HOTWORX congratulates franchisees, Connor and Hailey Sykes, who were awarded 3 franchise licenses in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) market and recently opened their Wesley Chapel, FL (Wiregrass) studio!
What originally motivated you to consider a business opportunity?
My wife, Hailey, and myself are fitness enthusiasts who love staying active and motivating others to either get active or stay active. We have always been astonished with the innovation that comes up in the fitness industry and when we heard about HOTWORX through a mutual friend of ours we knew we had to try it out.
It was after that first session where we realized how scalable the business model was, and how tough the workouts were to where two individuals who work out everyday were struggling, that HOTWORX was something we wanted to be a part of.
What led you to explore franchising rather than an independent business?
Without the experience of starting our own business, we wanted to pursue a franchise type of partnership first before we ever did anything on our own. This will provide us and all Franchisees of HOTWORX the knowledge, experience, and in depth understanding of the fitness industry that they can take with them for the rest of their lives and apply what they have learned from such a wonderful organization into their own business ideas, if they choose to do so.
What was your initial impression of your first HOTWORX session?
If I am being honest, I thought it was going to be too easy for me. With my fitness background, being in athletics, HIIT, CrossFit, and traditional bodybuilding types of exercise since I was the age of 12, I thought that a 15 minute session would be a piece of cake.
It was during minute….I think 5, where I was hit in gut with reality that this Hot Core session was no joke. I did enjoy the workout itself. The environment was energizing, yet calming, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. The only thing I did not like, or it’s not even that I didn’t like it, it was just different than what I am used to/prefer but the no music was something that was difficult to get passed, especially when I could have used some motivation to get past those last 20 seconds. LOL
How was your experience going through the HOTWORX Discovery Process?
It was incredible! Mandy Verges is absolutely amazing and so helpful! We honestly didn’t even have many questions at the end of our calls because she did such an amazing job going over the entire process.
How would you describe your Orientation Day and meeting the HOTWORX Executive Team?
A little long but very enjoyable. Absolutely loved meeting everyone and hearing each one of their stories with how they came to be at HOTWORX and how much they all enjoy the company and the culture. It put my mind at ease when hearing how much everyone loves the leadership at HOTWORX and getting to meet them ourselves.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering the opportunity to franchise with HOTWORX?
The only advice I can think of is, don’t sit and think on it for too long because this is growing fast….and if you want a killer location then get a move on. Don’t miss out on an opportunity where you can make a difference in your community while also making good money.
What are the top 3 reasons you chose to franchise with HOTWORX?
1. Scalability
2. The brand name is still new in our area and not saturated like Orangetheory or F45
3. The ability to grow with the company
What excites you the most in offering HOTWORX to your community?
Offering something completely different in our area within the realm of fitness. Everyone knows LA Fitness, and OTF, and F45 and Lights Out boxing….not many people know HOTWORX yet, which in my opinion is a great thing!!
What goals do you plan to accomplish in your first year as a HOTWORX franchisee?
Our main goal and the only one we are focused on is getting to 800 members and ultimately getting that jacket at 1000 members. It WILL happen, you can quote me on that lol.
How will HOTWORX help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Provide my wife and I with the knowledge and skills to run/operate a successful business, help us grow as young business professionals, and it will allow us to provide our community with a new way to get in shape.
