HOTWORX congratulates franchisees, Will and Ashleigh Shook, who were awarded 3 franchise licenses in the Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) market and recently opened their Apex, NC studio!
What originally motivated you to consider a business opportunity?
My daughter was a HOTWORX member in Denver and got the rest of the family to join the Raleigh, NC site. Then she saw the mention of franchising on the app and she got me excited about it. We've always hoped we'd find a way to partner on some venture and this turned out to be it. Ashleigh is currently in software sales with a rapidly growing company. Will is a lifelong technology entrepreneur and is currently an investor/advisor in another technology startup.
What led you to explore franchising rather than an independent business?
It looked like a very creative exercise concept backed up by a very thoughtful business plan. The speed to positive cash flow and profitability made it an ideal addition to the retirement portfolio. I never thought I would franchise, being the entrepreneur snob I am, but the ability to get this off the ground and running without being buried looks truly achievable.
What was your initial impression of your first HOTWORX session?
My daughter wanted more. I wanted a breather! Both of us are pretty committed exercise enthusiasts and immediately felt the benefits of the infrared. My muscles feel much more limber after any session in the sauna vs a similar exercise outside it.
How was your experience going through the HOTWORX Discovery Process?
Informative. Our Franchise Recruiter, Mandy Verges, was professional and fun to spend time with.
How would you describe your Orientation Day and meeting the HOTWORX Executive Team?
Confidence building! A great deal of talent was on display. Each domain of the business was led by someone we felt brought an A game to the building out of a successful franchise business. The commitment to disciplined operations, clear expectations, and franchisee profit was evident.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering the opportunity to franchise with HOTWORX?
The business opportunity is real. The odds for success are much higher with this model than many, many others. It is absolutely worth the effort to go through the Discovery Process and see if it's a fit for you.
What are the top 3 reasons you chose to franchise with HOTWORX?
A perfect vehicle for daughter and dad to team together. The HOTWORX team had been there, done that in the fitness industry + spa industry and had proven they could pivot the business as trends and technologies changed. We evaluated the decision on three categories - Effort, Interest and Results. We both have super high interest in exercise and this particular 3D concept, the effort will be manageable, and the results look like a better use of capital for the next several years vs the stock market.
What excites you the most in offering HOTWORX to your community?
A genuinely unique exercise alternative that seems to provide real world improvements in fitness and health down to the cellular level. It's also a place to bring Ash and Dad's passion and enthusiasm to our little slice of community.
What goals do you plan to accomplish in your first year as a HOTWORX franchisee?
All of them! We have goals to obtain profitability in the 2nd quarter of operations. We intend to become a 500 Club member in the 2nd quarter as well. We will bust through 600 members before the end of year. We intend to have delighted customers that feel good walking into the Shook HOTWORX and feel even better when they leave.
How will HOTWORX help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Once again, this is a fantastic way for daughter and dad to team together, create results in a joint effort, learn from each other, and draw pride in the great results we will create. This will also serve as a base for Ash to see other ways to use her skills and build a strong financial portfolio while still early in her career.
