Building Bench Strength: The Key to Scaling Fast-Growing HVLP Clubs

I've been working on this one for a while now, and let me tell you, bench strength isn't just for sports teams or weightlifters. It’s the unsung hero behind fast-growing organizations, especially in the HVLP (high-volume, low-price) club scene. As clubs open faster than you can say "new member signup," one thing becomes clear: it’s not just about opening doors; it’s about having the right people to walk through them, ready to lead.

The Power of External Recruitment

Let’s face it—depending solely on internal promotions can feel like running on a treadmill and expecting to get somewhere. Sure, internal promotions are valuable, but the real magic happens when you bring in EXTERNAL TALENT. Recruiting professionals from outside doesn’t dilute your current strength—it enhances it. External hires bring fresh ideas, specialized skills, and a wealth of experience that can fast-track your organization's growth(MelCap Partners)(Joveo).

No One is Overqualified

I’m just going to put it out there: in the world of fast-growing clubs, NO RECRUIT IS EVER CONSIDERED OVER QUALIFIED! If you're opening 20+ clubs next year, would you really turn away someone just because they’ve got a bit more experience? In fact, these so-called "overqualified" professionals often Elevate the entire team. They’re able to step into leadership roles, mentor existing talent, and ensure that when the time comes, your clubs run like a well-oiled machine(Strategy Leaders)(Joveo).

And it’s not just about finding talent for club-level roles. As organizations expand, the need for strong district, regional, and even executive-level leaders becomes crucial. These roles require a more strategic mindset, and bringing in high-level external recruits ensures that your leadership pipeline is prepared to handle growth at all levels of the organization. Whether you’re opening clubs in new regions or scaling operations across multiple districts, having that bench strength at every leadership tier makes all the difference.

Budgeting for Bench Strength

Now, let’s talk about the dollars and cents of it all. Just like you budget for new equipment, you need to budget for talent acquisition and development. Successful organizations don’t wait until the last minute to figure out their people plan—they start well in advance. If you’re planning to open 20+ clubs next year, your team should already be recruiting, onboarding, and developing the talent pipeline. These future leaders should be on the bench, learning the culture, processes, and systems that will help them hit the ground running(Strategy Leaders)(MelCap Partners).

And yes, there’s an upfront cost, but think of it as an investment. By having fully prepped and trained talent in place before the doors even open, you avoid the chaos of last-minute hires and the inefficiencies that come with scrambling to fill leadership roles. It’s all about being proactive, not reactive.

Success Stories from the Field

Many organizations have already mastered the art of building strong bench strength, and they’ve seen the rewards firsthand. For example, SnapDragon Associates found that 43% of companies are prioritizing bench strength as a key part of their recruitment strategy. These companies understand that growth isn’t just about adding more clubs—it’s about having the people to run them effectively(SnapDragon).

Similarly, MelCap Partners emphasize the importance of adaptability in leadership, ensuring that their clients can expand without missing a beat by drawing from a diverse talent pool that includes external hires(MelCap Partners). These companies have successfully woven bench strength into their long-term strategy, setting themselves up for success in rapidly evolving markets.

Long-Term ROI

Let’s be clear: building bench strength is a long-term investment. By recruiting and developing talent ahead of time, you not only ensure a smoother launch for new clubs, but you also position your organization for continued growth. This proactive approach to hiring can reduce turnover, avoid costly delays, and ensure your leadership pipeline is ready to support expansion at every level—club, district, regional, and beyond.

In the end, bench strength is the foundation for any organization looking to scale rapidly and successfully. HVLP clubs, in particular, should prioritize external recruitment, embrace those "overqualified" professionals, and budget for this talent well before expansion. With the right team on your bench, you’re ready to hit the ground running.