HOTWORX welcomes new franchisees, Martha and Marcus Head, with the purchase of a franchise license in Atlanta, Georgia!
What led you to explore franchise opportunities?
I began exploring franchise opportunities more seriously as I was helping the owners of the engineering firm for which I worked sell the firm. Marcus and I began our careers as practicing CPA's, but both have had somewhat of an entrepreneurial spirit through the years. One of us usually worked as an employee and the other worked in our own business. We love being involved in the community and working with small businesses, providing risk management (insurance), financial and operations advice. Upon helping the owners of the firm for which I worked execute their exit strategy (winding down my own COO role with the firm), it seemed the perfect time to work towards my goal of being back in my own community and work doing something for which I have passion.
Can you describe your first HOTWORX experience?
My first HOTWORX session exceeded my expectations in every way. First, I was impressed with the overall appearance of the HOTWORX studio. Although small, it was efficient in its layout, modern, bright and motivating (and owner and manager so helpful and friendly). I participated in Hot Row and Hot Yoga. The rowing session, although only 15 minutes, felt as if it gave me the same workout of running outdoors for much longer. The Hot Yoga session, although only 30 minutes, gave me the same benefits as my 90 minute hot yoga class at a yoga studio. My body felt loose, free from aches and pains, and I slept exceptionally well that night. I was shocked at how "real" the after burn was for the number of calories burned per my Apple Watch! I knew this was something I had to do on a regular basis.
How was your experience going through the HOTWORX Discovery Process?
Mandy was awesome. She was always professional, but warm and real! She was patient with all of my questions and very open about all aspects of the business. I liked that the process was organized, consistent week to week, and the information presented built upon the prior call. I felt the Discovery Process provided adequate information for me to make an informed decision.
What was it like attending Orientation Day and meeting the HOTWORX Executive Team?
Orientation was well planned, and built on what I had learned during the Discovery Process. Any remaining questions I had were answered during Orientation Day. The team was professional, but down to earth. I appreciated the honesty with which information was presented and questions were answered. It was very apparent that growing pains had caused their share of issues, but that the "team" was staying on top of those issues and addressing them as quickly as possible. Most of all, the corporate team exuded passion about working for HOTWORX and Planet Beach, as well as with each other. Having worked in the business world all of my career, I have a huge appreciation for how important the culture can be to the success of a company. The energy and passion you all put into your jobs certainly shined! The dinner to celebrate and employees taking their personal time (thank you Mandy and everyone else that treated us to a fun night in New Orleans) to get to know all of us better was a great way to end Orientation.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering the opportunity to franchise with HOTWORX?
My advice to anyone considering becoming a franchisee is to visit a studio and do a few of the workouts, talk to existing franchisees to get a feel for their passion about the concept, and read some of the reviews on Facebook and the blogs if you can access them! I will bet after doing all of those things, you will begin the Discovery Process immediately. The threshold to become a franchisee is very reasonable for the potential returns certain studios are already proving can be made.
What are the top 3 reasons you chose to franchise with HOTWORX?
My daughter learned about HOTWORX during the Pre-sale phase for the Tuscaloosa, AL location and became a "friends and family" member of that studio. She knew how much hot yoga and saunas had helped me overcome tightness, aches, etc. from many years of playing sports, running, hiking, etc. She called me and told me she had found a workout concept she thought I'd love. Fortunately, there was a location on my way home from work in Smyrna, GA that had just opened. My plan was to join there and work out as often as I could. I was hooked after one visit, so much so, that I began researching the franchise online. I was headed in a little different direction with my career, but that quickly changed after I researched HOTWORX and began talking with Mandy. My top 3 reasons are:1. I believe in the benefits of working out and adding stretching to those workouts in infrared heat2. I'm passionate to have the opportunity to share that with people in the community and get back to having time to be involved in my community (early enough in cycle to have a location in the Atlanta DMA)3. It gives me the opportunity to capitalize monetarily on putting forth hard work in something I like, but with a corporate team to support me too (some risk, but not alone).
What goals do you have in bringing HOTWORX to your market?
My goals somewhat overlap with my reasons for choosing to work with HOTWORX. I'd like to meet the goals set by corporate of having 300 members by the time the studio is open, and hitting the 500 mark within 6 months. I'd like the studio to become an integral part of the community, a place my members feel comfortable and love to visit each other and workout. I'd like to educate the community on the health benefits of infrared heat, convince all ages it's beneficial for them, not just the 30-40 age group.
What are you most excited for in your first year as a HOTWORX franchisee?
I am most excited to share the great feeling you have after completing a workout with others. I'm equally as excited about building a team of employees that execute year one successfully and enjoy doing it.
Congratulations, Martha & Marcus, and welcome to the HOTWORX family!
Looking for a new business opportunity and want to learn more about HOTWORX? Visit hotworx.net/franchising or call (504) 297-1HOT.
