Finding Balance: Joe's Journey from Real Estate to Fitness Franchise Owner

“Keep it up! One more minute and I’m through for the night.”

“Pain is just weakness leaving the body!”

Joe spent the last eight years as a residential real estate sales agent, riding the unpredictable waves of the market. As he worked nights, and often spent weekends at realtors’ open houses, he watched his two young children grow up through fleeting weekend glimpses. He was growing increasingly frustrated with the sacrifices demanded by his career. Running on his basement treadmill sparked an idea in him to own a fitness franchise.

I’ll let Joe tell his story.

“Transitioning from a life centered on real estate to one centered on fitness might sound drastic, but for me, it's a natural progression. My passion for sports and physical activity has always been an integral part of who I am. I played soccer and wrestled in high school. In college, I got on every intramural team I could. And after I finished school, I continued working out regularly.

“It is a great way for me to relieve stress. Especially the stress I felt in real estate sales.?

“It happened one night when I was working out in my basement. I had a crummy day that day. A sale I had worked on for three months collapsed at the last minute. There were a half-dozen open houses scheduled the upcoming weekend-looks like I’d be missing my kids’ soccer games.?

“Again.??

“As I was finishing my workout, I realized it didn’t have to be this way. In my town alone, there were three fitness franchises. Now that COVID-19 is (mostly) over, their parking lots are always full. Early in the morning AND late at night. That night, I researched and discovered that owning a fitness franchise would align perfectly with my needs and goals.?

“Firstly, it's a chance to channel my love for athletics into a fulfilling career. The prospect of helping others on their fitness journeys, as I've done my entire life, fills me with a sense of purpose I've been missing in real estate.

“Moreover, the structured nature of a franchise provides a solid foundation. With established marketing strategies and workout routines, I can focus on creating a motivating atmosphere for my clients. This aspect is appealing, given my background in competitive sports, where teamwork and camaraderie were key.

“But perhaps the most compelling benefit is the potential for a better work-life balance. Running a fitness franchise allows for consistent hours, unlike real estate. This means no more missed soccer games or bedtime stories–a priceless gift for me, my wife and my children.

“Look, I know I can't ignore the uncertainties that come with starting a new business. Yet, these uncertainties are outweighed by the prospect of fulfilling my passion and regaining control over my time. Although it may seem like a big jump, going from being an athlete to real estate sales to a fitness franchise owner has helped me regain my sense of purpose and balance.?

“Besides, as a franchisee, I’ll have a recurring revenue, membership based business underpinned by the ongoing support of an existing, successful and profitable business.”

Jeff Bruce is a franchise coach, consultant in the Boston, MA area. He has helped more than 1,000 franchise candidates like Joe. Jeff knows that owning a franchise provides people the opportunity to control their work life and family life by providing a better work/life balance. Franchise ownership gives the owners the ability to run profitable businesses and the flexibility to do so on their schedule.?

To learn more about how Jeff helps people, visit www.myfranchiseu.com?