The BFS Network

For many business owners, selling isn’t something you plan for today—it’s more of a “someday” idea. That’s exactly where Allison Claire Sapka, former Owner of Club Pilates NJ found herself. But when the right opportunity came knocking, everything changed. Here’s how she made the decision to sell: - She was focused on expansion, but when other franchise owners in her market started selling, it made her rethink her options. - The market was hot—Pilates was in demand—and she realized being one of the first to sell could mean getting a better price. - Consolidators were entering her market, buying up franchises quickly. She asked herself: Do I want to lead this trend—or be the last one waiting to sell? Sometimes the right time to sell isn’t when you plan it—it’s when the market signals it’s time.

Big changes are always a little scary, but transparency and preemptively addressing concerns can make all the difference. We had the chance to sit down with Katy Branstetter Richardson founder of NEIGHBORHOOD barre, who shared her experience transitioning her business to a strategic partnership. She opened up about how she communicated this change to her staff and franchisees, and how the transition went.

Jody Merrill, the incredible founder of?btone FITNESS, was featured on Athletech News to talk about the boutique fitness brand’s exciting expansion plans! Jody Merrill talked about how btone FITNESS franchisees are fully supported with data-driven strategies and ongoing training, making second and third locations a natural next step for many owners. Congratulations to our BFS member, Jody, on the amazing growth of btone FITNESS! https://lnkd.in/edStX7Ga

We all know hiring and retaining talent is still the number one challenge for business owners. In a recent conversation we had with Evan Lindsay, owner of MADabolic, he shared how he’s been able to retain top talent effectively. His process: 1. Paying more to fewer people: Evan believes in paying team members higher wages and aiming for fewer hires overall. This approach not only attracts talent but also ensures staff longevity. 2. Structured Paid Time Off (PTO): MADabolic's unlimited PTO is designed to make staff feel valued and supported. Evan offers flexibility, encouraging team members to self-regulate. 3. Clear career paths with upside potential: The company’s compensation model is structured so that staff see regular raises tied to performance and membership growth, creating a path for financial growth over time. If you want to catch the replay and learn all of Evan's tricks and strategies for retaining top talent, drop a comment with the word "TALENT" below! ??

Building a business isn’t just about what you do; it’s about why you do it. And sharing that purpose can be the difference between hiring anyone and attracting the best talent out there. If people believe in your purpose, they will: → Champion your vision like it’s their own → Model the experience you want to create for your customers → Share your story as passionately as you do In a recent interview, Hye Jin Kalgaonkar-Yin, CEO and Owner of The Hot Room, talked about how her story has become a powerful driver in attracting committed, passionate talent to her company. She shared how The Hot Room experience was born from her own challenging first yoga class, where she felt isolated and discouraged. From that moment, she was determined that no one else should feel the same way—and that purpose has inspired every team member who joins them. When employees understand the “why,” they naturally carry that energy forward, creating a welcoming, supportive experience that reflects the company’s core values. Want to catch the full interview? Comment “Storytelling” and we'll send it your way.

Studies show 20-60% of members quit within the first 100 days at a new gym. So, what should gym owners focus on to keep them engaged? ?? Onboarding with Intention: Those first few weeks matter! Checking in with members, sharing recovery tips, and inviting them to your community group can make all the difference. ?? Retention Through Relationships: Build a journey that meets members where they are—from celebrating milestones to tracking their goals and checking attendance regularly. ?? Automate Where You Can: CRMs like Zen Planner free up your time by handling follow-ups, reminders, and check-ins so you can focus on your members. Gym owners face constant operational demands, and often growth stalls because they’re buried in daily tasks instead of building a lasting member experience. We sat down with Michael Wuest—a 10-year CrossFit affiliate owner who’s worked with thousands of gyms globally. Through his CRM software, Mike has seen retention rates hit 90% within the first three months when gyms prioritize an intentional customer journey.

I'm looking forward to conducting a The BFS Network Fireside Chat today with Katy Branstetter Richardson and Allison Claire Sapka who will share the insights that they gained from the recent sales of their fitness studios. Congrats to both women for their tremendous accomplishments. . . . #fitness #wellness #studioowner #clubpilates #neighborhoodbarre

Huge congratulations to our longtime BFS member, Lisa Hirsch-Solomon, on her incredible feature in?Athletech News ???? Lisa is the powerhouse behind The Studio (MDR) and?has cultivated a vibrant, supportive community across her five studio locations, where clients are celebrated, connected, and empowered to achieve their goals Congrats Lisa, on this well-deserved spotlight! https://lnkd.in/gRRAP8Au

Nearly 92% of users engaging with on-demand wellness services report stronger brand loyalty. → Customers want to access wellness content whenever it’s convenient for them rather than being limited to specific times set by the gym or studio → Content they can access anytime, anywhere → A mix of fitness, mindfulness, and health options all in one place This is the moment for gyms, studios, and wellness brands to own the shift. Offering digital access means meeting today’s clients where they are, with flexibility, they’re willing to pay for. As more consumers move online, digital-first wellness brands are seeing up to 3x more engagement and stronger retention. In a recent talk with Alex Bejan, CEO of Youll, we went deep into how brands are leveraging on-demand wellness apps to scale and connect. Are you ready to go beyond the limitations of your physical location?

Finding and keeping great instructors is one of the toughest parts of the business. You can have: → The best studio → An awesome sound system → Top-notch marketing …but without that human element leading the show, success will always be an uphill battle. We had an amazing chat with Adrian Heffernan, the VP of Customer Experience at Les Mills US (LMUS), where he shared some powerful insights on growing studios and bringing in top-notch instructors. Curious to catch the replay? Just drop a "Studio" in the comments, and we’ll send it your way!