They share how the franchise model and the support it offers both complements and amplifies their combined skillsets.
Boris and Stefan met as junior doctors at Tunbridge Wells hospital and quickly hit it off. “We discovered early on we shared a mutual interest in fitness,” recalls Boris. “As doctors, the pandemic put us both under a lot of pressure, so we started to look for investment opportunities. We wanted something that could give us a little more financial freedom and, because of our shared interest in fitness, a gym franchise seemed the perfect fit.”
Boris and Stefan saw the advertisement for Snap Fitness when they were looking into franchising. Although Snap Fitness stood out, it took a year before they decided to get in contact. “It’s a little cliché but with everything that was happening with COVID, we decided one day just to go for it! We reached out and we knew straight away this was the brand for us,” explains Stefan.
“We were treated with respect and professionalism from the outset. We had such an enlightening conversation with the support team and knew that we would receive the right support all the way through our onboarding process. Snap Fitness believes in fostering a family-first, fun “One Team” culture and that really came across in those initial stages. They talk the talk, but we found out pretty quickly they walked the walked too.
“The guidance we received from Snap Fitness was exemplary – particularly when it came to the hiring process. We found it tough transitioning from employees to employer at first. When we recruited our gym manager, the support of the head office team was crucial and the results we’ve achieved since then speak for themselves. I think Boris and I would both agree that without their help it would have been hard for us to manage our NHS careers and run our club simultaneously.”
“I live in Birmingham and Stefan lives in Southeast London,” said Boris. “And, as doctors, our schedules can be a little crazy! So, we rely on the round-the-clock support we receive from Snap Fitness to operate our business remotely.”
“We’re delighted in what we’ve achieved. We both sit on the franchise advisory council and recently received a nomination in the Snap Fitness franchisee awards. The community environment has made us feel at home and allowed us to flourish. I for one am proud of the leadership skills I’ve developed,” reflects Stefan.
“Down the line we would like to have another site. It’s something that’ll happen when we’re ready. We’ve never felt pushed by the franchisor to expand – we’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet but an important part of the wider franchise network. If we do get in a position to grow, we know Snap Fitness will be there every step of the way.”
“The best thing about being a franchisee for Snap Fitness is exactly that – being a franchisee for Snap Fitness! Whenever I tell people I’m a franchisee, I feel super proud, and I also enjoy the kudos it brings! Another perk is having access to the wider franchise network. Everyone is very supportive – you really feel part of a close-knit team.
“It’s a retirement plan too. We felt franchising was the smartest way to invest our money. Boris and I know that if something were to go wrong, Snap Fitness will be there for us.
“If anyone is thinking about investing in a franchise, our advice would be… life is short – do it! It’s a great way to run your own business and with a brand like Snap Fitness, you’re going to be given all the tools you need to reach your potential.”
If you’re ready to join one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, why not get in touch now and take the first step on your new path to changing lives?
This article is brought to you courtesy of Snap Fitness, a leading fitness franchise with 1,000+ clubs across 20+ countries. 2024 will see the brand’s 100th franchise location launch in the UK and Ireland.
