The BFS Network

3 years ago, B/SPOKE Studios made a major shift. For years, they avoided the word membership, believing boutique fitness should be non-committal. The goal was to create a space where clients wanted to be—not one where they felt locked in. But over time, that mindset changed. Mark Partin and his team saw the power of membership-based revenue—not just for financial stability, but for building stronger client relationships. With intentional marketing strategies, they started encouraging memberships, and today, half of their clients are on recurring plans. Not every studio will—or should—push for 100% memberships. But the key takeaway? It’s never too late to shift your model. The right membership strategy creates predictable revenue, strengthens retention, and helps studios scale in a sustainable way. We had Mark at a recent BFS session where he shared insights on shifting to a membership growth model and how studios can increase long-term commitment without losing their boutique feel. Want access to his full insights? Comment "MEMBERSHIP", and we’ll send you the recording.

?? You don’t want to miss this. Tomorrow, Andrea Bell (EMC) Bell is joining The BFS Network live at 8 PM EST for a dynamic conversation on what it means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and collective power. As Co-Founder of Inspire Brands Asia, Andrea expanded Anytime Fitness into a regional force—9 countries, 325 gyms, and a team of over 700 strong—backed by Exacta Capital Partners and Aura Group. This session will explore the challenges women face in leadership and the transformational strategies that unlock meaningful, lasting impact. From building confidence to creating community, you'll gain tools to strengthen your leadership and elevate those around you. What you’ll walk away with: ? A deeper understanding of the internal and external barriers women face in leadership ? Insights on how to lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity ? Strategies for leveraging collaborative strength and inclusive leadership to drive real change This event is open to all who are passionate about strong leadership, bold vision, and creating space for more voices to rise. Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26 at 8:00 PM EST ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/eEmTSvzR #InternationalWomensMonth #WomenInLeadership?

March is Women’s Month, and we’re thrilled to welcome Andrea Bell (EMC) as our featured speaker for a special edition of BFS Wednesday. This webinar dives into the unique challenges women face in leadership and reveals how authenticity and collective power can break down barriers and drive meaningful change. In this interactive session, we will: - Recognize both internal and external challenges that impact women’s leadership. - Receive practical tools and strategies to boost confidence and drive change in your organization. - Discover the transformative impact of harnessing diverse perspectives and collaborative networks. Save the date—next Wednesday, March 26th at 8:00 PM EST. ?? Link to register in the comments.

Strategic partnerships can be a powerful tool for growth—when done right. For Katy Branstetter Richardson, founder of NEIGHBORHOOD barre, the decision to enter a strategic partnership came down to one thing: alignment. Expanding a business requires the right structure, support, and vision to ensure long-term success. Partnerships can provide the systems and backing needed to scale, but due diligence is key. The right partnership should reinforce the brand’s mission, offer meaningful support, and deliver on its commitments. For studio owners looking to expand, the question isn’t just if a partnership makes sense—but which partnership will truly support their goals.

Hiring is the #1 challenge studio owners are facing right now. Finding the right people to lead, engage, and create an experience that keeps members coming back is harder than ever. Adrian Heffernan from Les Mills (US) shared that in a recent industry survey, hiring stood out as the biggest barrier to growth for fitness businesses. Front desk staff, managers, instructors, and personal trainers—each role plays a critical part in sustaining a strong studio. And yet, recruitment is tougher than ever. The hiring landscape has changed, and businesses need new strategies to stay ahead. This is why The BFS Network and Les Mills collaborated on a playbook designed to help studios navigate today’s hiring landscape and build a team that drives sustainable success. If recruiting, retaining, and developing talent is on your mind, this resource will give you the insights you need. Comment "HIRING" for access.

Late last year, our corporate member Wellhub made a major move—acquiring Italy’s Fitprime, expanding its footprint across Europe and creating Italy’s largest fitness and wellness network with over 4,300 partners. As the industry evolves, strategic moves like this demonstrate the increasing demand for flexible, accessible fitness options for employees everywhere. Read more about this expansion here: https://lnkd.in/gKiyCFbK

Hiring great staff is one challenge—keeping them is another. High turnover drains time, energy, and resources, forcing studio owners into an endless cycle of recruiting and training. But what if there was a better way? If you're looking to strengthen your team and grow your business, the insights below will help you take the next step.

Profitability isn’t about one big move. It’s the small, strategic shifts that add up over time. In 2024, B/SPOKE Studios increased profit margins by 10% by refining revenue strategies, optimizing memberships, and making key operational adjustments. If profitability and efficiency are priorities for 2025, this is worth a read.

Scaling and growing a studio takes more than great workouts—it requires smart systems, strategic decisions, and a clear plan for long-term success. This March 5 at 3 PM EST, Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi is going live to share how she built Physique 57 into a global brand with thriving studios, strong operations, and a model designed for sustainable growth. In this Mini Training, she’ll break down: ? The key decisions that drive studio growth (and what holds businesses back) ? How to optimize operations so your business runs smoothly—not just when you’re there ? The biggest scaling mistakes studio owners make—and how to avoid them If you’re focused on expansion, efficiency, and long-term success, this is a must-attend session with insights you can apply immediately. Save your spot: https://lnkd.in/gYkWBGFe.

Hye Jin Kalgaonkar CEO of the The Hot Room & BFS Member, built a loyal, mission-driven team by making core values a central part of daily operations. Her approach proves that when employees believe in what your studio stands for, they don’t just work there—they commit to it. Most studio owners assume retention comes down to pay and perks. But long-term engagement is driven by purpose. Employees—especially instructors—need to understand: ? Why does this work matter? ? What is the bigger mission behind what we do? ? How do my daily tasks contribute to that mission? If these questions aren’t answered from day one, you risk losing great employees to burnout, frustration, or another studio that offers clearer direction. At The Hot Room, employees don’t just hear about the mission once during onboarding and forget it. They learn the mission before they’re even hired. Because when you show up more engaged, more inspired, and more focused, so does everyone around you. Want to hear more of her insights? Comment "MISSION" and we’ll send you access to the recording.