Geared Up Issue 1 2017 | Page 23

Dear Fellow Franchisees, Real estate remains at the forefront of franchisees’ minds as the Planet Fitness® system continues to expand. The FAC Real Estate Committee, comprised of both FAC and PFIFA Board Members, is working diligently with PFHQ to identify initiatives that help create better pathways to improving site selection and building a greater number of sites faster. As part of our approach, we have assembled different task forces – subcommittees, if you will – that bring together representa- tives from all levels with varying expertise to formulate communica- tions on a range of topics. These groups include: • Site Selection • Demos and Performance • Small Markets • Leasing and Legal The top priority for our franchisee community continues to be the site selection process. Our subcommittee is helping to shape the policies that PFHQ looks at when determining sites that will be approved when addressing possible impact challenges. Obviously, as Planet Fitness continues to grow quickly, we want to reach optimal growth potential. That balance must also ensure fairness to franchisees, allowing our community to maximize their profitability and protect their development areas while growing the franchise. Additionally, the move enables franchisees to take hold of certain market positions prior to competition moving into an area. By tapping into the franchise base and calling on franchisees with firsthand experi- ence, we are able to collect insight and provide feedback on policies to our liaison at corporate, Josh Beyer, and his team. Our hope is to have a guiding hand in shaping policy going forward. As site selection evolves over time, the FAC Real Estate Committee will continue to seek input from the franchise base to make the process as strong as possible. In keeping real estate initiatives at the top of our priorities, the FAC seeks out avenues that provide benefits to the system. One of those initiatives is the effort to increase participation from the franchisee base representing Planet Fitness at International Council of Shopping Centers shows. In addition to the national ICSC show in Las Vegas each year, there are a handful of regional shows. Last year, PF® designed a 10-by-20 booth that they send on the road to several of the regional shows. We encourage you to join us at the booth to represent the brand and the franchise base. Feel free to reach out to your FAC representatives with ques- tions, comments or concerns. Together, we can continue to build this phenomenal brand! REAL ESTATE UPDATE Shane McGuiness FAC Board Member and Real Estate Chair FIFTH THIRD BANK PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE 2017 PFIFA FRANCHISEE CONVENTION. Charles D. Hurt Managing Director - Investment Banking (404) 279-4518 - [email protected] Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC. QFRC7134000_Med_4C_Contact_PFIFA(7.5x5).indd 1 2/3/17 10:52 AM 21