HOTWORX congratulates franchisees, Howard and Wendy Bruss, who were awarded 5 franchise licenses in the Columbus, OH market and opened their Columbus, OH (71st HW and Polaris Pkwy) studio this year!
What originally motivated you to consider a business opportunity?
I reached a turning point in my career. I spent 28 years in technology and most recently was CIO of Safelite Auto Glass and Ascena Retail. Honestly, there isn’t a lot of passion there anymore. Wendy and I have always been passionate about working out. I didn’t go looking for a franchise. I did the workout, loved it, and the franchise found me. Wendy and I went through the process and came to the conclusion together that this was a great opportunity.
What led you to explore franchising rather than an independent business?
I’m an executor and operator at heart. I’ve managed teams of 1500 people, budgets of $130 million plus, and processes across the globe. I’m good at taking a vision and executing it. I think this coach/player model that HOTWORX has built over the last 20 years is perfect for me. I also think relationships are key. I’m excited to build a staff that is passionate about beating our customers' expectations.
What was your initial impression of your first HOTWORX session?
The location was clean, modern, and fun. The process was very easy since my brother took me there and we did the workout together. I’ve been in infrared saunas before so I knew I was going to sweat. I loved the Hot Pilates workout we did followed by a HIIT workout. The staff was also very inviting and engaged on a personal level.
How was your experience going through the HOTWORX Discovery Process?
Wendy and I appreciated the amount of overall time allotted for the process and how the modules were released. There wasn’t any pressure to commit and all of my questions were answered. Mandy also gave a lot of good contacts to reach out to learn more about franchising, financing, and HOTWORX.
How would you describe your Orientation Day and meeting the HOTWORX Executive Team?
We appreciated Steve taking the time for our introductions and loved the vision and history he shared with us. Nancy was a straight shooter and the rest of the team was prepared. Wendy and I enjoyed the day. We had another pair of franchisees in our Orientation Day who we enjoyed meeting and it made the process even better.
What advice would you give to other candidates considering the opportunity to franchise with HOTWORX?
Be engaged. At the end of the day, this is your business.
Be passionate. Go into business with something you believe in. Be an evangelist for the workout and the technology behind it.
What are the top 3 reasons you chose to franchise with HOTWORX?
1. Fitness concept is great.
2. Business model is great. Small number of employees, low amount of cash to worry about, inventory is manageable, quality and experience is scalable with Virtual Instructors.
3. Leadership of the company has a proven track record and vision. Planet Beach is still in business. You can tell the company is in this for the long haul.
What excites you the most in offering HOTWORX to your community?
There’s nothing like it here in Columbus. We also like the wide appeal with the additional therapeutic benefits over and above the fitness improvement.
What goals do you plan to accomplish in your first year as a HOTWORX franchisee?
Open first location, get good processes down, hire a good staff and start to open more. Profitability will come as we execute to our goals. But more specifically, 500 members within the first month and 1000 by our first anniversary.
How will HOTWORX help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
HOTWORX will give me the proven processes. The rest is up to me. I would like to be as financially successful as I’ve been in my previous career but with my own business.
