent ten years within the Finance Organization of Citigroup. He then joined the CBS Corporation where he served as CFO of the CBS Technology organization.

After doing some traveling, Marc decided to relocate from Chicago to Atlanta where he began researching franchises to invest in. After much research Marc decided that Workout Anytime was where he wanted to be. Not even three weeks after watching the Workout Anytime franchise video, Marc signed for his first franchise. He now owns the first Workout Anytime located on the South side of Atlanta.

How did you learn about the brand? 

I was researching different franchises and was heavily focused on the fast-food industry when I came across Workout Anytime. I watched the franchise video and was immediately hooked. I knew right then that was what I wanted to invest in. Not even three weeks after seeing the video I met with Randy the entire senior WOAT team. It felt like a family and I signed with Workout Anytime after that meeting.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Workout Anytime? 

I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I worked at a Baskin Robbins in high school and it was some of the best times I’ve ever had. I have always enjoyed doing my own thing which is why I started looking into franchises. I chose Workout Anytime because I am very interested in the Workout Anytime model and I really wanted to do a franchise in a market that really needed it. 

Do you have any development/extension plans? Add units? Timeframe? 

I would like to eventually expand. I do not have a multi-unit sign at the moment, but the goal is to have 3-4 locations within 4-5 years. I am trying to open one every year and a half. Currently, I am working to be the most successful location rather than building out more units. When you talk about franchises people have glass ceiling expectations with what you can achieve with any one location. The Workout Anytime model allows me to push the boundaries, and ensure the opportunity for many members to enjoy all the advantages provided to Workout Anytime members.

Are you involved in any charities or involved in the community in any way? 

I am learning more about the Riverdale area each day and would love to work with charities and get involved with the community once I get to know it better.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I love spending time outdoors. Anything outdoors such as going to the horse stables with my daughter, 

watch my son dirt bike on the trails, and go to the beach as often as possible.

Franchisee Profile: Bill and Bob Aicklen

Franchisee Profile: Bill and Bob Aicklen

Bill Aicklen and his brother Bob, who is currently based in Texas, will be opening their fifth Workout Anytime gym in May. The brothers opened their first gym in Decatur in November 2009; bought the company’s flagship store in Dunwoody in 2012; purchased the brand’s first franchise location in Douglasville in 2013, and built their fourth store in Rome in June 2013. 

Bill, 63, received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Old Dominion University in Virginia, and landed his first job in the banking industry working in the operations and financial systems department. From there, Bill moved on to spend the next 30 years of his career in the computer software business, performing various roles including post-sales, training and support. 

In 2006, Bill decided that he wanted to get out of corporate America and Bob, who was interested in investing in businesses, invited Bill to manage the operations. 

The first business that the brothers partnered in was an express oil change franchise. They built and operated two stores in Woodstock before selling in 2012 to focus their time and effort on Workout Anytime. 

How did you learn about Workout Anytime? 

We were looking for other business opportunities, and Bob came across Workout Anytime on the Internet. A business broker also presented the concept to us. 

Why did you choose an opportunity with Workout Anytime? 

From a franchise standpoint, it’s an easy business to get into; it’s simple. There’s not a lot of moving parts and you can staff the gym with just one or two people. Also, we both have strong customer service backgrounds and understand the importance of hiring the right people and providing excellent service. 

How has business been since joining the brand? 

We have between 1000-1700 active members at each location. Since we took over the Douglasville store and invested money into upgrading the equipment, we have turned it around. Our club in Rome is based in a small city with very little competition in terms of big name brands, and we have been very successful there. I expect Suwannee to also do well because it’s in a highly concentrated residential area. 

Are you involved in any charities or community outreach?

We localize our charity work depending on the club, and we usually donate free memberships for silent 

auctions. We also partner with Red Cross by allowing them to park their blood drive buses in our parking lots every quarter – the next drive will be in Douglasville at 3pm on May 12. We have also previously put buckets in our gyms for people to donate pet supplies for the Humane Society.

Franchisee Profile: Duane Brown

Franchisee Profile: Duane Brown

Situated where the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains give way to the Tennessee Valley, Sevierville will be the home of Workout Anytime’s newest facilities, spearheaded by entrepreneur and real estate broker/contractor, Duane Brown.

Brown, 46, is a Maynardville, TN native whose hobbies span martial arts (he’s a black belt) to police work to house restoration. Prior to opening his first roofing company in 2000, Brown worked mostly in construction and as a fitness instructor from 1998-2000. He continued his work in the housing market by receiving his real estate license and becoming a broker. He then elevated his resume to include residential contractor in 2001, which included building houses, investing in real estate and renovating buildings.

Brown’s journey in real estate proved to be a difficult road due to the housing market decline in the 2000s. He struggled keeping the real estate he had purchased, and had seven mortgages under his name. Through strategic planning, and a lot of luck, Brown was able to sell four of his properties and will continue wrapping up his involvement in real estate by selling the rest of his homes and moving to Sevierville to focus on maintaining his Workout Anytime.

Brown was first introduced to Workout Anytime by his bookkeeper while still working as a contractor.  Intrigued, Brown decided to check it out for himself. He drove to Powell, TN and upon entering the center, Brown immediately knew this was the opportunity he was looking for. Ringing up Greg Parker, he signed with the brand and a year and a half later, will be opening his doors this May.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Workout Anytime?

I had thought about franchises in the past but nothing stood out. I used to work at National Fitness and I’ve visited Anytime Fitness, but Workout Anytime blew their facilities out of the water. They both exist in the Sevierville market, but I believe Workout Anytime will appeal to the public here.

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

The road to business ownership was challenging and stressful. I changed the course of my life at 46 and chose to pursue something else for the rest of my life. I’m currently tying up loose ends that exist within my contracting business and trying to transition my family to a new town, all while opening a business. It’s been a tough road but I’m excited to open and pursue this business.  

Do you have any development/extension plans? Add units? Timeframe?

Ideally I’d like to open two more locations in Sevierville in the next two years.