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.
Zelly Wesson of WORKOUT ANYTIME was recently featured in Black Enterprise. The article discusses Zelly's opening of his second WORKOUT ANYTIME location. Wesson has been playing professional basketball overseas for the past 15 years, and during his off seasons Wesson has been back managing his WORKOUT ANYTIME locations. Wesson discusses his role in his locations and how he has been successful. 
Workout Anytime in Citizen Tribune
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.
WORKOUT ANYTIME was recently featured in Club Solutions Magazine in an article titled, "Indoor Tanning: Convenient and Profitable." The article begins with information about tanning
beds in gyms, and how WORKOUT ANYTIME offers tanning as a premium
offering. WORKOUT ANYTIME Co-Founder & CEO Steve Strickland is quoted about the fact that you must offer quality
tanning beds to get a good ROI on tanning beds. The article closes out
with information on the Ergoline tanning beds used in WORKOUT ANYTIME
clubs and advice from Steve about staying on top of guidelines and
regulations if you use them in your clubs.
We are currently running a contest on our National Facebook page. We are asking fans to share your favorite pre-workout and post-workout snack that "Fuels" you either before or after your workout. Each week we will be allowing fans to comment on a photo, and the comment with the most likes wins a $50 Visa Gift Card! After three weeks we will be putting up all the winners snacks to go head-to-head for a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card! 