FRANCHISE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
In the mid-1800s, franchising itself was new. Inventor
Isaac Singer had just begun asking people to pay fees,
analogous to today’s franchise fees, for rights to sell his
improved sewing machines in specific territories.
Franchisees also trained customers to use the devices.
This innovation helped Singer overcome barriers to
marketing, distributing, and manufacturing what became
the world’s first successful sewing machine.
Franchising innovation slowed until Ray Kroc pioneered
business format franchising a century later. Franchisees
of Kroc’s McDonald’s concept were among the first to
pay franchise fees that gave them not just the right to sell
something in a territory, but also extensive training and
support in operating the business. Since then, business
format franchising has remained the dominant standard.
Snap Fitness is an example of a franchise concept that
has prospered by innovating on the basic business format
franchising formula. Snap Fitness franchisees operate
streamlined, state-of-the-art fitness centers that are open
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of their
reduced footprint, clubs can be located conveniently and
economically close to customers, providing quality,
affordable workouts with equipment and an experience
that rivals big-box fitness clubs. For franchisees, the
brand offers an attractive opportunity to enter the fitness
field affordably and profitably.
“Franchisees are drawn to Snap Fitness because we
provide them with a simple process, turnkey systems,
financing assistance, and world-class support throughout
their franchise journey,” says Steele Smiley, Chief Officer
responsible for franchise development.
Snap Fitness was founded by Peter Taunton in 2003
and began franchising in 2004. Expansion since then
has been dramatic. Today, the company has 2,000
locations open or in development around the world. The
majority are in the U.S., but the brand is experiencing
rapid growth internationally.
Current plans call for a total of 1,550 to 1,600 operational
locations within 12 months. Target markets include North
America, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Mexico, the
United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia.
As the proven franchise concept grows worldwide,
Smiley said, Snap Fitness remains competitive in the
industry by rolling out new products and value-added
by Mark Henricks
New and Improved
Innovative Franchise Concepts for 2015
