When you’re considering franchising, it’s in your best interest to talk to both other franchisees and also key members of the Corporate office. By doing so, you are privy to first-hand perspectives, without having to get your hands dirty, so to speak. When investigating franchises, it’s rare to hear from the strategic development employees, so we wanted to shed some light for both you and the industry with our interview with Jo-Ann Houston, Director of Business Development for GYMGUYZ.
Let’s start with the basics. How long have you worked for GYMGUYZ?
JH: I’ve been part of the GYMGUYZ team for 1 year, 4 months and counting! In that relatively short period of time, we’ve rapidly expanded our franchise business exploding to 28 locations in 6 states! Our corporate team has also steadily grown to meet the growing demand of personal training services across Long Island. I’m extremely excited to be part of an extraordinary team well positioned for worldwide success!
Wow, talk about impressive growth. Were you in the fitness industry before working for GYMGUYZ?
JH: Yes. I’ve been in the fitness industry for almost 30 years! I’ve worked in a multitude of settings with a very diverse client and patient population. My experience as a personal trainer and physical therapist paved the way for the mentorship and managerial positions that I have held. As Director of Business Development at GYMGUYZ, I’m very fortunate to be part of a team that values the collective leadership and experience of its individual directors, managers and coaches.
It sounds like you really admire what GYMGUYZ stands for. For those who don’t know, what services does GYMGUYZ provide its customers?
JH: Our fitness professionals provide a wide variety of services to men, women and children of all ages and abilities. Our clients have the option of exercising in a one- on-one format or in a small or large group setting. Our services range from weight loss, body sculpting, bodybuilding and weight training to cardio fitness, kickboxing, pool workouts and pre/postnatal training. We also address the unique needs of children, teens, athletes and seniors. We don’t stop there! We provide nutritional counseling, corporate lunch n’ learn seminars and group classes. We even celebrate birthdays providing a plethora of fun and fitness games and challenges!
GYMGUYZ is the one-stop-exercise-mobile that really offers variety! Out of all the amazing aspects GYMGUYZ offers, what is an average GYMGUYZ customer looking to do?
JH: Specific goals may range from weight loss, firming and improving endurance to creating a better golf swing, reacquainting with a pre-pregnancy body or improving quality of life. What every client ultimately wants is to look good, feel good, function better and be healthy!
So, GYMGUYZ really does accommodate any fitness need. As you know, there is always competition in the fitness industry, what are some of the reasons customers have for coming to GYMGUYZ over other alternatives?
JH: Convenience, customization and creativity are just a few of the reasons GYMGUYZ clients seek us out. Our goal has always been to provide the highest level of professional service. We provide the convenience of bringing our workouts right to our clients’ doorstep. We ensure a customized program based on a detailed and comprehensive assessment. Last but not least, we eliminate the guesswork of “what should I do” by integrating a great deal of versatility in a science based and super creative approach!
Partnering with GYMGUYZ almost seems like a no-brainer, when you explain everything it can do for its customers. However, I am sure there are people out there who are still hesitant to try it out. What advice to do you have to those who are on the fence about hiring GYMGUYZ for their fitness needs?
JH: Get off the fence! Book a complimentary assessment and you’ll see exactly why you don’t need to look any further to find a more professional company of confident, courteous and well trained fitness coaches.
I’m sure you see a lot of satisfied customers, what was one the biggest success stories you’ve seen while working at GYMGUYZ?
JH: One of our clients lost close to 100 pounds! She also became far more physically active in the process than she’s ever been in the past. She credits the caring and empathic approach of her coach along with the versatility of the training provided by GYMGUYZ. While she loved experiencing such dramatic weight loss, she also was thrilled to have transformed her body shape by burning off body fat and toning her midsection.
That’s an incredible story! Aside from constantly being inspired by your customers, what is a typical day is like for you at GYMGUYZ?
JH: There is no typical day! That’s just one of the great joys of working at GYMGUYZ! On any given day, my schedule may be chock full of assessments with prospective clients, follow-ups with current clients, meetings with our coaches or networking with community leaders and organizations. Other days may be filled with interviewing candidates for open positions, training franchisees at our corporate office or attending an international franchise expo, national conference or local street fair. Did I mention shooting videos and local news pieces? The only thing “typical” at GYMGUYZ is that each passing day brings us one day closer to being the largest in home personal training franchise company in the world!
That sounds like a super exciting career! Out of everything you mentioned, what is your favorite part of your job?
JH: My favorite part of my job is the creative outlet it provides on multiple levels. To stand out as a company or an individual, you have to think outside the box. Creativity and innovation are a must in all aspects of our business including strategic marketing, networking, franchise support, program design and so much more. Being part of the GYMGUYZ team facilitates growth in all of these areas and creates a rewarding career path unlike any other that I’ve experienced.
Well, you definitely don’t hear someone gushing about their job everyday! I’ve got one last question, which I am sure everyone wants to know— typically, how long does a customer have to work with GYMGUYZ to accomplish their health and fitness goals?
JH: First and foremost, client and coach have to be on the same page. That means a commitment is made toward doing what it takes to meet individual goals. Consistency is key! Whether the client reaches his or her goal in 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks or longer is largely determined by the baseline level of fitness, the commitment made and the consistency kept. What is absolutely certain is that our coaches provide the know-how, dedication, confidence and motivation to get clients not only to meet goals but also ultimately to surpass them in the quickest way possible!
The best way to learn about any franchise is to ask questions and try it out first-hand! Whether you’re interested in franchising or hiring GYMGUYZ as your fitness resource, taking the steps to learn more, try things out first-hand and to have your questions answered ultimately benefits you! GYMGUYZ is happy to talk to you further, whatever your goal may be! Give us a call at 1855-GYM-GUYZ today and see why we’re the fastest and most successful mobile fitness provider in the United States!
