The VoicE Q1 January 2014 | Page 24

W ing his territoHERE IT ALL STARTED “something just shook loose ry finish first inside me as I thought about in revenue a long term plan that would 22 of the first n the late 80’s back in high school, be good, not only for me and Bryan had a passion for fitness and got 24 months my wife ...” involved in professional bike racing as a during his road cyclist in California. He spent sev- time as Area Manager in his market, GGI made the decision to roll up the eral years competing and then landed his first gym job in Austin, TX. Ironi- personal training department as well as the corporate sales department directly cally, the gym was managed by one of to Bryan. his current business partners today. I Bryan and his partner who gave him his Just 2 years earlier in 2002, Bryan had a significant emotional experience when first “gym” job started their own club which was later sold to World Gym in his son Grayson was born. As Bryan 2000. In April, 2004, Gold’s Gym Inter- shares, “something just shook loose innational acquisitioned the World Gym side me as I thought about a long term chain, and consequently this became the plan that would be good, not only for moment in which Bry- “Bryan’s Gold’s Gym story me and my wife, Kristi, but also for my son. This is what an was rolled up into begain with his position with really caused me to think the Gold’s Gym family Gold’s Gym International as about franchising and being a and was exposed to the an area manager ...” part of that side of the brand”. brand. Bryan’s Gold’s Gym story began with his position with Gold’s Gym International as an area manager, running 3 of their 9 Austin corporate locations. Within 6 months they increased his territory to 5 locations and within 18 months Bryan was responsible for all 9 Austin locations. During his remaining time with GGI, Bryan managed the membership side as well as marketing and was awarded top area manager, presented to him by Gene Lamont. Hav24 While contemplating the fantastic run he had had with GGI he knew that franchising would allow him a better opportunity to grow a business with a future for his family on his terms. He asked for Gene’s blessing to pursue a franchising experience and Gene supported his decision. With that, GGI allowed Bryan to continue working with GGI as he spent the next year traveling each weekend to begin building his first facility North of Houston.