Franchise Journal May 2026

FRANCHISE Journal LEARN Inside the Surge at The Great American Franchise Expo p. 60

THE SCOOP On Red Light Therapy & Pilates p. 50

MAY 2026/FranchiseJournal.com Gary Brecka

Fitness Franchising is Creating the Ultimate Humans

HOW TO Turn Mobility Into a Movement p. 150

TM

Anthony Geisler

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ENTREPRENEUR!

BOSS The World's First VR enabled Franchise Tradeshow

The Great American Franchise Expo is the USA's premier franchise expo series. Experience the power of virtual reality & tour the world's top franchise brands from the expo floor. Educate yourself with the largest & most comprehensive series of seminars on franchising & business ownership.

• Choose from hundreds of concepts in dozens of industries.

• Meet franchise law experts to guide you through the legal process • Learn about financing options to fund your new business.

• Interact with quality franchise company executives.

PROUD MEMBER

FranExpoUSA.com

2026 SHOWS HOUSTON

Stafford Centre February 21-22, 2026

TAMPA

Tampa Convention Center March 21-22, 2026

NASHVILLE

Nashville Fairgrounds March 28-29, 2026

MIAMI

Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center April 18-19, 2026

FORT LAUDERDALE

Broward County Convention Center May 2-3, 2026

ATLANTA

Cobb Galleria May 16-17, 2026

COLUMBUS

Columbus Expo Center May 30-31, 2026

FOR EXHIBITOR INFO 516.604.3332

NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY American Dream Mall September 12-13, 2026

DETROIT

Oakland Expo Center September 26-27, 2026

DENVER

National Western Convention Center October 10-11, 2026

DALLAS

Irving Convention Center October 24-25, 2026

FranExpoUSA.com

FranExpoUSA.com

PHOENIX

Mesa Convention Center November 7-8, 2026

DONATE FOOD & HELP FEED AMERICA For more information go to: www.FeedingAmerica.org

Put a Food Collection Box at your location and bring the food to your local food bank.

Every donation helps.

Join The India Franchise Council AND HELP ENTREPRENEURSHIP FLOURISH WITHIN THE INDIAN COMMUNITY

Kapil Manocha Co-Chair

Seema Govil Co-Chair

Ronak Patel Member At Large

Rashmi Airan Member At Large

Rak Sharma Member At Large

Ren Parikh Member At Large

Ray Patel Member At Large

Register for FREE TICKETS at FranExpoUSA.com









HOUSTON

TAMPA

NASHVILLE

MIAMI

FEB 21-22, 2026

MAR 21-22, 2026 Tampa Convention Center

Nashville Fairgrounds

Miami Expo Center

FORT LAUDERDALE

ATLANTA

COLUMBUS

NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Stafford Centre

MAY 2-3, 2026

Broward County Convention Center

DETROIT

SEPT 26-27, 2026

Oakland Expo Center

MAR 28-29, 2026

APR 18-19, 2026

MAY 16-17, 2026

MAY 30-31, 2026

SEPT 12-13, 2026

Columbus Expo Center

American Dream Mall

DENVER

DALLAS

PHOENIX

Cobb Galleria

OCT 10-11, 2026 National Westren Center

OCT 24-25, 2026 Irving Convention Center

NOV 7-8, 2026 Mesa Convention Center

FOR EXHIBITOR INFO CONTACT US AT: 516-604-3332

info@FranExpoUSA.com

contents

MAY 2026

82

YOUTH ENRICHMENT BRANDS

18 A Strong Business Proposition in Today’s

42 42 Fitness Is No Longer Just Fitness: Why the

Wellness Economy

by Seth Lederman

24 Fitness Is Not a Trend. It Is How My Generation Lives.

by Alex Neonakis

28 The Longevity Gold Mine: Why the

Next Wave of Franchise Growth Is Built on Recovery, Mobility, and Longevity

by Ozzie Grupenmager

46 The Proof You’re Looking for is the Problem

by Mike Martuza

50

Convergence of Gen Z and Baby Boomers is Modernizing the Fitness Franchise

by Ron Filian

34 Fitness Franchises Are Flexing Their

54 The Wellness Evolution Red Light

Strength in Today’s Market

by Dave Sullivan

38 Why Franchising a Fitness Business Is the Smartest Move You Can Make

by Emma Jean-Philippe 6

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

ILLAR TO POST® HOME INSPECTORS P Retired Army Captain Builds a New Mission One Home at a Time

by Rhonda Sanderson

Therapy & Pilates

by Paulette Callender

60

HE GREAT AMERICAN FRANCHISE EXPO T Why Face-to-Face Still Wins

by Ted O’Shea

108

64

150 SEQUEL BRANDS

The New American Longevity Movement

by Bob McQuillan

102 ROBOTLAB The ROI Reset: Why the Robotics Revolution Is Finally Leaving the Trade Show Floor

by Elad Inbar

108 SPENGA 70 More Than a Workout: The Rise of the Wellness Era

by Evan Ferrell

74 Get Ready for Summer: Why Pilates Addiction Is the Fitness Franchise to Watch

by Joe Carter

78 Exercise Coach Franchise Offers Smart Exit from Corporate Careers

by Robyn Deering

82 Q&A: Elliot Schiffer on Franchising, Play, and Growing Youth Enrichment Brands

by Rick Morgin

86 Lean Staffing, Smarter Margins: Why QSR Owners Are Betting on AI-Powered Fitness

by Jewan "Jack" Tiwari

90

IMAGINE ARTS ACADEMY™ Flex Those Creative Muscles This Summer

by Tracy Woods

The Rise of the Smarter Boutique Workout

by Dean Savakis

116 CONTENT RECOVERY SPECIALISTS The $165 Billion Opportunity Hidden Inside Every Property Claim

by Ashley Taylor

122 4EVERCHARGE Betting the Next Big EV Boom Will Be Built One Property at a Time

by Kyle Bailey 126 COMPLETE MOBILE DRUG TESTING The New Standard for Safer Workplaces

by Michael Stavrinakis

132 RESTING RAINBOW The Rise of the Modern Pet Aftercare Industry

by Joe Fox

138 D1 TRAINING The Rise of the Athlete-Training Economy

94 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL An Unusual Journey and Former Careers Have Brought This Engineer to Floor Coverings International

by Rhonda Sanderson

Reimagining the Dumpster for the Age of Automation

by Ian Paradis

98

150 THE VITAL STRETCH

ASK THE RESULTS GUY™

Are Your Franchise Standards Clear Enough to Scale Results?

by Tony Jeary

144 SUBCONTAIN

Turning Mobility Into a Movement

by Adam Gruen

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

7

THE NATIVE AMERICAN FRANCHISE INITIATIVE

We are passionate franchise experts who are connecting franchising with the Native American Population. Our goal is to create revenue and jobs within Native American communities through entrepreneurship.

HOW WE CAN HELP • Support for Aspiring Entrepreneurs • Scaling Your Concept • Strengthening Tribal Nations

A PATH TO FREEDOM CONNECT WITH US: Jeff DeGarmo l 918-853-6310 Rob Petka l 561-234-5500 www.TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com

PLANNING ON ATTENDING A TRADE SHOW IN 2026?

THERE ARE ALOT OF CHOICES! Download our Free White Paper on how to get the most from your time at WHATEVER show you go to!

Go to www.FranchiseJournal.com/whitepaper

Franchise Expo

The World's Most Trusted Source of Franchise News

welcome

NOTES

A New Era of Fitness, Wellness, and Growth

T

here are moments when an industry does not simply grow. It changes shape.

Franchising is always about growth, about the future and about what can be.

That is what is happening right now in fitness, wellness, recovery, longevity, and the broader world of service-based franchising. The old lines are disappearing. A gym is no longer just a room full of equipment. A wellness brand is no longer just a place to stretch, sweat, or recover.

A franchise is no longer just a business model. It is becoming a platform for lifestyle, community, health, technology, and local ownership.

That is the spirit of this issue.

We are looking at companies that are meeting the market where it is going, not where it used to

10

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

be. The consumer has changed. People want to feel better, live longer, perform at a higher level, recover faster, and spend their time inside brands that make them feel seen. They want guidance.

They want coaching. They want structure. They want services that fit into fast lives without feeling cold or transactional.

That shift is creating one of the most exciting growth periods the fitness category has seen in years.

Look at the range of concepts now shaping the market. Body20 brings technology into the workout through EMS training, creating a time-efficient model for busy consumers who want results without spending hours in the gym.

D1 Training has tapped into the rise of athletic

training for adults, youth athletes, teams, and families who want performance, confidence, and community. SPENGA is answering the demand for balance by combining spin, strength, and yoga in one disciplined format.

VP Fitness is showing where boutique wellness is headed, with personal training, recovery, nutrition, massage, detoxification, and premium services built around a deeper member relationship.

Then there is Sequel Brands and Ultimate Longevity Center, which represent one of the clearest signs of where the market is moving next. The future is not just fitness. It is longevity.

Consumers do not only want to look better for summer. They want more energy, better biomarkers, better recovery, better sleep, and more years of productive life. Ultimate Longevity Center is part of a broader movement that is making health more proactive, more personal, and more hopeful.

That matters.

For decades, many people thought about health only after something went wrong. Today, people are asking better questions earlier. How do I age better? How do I stay strong? How do I prevent decline? How do I manage stress? How do I build muscle, improve mobility, and feel clear enough to perform in my business, my family, and my life?

The brands in this issue are answering those questions in different ways.

Pilates Addiction, Light & Pilates, The Exercise Coach, and other boutique and generic fitness concepts are part of a larger truth: specialization is winning. People no longer want a one-size-fitsall gym experience. Some want strength. Some want mobility. Some want low-impact training.

Some want coaching. Some want a private, quiet, data-driven workout. Some want the energy of a group class. The opportunity is not in forcing every customer into the same model.

The opportunity is in building brands that know exactly who they serve and why that customer comes back.

This is where franchising becomes powerful.

A great franchise brand takes a proven idea and gives it local life. It gives an owner a system, a story, and a community to serve. Fitness and wellness are especially strong categories for franchising because they are deeply local. People want to train near home. They want coaches they know. They want a studio where they feel

comfortable. They want their children, spouses, friends, and coworkers to experience the same positive environment.

But this issue is not only about fitness.

It is about growth categories that are changing the way people live and the way businesses operate.

4EverCharge is positioned around the buildout of EV charging infrastructure, a market that will grow because drivers, property owners, and communities need better charging access.

SubContain is rethinking waste by moving the dumpster underground and aligning with the future of cleaner, more automated collection. CRS Content Recovery Specialists is modernizing the contents recovery market, helping property owners and insurers save time, money, and meaningful personal property after disaster strikes. Resting Rainbow is bringing dignity, compassion, and professionalism to pet aftercare, a category growing alongside the humanization of pets. Complete Mobile Drug Testing is meeting employers where they are, making workplace testing more mobile, compliant, and efficient. RobotLab is showing

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

11

THE NEXT GENERATION OF FRANCHISE GROWTH WILL BE DRIVEN BY BUSINESSES THAT COMBINE PRACTICAL ECONOMICS WITH EMOTIONAL RELEVANCE. service concepts that show how broad the f ranchise economy has become. Education, home services, inspection, enrichment, fitness, wellness, technology, pet care, insurancerelated services, and inf rastructure are all part of the same larger story.

The best franchise companies are no longer just selling units. They are solving modern problems.

They help people get healthier. They help parents give their children better opportunities.

They help businesses operate more efficiently.

They help families recover after loss. They help communities become cleaner, safer, and more prepared for the future.

That is why this issue feels so important.

We are covering momentum.

These stories all point to the same conclusion: the next generation of franchise growth will be driven by businesses that combine practical economics with emotional relevance.

People buy services because they need outcomes. But they stay loyal to brands that make them feel something.

That is the new standard.

The revolution in fitness, wellness, and franchising is not coming. It is already here. It is showing up in studios, clinics, training centers, recovery rooms, robotics deployments, charging stations, pet aftercare centers, mobile testing units, and franchise offices across the country.

Our job in this issue is to shine a light on the people building it.

The future belongs to brands that help people live better, work smarter, and build stronger communities.

That future starts here. that robotics is no longer science fiction. It is a workforce multiplier that can help businesses solve real labor problems right now.

We also look at brands such as Imagine Arts, Enrichment Brands, FCI, Pillar to Post, and other 12

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Nick Neonakis

Editor, Franchise Journal

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

13

FOUNDER

NICK NEONAKIS DESIGN DIRECTOR

Pete Neonakis DIGITAL DIRECTOR Chantae Arrington ART DIRECTOR Brenda Lesch

SENIOR EDITOR Daryl Lanouette SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Dudley Harris ONLINE EDITOR Glenn Gordon STAFF WRITER Alex Neonakis SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Jeff Mathews ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kyle Bailey ONLINE EDITOR Greg Gasparini VIDEO PRODUCER Matt Panepinto

14

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

CONTRIBUTORS Paulette Callender Joe Carter Robyn Deering Evan Ferrell Ron Filian Joe Fox Adam Gruen Ozzie Grupenmager Elad Inbar Emma Jean-Philippe Tony Jeary Seth Lederman Mike Martuza Rick Morgin Alex Neonakis Ian Paradis Dean Savakis Ted O’Shea Rhonda Sanderson Michael Stavrinakis Dave Sullivan Ashley Taylor Jewan "Jack" Tiwari Tracy Woods

FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

If you want to get ahead in franchising, The Franchise Journal has the most concepts and tactics to help you become a business owner.

Share with your friends. franchisejournal.com

FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM/SUBSCRIBE C O N TA C T U S I N F O @ F R A N C H I S E J O U R N A L . C O M

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

A Strong Business Proposition in Today’s Wellness Economy

by Seth Lederman, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

T

he fitness industry has evolved dramatically over the past decade, shifting from traditional gym memberships to personalized, technologydriven wellness solutions.

Consumers are increasingly focused on efficiency, measurable results, and convenience, creating fertile ground for franchise concepts that deliver targeted outcomes.

And despite economic ups and downs, 10 million people joined a gym or studio in 2025, a 14% increase YoY.

“TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. IT'S THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE." — Jim Rohn For entrepreneurs and investors, fitness franchises can offer predictable demand, recurring revenue models, and scalable operations when structured correctly.

However, not every fitness franchise is a smart investment.

The most successful concepts share common characteristics—clear consumer demand, operational efficiency, strong brand leadership, and adaptability to emerging health trends. Understanding these factors can help prospective franchisees evaluate opportunities with confidence and position themselves for long-term success in a competitive but growing sector.

PROVEN DEMAND AND MARKET RELEVANCE A strong fitness franchise begins with a service that solves a real problem. Today’s

18

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

consumers are not just looking for a place to work out—they want solutions that fit into busy schedules, accommodate physical limitations, and deliver visible results quickly. And the demand continues to grow, with membership across US fitness facilities reaching a record 77 million in 2024.

Franchises that thrive tend to address one or more of the most common barriers to exercise: • Limited time • Lack of guidance or accountability • Injury concerns or aging bodies • Difficulty maintaining motivation Concepts that directly tackle these obstacles position themselves as essential services rather than discretionary expenses. This distinction becomes especially important during economic fluctuations, when consumers prioritize value-driven wellness solutions.

EFFICIENT STARTUP AND OPERATING COSTS Another hallmark of a strong fitness franchise is manageable startup investment and predictable

significantly reduce the learning curve and increase the likelihood of success.

operating expenses. While some large gym models require multimillion-dollar facilities and extensive staffing, newer boutique concepts often focus on streamlined footprints and specialized services.

Key financial indicators of a healthy franchise model include: • Moderate build-out costs • Limited equipment complexity • Lean staffing requirements • Recurring membership revenue • High client retention rates Lower capital requirements reduce risk for franchisees and shorten the path to profitability. They also make expansion more accessible, enabling multi-unit ownership and regional growth.

• Comprehensive onboarding and training • Ongoing operational guidance • Brand marketing support • Technology platforms for scheduling and performance tracking • Clear performance benchmarks For investors entering the fitness industry for the first time, these systems can

ALIGNMENT WITH EMERGING HEALTH TRENDS Fitness is increasingly integrated with broader health and wellness trends, including longevity, weight management, and preventative care.

Franchises that align with these shifts are better positioned to maintain relevance and grow market share.

Current trends shaping the industry include: • Personalized fitness programs • Low-impact training solutions • Technology-enabled workouts • Recovery and mobility services • Support for medical weightloss patients

SCALABLE SYSTEMS AND EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP Behind every successful franchise is a leadership team with a proven track record of scaling businesses. Operational systems, training programs, and marketing support play a critical role in ensuring consistency across locations.

Strong franchise organizations typically provide: WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

19

One particularly important development is the rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. While these medications can help individuals shed pounds quickly, they also increase the risk of muscle loss—creating demand for strength-focused fitness solutions.

Franchises that address this need are entering a rapidly expanding niche within the wellness market. For instance, the average profit margins for premium boutique concepts can be quite high, with margins up to 30%, while a more typical fitness franchise can range between 16.5% to 22.8%.

WHY BODY20 IS A COMPELLING OPPORTUNITY IN THE MODERN FITNESS LANDSCAPE Among emerging fitness concepts, BODY20 stands out as a particularly attractive franchise opportunity because it combines proven technology, operational efficiency, and strong consumer relevance.

The brand is built around electro-muscle stimulation (EMS), a training method that has been widely adopted in Europe for years.

With more than 8,000 EMS studios operating overseas, the modality has already demonstrated its effectiveness and commercial viability.

What makes BODY20 especially compelling is its position as an early mover in the United States. Due to regulatory requirements and the FDA approval process, EMS technology entered the U.S. market later than in Europe.

This delay has created a 20

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

unique window for franchisees to establish leadership in a category that is still gaining awareness domestically. Early adopters have the opportunity to build brand recognition and customer loyalty before the market becomes saturated.

From an operational standpoint, the economics are equally attractive. The cost to open a BODY20 studio is typically under $500,000, allowing franchisees to deliver a premium fitness experience without the financial burden associated with large gym facilities. The compact studio model reduces real estate requirements and simplifies build-out, while the technology-driven workouts minimize equipment maintenance.

Labor flexibility is another major advantage. Unlike traditional fitness centers that require certified personal trainers for every session, BODY20

provides comprehensive training to staff members, enabling franchisees to recruit individuals who are enthusiastic about fitness and customer service rather than highly specialized professionals. This expands the available labor pool and helps control payroll costs.

Most importantly, the concept directly addresses the primary reasons many Americans do not exercise. Time remains the number one barrier to fitness, followed closely by uncertainty about how to work out effectively and concerns related to age or injury. BODY20’s EMS technology delivers a full-body workout in just 20 minutes, typically once or twice per week. The low-impact nature of the training eliminates the need for heavy weights, making it accessible to individuals with joint pain, limited mobility, or recovery needs.

The model also aligns closely with the growing population

of consumers using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. As these individuals lose weight rapidly, maintaining muscle mass becomes a critical health priority. EMS training provides a highly efficient way to stimulate muscle engagement and preserve strength, positioning BODY20 as a valuable complement to medical weight-loss programs.

Taken together, these factors—proven technology, first-to-market positioning, manageable investment, and strong consumer demand— make BODY20 a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the fitness industry with a differentiated and scalable concept.

THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK FOR FITNESS FRANCHISING The future of fitness franchising is closely tied to innovation and adaptability.

Consumers are increasingly seeking solutions that deliver measurable results without requiring significant time commitments. At the same time, demographic shifts—including an aging population and rising interest in preventative health—are expanding the market for accessible, low-impact fitness options.

For franchise investors, this environment creates substantial opportunity.

Fitness remains one of the most resilient sectors within franchising because it is

rooted in fundamental human needs: health, confidence, and quality of life.

A good fitness franchise is not simply about exercise—it is about delivering solutions.

Frannnexus can help you find the right franchise for your future, whether that is in fitness or another industry.

Contact Seth Lederman today to learn more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seth Lederman, CFE, a Franchise Acquisition and Development Specialist, is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in small business success, including ownership and sale of his business enterprises.

He is a frequent contributor to The Franchise Journal and is on the exclusive Forbes Business Council. Contact Seth at seth@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

21

WE OFFER After-School Programs ● Summer Camps ● Birthday Parties ● Workshops

US, Canada & Global Franchise Opportunities Available!

Ignite Creativity and Shape Young Minds

Grow Your Business with a Flexible, High-Profit Model

Unlock Success with a Globally Trusted Brand

Franchise Development - Call 1-833-204-6777 sales@imagineartsacademy.com imagineartsacademy.com

FRANCHISED BY

Fluffy Pet Wash is a specialized mobile dog grooming service that brings professional pet care directly to pet owners. Our innovative mobile grooming approach focuses on serving short-haired dogs, double-coated breeds, and large breeds with personalized, convenient washing solutions. With warm water, professional equipment, and a commitment to making pet washing easy and stress-free, Fluffy Pet Wash offers a unique franchise opportunity in the growing pet care market.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? High Profit Margin Potential Easy Training & Staffing Semi-Absentee Model Diverse Revenue Streams Scalable Business Model Low Inventory Requirements

www.fluffypetwash.com

702 -747-4266

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Fitness Is Not a Trend. It Is How My Generation Lives.

by Alex Neonakis, Writer, NYU Class of 2030

I

grew up in Miami, where health is not really something you talk about once a year after New Year’s.

It is part of the culture.

You see it everywhere. People running over the bridge in the heat. Training before school.

Playing basketball after class.

Taking a protein shake to go.

Walking into the gym after a long day like it is as normal as brushing your teeth. In Miami, fitness does not feel like something separate from life. It is part of how people live, how they socialize, how they deal with stress, and how they build confidence.

24

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

I am a high school senior now, and this fall I will be going to NYU. I have been thinking a lot about what I am taking with me. Clothes, books, a laptop, probably too many shoes, and a lot of advice from my parents.

But one of the most important things I am taking is a habit I built long before college: working out.

Fitness has always been part of my life. Not because I was trying to become a professional athlete, not because I was chasing some perfect image, and not because someone forced me into it. It became part of my routine because

it made me feel better.

Stronger.

Clearer. More disciplined. More in control of my day.

For me and a lot of my friends, working out is not just about looking good. That is part of it, sure. Everyone wants to feel confident. But it is much bigger than that. It is about energy. It is about mental health. It is about having a place to put stress. It is about learning that if you show up consistently, even when you do not feel like it, you get better.

That lesson goes way beyond the gym.

High school can be stressful. There are grades, tests, sports, social pressure, college applications, family expectations, and the feeling that every decision matters more than it probably does.

Working out gave me a way to reset. No matter what happened during the day, the gym was simple. Pick up the weight. Run the mile. Finish the set. Stretch. Breathe. Come back tomorrow.

There is something powerful about that.

Our generation gets criticized a lot. People say we are always on our phones, always distracted, always anxious, always looking for shortcuts.

Some of that may be fair.

But I also see something different in my friends. I see people who care about being healthy earlier than maybe any generation before us.

We talk about sleep. We talk about protein. We talk about mental health. We talk about lifting, running, Pilates, boxing, basketball, recovery, and taking care of ourselves.

That is not shallow. That is smart.

I think fitness should be treated more seriously in schools. Not just as gym class where some kids play dodgeball and others try to disappear in the corner. I mean real education about the body, nutrition, strength, movement, sleep, stress, and long-term health.

We learn math, science, history, English, and all of that matters. But we also live inside our bodies every day. Shouldn’t we understand how to take care of them?

Students should learn how to

train safely. They should learn why strength matters, why stretching matters, why food matters, and why sleep is not optional. They should learn that exercise is not punishment for eating. It is not just for athletes.

It is not about embarrassing anyone. It is about giving every person tools to feel better and live better.

That kind of education could change lives.

Not every student needs to love the gym. Some people will find their health through soccer, tennis, yoga, dancing, running, swimming, martial arts, walking, or just being outside. That is the point. Fitness is not one thing. It is a relationship with your own body. The earlier you build that relationship, the better chance you have of carrying it through life.

As I get ready for college, I know things will change.

New city. New schedule. New friends. New pressure. New freedom. NYU is in the middle of one of the fastest, busiest cities in the world. It would be easy to get lost in everything happening around me. But I know fitness will help keep me grounded.

I will find a gym. I will walk the city. I will stay active. I will keep the discipline I built in Miami and bring it with me to New York. Not because I have to, but because I know how much better I feel when I do.

That is what I wish more people understood. Fitness is not really about the mirror. It is about the person you become when you keep promises to yourself.

You become more patient because progress takes time.

You become more confident

because you earn it. You become tougher because some days are hard and you show up anyway. You become healthier because small choices add up. You become more balanced because your body and mind are connected.

Growing up in Miami taught me that health can be normal. It does not have to be extreme. It does not have to be something you start only when something goes wrong. It can be part of your friendships, your weekends, your school life, your family life, and your future.

My generation is already living this.

We are not waiting until we are 40 to care about wellness.

We are not waiting for a doctor to tell us to move. We are not treating fitness like a phase.

For many of us, it is part of our identity.

That gives me hope.

Because a healthier generation is not just a generation that looks better.

It is a generation that thinks clearer, handles stress better, builds stronger habits, and understands that success is not only about what you achieve, but also about how you feel while achieving it.

This fall, I will be starting a new life in New York. I know there will be a lot to figure out.

But I also know this: wherever I go, fitness is coming with me and the many amazing businesses highlighted in this issue are part of the solution.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alex Neonakis is a high school student who loves business, history, basketball, and butter chicken. He’s passionate about entrepreneurship, exploring different cultures, and finding the best food spots with his friends.

Artistic Edge is a mobile art studio that offers a variety of creative workshops, team-building events, and private parties. Our classes are designed for all skill levels, with instructors providing guidance throughout the process. Many of our projects result in functional art pieces that can be used in daily life. We emphasize community, creativity, and care, aiming to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Franchise With Us? FRANCHISED BY

High margins Low overhead Low initial investment Flexible Schedule No artistic experience needed

www.artisticedgeart.com

231-632-2028

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

The Longevity Gold Mine:

Why the Convergence of Gen Z and Baby Boomers is Modernizing the Fitness Franchise

by Ron Filian, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or decades, the fitness industry was defined by a singular, narrow goal: aesthetic transformation.

Success was measured in inches lost or muscle gained, and the target demographic was almost exclusively the "active 25-to45-year-old." But as we move further into the mid-2020s, a seismic shift is occurring.

The walls between "fitness," "wellness," and "medicine" are dissolving, creating a new, holistic category: The Longevity Economy.

At the heart of this evolution is an unlikely alliance between two of the largest and most influential generations in history: Baby Boomers and Generation Z. While they may seem worlds apart in lifestyle, both groups are currently obsessing over the same thing: the "Fountain of Youth." Whether it is a 22-yearold seeking to optimize their cellular health or a 70-year-old looking to maintain functional mobility, the demand for sophisticated, science-backed wellness has never been higher.

For the prospective franchise owner, this demographic convergence represents a "Gold Mine"—a recession-resistant, high-margin opportunity to provide the infrastructure for the future of human health.

28

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

"UNLIKE PREVIOUS GENERATIONS THAT ACCEPTED PHYSICAL DECLINE AS INEVITABLE, BOOMERS ARE LEVERAGING THEIR SIGNIFICANT DISPOSABLE INCOME TO FIGHT BACK." THE BOOMER QUEST FOR FUNCTIONAL YOUTHFULNESS The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) is currently undergoing a radical reimagining of aging. Unlike previous generations that accepted physical decline as inevitable, Boomers are leveraging their significant disposable income to fight back. They aren't looking for "senior aerobics"; they are

looking for functional longevity.

This demographic is increasingly focused on bone density, joint health, and cognitive preservation. They understand that muscle mass is the "currency of aging."

However, they also face the reality of inflammation and longer recovery times. This has created a massive demand for low-impact, high-intensity training coupled with recovery modalities. They want the results of a rigorous workout without the injury risk of a traditional "big box" gym environment.

THE GEN Z "OPTIMIZATION" CULTURE On the other side of the spectrum, Generation Z is approaching fitness with a level of scientific scrutiny never seen in a youth demographic. To Gen Z, fitness is a "Third Place"—a social hub that replaces the bars and clubs of previous eras.

But more importantly, they view health through the lens of "bio-hacking."

Gen Z doesn't just want to "work out"; they want to optimize their hormones, track their sleep, and reduce systemic inflammation. They

are the primary drivers of the "pre-habilitation" trend—taking care of their bodies now to avoid issues forty years down the line. Because they are tech-native, they demand data-driven results and environments that offer more than just a rack of dumbbells.

THE HOLISTIC PIVOT: INTEGRATING SCIENCE INTO THE STUDIO To capture both of these powerhouse demographics, the modern fitness franchise has evolved beyond the "gym" label. The most successful models are those that integrate scientifically proven treatments into a daily routine. By moving wellness from a "luxury spa" experience to a "daily habit" experience, franchises are creating unprecedented member retention.

Three specific modalities have emerged as the pillars of this new holistic model: 1. Photobiomodulation (Red Light Therapy) Red light therapy is no longer a fringe science. By using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, this treatment stimulates the mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cells. For the Baby Boomer, it offers a non-invasive way to reduce joint pain and improve skin elasticity. For the Gen Z member, it provides a recovery boost and enhances mental clarity. Integrating red light stations into a fitness franchise allows owners to offer a passive revenue stream that requires zero additional labor while providing immense value to the member.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

29

2. Thermal Stress: The Sauna and the Cold Plunge The "Fire and Ice" method is perhaps the most significant trend in modern wellness.

The science of hormesis— subjecting the body to brief, controlled stress to trigger a healing response—is a major draw for both generations.

• Sauna Therapy: Regular sauna use has been linked in peer-reviewed studies to improved cardiovascular health and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

It serves as the ultimate "warm-down" for an aging population.

• Cold Plunge (Cryotherapy): Cold water immersion is the gold standard for reducing systemic inflammation and spiking dopamine levels.

For the younger athlete, it is the ultimate recovery tool; for the older member, it is a powerful weapon against chronic pain.

When a franchise model incorporates these elements, it transforms from a place where people "sweat" to a place where people "heal." This shift dramatically increases the "stickiness" of the membership.

People may cancel a gym membership when they get busy, but they rarely cancel a membership that makes them feel ten years younger.

THE FRANCHISE ADVANTAGE: WHY NOW? Why should an entrepreneur look at a franchise model rather than starting an independent wellness center? The answer lies in the complexity of the modern consumer. Today’s member expects a seamless digital experience, high-end branding, 30

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

THE CONVERGENCE OF GEN Z’S DESIRE FOR OPTIMIZATION AND THE BABY BOOMERS’ QUEST FOR LONGEVITY HAS CREATED A PERFECT WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY. and verified safety protocols for advanced treatments like cold plunges or red light therapy.

1. The Tech Stack: Modern fitness f ranchises come with integrated "stacks"—apps that track member progress, automate billing, and manage scheduling. For the owner, this means the business can often be run as a semiabsentee model. The "heavy lifting" of lead generation and backend operations is handled by the franchisor’s proven systems.

2. Real Estate and Site Selection: The "Gold Mine" demographics—Boomers and Gen Z—often live in specific urban and suburban pockets.

Franchisors use sophisticated data to ensure that every location is placed in the "path of progress," maximizing foot traffic and minimizing the time it takes to reach break-even.

3. The Power of the Portfolio: For a prospective

owner, the sheer variety of concepts can be overwhelming. This is where the role of a Franchise Consultant becomes invaluable. A consultant doesn't just sell a "gym"; they hold a diverse portfolio of brands across the entire health and wellness spectrum.

Because they understand the nuances of your local territory and your specific financial goals, a consultant can help you identify which "flavor" of fitness is missing in your market. Whether it’s a hightech recovery lab, a boutique Pilates studio, or a functional strength center for seniors, a consultant provides the bridge between your capital and the right brand. They offer a "vetted" shortlist, saving the entrepreneur months of research and protecting them from the high-risk "flavor of the month" concepts that lack long-term viability.

HIGH MARGINS AND LOW LABOR: THE BUSINESS CASE Traditional service-based businesses are often plagued by high labor costs. However, the "Holistic Wellness" franchise model is designed for efficiency. Many of the most profitable treatments—saunas, red light beds, and automated recovery chairs—are "equipment-led." This means they generate revenue without requiring a one-on-one trainer or staff member to facilitate the session.

This "passive-within-active" revenue model is the holy grail for franchise owners. You are providing a high-value, scientifically proven service to a desperate market (the aging

Boomer) and an obsessed market (Gen Z) with a overhead structure that allows for scalability.

BUILDING THE "THIRD PLACE" Beyond the science and the spreadsheets, there is a human element that makes fitness franchising a unique investment. We are currently living through a "loneliness epidemic." Gen Z feels isolated by screens; Boomers feel isolated by retirement.

A fitness franchise serves as a community anchor. It is a place where a 24-year-old and a 68-year-old might share a cold plunge or a post-workout conversation. By investing in this space, owners are not just buying a business; they are

building a "Third Place"—that essential social environment outside of home and work.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS A BUSINESS MODEL The demand for "youthfulness" is the most consistent force in the global economy. As science continues to prove that we can live longer and better through specific physical interventions, the "gym" of the past is being replaced by the "Wellness Hub" of the future.

The convergence of Gen Z’s desire for optimization and the Baby Boomers’ quest for longevity has created a perfect window of opportunity. For those looking to exit the corporate world or diversify their investment portfolio, the fitness and

wellness franchise sector offers a rare combination: a business that is emotionally fulfilling, scientifically grounded, and financially robust.

The Fountain of Youth isn't a myth; it's a multi-billion dollar industry. And with the guidance of a professional franchise consultant to navigate the vast portfolio of available brands, that fountain is now more accessible to owners than ever before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ron Filian is a trusted franchise consultant who helps individuals and multi-unit operators navigate emerging opportunities and scale their portfolios. To explore vetted brands in the fitness and wellness space, contact Ron at rfilian@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

31

CUSTOM CATERING & BAR SERVICE FOR EVERY OCCASION

Weddings

Special Events

Corporate Events

Catering By Design Noir transforms events into unforgettable experiences through exceptional cuisine, elegant presentation, and seamless service. With over 25+ years of excellence in convenient disposable drop-off, full-service catering, premium bar service, and flawless event execution, our proven model blends culinary artistry with strong systems and a culture built on loyalty and hospitality. Now franchising, we invite entrepreneurs to bring this trusted, experience-driven brand to their own communities and turn life’s moments into beautifully designed celebrations.

FRANCHISED BY

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? PROVEN BRAND LEGACY

MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING & ONGOING SUPPORT

25+ years of trusted catering excellence.

Earn through catering, bar, and drop-off services year-round.

Franchisees receive handson training and ongoing support.

STRONG TEAM CULTURE

SCALABLE, PROFITABLE MODEL

COMMUNITYDRIVEN BRAND

Built on loyalty, with team members serving 15+ years.

Built for diverse markets with systems designed for growth.

A relationship-driven business creating meaningful experiences.

catering-by-design.com

phillip@catering-by-design.com

(919) 675-9621

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Fitness Franchises Are Flexing Their Strength in Today’s Market

by Dave Sullivan, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

W

hy this highenergy category continues to attract entrepreneurs seeking purpose, growth, and longterm opportunity Every May, the conversation around fitness gets louder.

People step outside, set new goals, and recommit to healthier lifestyles. But beyond the seasonal consumer buzz, there is another story worth telling—one that matters to entrepreneurs, investors, and franchise candidates across the country.

Fitness franchising is no longer a niche category. It has become one of the most dynamic and influential

34

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

segments in the franchise industry. Today’s consumers are not just buying gym memberships. They are investing in better health, more energy, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of community.

That shift has turned fitness from a short-term trend into a long-term lifestyle priority, and smart entrepreneurs are paying attention.

As a franchise consultant, I see firsthand how often candidates are drawn to the fitness category. Some are attracted by the economics.

Others are inspired by the mission. The strongest fitness concepts offer both: the potential for recurring revenue and the opportunity to make

a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

That combination is powerful.

In many sectors, franchisees are selling convenience, speed, or necessity. In fitness, they are selling transformation. They are offering people a place to feel better, move better, and live better. Whether it is a boutique training studio, a strengthbased concept, a recovery brand, a stretching model, or a hybrid wellness business, the best fitness franchises connect with customers on a deeply personal level. That emotional connection matters because it often leads to loyalty, referrals, and stronger member retention.

From a business standpoint, loyalty is everything. Many fitness franchises operate on a membership or recurringrevenue model, which makes the category especially appealing. Predictable monthly income, when paired with strong operations and effective retention, can provide a solid foundation for growth.

Of course, recurring revenue does not guarantee success.

The concept still has to be managed well. But when the right owner is matched with the right brand, the model can be highly attractive.

Another reason fitness continues to stand out is the

sheer variety of concepts in the market. This is no longer just about the traditional gym filled with treadmills and weight machines. Today’s franchise landscape includes personal training studios, HIIT concepts, Pilates, yoga, boxing, indoor cycling, sports performance, stretching, recovery services, and wellness-centered brands focused on flexibility, mobility, and total-body performance.

That diversity gives franchise candidates real options. It allows them to choose a concept that fits not only their investment range, but also their interests, market opportunity, and preferred ownership role.

And that is where the conversation becomes especially important.

Too many people evaluate franchise opportunities by focusing only on brand recognition or industry buzz.

That is a mistake. A well-known brand does not automatically make it the right investment for every buyer. In my work with franchise candidates, I always come back to one central question: Is this the right business for this particular person?

That question matters tremendously in fitness franchising.

Some fitness concepts are ideal for owner-operators who want to be deeply involved in the culture, customer experience, and day-to-day leadership of the business.

Others are better suited for executive-style or semiabsentee owners who prefer to build a team and manage through strong leadership onsite. Some require substantial

buildout, equipment, and real estate investment. Others offer a smaller footprint and more manageable overhead.

Some thrive in dense suburban corridors. Others can succeed in urban or secondary markets with the right demographics.

There is no universal answer.

The best fitness franchise is not simply the hottest one in the market. It is the one that aligns with the candidate’s capital, goals, management style, and long-term vision.

That is why due diligence is so important. Fitness is an exciting category, but excitement should never be the only reason to invest.

Candidates need to study the Franchise Disclosure Document carefully, understand the total investment, review any available financial performance representations, speak with current franchisees, and assess the competitive landscape in their target territory. They need to understand what drives member acquisition, what supports retention, and what kind of leadership the business truly demands.

The strongest owners understand that fitness is not just about signing people up. It is about keeping them engaged.

Retention is often the heartbeat of the business. A location may open with strong early momentum, but long-term success usually depends on culture, consistency, service, and results. People may join because of a special offer, but they stay because they feel connected, challenged, and supported.

That is where great franchisees separate themselves.

What makes this category

especially compelling today is that it sits at the intersection of several durable consumer trends: health awareness, wellness spending, aging populations seeking mobility and longevity, and younger consumers looking for specialized, experience-driven brands. Add technology, digital engagement tools, wearable integrations, and personalized tracking, and the modern fitness franchise becomes even more relevant.

In many ways, fitness franchises reflect where the broader market is heading.

Consumers want more than transactions. They want outcomes. They want connection. They want brands that help them become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

For the right entrepreneur, that creates a meaningful opportunity.

Fitness franchising is not just about exercise. It is about transformation, accountability, and community. For franchise candidates looking for a business with energy, purpose, and growth potential, this category deserves serious attention.

In a season that celebrates renewal, fitness franchises are doing more than helping people get into shape. They are helping shape the future of franchising itself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dave Sullivan is a franchise consultant who works with aspiring business owners to identify franchise opportunities that align with their goals, skills, lifestyle, and investment level. He is passionate about helping people find franchise businesses that offer both purpose and long-term potential.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

35

Discover a world of flavor at Addy's Barbeque, where global culinary traditions unite on a single, sizzling plate! Our Certified Halal restaurant blends the rich traditions of East African mishkaki, American BBQ techniques, Asian spices, and European culinary artistry to create an unparalleled dining experience. From our house-smoked meats and succulent BBQ ribs to our signature homemade sauces and crispy sides, every dish tells a story of passion and innovation. Addy's Barbeque invites guests from all backgrounds to embark on a mouthwatering journey that celebrates diversity, quality, and exceptional taste. One bite, and you'll understand why we're not just a restaurant—we're a global flavor destination.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US?

Fast ramp up time

FRANCHISED BY

Lots of territory available Proven business model Creative marketing strategies Leverage the success of our proprietary sauces!

addysbarbequeedison@gmail.com

www.addysbarbeque.com

(732) 906-9999

global franchise

Join our Global Networ k of Local Proper ty Management Exper ts AvenueWest Global Franchise, LLC enables entrepreneurs to launch property-based business in their local communities and equips them with the network, the hands-on-training and the infrastructure for success.

A Unique Business Model

Our business, AvenueWest Managed Corporate Housing, delivers real estate investors a turnkey solution for property management by connecting them to our global network of local corporate housing franchise owners that manage furnished rentals with five star customer service.

What We Offer

An Explosive Market for Growth

• Immediate Brand Exposure

24/7

• Hands-on-Training with Vetted, Industry Experts • Ongoing Operational Support

According to the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA), corporate housing generates nearly $4 billion in annual revenue with an average daily rate of $161. With an average stay in a US corporate housing unit of 78 nights, this provides a consistent and high-margin opportunity for property investors. Despite a slow-down of business travel and relocations in 2020, the demand for long term furnished lodging remained consistent. AvenueWest continues to rapidly grow and has doubled its number of franchises nationwide over the last five-years. We plan to double it again over the next three years.

• Community of Owners • Custom Website • Software to Manage Bookings • Continuing Education • Limitless Growth • Small Business Administration Funding

Own Your Future

At AvenueWest, our model is unique and durable. By partnering with property investment owners, we deliver a profitable model for owners to capitalize on their rental properties through our national corporate housing network while minimizing potential overhead exposure for our franchise owners. The result is a win-win partnership that continues to prove itself over the course of AvenueWest’s two-decade plus tenure.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Franchising.avenuewest.com franchising@avenuewest.com global franchise

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Why Franchising a Fitness Business Is the Smartest Move You Can Make

by Emma Jean-Philippe, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

I

f you have been thinking about starting a business, the fitness industry offers one of the most exciting and profitable opportunities available today. But here is the truth: starting can be overwhelming, expensive, and risky. That is why franchising a fitness business stands out as the smartest, most strategic move for aspiring entrepreneurs who want success without unnecessary setbacks.

First, let us talk about risk.

Every new business comes

38

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

with uncertainty even in franchising; however, franchising could dramatically reduce that risk. Instead of guessing what might work, you are stepping into a system that has already been tested and refined. The workouts, pricing models, marketing strategies, and customer experience have all been proven. You are not experimenting; you are executing a plan with a proven record. That alone gives you a huge advantage over independent startups.

Another powerful benefit is instant brand recognition.

Building a brand from scratch takes years of effort and a significant investment in marketing. With a franchise, that work is already done; Customers are far more likely to trust a name they have seen before, especially in the fitness space where credibility matters. People want to feel confident that their time and money are being invested in something effective. A recognized fitness brand brings that confidence from day one, helping you attract members faster and build momentum quickly.

Then there is the booming demand for fitness and wellness. More than ever, people are prioritizing their health. Whether it is losing weight, building strength,

reducing stress, or improving overall wellbeing, fitness has become a necessity rather than a luxury. This shift is not a shortterm trend—it is a long-term movement. By franchising a fitness business, you are positioning yourself in an industry that continues to grow year after year, giving you longterm stability and opportunity.

Support is another major reason franchising stands out. When you start a business on your own, you are figuring out everything out—from operations and hiring to marketing and customer retention. That can be overwhelming, especially if you do not have prior business experience. A fitness franchise, however, provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. You are guided by every step of the way, from choosing the right location to running daily operations instead of feeling lost, you are backed by a team whose goal is to help you succeed.

Scalability is also a game changer. Once your first location is running successfully, expanding becomes much easier. The systems are already in place, and you know exactly what works. Many franchise owners go on to open multiple

locations, turning a single investment into a growing business empire. That level of expansion is much harder to achieve when you are starting a new business.

It is also worth mentioning that franchises often stay ahead of industry trends.

Fitness is constantly evolving, with new workout styles, technology, and customer preferences emerging all the time. Franchise systems continuously adapt to these changes, ensuring that your business remains relevant and competitive.

Finally, franchising provides something many entrepreneurs overlook: community. You are not alone on your journey. You are part of a network of franchise owners

“FRANCHISING INTO A FITNESS BUSINESS OFFERS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT." who share experiences, advice, and support. This built-in community can be incredibly valuable, especially during challenges, and helps you grow faster and smarter.

In the end, franchising into a fitness business offers the perfect balance of independence and support.

You get to be your own boss while benefiting from a proven system, strong brand, and ongoing guidance. In a fastgrowing industry driven by real demand, that combination is hard to beat. If you are serious about building a successful business, franchising in the fitness space is not just a clever idea, it is something that could be the decision you can make.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Emma Jean-Philippe, based in Palm Springs, Florida, is a franchise consultant dedicated to helping entrepreneurs successfully grow and scale through franchising.

With expertise in development, strategy, and market analysis, she delivers tailored, results-driven solutions that empower businesses to expand with confidence and efficiency. Contact Emma at Emma@ TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

39

American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) is a veteran-owned organization honoring those who served. Founded in 2005, AVTT travels nationwide with the Traveling Vietnam Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute, celebrating veterans and educating future generations.

Their tributes span conflicts from WWI to today, with the flagship 80% scale Vietnam Wall featured in over 500 events. AVTT is also creating a Global War on Terrorism exhibit, including a 9/11 tribute, to ensure no name is ever forgotten.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? Patriotic Mission

Versatile Business Opportunities

Diverse Product Offerings

State-of-the-Art Equipment

Proven Track Record

Community Impact

Comprehensive Support FRANCHISED BY

info@avttfranchises.net

avttfranchises.net

(903) 952-9733

Changing the Trajectory of students’ Lives •

Work from home, around your own lifestyle needs

•

Recession resistant

•

Full-Time or Part-Time model available

•

Extensive training and support

•

Custom-built CRM to manage the business

•

A highly passionate and supportive community of franchise partners

We love this quote, “We are in business for ourselves, but not by ourselves.”

This rings true for us, especially when we think about where we started and how far our business has come in just a few short months. “The Road to Toronto” training was instrumental in laying the foundation for our business.

–Jamie Lee, Tampa, FL

TutorDoctorFranchise.com

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Fitness Is No Longer Just Fitness:

Why the Next Wave of Franchise Growth Is Built on Recovery, Mobility, and Longevity How recovery, mobility, and longevity are reshaping the future of fitness franchising

by Ozzie Grupenmager, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or years, the fitness industry was defined by one simple idea: burn calories.

That model is changing.

Today’s consumer is not just focused on working out harder.

They are focused on moving better, recovering faster, reducing stress, and extending how long they feel good—not just how long they live.

That shift is quietly reshaping the fitness franchise landscape.

“Recovery is no longer optional—it is becoming part of performance.”

42

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

FROM PERFORMANCE TO LONGEVITY The traditional gym model emphasized intensity and repetition. While that still matters, it is no longer enough on its own. Consumers are becoming more educated about injury prevention, mobility, recovery, and longterm health.

This has created space for new types of concepts to emerge—ones that would have been considered niche just a few years ago.

Studios focused on assisted

stretching, infrared and light therapy, and even longevity-based wellness centers are now becoming part of the broader fitness conversation.

Brands like iFlex Stretch Studios are built around improving mobility and reducing pain through guided stretching sessions, helping clients move more efficiently and recover faster.

At the same time, concepts like beem Light Sauna are introducing consumers to infrared and red-light therapies in a premium, accessible studio environment designed for repeat use and relaxation.

Taking this even further, Ultimate Longevity Center represents a new category altogether—one that blends recovery, diagnostics, and personalized wellness protocols into a single experience.

These are not replacements for traditional fitness. They are extensions of it.

“FITNESS IS EVOLVING FROM ACTIVITY TO A FULL WELLNESS ECOSYSTEM.” WHY RECOVERY IS BECOMING CORE One of the biggest mindset shifts in the industry is the recognition that recovery is not optional—it is part of performance.

Consumers are beginning to understand that without proper recovery, workouts become less effective and injuries more likely. As a result, recovery-based services are no longer seen as luxury add-ons.

They are becoming integrated into regular routines.

This is why concepts built around stretching, sauna therapy, and recovery modalities are gaining traction. They address a real need that complements traditional exercise.

For franchise operators, this is significant.

These models often require different footprints, different staffing structures, and different customer journeys than traditional gyms. In many cases, they also benefit from recurring membership models and repeat visits driven by habit and results.

“Fitness is evolving from activity to a full wellness ecosystem.”

• Attend a recovery session during the week • Use sauna or light therapy for stress and recovery • Explore longevity or biomarker-based programs These behaviors are no longer isolated—they are connected.

Franchise concepts that understand this ecosystem are better positioned to grow because they align with how consumers actually live.

THE RISE OF THE WELLNESS ECOSYSTEM What is emerging is not a single dominant model, but a broader wellness ecosystem.

A customer may: • Train at a boutique fitness studio

THE BIGGER PICTURE The most important takeaway is that fitness is evolving into something broader. It is no longer just about workouts.

It is about how people feel, how they move, how they recover, and how they age.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FRANCHISE GROWTH From a franchising perspective, this shift opens up new opportunities.

First, it expands the definition of what a “fitness business” can be. Operators are no longer limited to traditional gym formats. They can participate in adjacent categories like recovery, mobility, and longevity.

Second, it allows for diversification within a portfolio. An owner may operate multiple concepts that serve different parts of the same customer journey.

Third, it reflects a deeper trend: consumers are prioritizing health not just as an activity, but as a long-term investment.

Franchise concepts that align with that mindset are not chasing a trend—they are participating in a long-term shift in consumer behavior. And for those looking at the industry from a business perspective, that shift may define the next phase of growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ozzie Grupenmager is a franchise consultant with Franchise Consulting Company and founder of NextGen Business Solutions, a business coaching and franchise advisory firm. A former COO in the franchise industry and CIO at a global advertising network, he built a franchise system from the ground up as a franchisor. His background spans franchise development, multiunit operations, branding, marketing strategy, and business intelligence.

Ozzie advises entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging brands on franchise ownership, operational systems, and scalable growth.

Contact Ozzie at ogrupenmager@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

43

HAKKALICIOUS WHO WE ARE? Hakkalicious is the home of spicy Chinese cuisine—a bold, crave-driven restaurant concept rooted in Hakka Chinese cooking, where Chinese culinary techniques meet fiery south asian spices. This powerful fusion delivers flavor-forward dishes that

FRANCHISED BY

are unapologetically spicy, deeply satisfying, and impossible to forget.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? A BRAND BUILT TO STAND OUT

SCALABLE BY DESIGN

Franchise partners choose Hakkalicious

The concept is built to be:

because it offers: A clear point of differentiation in a

Operationally focused Menu-driven and efficient

crowded market

Adaptable across urban and suburban

A menu that creates strong word-of-

markets

mouth and social buzz

Hakkalicious gives franchisees the advantage

A brand identity centered on

of entering the market with a recognized

boldness, authenticity, and flavor

identity and a loyal customer profile.

WHAT WE DO

HOW IT STARTED

We specialize in spicy Chinese comfort food made

Hakkalicious was born from a passion to showcase a cuisine

fresh, fast, and packed with heat. Our menu

that was underserved and often misunderstood. As one of the

celebrates wok-fired classics, signature sauces,

first brands to spotlight Hakka-style chili chicken, Hakkalicious

and iconic dishes that have built a loyal following

helped introduce a wider audience to a category now

among spice lovers and adventurous eaters alike.

recognized as the true home of spicy Chinese food.

hakkalicious.ca

Hakkalicious@gmail.com

(416) 417-7732

Open a NOW Massage Boutique in Your Neighborhood New Concept Reimagines Massage Experience The NOW Massage, a new concept massage boutique, was founded on the principle that self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

Designed to serve as an oasis from today’s digitally driven society, The NOW offers high-quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting. The brand has recently signed franchise agreements representing 100+ locations in over 25 cities.

Territories are available across the country.

Learn more at thenowmassage.com/own-a-boutique

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

The Proof You’re Looking For Is the Problem

by Mike Martuza, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

W

hen a career changes without your permission — or even when it changes by your own hand — the real battle isn’t finding the next job. It’s getting out of your own way.

“Most people, when confronted with a choice of changing their thoughts or proving there is no need to change, get busy on the proof.”

— John Maynard Keynes Read that again. Slowly.

Keynes was an economist, but that line cuts straight to the heart of something I watch play out in my work every single day: the extraordinary lengths people will go to in order to avoid confronting what a genuine change of direction actually requires of them.

I talk to a lot of people in transition. Some chose it —

46

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

they walked away from a corporate career, a demanding boss, a commute that was eating their life. Others had it chosen for them — a layoff notice, a restructuring announcement, a role that simply disappeared. The circumstances are different.

The internal battle they face is almost always the same.

THE COMFORTABLE CONCLUSION The moment a person starts seriously exploring franchise ownership, something interesting happens. They begin researching — which is good. But very quickly, the research starts bending toward a predetermined destination: the conclusion that now is not the right time, that it’s too risky, that they should probably just update the résumé and find another job like the last one.

That is what Keynes was describing. Not apathy. Not laziness. Something far more sophisticated — the human mind working overtime to prove that the comfortable choice is actually the rational one.

And it is convincing work.

I’ve watched brilliant people build airtight cases for staying exactly where they are — or retreating to exactly where they were — using logic, data,

and perfectly reasonablesounding concerns. The franchise is too expensive. The market is uncertain. They need more time to think about it.

Maybe next year.

Maybe next year has a way of becoming maybe the year after that.

WHAT A FORCED CHANGE ACTUALLY REVEALS Here’s what I’ve come to believe after years of working with people in career transition: a layoff or a forced career change is one of the most clarifying events that can happen to a professional. Not comfortable. Clarifying.

It strips away the inertia. It removes the excuse of “I’d explore this if I weren’t so busy at work.” It creates — sometimes for the first time in decades — the actual space and urgency to ask a question most people keep quietly on the shelf: What do I actually want this next chapter to look like?

That question is dangerous, because it has an honest answer. And the honest answer often doesn’t look like another round of the same thing.

The people I’ve seen build genuinely successful second acts — through franchise ownership, through

entrepreneurship, through real ownership of their own income — weren’t the ones who had the most certainty. They were the ones willing to sit with uncertainty long enough to let something new take shape.

THE PROOF IS NOT THE POINT When someone I’m working with starts listing reasons why franchise ownership probably won’t work for them, I don’t argue with the list. The list is usually accurate on the surface — there are real costs, real risks, real unknowns. I acknowledge every one of them.

What I ask instead is a different question: What would have to be true for this to be worth exploring seriously?

That question does something. It interrupts the proof-building. It pivots from “why not” to “what if.” And more often than not, the person sitting across from me already

knows the answer. They’ve been carrying it quietly beneath all the rational objections.

Franchise ownership isn’t for everyone — I’m the first person to say that. But the people who discover it isn’t right for them through genuine exploration are in an entirely different position than the people who decided it wasn’t right for them before they ever looked closely. One has real information. The other just has a very polished argument.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PROOF If you’re in transition right now — by choice or by circumstance — I’d invite you to notice where your mind is spending its energy. Is it genuinely evaluating your options? Or is it methodically building a case for the option that requires the least change?

There is no shame in that tendency. It is deeply human.

Keynes didn’t describe it as a

character flaw — he described it as a near-universal pattern.

The difference between people who move forward and people who don’t often isn’t courage or capital or the right market conditions. It’s the willingness to pause the proof-building long enough to ask whether the conclusion deserves a second look.

Your career just changed.

Maybe you changed it. Maybe it was changed for you. Either way, the window you’re standing in front of right now is real. What it reveals is up to you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Martuza is a Senior Franchise Consultant and Partner with Franchise Consulting Company and author of The Franchise Rules: The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding a Franchise That Fits." With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, coaching, and strategic business development, Mike helps aspiring business owners find the right franchise that aligns with their goals, values, and lifestyle.

Contact Mike at mikemartuza@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

47

FRANCHISED BY

THE LASH LOUNGE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY IS TRANSFORMATIONAL: FOR OWNERS, FOR EMPLOYEES AND FOR GUESTS. The Lash Lounge is a fabulous business model with strong unit economics driven by the demand for luxury beauty

KEY DIFFERENTIATORS INCLUDE:

services. The application of semi-permanent eyelash extensions breeds confidence in guests and members while

+ Unmatched lash training and certification

developing exceptional careers for lash artists.

+ Dedicated service training facility

+ Manager-run salons

+ Talent branding and acquisition

+ Recurring revenue membership model

+ Dedicated products & fulfillment company

+ Multi-unit opportunity

+ Proprietary lead management and BI software

+ Low material costs

40

%

INCREASE

Revenue per stylist hour up from Jan-Dec 2022

27

%

INCREASE

YOY AVG monthly revenue 2022 to 2021

30%

INCREASE

Member growth YOY AVG

RACHEL STENDER

NET WORTH

$600,000

VP of Fran Dev rachel@RepMGroup.com 612.226.1408

TRISHA BERTELSON Director of Fran Dev trisha@RepMGroup.com 651.315.0305

LIQUID CASH

$200,000

INITIAL INVESTMENT

$378,028 - $702,084

This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. The Lash Lounge franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of The Lash Lounge FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary

FRANCHISE STARS

Retired Army Captain Builds a New Mission One Home at a Time With Pillar To Post® Home Inspectors

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Jeremiah Adell is Pillar To Post Rookie of the Year 2025

F

or Jeremiah Adell Jr., service did not end when he retired from the U.S. Army. It simply took on a new form. After 22 years in uniform, Adell has been building a life and business in Greater Augusta as owner of a Pillar To Post Home Inspectors franchise, helping families make informed decisions about their

50

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

homes and future. Receiving the Rookie of the Year Award from Pillar To Post for 2025 was just the icing on the cake that took a little time to bake.

The award is for outstanding overall performance based on sales, market growth, and contribution to the brand.

Adell.

But in many ways, the award is only part of the story. Adell’s

path to business ownership began long before he opened his doors in January 2024.

Originally from Rochester, New York, he enlisted in the Army just before 9/11 and went on to build a career marked by leadership, resilience, and service to others. Along the way, he earned a business degree from Texas A&M University–Central Texas and

later commissioned as a Signal Officer, sharpening the communication, organizational and critical thinking skills that would eventually carry over into entrepreneurship.

As retirement approached, Adell began looking for a second career that felt meaningful. The franchise model appealed to him because it offered structure, proven systems, and a sense of shared purpose.

After researching the home inspection industry, he chose Pillar To Post Home Inspectors and set his sights on Augusta.

He saw the area as a place with both opportunity and community: a growing region with strong military ties, a major medical presence and the kind of close-knit local connections that still matter.

He now serves homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals across Richmond, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, Jefferson, and Burke counties in Georgia, helping clients better understand a home’s condition before they move forward with one of life’s biggest investments.

“Adversity doesn’t stop you — it strengthens you,” said Adell. “In the Army, you learn to push through and lead through uncertainty. That same mindset carried over to business ownership.”

That mindset was tested early. Soon after launching the business, Adell suffered a torn

bicep that limited him during a critical early stage. He also had to persevere through multiple attempts to pass the state licensing exam. Then Hurricane Helene struck as the business was beginning to gain traction.

Instead of stepping back, he adjusted. Collaborating with a local roofer, Adell began conducting post-storm roof inspections for displaced homeowners and veterans, meeting immediate needs while continuing to build his company. The work reflected the same approach that shaped his Army career: stay steady, solve the problem in front of you and keep moving forward.

His wife, Maria, played an essential role in that effort. A disabled Army veteran and his partner of 17 years, she stepped in when his injury limited what he could do physically, assisting with inspections and later taking the lead on marketing and Realtor outreach.

“We believed in the brand, trusted the process and kept trying until success came,” said Maria Adell. “Our goal wasn’t just to inspect houses — it was to build trust and help families make confident home decisions.”

Together, the couple is raising five children — Nehemiah,

Taniyah, Alyssiah, Moriah, and Josiah — while building a business grounded in trust, faith, and service.

That commitment reaches beyond work. Adell volunteers as Properties & Structural Integrity Director for The Grace Project, a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless veterans, and serves as Associate Pastor for Reconcile Christian Ministries in Augusta.

Whether he is helping a family understand a property, supporting veterans in need or serving in ministry, the thread running through all of it is the same.

Still, in Augusta, his story feels less like a business announcement than a community one. It is the story of a veteran who chose to put down roots here, a family that turned setbacks into momentum and a business owner whose work is guided by the same service-first values that shaped his life long before entrepreneurship.

In that sense, Jeremiah Adell Jr. has not left his mission behind. He simply brought it home.

ABOUT PILLAR TO POST™ HOME INSPECTORS Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa.

There are 450+ franchises located across the United States and Canada.

For further information, please visit www.pillartopost.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

What we do for small businesses?

Virtual Staffing Marketing Lead Generation Admin Task

Social Media Management Technology Solutions Coaching Calendar & Email Management

Virtual Staffing, Marketing and Business Solutions

WHY FRANCHISE WITH VA+?

No Costly Location / Inventory Get Started With A Laptop Can Be Run From Anywhere Run By Low-Cost Remote Staff Booming Industry Limitless B2B High Ticket & Recurring Products And Services SOPs, Automations, Recruiting, & Support By Experienced Staff

FRANCHISED BY

franchise@vaplusvip.com

franchise.vaplusvip.com

(512) 668-6881

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

The Wellness Evolution Red Light Therapy & Pilates A modern guide to understanding two of the fastest-growing sectors in the wellness industry

by Paulette Callender, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

O

ver the years, I’ve joined five different Pilates studios and experienced more red light saunas than I can count. While I could clearly feel differences between Pilates machines and class styles, I remained curious about the specific benefits behind each variation. The same applied to red light therapy—some sessions felt noticeably more intense than others, raising a key question: does that mean stronger, better, or simply

54

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

different?. Understanding these distinctions is critical, especially as both categories continue to gain traction among consumers and investors alike.

In today’s fast-growing wellness industry, red light therapy and Pilates-based fitness stand out as two of the most in-demand segments.

Both promise measurable, transformative results, yet the underlying differences in technology, equipment, and execution can significantly

impact outcomes. A clear understanding of these variables is essential for making informed decisions—whether as a consumer or an investor.

ILLUMINATING THE BENEFITS OF RED LIGHT Red light therapy has rapidly established itself as a core offering in modern wellness environments, delivering benefits that range from skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery and inflammation reduction. However, not all systems produce the same results. The effectiveness of red light therapy is driven by the specific wavelengths emitted and how deeply they penetrate the body. Red light in the 630–660 nanometer range primarily targets the skin’s surface, supporting collagen production, antiaging, and overall skin tone improvement. Near-infrared light, typically between 810– 880 nanometers, penetrates deeper into muscles and joints, where it plays a role in recovery, pain relief, and inflammation reduction. Far infrared, commonly used in sauna formats, operates

through heat rather than light penetration, stimulating circulation, detoxification, and relaxation.

The type of equipment used further differentiates the experience. LED panels are the most common and versatile systems, allowing for both targeted and full-body exposure. Red light beds provide a more immersive, full-body treatment, often positioned as a higher-end experience within wellness studios. Infrared saunas, while frequently grouped into the same category, are primarily heat-based, although many newer models incorporate red light for a hybrid approach. The key factors that determine effectiveness include wavelength accuracy, power output (irradiance), treatment time efficiency, and whether the system integrates complementary therapies. As a result, two devices that appear nearly identical can deliver significantly different outcomes.

Beem sets itself apart in this space by delivering fullspectrum infrared (which includes near, mid, and far wavelengths) combined with red light technology. Unlike competitors that isolate far infrared or red light treatments, Beem's integrated approach allows for deeper tissue penetration and a broader array of therapeutic benefits. A major differentiator for the brand is its ability to merge multiple therapies into a single room session. Furthermore, Beem provides a highly technologydriven experience by outfitting rooms with smart features and tablets that stream curated

branded content, such as music, meditation, or wellness education. This modern setup creates a distinct competitive advantage over traditional, lower-tech sauna models and strongly appeals to a tech-savvy demographic of younger, urban professionals.

THE EVOLUTION OF PILATES Pilates, similarly, has evolved far beyond its boutique fitness origins into a scalable and highly profitable segment of the wellness industry. Its growth is largely driven by the diversity of equipment and training methodologies available. The reformer remains the most widely recognized apparatus, utilizing springs, pulleys, and a sliding carriage to deliver low-impact, fullbody workouts that build strength and flexibility. The Megaformer, associated with the Lagree Method, intensifies this approach through slow, controlled movements and constant tension, targeting muscular endurance at a higher intensity. The Cadillac, or trapeze table, serves a more specialized role, often used in

rehabilitation and advanced training settings. Chair and barrel systems add further variation, enhancing both progression and program diversity.

The rapid expansion of Pilates studios can be attributed to several factors. Its low-impact nature makes it accessible to a broad demographic, while the visible results drive strong client retention. Additionally, the elevated, boutique-style experience supports premium pricing models. Studios that incorporate complementary recovery modalities alongside Pilates consistently report higher retention rates and increased revenue per client, indicating a shift toward more integrated wellness offerings.

Pilates Addiction positions itself as a bold evolution of the traditional Pilates studio by operating a modern, scalable boutique fitness franchise model. Rather than sticking strictly to conventional methods, the brand sets itself apart by blending classical Pilates principles with contemporary athletic training. A major differentiator for the brand is its focus on WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

55

HIIT-style Pilates (High-Intensity Interval Training), delivering heart-pumping, precisionfocused workouts that fuse "intensity with integrity" to challenge and transform clients. This dynamic, highenergy approach is specifically engineered to appeal to a younger demographic seeking a more intense, modernized fitness experience compared to traditional offerings.

BUILDING INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEMS The convergence of red light therapy and Pilates represents a particularly compelling opportunity. Studios that combine these services create a comprehensive wellness experience that extends beyond traditional fitness.

56

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Red light therapy can be used before workouts to enhance circulation and prepare muscles, and after workouts to accelerate recovery, reduce soreness, and improve overall performance outcomes. The added aesthetic benefits, including improved skin health and body toning, further enhance the value proposition.

This integration transforms a single-service offering into a full-spectrum lifestyle experience, aligning with the expectations of today’s wellness consumer.

The broader trend within the wellness industry is clear: success is increasingly defined by the ability to build integrated service ecosystems rather than standalone offerings. A detailed understanding of

technology, equipment, and client experience enables operators and investors to differentiate their positioning, increase perceived value, and maximize revenue streams. As the market continues to evolve, the most successful concepts will be those that effectively combine science, experience, and strategic execution.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Paulette Callender is a seasoned franchise entrepreneur and business development leader with more than 20 years of experience helping businesses grow through strategic expansion, operational excellence, and strong franchisee partnerships. Her background includes multi-unit ownership, real estate strategy, P&L oversight, and mentoring entrepreneurs through every stage of business growth.

Contact Paulette at pcallender@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

HVAC Industry A Necessity, Not A Luxury $88 Billion Market

Ambition is Rewarded The top 30% of outlets that have been open and operating for at least 12 months in good standing, based on EBITDA and % of system revenues, gross annual revenue ranges from $1,848,336.88 to $2,269,412.70 per year. The total job average of those outlets is $973.00 and the average revenue per hour is $296.16.

Why Choose TemperaturePro • • • • • • • • •

7.5% Yearly Market Growth Higher Profit vs. Old Line Providers Exclusive Territories Full Training & Start Up Guidance Ongoing Support with our Phenomenal Corporate Team Comprehensive Employee Hiring Training Easily Accessible Media and Print Libraries Marketing & Sales Training Name Brand Recognition from a National Company

337-296-3333

LEARN MORE

NOW AWARDING PT FRANCHISES!

WHY A HEALTHCARE FRANCHISE? Proven Business Model 12 Years of Industry Experience Marketing Support Including Digital & TV Ads High Profit Margins

Growing Market for PT Initial & Ongoing Training & Support Access to Franchise Funding Resources

At REHABNEEDS, we believe in the transformative power of physical therapy to enhance lives and promote optimal well-being.

As a leading franchise in the healthcare industry, we are dedicated to providing exceptional rehabilitative care and fostering a culture of healing and empowerment.

franchise@rehabneeds.com (240) 793-1090 2401 Research Blvd, #101 Rockville, MD 20850 franchising.rehabneeds.com

Join the premier managed IT services franchise, TeamLogic IT IN-DEMAND BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

TeamLogic IT provides businesses with technology support and services that range from simple computer systems support to managed IT services and project outsourcing. As an owner of your own TeamLogic IT business, you’ll help small- and medium-sized companies with a broad range of IT services. Your clients will come to rely on you to keep their technology current and their businesses running efficiently. You’ll help them with proactive, preventative and responsive IT services. Our monthly recurring revenue model is a win-win for you and your clients. And, the camaraderie, peer support and drive among our network of franchisees are like none other in the industry.

• The Channel Company® MSP 500 ELITE 150 • Channel Futures™ MSP 501 #37 • Entrepreneur ® Magazine Top 500 Franchise • Forbes Best Franchise to Buy • Franchise Business Review™ Top Franchise • Franchise Times® Top 200 Franchise • Franchise Gator Top 100 Franchise • Inc. 5000

FRANCHISE OWNER PROFILE The ideal candidate for a TeamLogic IT business is a person who wishes to work in a business environment, understands technology, has an aptitude for sales and/or building relationships, and enjoys working with other business professionals while building a team to deliver outstanding service and support. Many of our franchise owners were previously IT directors for small companies, executives in corporate America, engineers or technology consultants.

READY TO LEARN MORE? CONTACT US TODAY.

866.TEAMLOGIC

TeamLogic IT 949.683.3314 26722 Plaza, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

pspaan@teamlogicit.com teamlogicit.com teamlogicfranchising.com

ABOUT US

Why Face-to-Face Still Wins: Inside the Surge at The Great American Franchise Expo

by Ted O’Shea, Tradeshow Event Manager, The Great American Franchise Expo

T

here’s a quiet shift happening in American business. It’s not loud like artificial intelligence or the constant churn of digital innovation. It’s something more fundamental.

People want to look each other in the eye again.

Nowhere is that more evident than on the show floor of The Great American Franchise Expo.

In an era where AI can draft business plans, generate marketing campaigns, and simulate entire conversations, you might expect in-person events to lose relevance.

Instead, the opposite is happening. Attendance is rising. Engagement is deeper.

And across every city, the same pattern is emerging.

When the stakes are real, people still choose reality.

THE AI ERA IS DRIVING HUMAN CONNECTION Today’s prospective franchise buyer arrives informed. They’ve done the work. They’ve read articles, watched videos, compared models, and run projections.

But AI can’t replicate trust.

At The Great American Franchise Expo, attendees don’t just browse brands. They meet 60

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

founders. Operators. Franchisees who are living the model every day. They hear tone. They see conviction. They ask direct questions and get real answers.

That difference matters when someone is making a decision about their future.

The show floor doesn’t feel like a trade show. It feels like a series of high-stakes conversations.

A NATIONAL TOUR BUILT FOR MOMENTUM The 2026 calendar reflects that demand, kicking off with a strong opening in South Florida.

The season begins at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, May 2–3, 2026, setting the tone for what has become a powerful national run.

From there, the Expo moves through major markets across the country: • Atlanta, GA – Cobb Galleria Centre | May 16–17, 2026 • Columbus, OH – Columbus Expo Center | May 30–31, 2026 • New York / New Jersey – Dream Live | September 12–13, 2026

result is not just inspiration.

It’s direction. They leave with a shortlist, a plan, and often a completely new path.

• Detroit, MI – Oakland Expo Center | September 26–27, 2026 • Denver, CO – National Western Center | October 10–11, 2026 • Dallas, TX – Irving Convention Center | October 24–25, 2026 • Phoenix, AZ – Mesa Convention Center | November 7–8, 2026 Each stop brings a different audience, a different pace, and a different mix of opportunity.

But the underlying driver is the same.

People are showing up because they want clarity.

FROM BROWSING TO DECIDING Online, everything looks good.

Every brand has a polished pitch. Every opportunity highlights upside. Every model promises scalability.

At the Expo, that gets tested quickly. Attendees walk the floor and compare concepts side by side. They ask the same question to multiple brands and watch how each responds.

They see who is prepared. Who is real. Who understands their own business.

It compresses months of research into a single weekend.

And more importantly, it separates signal from noise.

For many attendees, the

THE POWER OF CHOICE Another reason for the surge in attendance is simple: variety.

The Expo isn’t built around one industry. It reflects the full spectrum of the modern franchise economy: Fitness. Food. Pet services.

Home services. Senior care.

Automotive. Technology. AIenabled platforms.

Today’s buyer is not onedimensional. They are evaluating lifestyle, flexibility, scalability, and risk.

Some want semi-absentee ownership. Others want to operate hands-on. Some are chasing growth. Others want predictable income. The Expo gives them options in one place.

EDUCATION THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS Strong attendance isn’t just driven by the brands. It’s driven by the learning.

Each event includes practical sessions on: • Franchise law • Financing strategies • Absentee ownership • Growth and scaling These are not abstract discussions. They are frameworks delivered by people actively working in the industry.

For many attendees, it’s the first time franchising truly makes sense.

And that understanding builds confidence.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SHOWING UP There’s something else happening beneath the surface.

When someone attends an event, they make a decision before they ever walk in the door. They move from passive interest to active exploration.

It’s easy to scroll. It’s different to show up.

That shift changes everything.

We see it every weekend.

People arrive curious. They leave engaged.

A PLATFORM THAT COMES TO YOU What makes The Great American Franchise Expo unique is its structure.

This isn’t one flagship event. It’s a national platform that moves city by city, bringing opportunity directly to the audience.

Not everyone will fly across the country to explore a business. But they will drive 20 minutes to a convention center if the opportunity feels real.

And once they arrive, they find more than they expected.

THE FUTURE OF FRANCHISING IS PERSONAL If there’s one takeaway from the continued growth of The Great American Franchise Expo, it’s this: The future of franchising isn’t just digital. It’s personal.

AI will continue to evolve. It will shape how people discover and evaluate opportunities.

But when it comes time to commit capital, time, and energy, people still want to meet face to face.

They want to ask questions.

Read reactions. Shake hands.

That’s what the Expo delivers.

Not just information.

Not just opportunity.

Connection.

And right now, that’s what people are looking for most.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

61

FRANCHISED BY

Kaminskiy Care and Repair offers top-quality home repair services, helping homeowners maintain and improve their homes with expert care and attention to detail. As a franchisee, you'll not only support homeowners in protecting their assets but also build your own wealth and success by partnering with our trusted brand in home improvement.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? Almost 20 Years in Business Proven Operating Systems Effective Marketing & Lead Generation Strong Support System Industry- Leading Start-Up Time Low Investment Cost-Effective Business Model

franchise@careandrepair.com

www.careandrepair.com

855-857-3724

Today’s Restaurant The Foodservice Industry Authority Comprehensive foodservice industry news delivered to you every month.

Sign up now for a free email subscription or read it online.

561.620.8888 www.trnusa.com

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

SEQUEL BRANDS and the New American Longevity Movement

by Bob McQuillan, CDO, Sequel Brands

64

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

<< Anthony Geisler’s Sequel Brands is partnering with longevity expert Gary Brecka to launch the Ultimate Longevity Center, focusing on bringing advanced wellness protocols to a broader audience.

This collaboration seeks to transform the fitness landscape by combining clinical data with accessible treatments for health and longevity.

F

or the last 20 years, fitness has been one of the most dynamic sectors in franchising.

Boutique studios changed how people worked out. Group fitness turned exercise into community. Strength training moved from the weight room into the mainstream. Recovery became its own category.

Wellness became part of daily life instead of something people thought about only after a diagnosis.

Now the market is moving again.

The next chapter is not just fitness. It is longevity.

That is where Sequel Brands is placing one of its biggest bets with Ultimate Longevity Center.

The timing is not accidental.

The global wellness economy reached approximately $6.8 trillion in 2024, and the United States alone represents roughly $2.1 trillion of that market.

Consumers are spending

at scale on fitness, recovery, nutrition, diagnostics, mental wellness, preventive care, and experiences that help them feel better for longer. This is not a niche trend for biohackers in Silicon Valley. It is a mainstream shift in how people think about health.

For decades, the fitness industry sold the body people wanted to see in the mirror.

The longevity industry is selling something bigger: more energy, more clarity, better recovery, better biomarkers, more productive years, and a stronger relationship with your own health.

That is the revolution of the category.

Ultimate Longevity Center was created to bring that shift into a scalable, accessible model. The concept is built around the collaboration of Anthony Geisler, Gary Brecka, Lifeforce, and the Sequel Brands platform. The idea is simple: take the science, WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

65

protocols, consumer demand, and operating discipline behind longevity and deliver them through a brand that can grow across the country.

The consumer is ready.

People no longer want to wait until something goes wrong. They want to understand what is happening inside their bodies before the warning lights flash. They want bloodwork, data, coaching, recovery, supplementation, fitness, and lifestyle support that feels coordinated instead of fragmented. They want to know why they are tired, why they are gaining weight, why they are not recovering, why they feel older than they are, and what they can do about it.

That demand is being reinforced by a larger cultural movement.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again 66

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

movement has helped push chronic disease, food quality, metabolic health, and preventive wellness into the national conversation.

However people arrive at the discussion, the underlying issue is real: America has a chronic disease problem.

Federal health messaging now points to the scale of the challenge, including that six in ten Americans have at least one chronic disease and a large share of the population is diabetic or prediabetic.

Sequel Brands supports the broader principle that America needs to become healthier, stronger, and more focused on prevention.

That does not need to be political. It needs to be practical.

Families want healthier children. Adults want more productive years. Employers want healthier teams.

Communities want less strain on the healthcare system.

Consumers want better choices. The old model of waiting until people are sick, then reacting, is not enough.

Longevity is the market’s answer to that frustration.

Anthony Geisler has spent his career understanding how consumer health brands

scale. His advantage has never been just spotting trends. It has been recognizing when a trend is ready to be organized, branded, systematized, and distributed through a network.

That is the power of Sequel Brands.

Fitness taught the market something important: people will build routines around brands they trust. They will show up for a coach. They will join a community. They will pay for a better experience. They will commit when the model is simple, the environment is welcoming, and the value is clear.

Ultimate Longevity Center builds on that lesson.

The brand is not asking consumers to become medical experts. It is giving them an entry point. A place to begin. A place to test, recover, improve, and understand their health in a more personal way. It takes what can feel intimidating and makes it approachable.

That is crucial.

Longevity cannot become mainstream if it feels elitist, confusing, or reserved for celebrities, executives, and professional athletes. The next wave has to be warm, human, professional, and accessible. It has to meet people where they are, not shame them for where they are starting.

That is why the network matters.

A single longevity center can serve a neighborhood. A national platform can educate a market. Franchisees can become local ambassadors for a broader health movement.

They can host events, build relationships, serve families,

partner with local fitness and wellness providers, and create a trusted front door into a category that many consumers are just beginning to understand.

That is how categories change.

They do not change only because of science. They change when someone builds a business model that makes the science usable, repeatable, and available.

Rapid growth is possible because the demand is already there. Consumers are buying supplements, wearable technology, GLP-1 support, recovery services, IV therapy, hormone testing, nutrition coaching, cold plunge sessions, red light therapy, and fitness memberships. The problem is that much of the market is fragmented. People are assembling their own health plan from disconnected providers, podcasts, influencers, clinics, apps, and product companies.

Ultimate Longevity Center can help organize that chaos.

The opportunity is to create one trusted place where the consumer can pursue better health with guidance, protocols, data, and support.

Not a gimmick. Not a fad.

Not a one-time treatment. A relationship.

That is the difference between a trend and a

platform.

A trend gets attention. A platform changes behavior.

Sequel Brands is betting that longevity is ready for the platform stage.

The rise of fitness created the first wave. Consumers learned to prioritize exercise.

Boutique brands made it social. Recovery brands taught people to take care of the body between workouts.

Wearables taught them to track sleep, steps, heart rate, and readiness. Functional medicine and wellness leaders taught them to ask deeper questions about bloodwork, hormones, nutrition, inflammation, and energy.

Now those forces are converging.

The consumer who once asked, “How do I lose weight?” is now asking, “How do I live better longer?”

That is a better question. It is also a bigger market.

Ultimate Longevity Center is designed for that question.

For franchise owners, the business case is powerful because it sits at the intersection of consumer demand, trusted personalities, operating systems, recurring services, and a health movement that is bigger than any one brand. For customers, the appeal is even simpler: feel better, understand your body, and take action before decline

becomes destiny.

That is a welcoming message.

This is not about perfection.

It is not about six-pack abs, elite biohacking, or living forever. It is about helping people feel stronger in their real lives. Parents who want more energy for their children.

Entrepreneurs who want to perform without burning out. Retirees who want more mobility. Adults who want to reverse years of neglect. Busy professionals who want to stop guessing.

The future of wellness will belong to brands that make health feel personal, practical, and hopeful.

Sequel Brands believes Ultimate Longevity Center can be one of those brands.

The revolution of the category is here because the country is ready for a new conversation. Not just sick care. Not just fitness. Not just recovery. Not just supplements.

Something more integrated, more proactive, and more aligned with the way people want to live.

Anthony Geisler saw what boutique fitness became.

Now Sequel Brands is helping build what comes next.

A stronger country starts with stronger people. Ultimate Longevity Center is built for that future.

THE OPPORTUNITY IS TO CREATE ONE TRUSTED PLACE WHERE THE CONSUMER CAN PURSUE BETTER HEALTH WITH GUIDANCE, PROTOCOLS, DATA, AND SUPPORT. NOT A GIMMICK. NOT A FAD. NOT A ONE-TIME TREATMENT. A RELATIONSHIP. WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

67

KITCHEN

GLUTEN FREE ABOUT US

FRESH INGREDIENTS. DELICIOUS DISHES

In today’s competitive food industry, the most attractive franchise opportunities combine a proven business model with a fresh concept.

Anytime Arepa Gluten Free Kitchen represents exactly that: a growing brand built on an established operational foundation and a unique culinary proposition centered on certified gluten-free cuisine.

At the core of Anytime Arepa’s appeal are arepas and empanadas made from white corn, a naturally gluten-free ingredient. While inspired by Venezuelan traditions, the brand focuses on a modern dining experience that resonates with today’s consumers. As demand for gluten-free options grows, we provide a distinctive alternative for both those with dietary restrictions and food lovers seeking bold, traditional flavors.

Customer response has been remarkable, with many describing their first experience as “love at first bite.” This enthusiasm is reflected in our consistent 4–5 star ratings on platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

For franchise partners, we provide a comprehensive support system including site selection guidance, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support. Our goal is to ensure every new location has the tools needed to succeed.

Anytime Arepa Gluten Free Kitchen offers a fresh, flavorful, and forward-thinking investment opportunity.

Do you want to be one of the first five franchisees committed to leading this brand nationally?

FRANCHISED BY

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US?

Proven & unique culinary concept

anytimearepa.com

Predictable labor & food costs

Currently developing the Midwest region

anytimearepa@gmail.com

(414)882-5522

Exceptional training and mentorship for your success

@anytime_arepa

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

More Than a Workout: The Rise of the Wellness Era

by Evan Ferrell, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or more than a decade, boutique fitness redrew the map of the American consumer.

Spin studios packed riders into candlelit rooms at 5 a.m. Barre bars filled with professionals squeezing in a class between meetings. High-intensity interval training gyms turned group sweat sessions into a competitive sport. What began as a niche alternative to the big-box gym became a cultural force — and a franchise goldmine. But something bigger was quietly taking shape beneath the surface.

The same consumer who fell in love with the boutique fitness experience was starting to ask a different question. It was no longer just how hard can I push my body? It became how well can I actually live?

That shift in mindset is fueling what many in the franchise industry are now calling the boutique wellness boom — and its trajectory mirrors the fitness revolution almost step for step.

HOW FITNESS PRIMED THE CONSUMER The boutique fitness explosion of the 2010s did more than

70

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

sell memberships. It sold an identity. Consumers learned to invest in their physical experience, pay a premium for results-driven environments, and seek out community in the process. Brands like SoulCycle, Orangetheory, and Pure Barre proved that people would pay $30, $40, even $50 per class if the experience felt personal, purposeful, and transformative.

That conditioning changed consumer expectations permanently. Once someone experiences a curated, coachled environment designed entirely around their physical outcome, a generic gym membership starts to feel like settling. The boutique fitness model didn't just build a market — it built a consumer base trained to invest in themselves.

And now, that same consumer is aging, evolving, and expanding their definition of health. They're not abandoning fitness. They're graduating from it.

THE WELLNESS PIVOT Wellness, in its broadest sense, has always existed — think spas, yoga retreats, and vitamin shops. But

what's different today is the emergence of outcomefocused, membership-based wellness concepts that carry the DNA of boutique fitness.

They're branded, scalable, franchise-ready, and they meet consumers at a much more personal intersection: longevity, recovery, hormone health, cognitive performance, and cellular vitality.

The data backs the momentum. The global wellness economy is now valued in the trillions, and consumers are increasingly directing discretionary spend away from things and toward experiences that extend and enhance their quality of life.

Post-pandemic, the priority shift accelerated. People who survived the anxiety of COVIDera uncertainty came out the other side asking harder questions about how they were living — not just how long they were working out.

The result is a new category of franchise concepts emerging at the intersection of health, science, and lifestyle.

These aren't day spas. They're not traditional medical clinics.

They occupy a compelling middle ground: accessible

It's a model designed for the consumer who no longer waits to get sick before walking through a healthfocused door.

enough to visit weekly, sciencebacked enough to feel credible, and experiential enough to build loyalty.

THE NEW WAVE OF WELLNESS BRANDS Several emerging brands are already capitalizing on this white space with compelling franchise models.

beem has built its concept around infrared light therapy and red light wellness, tapping into a growing body of research connecting photobiomodulation to recovery, skin health, inflammation reduction, and mood. Its studio model is designed for frequency and convenience — members come in multiple times per week, making it an ideal recurring-revenue franchise.

It sits squarely at the intersection of accessibility and science, which is exactly where today's wellness consumer wants to be.

iFlex brings stretch therapy and assisted mobility to the forefront, addressing one of the most underserved needs of the active adult: recovery and functional movement. As the fitnessfirst generation ages and injury prevention becomes as important as performance, iFlex-style concepts are poised for significant growth. It's restorative, personalized, and repeatable — everything that drives strong unit economics in a franchise model.

Ultimate Longevity Center takes a more comprehensive approach, positioning itself around the growing longevity movement — one of the fastest-growing segments in all of health and wellness.

With services ranging from IV therapy and hormone optimization to advanced diagnostics and biohacking modalities, the brand speaks directly to consumers who want to be proactive, not reactive, about their health.

THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD The boutique fitness boom was built on a simple insight: people will invest meaningfully in how they feel. Wellness franchises are now extending that insight across a much broader canvas.

The consumer is ready. The science is maturing. And the franchise infrastructure to support scalable wellness concepts is more sophisticated than it has ever been.

The era of the workout was just the beginning. Welcome to the era of wellness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Evan Ferrell is a franchise executive with over ten years of experience scaling emerging brands into mature, investor-ready systems. My specialty lies in developing franchise infrastructure, optimizing operations, and aligning growth with strategic outcomes—including private equity positioning and exits.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

71

Juiced Fuel provides convenient mobile fuel delivery for individuals and businesses. Customers can schedule refueling via a user-friendly app, choosing from top-quality fuel options like Regular (87), Premium (93), and Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). With automatic updates and seamless payment processing, Juiced Fuel saves time and eliminates the need for gas station visits.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? Tap into the booming demand for convenience-based services, and reshape how consumers refuel their vehicles.

Leverage Juiced Fuel’s established systems, operational expertise, and support to jumpstart your business.

Scale your franchise quickly by adding trucks or expanding service areas without significant upfront investment.

Benefit from multiple revenue streams, including subscription plans, on-demand services, and specialized offerings for fleets and boats.

FRANCHISED BY

(843) 709-5409 juicedfuel.com info@juicedfuel.com

TACTICAL LASER TAG FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES LASER TAG REDEFINED FOR ADULTS AND TEENS Team Combat combines cutting edge interactive immersion technology with a complete, turnkey franchise system to offer unique entertainment opportunities.

TACTICAL LASER TAG LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Team Combat creates realistic combat simulations for fun, sport, or tactical training purposes. This is a new concept of fun and entertainment. Each Team Combat site has a 8,000-10,000+ square foot facility and offers a Tactical Laser Tag experience that is immersive, stimulating, and satisfying for adults and teens.

Our laser combat system is state of the art and contains the same technology used by the US Military. Many area SWAT teams, the US Navy, the Army National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Agency all use our equipment and facilities. This isn’t kiddie laser tag but it doesn’t require participants to have any specials skills or to be athletic. Everyone can enjoy the competition.

TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM | (219) 200-5010 | JACK@TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Get Ready for Summer: Why Pilates Addiction Is the Fitness Franchise to Watch

by Joe Carter, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

Getting ready for summer isn’t about a quick transformation. It’s about building a system people won’t quit by July.

That’s where most fitness brands miss.

They sell motivation.

They don’t build habits.

Pilates Addiction does both—and that’s exactly why it’s one of the most compelling franchise opportunities in fitness today.

THE MARKET IS EXPLODING— BUT POSITIONING WINS Pilates isn’t a trend anymore.

It’s a movement.

More than 12 million Americans are already participating, with demand growing year over year .

That kind of growth creates opportunity—but it also creates noise.

Most studios still look the same: slow-paced classes, traditional formats, and an aging customer base.

Pilates Addiction saw the gap—and built a brand around the next generation of fitness consumers.

74

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

A MODERN PRODUCT THAT ACTUALLY CONVERTS Most founders think fitness is about equipment.

I’ve learned it’s about experience and identity.

Pilates Addiction takes traditional Pilates and flips it: • High-intensity, HIIT-style workouts • Modern, high-energy studio environments • Designed for younger, results-driven professionals This isn’t about stretching.

It’s about performance.

And when the product matches what the market actually wants, conversion gets easier—and retention follows.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE: A PROPRIETARY EXPERIENCE Here’s where this brand separates.

Pilates Addiction is built around the WundaFormer®, a proprietary machine that combines multiple pieces of equipment into one seamless system .

No downtime. No switching

stations. No wasted movement.

Just continuous, highintensity training.

That creates a better workout—but more importantly, it creates differentiation.

Most fitness brands compete on marketing.

The best ones compete on product.

This is product.

Recurring Revenue, Real Predictability Too many studios rely on foot traffic.

LEAN MODEL. HIGHER EFFICIENCY. Bigger gyms look impressive.

They’re also harder to run.

Pilates Addiction keeps the model tight: • ~1,500–1,800 sq ft footprint • Streamlined staffing • Designed for revenue per square foot This isn’t about cutting corners.

It’s about maximizing output with less complexity.

I’ve seen operators improve margins simply by simplifying their model. This brand starts there from day one.

That’s not a business. That’s a gamble.

Pilates Addiction is built on a membership-based model, generating consistent monthly revenue and stronger financial visibility .

LEADERSHIP THAT KNOWS HOW TO SCALE A great concept is only as strong as the team behind it.

Pilates Addiction is backed by leadership that has scaled thousands of studios globally and driven over $1B in systemwide sales.

That matters.

Because franchising isn’t about opening one location—it’s about repeating success across markets.

And repetition requires a proven playbook.

Add in: • Tiered memberships • Private sessions • Retail

BUILT FOR SUMMER—AND BEYOND Summer creates urgency.

But urgency doesn’t build a business.

Structure does.

Now you’re not just running classes—you’re building multiple revenue streams inside one location.

That’s how you create stability.

And stability is what turns income into enterprise value.

Pilates Addiction is designed to convert short-term motivation into long-term retention: • High-energy classes that keep members engaged • Community-driven environments that build loyalty

•

Results-focused programming that reinforces habit

This isn’t a “summer body” brand.

It’s a lifestyle brand.

And lifestyle brands keep members paying long after the season ends.

FINAL WORD Too many founders chase trends without asking what they’re actually building.

The goal isn’t just more members.

It’s more value.

Pilates Addiction delivers: • A growing category • A differentiated product • A scalable, recurring revenue model Most fitness concepts help people start.

The best ones keep them coming back.

This one does both.

Ready to know your real value?

If you’re looking at the fitness space, start with models built for retention, not just hype.

DM “BLUEPRINT” and I’ll show you how to evaluate if this opportunity fits your longterm strategy.

Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Worth it? Absolutely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joe Carter is the founder of Twin Flame Group, Partner with The Franchise Consulting Company, and host of The Franchise Growth Show. He helps growth-stage founders scale strategically, build transferrable value, and exit on their terms. Contact Joe Carter at JCarter@ TheFranchiseConsultingCompany. com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

75

FLORIDA POWER YOGA

NOW AWAR DING FRANC HISES

FPY is an accumulation of one amazing benchmarking journey to create another. We are the birth of Fast Paced Yoga (FPY) in our one of a kind facilities of vibrancy and community.

Fast growing industry

Extensive training program

Multiple revenue streams

FPY is based on extensive benchmark research of other yoga studios

Turnkey operation

(813) 431-8033

floridapoweryoga@gmail.com

floridapoweryoga.com

Fund your Franchise with 0% Interest!

How We Can Help Get up to $250,000 in Funding 0% Interest for 12-18+ Months We Can Fund Start Ups or Existing Businesses

See How Much You Can Prequalify For In 0% Interest Funding No Credit Check Required.

No proof of funds, tax returns, or collateral needed 700+ Credit Score Required Perfect to cover initial franchise fees, marketing, payroll, equipment, inventory, vehicles, and much more!

For more information 📞📞 803-653-6293  www.swiftlinecapital.com

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Exercise Coach Franchise Offers Smart Exit from Corporate Careers

by Robyn Deering, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

C

orporate and government professionals today face increasing pressure from job insecurity, restructuring and shifting retirement landscapes. Many mid-career executives, federal employees and military veterans possess substantial experience, a modest nest egg and a strong desire for greater autonomy and community impact. For these individuals, franchising offers a proven path to business ownership, and The Exercise Coach stands out as a particularly compelling option within the expanding boutique fitness sector.

The Exercise Coach delivers a highly differentiated model centered on 20-minute, twice-weekly strength training sessions powered by proprietary Exerbotics® AI-driven equipment.

Clients receive personalized, data-driven workouts in a private, supportive studio environment, with certified coaches providing real-time feedback and guidance. This approach emphasizes efficiency, measurable results, and

78

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

accessibility, distinguishing it from traditional gyms and high-intensity group fitness concepts.

The brand specifically targets the growing 50-plus demographic, a segment often underserved by mainstream fitness offerings. Baby boomers and Gen Xers prioritize health, mobility, and quality of life. Demand rises for safe, time-efficient solutions that combat sarcopenia, support bone density and enhance overall vitality. With the U.S. boutique fitness market projected to experience strong double-digit growth, The Exercise Coach aligns directly with demographic trends: an aging yet active population controlling significant disposable income and seeking premium, resultsoriented experiences rather than crowded, intimidating facilities.

ACCESSIBLE INVESTMENT FOR CAREER CHANGERS The Exercise Coach presents a realistic entry point for professionals with a solid but not unlimited nest egg.

The total estimated initial investment ranges from

approximately $260,000 to $390,000. Liquid capital requirements typically start around $100,000, often achievable through 401(k) rollovers, severance packages or strategic use of home equity.

Newer suite-style models in medical or professional office buildings further reduce real estate costs and overall investment compared to traditional retail fitness concepts.

Studios occupy compact footprints of 800 to 2,000 square feet and operate with lean staffing—typically three to five team members.

The franchisor provides comprehensive certification for coaches, eliminating the need for prior fitness industry experience. This streamlined operational model supports semi-absentee ownership potential after the initial rampup period, allowing owners to maintain work-life balance while building equity.

Financial performance representations from recent Franchise Disclosure Documents indicate strong potential. The membership-

based, recurring revenue structure delivers predictable cash flow, a critical advantage for those transitioning from corporate salaries or government pensions.

Amy Hudson, a Minneapolisbased multi-unit owner and 2019 "Franchisee of the Year," praised The Exercise Coach for its "strong systems, robust lead-generation, and strong support," noting it as a "joy to own" because of the meaningful impact on clients' lives. According to a Franchise Fastlane podcast keeping the coaching studios small, clean and private has unmistakable appeal and continues to grow.

PROVEN SUPPORT AND DEMOGRAPHIC ALIGNMENT Extensive franchisor support, including site selection assistance, marketing programs with lead generation, operational training and ongoing business coaching strengthen seasoned professionals who recognize sound back-office support. This infrastructure helps new owners execute efficiently and scale with confidence. Over 200

locations operate across the United States, reflecting the brand’s established track record and system-wide momentum.

Franchisees frequently highlight the model’s alignment with broader market needs. Busy professionals, retirees, and empty-nesters value the minimal time commitment and non-intimidating environment, resulting in high client retention and referral rates. The focus on measurable outcomes—such as strength gains, improved metabolism and functional fitness—resonates strongly with clients who seek tangible health improvements without dedicating hours each week to exercise.

For corporate refugees and government professionals, The Exercise Coach represents more than a business investment.

It offers an opportunity to leverage transferable skills in leadership, client service and operations while creating meaningful community impact. Owners report deep satisfaction from helping clients regain

strength, confidence, and independence—outcomes that extend beyond financial returns.

In an era of corporate volatility and evolving retirement realities, The Exercise Coach provides a professional, scalable pathway to entrepreneurship. The combination of accessible investment levels, lean operations, recurring revenue, and alignment with powerful demographic shifts positions this franchise as a standout choice for those ready to transition from job security concerns to purposeful business ownership.

Professionals evaluating their next chapter should consider concepts that match both their financial parameters and personal values. The Exercise Coach meets these criteria by delivering efficient, sciencebacked fitness solutions to a large and growing audience while offering franchisees an attainable entry point for sustainable success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Robyn Deering is a Franchise Consultant and Career Transitions Coach based in southwest Florida and Author of "Corporate Refugee’s Guide to Franchising: Trade Job Insecurity for Business Ownership that Works."

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

79

FRANCHISED BY

Bringing Quality Coffee to Every Cup At Yellow Spruce Roasters, specialty coffee is our passion and community is our mission. Every cup reflects our commitment to quality, service, and people.

Yellow Spruce Roasters & Wine Bar in Old Town Scottsdale offers a day-to-night coffee concept featuring our locally-roasted specialty coffee, teas, signature espresso martinis, wine, beer, and gelato in a cozy, welcoming space.

You can also visit our café kiosk at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library for your favorite Yellow Spruce drinks, along with a variety of fresh bites, weekly specials, and more!

MISSION We’re on a mission to bring quality coffee to every cup. When you franchise with us, you’re investing in a concept that blends exceptional coffee, craft cocktails, and a space where community thrives.

WHY FRACHISE WITH US? ROOTED IN QUALITY

PRECISION IN PRODUCT

COMMUNITY & CUSTOMER DRIVEN

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. It's the foundation that keeps our standards high and our guests coming back.

Every cup begins with care. From sourcing and roasting to the final pour, we perfect every detail to deliver products crafted with excellence.

Our spaces are built to foster connection, celebrate local culture, and make every guest feel like part of the family.

WE BELIEVE COFFEE SHOULD BE ENJOYED YOUR WAY. GET IN TOUCH WEBSITE yellowspruceroasters.net

EMAIL ADDRESS brian@yellowspruceroasters.net

PHONE NUMBER 602.299.2506

Digital Marketing Opportunities Today’s Restaurant offers essential marketing options for advertisers who recognize the changing needs of buyers in today’s foodservice market.

Today’s Restaurant Digital Edition Advertise in Today's Restaurant Digital Edition online and have your ad delivered to thousands of restaurant and foodservice buyers each month. From full page display ads to classifieds we have a size and price to fit your ad budget.

Advertising on the Today's Restaurant Website will expose your corporate or individual message to every visitor. Banner ads can be interactive animated messages. We’ll meet your ad needs and price point.

Eblast Marketing We’ll email your ad or video to our verified database of over 15,000 restaurants in Florida, Georgia, Texas and around the country. A 10%-20% open rate can be expected with each Eblast and all Eblasts are posted on our social media sites for even more exposure.

Video Eblast Video is hot! Show the industry what your company can provide with a Video Eblast featuring a great product or video interview. Ask to see a sample or call for pricing.

Eblast Follow-Up A few days after your initial Eblast, reach out to your Eblast recipients with another special offer.

A higher open rate of 40%-70% is often achieved with Eblast Follow-Ups.

Restaurant Leads Report

Call today to schedule your advertising plan!

Subscribe to our Restaurant Leads Report and every month receive valuable industry sales leads on restaurant openings, restaurants under construction and under new management in an Excel spreadsheet format. Reports include the buyer’s name, phone number, zip code and email when available. Reports for Florida and Georgia are now available.

561.620.8888 u www.trnusa.com

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Q&A: Elliot Schiffer on Franchising, Play, and Growing Youth Enrichment Brands An exclusive interview with the Chief Development Officer at Youth Enrichment Brands

by Rick Morgin, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company decision we make around construction, marketing, programming, or pricing must improve returns for our owners.

When we get that right, growth follows.

2. What is the mission driving Youth Enrichment Brands?

At its heart, YEB exists to make childhood better. We provide an alternative to a “screen-based childhood” by centering play, enrichment, and physical activity—making these experiences accessible, not luxury.

1. Can you describe your role at Youth Enrichment Brands?

As Chief Development Officer, my focus is on growing the Youth Enrichment Brands portfolio in a way that’s both rapid and sustainable. I oversee franchise development across all three of our brands—i9 Sports, SafeSplash Swim School, and School of Rock—and ensure every new franchisee is set up to thrive.

Since joining in 2024, my work has centered on one core principle: franchisee success drives system growth. Every 82

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Across our portfolio, we serve more than one million kids annually across 1,000+ locations in all 50 U.S. states and 23 countries. The common thread is delivering highquality, age-appropriate experiences that genuinely shape development.

This mission informs how we qualify franchisees, train instructors, and measure success. When team members live the mission daily, it becomes intrinsic to the brand.

appealing alternative to hypercompetitive travel leagues.

Many of our developers are parents themselves, which deepens their connection to the mission.

3. What does a “play-based childhood” mean in practice?

It’s our north star—the idea that connects everything we do. Research shows that play builds confidence, social skills, resilience, and creativity in ways screens simply can’t.

Franchising allows us to deliver these experiences at scale. For example: • i9 Sports emphasizes fun and positive coaching over elite competition.

• SafeSplash focuses on water safety in a supportive setting.

• School of Rock builds confidence through performance.

This framework guides franchisees in hiring, programming, and community engagement, ensuring alignment with our core values.

4. i9 Sports recently opened its 300th territory. What does this milestone represent?

Reaching 300 territories reflects the health of our system. It shows that franchise owners believe in the model, invest in their communities, and deliver results that attract new owners. Many now own multiple territories—a powerful validation.

A key advantage for i9 Sports and SafeSplash is their asset-light model.

Franchisees operate in existing facilities—fields, gyms, pools— which reduces startup costs, construction risk, and time to opening. This embeds them directly into communities while maintaining high-quality experiences. i9 Sports stands out in youth sports by prioritizing fun and inclusivity—an

5. Where does YEB aim to be in five years?

We’re focused on three priorities: 1. More brand presence 2. More kids served 3. Deeper integration of play-based curriculum We’ll scale responsibly— growing franchise count without sacrificing unit-level economics—and build a more interconnected portfolio where owners benefit from shared resources.

Ultimately, success means more kids experiencing an enriching childhood. Revenue, territory count, and franchisee returns are the means to that end. If we stay mission-focused, growth will follow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Morgin is a Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and alumnus of Santa Clara University. He assists clients with the educational process of researching and selecting available franchise businesses that best suit desired lifestyles and financial goals. Contact Rick at rick@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

83

Weekend PE is more than a business opportunity—it’s your chance to build a stronger, more active community. Since 2015, we’ve delivered high-energy events for all ages, from sports parties and summer camps to community gatherings and classes. Now, you can help bring that mission to life where you live.

• High Profit Margin Potential • Easy Training & Staffing • Semi- Absentee Model • Diverse Revenue Streams • Scalable Business Model

Email us at to learn more.

Wow! A wholesome and exciting addition to our neighborhood. Coaches were Highly recommended!

JOIN THE LEADER IN LARGE-FORMAT PRINTING Why SpeedPro? B2B model All-inclusive startup package Unlimited scalability High gross profit margin Non-retail hours Few employees needed Fast-paced, creative business KickStart Program Initial and ongoing training as your business grows Best in class support in a growing and exciting industry

Pathways to Ownership New Studio Start-ups: SpeedPro has available territories all over the U.S. and Canada, underscoring the opportunity to open and build your large-format printing business wherever you reside.

Resales: SpeedPro Resales are a great fit for anyone interested in buying an established business.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPEEDPRO FRANCHISING, CONTACT: 888.598.5065 live@speedprofranchising.com SpeedProFranchising.com SPEEDPRO.COM 2020 SpeedPro – All Rights Reserved. This ad does not constitute an offer. Financial Performance Representations (FPRs) are made based on our Franchise Disclosure Document. Your results may vary.

ISSUE THEME

Lean Staffing, Smarter Margins:

Why QSR Owners Are Betting on AI-Powered Fitness

by Jewan "Jack" Tiwari, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company A typical 24/7 fitness franchise can operate with as few as two full-time employees, achieving a payroll-to-revenue ratio near 10%. Compare that to a quickservice restaurant, where labor and food costs devour 5060% of revenue before rent or marketing. It's no wonder QSR veterans are crossing over to fitness franchising in record numbers.

But the real story isn't just leaner staffing—it's what replaces it. AI coaching is transforming how fitness franchises deliver personalized training at scale, creating member retention tools that would make any QSR operator jealous.

THE CROSSOVER APPEAL: FROM BURGERS TO BURPEES Franchisees who built careers in QSR understand unit-level economics intimately. They know the pain of fluctuating food costs, the headache of shift scheduling, and the thin margins of high-volume, lowticket operations.

Fitness flips that model.

Membership revenue is recurring and predictable.

Overhead is largely fixed. And the product—better health— doesn't spoil or r 86

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

equire logistics.

"You're trading the stress of managing a kitchen for the opportunity to manage a community," says one former multi-unit QSR operator who now owns four Anytime Fitness locations in the Midwest.

The numbers bear him out.

Anytime Fitness franchisee Andrew Breton reports that AI-powered personal training technology now accounts for about 50% of revenue across his 13 clubs, while coach efficiency gains allow each trainer to handle up to 60 clients instead of 40.

That efficiency isn't anecdotal. Harmonyze's AI coaching platform recently emerged from a six-month beta program with measurable results: a 5.14% increase in same-store sales for one franchise partner and a 13% improvement in financial KPIs for another. Franchise business coaches using the platform reported an over 80% reduction in preparation time and sixfold faster issue resolution.

PREDICTIVE AI: THE RETENTION ENGINE QSRS WISH THEY HAD QSR operators fight churn

daily—customers lost to the next new burger joint. Fitness franchises face member attrition, but AI is giving them a weapon QSRs can only dream of.

Anytime Fitness's SmartCoaching technology includes a predictive analytics feature called SmartEngagement. "This innovative system predicts when members might be considering canceling their memberships, allowing our team to provide timely support," Breton explains. The result: lower attrition rates and increased personal training sales.

Similarly, WallaPredict, an AI tool built with Amazon Web Services, scans member behavior data—class bookings, attendance frequency, payment patterns—to generate member risk scores and recommend targeted retention tactics. One early adopter called it a "gamechanger," replacing complex spreadsheets with automated messaging to at-risk members.

For a QSR operator accustomed to watching

customers walk out the door with no warning, this predictive capability is revolutionary.

THE PERSONALIZATION PARADOX: AI VS. HUMAN TOUCH Here's the tension every fitness franchise must navigate: members demand personalized coaching, but one-on-one human training doesn't scale profitably. AI is the bridge.

Fitbit's Personal Health Coach, powered by Google's Gemini, creates custom workout regimens based on individual goals, equipment, and time constraints— adjusting when life gets in the way. Peloton's IQ cameras count reps and assess form, rewarding proper movement and flagging dangerous mistakes.

But these tools are augmenting, not replacing, human coaches. As Breton puts it, "While technology helps us streamline services,

we understand that lasting change comes from modifying behaviors, supported by genuine human interactions".

His coaches now spend 5 minutes building a client's workout instead of 35, freeing them for what matters: relationships.

THE VERDICT FOR FRANCHISE OWNERS The fitness franchise model offers QSR refugees two distinct advantages. First, the lean staffing model—24/7 access requires minimal on-site

labor—directly addresses the labor shortage that has hammered restaurants since 2020. Second, AI coaching provides scalable personalization that builds retention without ballooning payroll.

Is AI coaching a gimmick? Not based on the data. The 13% KPI improvement at Goldfish Swim School and the 50% revenue contribution from SmartCoaching at Anytime Fitness suggest otherwise.

But these tools succeed only when integrated with genuine human coaching— the irreplaceable connection that turns a transaction into a relationship.

For QSR owners exhausted by food costs and shift noshows, the fitness franchise model offers a compelling alternative. The robots aren't coming for their jobs. They're already helping fitness owners build better ones.

Sources Used: SOURCE

KEY INFORMATION

Harmonyze Beta Results

5.14% same-store sales increase, 13% financial KPI improvement, 80% coach prep reduction

Anytime Fitness SmartCoaching

50% of revenue from tech-supported training, coach capacity from 40 to 60 clients, 21% PT revenue

WallaPredict AI Tool

Member churn prediction using behavior data (bookings, attendance, payments)

WSJ AI Fitness Coach Testing

Fitbit Personal Health Coach (Gemini), Peloton IQ movement tracking

Harmonize Beta Results

5.14% same-store increase, 13% financial KPI improvement, 80% coach prep reduction

AI Calibration Analysis

Contextual constraints and goal mismatch in AI fitness systems

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jewan "Jack" Tiwari is a seasoned Franchise Consultant, Business Broker, and M&A Advisor based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Serving the Mid-Atlantic region, he specializes in the full business lifecycle—from initial acquisition and SBA financing to scaling through franchise development and securing high-valuation exits. For strategic advisory, contact him at Jack@TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

87

Ready. Set. Go TuneHatch is transforming the live music industry with an all-in-one platform that streamlines booking, promotion, and ticketing. This innovative solution boosts efficiency for venues while empowering artists and promoters to create and manage successful events.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? SEMI-PASSIVE INCOME Once a venue is onboarded, franchisees make royalties on the customers' day to day use of the product, with only minimal check-ins needed to ensure customer satisfaction.

GROWING INDUSTRY & ECONOMIC PROTECTION Not only does the music and entertainment sector grow year over year, but in a poor economy, spending on live entertainment tends to increase.

TECHNOLOGY FIRST We're a technology company, so the product can and will improve daily, making both our franchisees and our customers happy.

christal@tunehatch.com www.tunehatch.com 954-515-7809

FRANCHISE TREAT YOUR COMMUNITY TO A LUXURIOUS SPA FRANCHISE JOIN THE SPAVIA FAMILY

THE OPPORTUNITY Since 2005, often imitated but never matched, Spavia’s standards of excellence come from a national training team with expertise in spa treatments, guest care, team training, marketing, construction, and personal development.

Every Spavia adheres to the same standards of excellence to give our guests a 5-star experience every time they step through our door.

THE MODEL Recurring revenue is the cornerstone of a financially successful franchise. Membership accounts for over 64% of revenue with a strong loyal following. Revenue generated from mulitple revenue streams from spa treatments to beauty, gift cards and retail products in our spa boutiques. Advanced financial modeling and analysis to maximize your revenue through yield management, market and membership tiers.

INVESTMENT RANGE Item 7 Range: $295,460 - $595,900

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY thespaviajourney@spaviadayspa.com www.spaviafranchise.com

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Flex Those Creative Muscles This Summer with Imagine Arts Academy™

by Tracy Woods, Franchise Development Manager, Imagine Arts Academy™

W

hen you think of getting “summer ready”, your mind probably jumps to physical fitness, outdoor fun, and shaking off the winter blues. But what about creative fitness? At Imagine Arts Academy™, we believe summer is the perfect time to stretch those creative muscles and ignite a child’s imagination – and we’re helping franchisees do just that across North America.

A SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE THAT’S FAR FROM ORDINARY While other camps may focus on dodgeball and swimming, Imagine Arts Academy™ is where young minds go to flex their imaginations, build confidence, and explore the world through art. Our themed summer camps are specifically designed to blend creativity with life skills and global awareness, helping kids see themselves not just as artists, but as innovators, storytellers, and changemakers.

Our programs go beyond traditional arts and crafts. Our unique programs inspire kids to explore the world around them – cultures, design thinking, global citizenship,

90

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

wildlife conversation and real-world ideas. This makes this franchise not just fun, but meaningful, educational, and sets us apart in a crowded marketplace.

Whether it’s our World of Design camp or the adventure-packed Artist’s Passport, children come away with more than just a cool project – they leave inspired, empowered and energized.

CREATIVE CAMPS. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. REAL IMPACT. Here’s the best part: not only do these camps enrich the lives of children, they also offer a unique business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs with a passion for education and creativity. As an Imagine Arts Academy™ franchisee, you get access to fully developed, proven programming, marketing support and a brand parents trust. You don’t need to be an artist or teacher to succeed – just someone who loves working with children, is sales driven and wants to make a last impact in your community.

Our low-overhead, outreach business model makes this a flexible business to run yearround. But summer? Camps

can be where your business shines, your revenue grows, and your presence in the community really takes off.

Franchisees love how summer camps give them high visibility and opportunities to build relationships with schools, community centers and families.

A STRATEGIC FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH Imagine Arts Academy™ was created by the Mad Science Group®, trusted for decades for developing hands-on, educational STEM programs for children. With Imagine Arts Academy™, they have built a franchise that elevates art beyond paint and paper.

With the global strength of Mad Science® behind you, your franchise will stand out in the booming children’s education industry. Add in the comprehensive business model, turnkey marketing support, and robust training and you have

the ingredients for a rewarding entrepreneurial journey.

WHY FRANCHISE BUYERS LOVE THIS BRAND • Backed by the Mad Science® Group with 40+ years, 20+ countries, millions of children reached • A business with purpose, creativity, and community impact • Low-overhead and low initial investment • • Wide-open territories available across North America • Comprehensive training, support, marketing tools, and franchise community • Mission-driven programs that schools and parents trust REVENUE STREAMS FOR YEAR-ROUND PROFITABILITY Franchisees benefit from year round revenue streams, creating stability and growth potential: •

•

•

•

•

Afterschool Programs – High demand from schools and parents Birthday Parties – A recurring, family-driven market In-School Workshops – Curriculum-aligned programs teachers love Camps – Strong seasonal income during school breaks and summer Special Events – Highvisibility opportunities with libraries, festivals, and big community events

FROM PAINTBRUSH TO PROFIT With a franchise like Imagine Arts Academy™, you’re not just

opening a business – you’re building a purpose-driven enterprise that celebrates creativity and community.

During the summer months, let’s face it, parents want more than just glorified babysitting.

They want programs that challenge their children in fun, meaningful ways. Parents love the educational value and the way we seamlessly mix learning with laughter.

And franchisees love hearing feedback like, “This was my child’s favorite camp all summer!”

If you’re searching for a children’s franchise that’s rewarding, scalable, and seriously fun, Imagine Arts Academy™ might just be your perfect fit.

We’re looking for the next wave of passionate franchisees to join our growing community. Franchise buyers have the chance to join early, secure prime territories, and grow alongside a brand supported by one of the strongest franchisors in the children’s education sector – The Mad Science® Group.

Because this summer, it’s not just the kids who can have the adventure of a lifetime, you can, too!

Visit https://www. imagineartsacademy.com/ franchising Phone 1-833-204-6777 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tracy Woods is the Franchise Development Manager for Mad Science® and Imagine Arts Academy™, helping entrepreneurs build meaningful, communityfocused businesses. With a passion for kids, creativity, and franchising, she connects driven individuals with opportunities that spark curiosity and make a real impact.

91

Move Freely. Live Fully.

TM

Improve how you move with 1-on-1 assisted stretching.

Why franchise with us Simple build with low initial investment TVS Method developed by experienced clinicians Comprehensive marketing systems Extensive Online Learning Management System Technology driven brand Stretching can be complementary to Fitness, PT, Chiropractic, or Massage business Boutique look and feel Owner Operator as well as Executive Franchise Models

Stretching has evidence based science behind its benefits. Personalized 1-on-1 assisted stretching appeals to a broad population looking for:

Graceful Aging

Everyday Ease

NOW AWARDING FRANCHISES

Injury Recovery

Peak Performance

Contact Us 203-692-5727 112 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 franchising@thevitalstretch.com thevitalstretch.com

JOIN US in VEGAS! The Largest Commercial Real Estate Gathering Returns to The Desert

THE PLACE TO MEET DECISION MAKERS

REGISTER NOW! MAY 18-20, 2026 LAS VEGAS, NV

icsc.com

FRANCHISEE PROFILE

An Unusual Journey and Former Careers Have Brought This Engineer to Floor Coverings International

by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Ben Hauser recently launched a new Floor Coverings International® serving communities across southern Minnesota—bringing a rare mix of engineering, global

entrepreneurship, and facilitiesrelationship experience to a business built around helping homeowners love where they live.

Hauser, 47, opened his locally owned and operated flooring franchise in February, serving Carver, Faribault, Farmington, Jordan, Lonsdale,

ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Floor Coverings International is the #1 flooring franchise in North America with over 300 locations between the U.S. and Canada. Known for its unique customer experience and Mobile Flooring Showroom™, the business model brings over 3000 flooring samples to the customer’s door. For more information, please go to www.floorcoveringsinternational.com.

94

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

New Elko Market, New Prague, Northfield, Prior Lake, Shakopee, Webster, and Lakeville in Minnesota, returning to his wife’s home state.

After studying engineering and management in college, he sold elevators and escalators for Otis. What makes Hauser’s path especially unusual is the life he built before returning to Minnesota. Born in South Korea and adopted by American parents, he later moved back to Korea to reconnect with his heritage—staying for 13 years and helping run an Englishlanguage institute for Korean elementary students. “Living in Korea changed how I look at service, communication, and what it means to create a welcoming environment,” Hauser said. “Now I get to bring that mindset into people’s homes—helping them choose flooring that makes daily life better.”

Before opening his FCI location, Hauser spent six years as a GM and was on the cofounding team at Helix Intel, a computerized maintenance system software company built around insurance partnerships.

His clients were directors of facilities for schools and municipalities that required clarity, trust, and consistent follow-through. “Everything I’ve done has centered on precision,

project management, and building strong relationships,” Hauser said. “Flooring is no different. Homeowners want someone who listens, communicates, and gets the details right.”

Hauser’s move into business ownership followed a corporate restructuring and layoff that pushed him to rethink what was next. He evaluated 15 business options before choosing Floor Coverings International as the best fit drawn to the brand’s in-home experience, consultative approach, and operational model. He also felt a personal connection after building his own custom home and discovering how much he enjoyed selecting design elements like flooring, cabinets, paint colors, and hardware.

“With the Mobile Flooring Showroom™, we bring hundreds of options right to the customer’s home, so they can see what styles look like in their lighting and alongside their cabinetry and paint,” Hauser said. “It’s a better shopping experience—and it makes decisions easier and more confident.”

The business is already gaining traction, with seven jobs on the schedule in the first few weeks. Early trends Hauser is seeing include rising interest in patterned carpet,

wider 9-inch LVP planks, and lighter tones or warm color palettes—choices that can brighten spaces and create a more inviting feel.

For Hauser, the business is also personal. He and his wife met while he was living in Korea; she is from Minnesota, and the couple later relocated to the area to raise their family.

They have two sons, ages 5 and 8. “I want my kids to see that there’s another way to build a career—one where you can serve your community and create something of your own,” Hauser said. “Maybe someday they’ll even want to be part of it.”

Hauser describes himself as a “societal entrepreneur”—a personality profile that emphasizes community impact and building something that helps others.

That philosophy aligns with his goal for the new business: to deliver a smooth, high-touch flooring experience, backed by strong installer relationships, clear communication, and craftsmanship homeowners can feel proud of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@ sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

95

Founded in 2015, Junior Chefs of

America (JCOA) teaches kids ages 4–18 a passion for hospitality through culinaryfocused S.T.E.A.M. education.

With five programs under one school, JCOA helps students build life skills, emotional growth, and food sustainability awareness. Now expanding through franchises, JCOA invites you to bring this unique learning experience to your community.

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? High Profit Margin Potential

Diverse Revenue Streams

Easy Training & Staffing

Scalable Business Model

Semi-Absentee Model

Low Inventory Requirements

FRANCHISED BY

info@juniorchefsofamerica.org

www.juniorchefsofamerica.org

(813) 408 1078

skoah facial shop franchising gives you the experience you deserve so your franchise can glow. skoah facial shop leaves you feeling invigorated through its skoah glow personalized experiences. Our skoah personal skincare trainers use skoah’s proprietary line of high-quality clean products, personalized services with custom blended skoah products, and skoah glow high touch services.

business characteristics | Semi-absentee or owner-operator model | Recurring revenue membership model | Product and service revenue | 1,400 - 1,600 square feet

differentiators | Private treatment rooms including heated bed and bathrobe to deliver the utmost relaxing experience | Skoah high quality, proprietary, clean skin care products | Skoah dash business intelligence software platform to manage KPI’s | Marketing suite by MindBodyOnline (MBO) for smart marketing

initial investment | $403,292 - $561,763 liquid cash | $150,000 net worth | $500,000 This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. Skoah franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise.

contact | Julia Berman title | Director of Fran Dev email | JBerman@RepMGroup.com phone | 734.604.4769 contact | Rachel Stender title | VP of Fran Dev email | Rachel@RepMGroup.com phone | 612.226.1408

BUSINESS ADVICE

Ask the RESULTS Guy : ™

Are Your Franchise Standards Clear Enough to Scale Results?

by Tony Jeary, Strategist, Keynoter, Coach, Tony Jeary International

I

n franchising, growth is never just about more locations. It’s about consistent execution across every location. That only happens one way: clear standards.

If your franchise system is experiencing

inconsistency, rework, or uneven performance, the issue isn’t always just effort.

It’s oftentimes clarity. Clear, written standards produce better, faster Results across the entire enterprise.

Standards are what turn a brand into a solid system.

Without them, you get variation. With them, you get duplication and scale.

Q: Why are standards the foundation of franchise success?

Because franchising is built on replication.

Your brand promise only works when it’s delivered consistently. That consistency doesn’t come from “good people doing their best.” It comes from clear standards that define “how we do things here.”

Every franchise system has two levels: personal standards (how leaders and franchisees operate) and team/system standards (how the brand operates).

When those align, you unlock real leverage.

98

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Standards drive faster onboarding, cleaner execution, stronger customer experience, and better unit-level performance.

Without clear standards, franchisees guess. And when they guess, the brand drifts.

If you want your people thinking like you, you must translate your mindset into visible standards. That’s the shortcut to alignment.

Q: Where should franchisors focus first when upgrading standards?

Focus on the highest leverage areas that impact the entire system.

Start with communication standards. How fast do franchisees respond to customers? To corporate? To each other?

Then move to execution standards. What does “ready” look like for operations, marketing, and service delivery?

Now ownership standards.

Who owns problems? How quickly are issues resolved?

And finally, meeting and

training standards. How do field teams, franchisees, and leadership show up prepared?

Here’s a powerful move: create a “Standards Snapshot” or Culture Card for your franchise system.

A simple, visible tool that defines key expectations.

For example: • We respond to customers within X hours • We follow brand processes consistently • We address issues early with solutions Simple. Clear. Repeatable.

That becomes your shared language across the network.

Q: How do we ensure franchisees actually follow the standards?

You embed them everywhere.

Standards should show up in hiring (before someone joins the system), onboarding (first day, first week, first month), training programs, field coaching, performance reviews, and more.

This is where many systems miss it. They introduce standards once, then hope they stick. That doesn’t scale well.

Instead, build rhythms.

Weekly check-ins tied to standards, field visits that evaluate standards in action, and recognition tied to standards (“This franchisee lived our responsiveness standard…”) all work to foster and reinforce standards throughout the franchise.

Most importantly, leadership must model your standards. Franchisors and field teams set the ceiling; therefore, what you tolerate becomes the standard.

High standards with high support create engagement.

Provide tools, training, and coaching so franchisees can win at that level. Franchise success is not built on intention. It’s built on execution. And execution is driven by standards.

If you want to grow your system, protect your brand, and elevate performance, start here: Clarity. Focus. Execution.

Make your standards visible.

Make them simple. Make them non-negotiable.

When your franchisees know exactly how to win and feel supported doing it, the entire system advances the ball.

That’s how you scale Results on purpose. Let’s make it happen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Jeary is a strategist, keynoter, coach to the world’s top CEOs and prolific author of over 100 titles. Tony lives in Flower Mound and works out of his think tank, The RESULTS Center, where he and his team encourage and inspire all those he touches, resulting in their enhanced sales and profitability and raising their companies’ values.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

99

SWEATLAND is a rapidly growing franchise opportunity in the wellness industry. We offer a unique and innovative approach to infrared saunas, with a focus on providing a luxurious and relaxing experience for our customers. Our franchise model is designed to be simple to operate and manage, and we offer comprehensive training and support to our franchisees.

AWANOW FRA RDIN NCH G ISES !

WHY FRANCHISE WITH US? Unique and innovative Approach Proven Business Model Low Startup Costs Comprehensive and Ongoing Training and Support Strong Brand Recognition Low-stress Business Opportunity Marketing and Advertising Support Recurring Revenue Model (512) 662-1416 thesweatland.com franchise@thesweatland.com

www.skfitstudios.com

WHO WE ARE • Semi-Absentee Model

MOTIVATE SUPPORT ELEVATE Where will you open?

• No Employees, all 1099 Trainers • 600 sq ft, Class B Real Estate • Open 24/7/365 • No fitness experience needed • Exceptionally high profit margin • You provide the equipment and the facility, trainers train clients. This is not an open gym.

• Financing available Item 7:

$79,400-$153,800

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Liquidity:

$120,000

Net Worth:

$175,000

JANICE CHARLES

Royalties:

6.5%

Ad Fund:

2%

e skfitfranchising@gmail.com

Franchise Fee:

$49,500

c 303-319-5186 www.skfitstudios.com

#MAKEITHAPPEN

ABOUT US

RobotLab and the ROI Reset: Why the Robotics

Revolution Is Finally Leaving the Trade Show Floor

by Elad Inbar, CEO, RobotLab

I hear the same question in almost every boardroom.

It comes up at franchise conventions in Las Vegas.

It comes up with hotel owners, restaurant operators, facility managers, school administrators, hospital executives, and small business owners in North Texas.

“Elad, how many salaries will this robot save me?”

My answer usually surprises people.

If your only goal is to save one salary, you are thinking too small.

You are playing defense when the real opportunity is to play for the championship.

For years, the robotics conversation has been framed the wrong way. Too many business owners have been trained to compare a robot’s sticker price against a human being’s annual salary. That is the wrong math. It is also the wrong moral argument.

The right comparison is cost per unit of work.

That is what I call the ROI Reset.

102

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

In cleaning, for example, the unit is not a person. The unit is cost per 1,000 square feet.

A realistic internal cleaning operation can land around $7.56 per 1,000 square feet. A cleaning robot, in the same operating framework, can land around $0.41 per 1,000 square feet.

That is not a typo.

There is no hiring plan on earth that produces a number like that.

But the bigger story is not simply lower cost. The bigger story is capacity. Robots do not just reduce expense. They

BELLABOT

PUDABOT

unlock work that companies are not getting done today because they cannot hire enough people, keep enough people, or ask enough of the people they already have.

That is the part many executives miss.

Your biggest threat is not your payroll. Your biggest threat is your ceiling.

Most businesses I work with are not failing because they have too many people. They are stuck because they cannot find enough hands to meet the demand they already have. They cannot keep floors consistently clean. They cannot staff the night shift. They cannot cover every corridor, every inventory cycle, every public space, every hour. They

cannot ask burned-out teams to do more without eventually breaking the culture.

A robot is not a synthetic employee.

A robot is a workforce multiplier.

That distinction matters because the robotics industry has spent too many years stuck in what I call the Imitation Trap. We have been fascinated by machines that look like humans, walk like humans, and talk like humans. We see viral videos and think that is the future.

But business owners do not want a synthetic person. They want relief from the repetitive work that is exhausting their people and limiting their growth.

The future is not humanoid.

The future is human-centric.

At RobotLab, our mission is not to replicate the human touch. It is to protect it.

That is why the category is moving so fast now. The global market for professional service robots reached almost 200,000 units sold in 2024, growing 9 percent year over year. Cleaning robots alone grew 34 percent, with more than 25,000 professional units sold worldwide. Industrial robots are already operating at massive scale, with more than 4.6 million units in use globally in 2024. The point is

KETTYBOT

HOLABOT

FLASHBOT WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

103

THAT PROGRAM DID NOT SUCCEED BECAUSE THE OPERATOR CUT PEOPLE. IT SUCCEEDED BECAUSE THE BUILDING FINALLY HAD THE OPERATIONAL CAPACITY TO KEEP UP WITH ITSELF.

clear: robotics is no longer an experiment. It is becoming operating infrastructure.

The revolution is here because the labor problem is no longer temporary.

In October 2025, I stood inside the Lodging Conference in Arizona with roughly 3,000 owners and operators in the room. Across that crowd, the story was the same. Labor is the issue. Not a seasonal issue.

Not a temporary issue.

A structural issue.

The facility management world is feeling the same pressure. It now commonly takes months to fill many facility roles. Teams are leaner. Buildings are larger.

Expectations are higher.

Customers notice everything.

The floors, the restrooms, the lobby, the hallways, the parking 104

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

areas, the service levels. What used to be back-of-house is now part of the brand.

A robot helps a business stop fighting itself.

A large casino hotel operator on the Las Vegas Strip purchased 15 robots for two flagship properties.

The robots were deployed across conference zones, entertainment areas, and high-density public spaces. The result was hundreds of labor hours reduced every single day.

Not once a week. Every day.

That program did not succeed because the operator cut people. It succeeded because the building finally had the operational capacity to keep up with itself.

That is the asset value conversation executives should be having.

At a 5 percent cap rate, every additional dollar of durable net operating income can represent roughly $20 of asset value. When robotics reduces recurring operating friction, protects margins, improves consistency, and helps defend against wage inflation, it is not just a labor tool. It is a real estate tool. It is a margin tool. It is a valuation tool.

This is why the old question is too small.

“How many salaries will this robot save me?” is a defensive question.

“How much capacity will this robot unlock?” is the right question.

The same is true in hospitality. At Hilton Atlanta, two corridor vacuum robots took over the baseline cleaning of long hallways that had drained the housekeeping team for years. The measurable impact was about 1.4 full-time employees. But the human impact was bigger than the spreadsheet.

It meant a housekeeper could end her shift with enough energy left to go home and say goodnight to her own kids. It meant the human team could focus on the work that actually requires judgment, care, and attention.

At Embassy Suites Mount Pleasant, a white marble lobby faced west. Wind carried leaves into the space all day. The team was trapped in a clean-dirtyclean cycle they could never win. A scrubber robot changed

the rhythm of the building. The human team stopped being punished by the weather.

Those are not just efficiency stories.

They are dignity stories.

For years, we built entire industries around work that treated humans like machines.

Push this. Pull that. Walk ten miles. Repeat the same motion. Do it at midnight. Do it again at 4 a.m. Do it on a holiday. Do it when someone called out. Do it even when your back hurts.

Now the workforce is responding with a sentence managers do not like but society has earned: “No thanks.”

That is not laziness. That is a human boundary.

People want work that feels like it requires a human.

This is where the Robot Night Shift becomes one of the most powerful tools a business can deploy. Autonomous systems can handle after-hours floor care, inventory scanning, and

perimeter security. They do not need sleep. They do not get night-shift fatigue. They do not miss birthdays. They do not need to choose between a paycheck and being home to put their kids to bed.

Humans can sweep a floor.

Humans can scan inventory.

Humans can walk a patrol.

But humans cannot do it every hour, at 2 a.m., at 4 a.m., at 6 a.m., on a holiday, and on the night their child has a fever.

The strongest robotics outcomes come from frequency that humans cannot sustain economically.

Take Luxe Yoga in Houston.

The studio can run cleaning robots as many as 10 times per day, essentially resetting the floor after every session. That is not replacing a person. That is creating a level of cleanliness and consistency that did not exist before. Members feel it every time they lay their face on the mat.

Or take QuikTrip, where

cleaning robots can operate multiple times a day in compact, high-traffic stores. A 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot store does not need a giant solution. It needs a floor that stays fresh while the staff focuses on customers instead of chasing spills during a Friday rush.

This is the future of robotics implementation.

Not robots as a science project. Not robots as a publicity stunt. Not robots as a walking mannequin for social media.

The future is use-case robotics.

There is no best robot. There is a best robot for a specific use case, in a specific environment, under specific operating conditions.

That is what RobotLab has learned from working across restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, casinos, retail, cleaning, delivery, education, and public-facing facilities. The winning deployment is not the flashiest machine. It is the one that solves the boring problem every day.

That is also why small and mid-sized businesses should care.

For a long time, automation felt like something only the largest corporations could afford. That is changing.

Robots are increasingly becoming tools that allow smaller operators to maintain standards once reserved for global companies. A local hotel can keep corridors cleaner.

A restaurant can improve table delivery. A school can bring robotics education to students. A cleaning company can expand capacity without WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

105

waiting for a perfect labor market that may never return.

That is not headcount reduction.

That is capacity unlocked.

The businesses that understand this first will build a real advantage. They will have cleaner buildings, stronger teams, better customer experiences, more consistent execution, and more resilient margins. They will use machines for the dark hours, the repetitive work, and the impossible frequency. Their people will own the daylight, the relationships, the service recovery, the judgment calls, and the human moments.

Every time someone shows

106

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

you another humanoid demo, ask the harder question.

Does it free a human to do something only a human can do?

If yes, that is the future.

If no, it is a science project.

The robotics revolution is not coming. It is already here.

It just looks less like a movie and more like a clean hallway, a safer night shift, a faster restaurant, a better-run hotel, a healthier team, and a business that finally has the capacity to grow.

That is the ROI Reset.

Stop asking what a robot replaces.

Start asking what it makes possible.

$31

Billion Fitness Industry

4.2%

Industry Growth Rate in 2022

63

Locations and Growing

26

States awarded across the US

Request a call to learn more today

zcelaya@rockboxfitness.com rockboxfitness.com/franchise-opportunities/ WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

107

grow a healthy business Saladworks is the original create-your-own, fast-casual salad franchise.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

grow a healthyequipment-light business and easy Simple – Our concept is asset-light, Saladworks is the original create-your-own, to operate. No fryers and salad no hood means less expensive fast-casual franchise. buildout costs for Healthy you.– USDA Just chop, sliceadults and dice to serve the reports that American are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a tastiest create-your-own salads is turn-key. healthier lifestyle.

That’s whyaround. nearly half of all Saladworks Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and healthy concepts like ours.

We have market, venue, format cluttered with create-your-own burger,the sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Saladworks is the original create-your-own, concepts like ours. We have the venue, format and footprint you healthy want.

Saladworks ismarket, available. fast-casual salad franchise.

grow a healthy business

and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

saladworksfranchising.com

Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive fransales@saladworks.com buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

t sales for top quartile*

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

$1,227,858 median

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

PROFESSIONAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICES

ServiceRX repairs all types of fitness equipment

Our experience, knowledge, and dedication to excellent customer service guides us to always strive to provide better care and resources for the health and wellness industry

Stewardship Teamwork and Collaboration Education Driven Growth Focused www.gosrx.com

franchise@gosrx.com

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

SPENGA and the Rise of the Smarter Boutique Workout

by Dean Savakis, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or years, the fitness industry asked people to choose.

Do you want cardio or strength? Do you want sweat or recovery? Do you want a high-energy class or a mindful reset? Do you want to burn calories, build muscle, or improve flexibility?

110

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

SPENGA’s answer is simple: yes.

The brand was built around one of the most practical ideas in boutique fitness: combine spin, strength training, and yoga into one 60-minute session, with equal time devoted to each.

Twenty minutes of ride. Twenty

minutes of rep. Twenty minutes of revive.

That structure may sound almost too obvious, but that is the point. The best consumer ideas often are.

People are busier than ever. They are more healthconscious than ever. They are also more skeptical than

ever. They have tried big-box gyms, boutique studios, home workouts, apps, trackers, challenges, cleanses, and expensive equipment that eventually became laundry racks. What they want now is not another fitness promise.

They want a system that makes sense.

SPENGA gives them one.

The timing is strong because boutique fitness is no longer a niche. The global boutique fitness studio market is estimated at more than $60 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow meaningfully over the next decade. In the United States, boutique fitness is also expanding, with market estimates in the multibilliondollar range and annual growth rates commonly projected in the high single digits to low double digits.

The category is maturing, not fading.

That distinction matters.

The first wave of boutique fitness was about intensity and identity. People wanted to belong to the spin studio, the barre studio, the boot

camp, the yoga studio, the boxing gym, or the Pilates brand. Specialization created community, and community created loyalty.

But specialization also created a problem.

A customer who only spins may still need strength. A customer who only lifts may still need mobility. A customer who only does yoga may still need cardiovascular conditioning. A customer who joins three different studios may eventually run out of time, patience, or money.

SPENGA solves that problem by putting the three essential components of fitness into one efficient format.

Cardio. Strength. Flexibility.

Not as separate memberships. Not as separate errands. Not as separate identities. One session. One studio. One rhythm.

That is the revolution of the category.

The future of fitness is not about doing more. It is about making the hour count.

In a SPENGA session, the ride creates heat, energy, and

cardiovascular output without the high-impact pounding that can wear people down.

The strength portion adds the resistance work that modern fitness consumers increasingly understand they need for muscle, metabolism, posture, longevity, and confidence.

The yoga portion restores the body, slows the mind, improves mobility, and gives members something many intense workouts fail to provide: a reason to come back without feeling broken.

That last piece is important.

The fitness industry has often confused exhaustion with effectiveness. People were told a workout only worked if they crawled out of the room.

But the modern consumer is more educated. They want results, but they also want sustainability. They want to feel strong, not punished. They want to train hard, but still live their life. They want intensity and recovery in the same routine.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

111

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION SPENGA’s model fits that shift.

The rise of strength training is one of the clearest trends in wellness. Consumers increasingly understand that muscle is not just about appearance. It is tied to aging, energy, injury prevention, metabolic health, and overall resilience. At the same time, yoga and mobility remain powerful categories because people are dealing with stress, stiffness, screen time, and bodies that need restoration as much as effort.

Indoor cycling, meanwhile, remains one of the most efficient ways to generate lowimpact cardiovascular intensity in a group setting. The music, coaching, lights, and shared effort create an emotional experience that a treadmill alone rarely delivers.

SPENGA brings those three

112

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

forces together.

For franchise owners, that gives the brand a differentiated position in a crowded market.

A typical boutique fitness concept is often built around one modality. SPENGA is built around three, which gives members a more complete value proposition and gives owners a clearer answer to the most important customer question: why should I choose this instead of everything else?

Because it is balanced.

That word is becoming more valuable in fitness.

The customer is changing.

Today’s member may be a busy parent who has one hour before school pickup.

A professional who needs a workout before the day starts. A former athlete who wants structure without the ego. A beginner who wants coaching without intimidation.

A wellness-minded consumer who likes yoga but knows they need more strength. A cardio

loyalist who understands that resistance training matters. Or someone who simply wants to leave feeling better than when they walked in.

SPENGA can speak to all of them without losing its identity.

That is not easy.

Fitness brands often become too broad and lose their edge, or too narrow and limit their audience. SPENGA’s advantage is that its format is broad in benefit but specific in execution. The member knows exactly what they are getting every time: 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of strength, 20 minutes of yoga.

Predictability is not boring when it delivers results.

It is trust.

The franchise opportunity is also supported by larger wellness trends. Consumers are spending more on health, recovery, longevity, stress management, and communitybased experiences. Digital fitness did not kill the studio; it

CONSUMERS ARE SPENDING MORE ON HEALTH, RECOVERY, LONGEVITY, STRESS MANAGEMENT, AND COMMUNITY-BASED EXPERIENCES.

clarified what the studio must provide. If someone can exercise at home, the studio has to offer something better than access.

It has to offer coaching, energy, accountability, atmosphere, and a reason to show up.

SPENGA is built around that human factor.

A great instructor can change the room. A strong community can keep members consistent.

A clean, branded studio can become part of a person’s weekly identity. The best boutique concepts are not just selling sweat. They are selling an hour where the member feels focused, supported, and reset.

That is why the category is moving toward concepts that combine performance and wellness. The old split between hard training and recovery is breaking down. People want both. They want to push and restore. They want measurable effort and mental release. They want muscle and mobility.

They want the energy of a

group class without needing three memberships to get a complete routine.

SPENGA arrived early to that idea.

Now the market is catching up.

The revolution of the category is not that people suddenly want fitness. They always have. The revolution is that people are demanding smarter fitness. They want

workouts that respect their time, bodies, and goals. They want something complete enough to replace multiple routines and simple enough to become a habit.

SPENGA’s model answers that demand in a way that is easy to understand and hard to copy well.

Ride. Rep. Revive.

Three words. Three disciplines. One hour.

In a fitness industry crowded with noise, that kind of clarity is rare.

And clarity is what wins.

ROBOTLAB IS THE LARGEST, MOST EXPERIENCED ROBOTICS COMPANY For more than 15 years, RobotLAB has been leading robotics integration by managing and deploying a fleet of over 10,000 robots, making us the largest, most experienced robotics company on the market.

As a result, RobotLAB is the exclusive partner for SoftBank Robotics in North and Latin America, and for LG Robots for the hospitality market.

RobotLAB is the ONLY robot and AI franchise on the market.

THE WORLD’S BEST ROBOTS RobotLAB provides solutions that are not tied to any specific manufacturer and offers robots that are tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. We only commercialize the best robots that pass our rigorous 50point testing process. Manufacturers are standing in line to get their robots certified.

TEAM NEEDED: For each salesperson, at least one deployment engineer for demos, and service customers.

NO ROBOTICS EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

THE OPPORTUNITY WE PROVIDE ROBOTS IN THREE MAIN CATEGORIES

- Affordable and scalable business.

Delivery: Food Delivery and bussing in restaurants, hotels, assisted living facilities, including room service and elevator integration. And light warehouse deliveries.

- A strong tailwind drives sales.

Cleaning: Floor Cleaning, including vacuuming, mopping (dry and wet), scrubbing, in every commercial environment.

Disinfection robots for hospitals.

Customer Service: including checking-in, product and service recommendations and upsell, wayfinding, Social Companion at assisted living and hospitals.

CONTACT:

Franchise@RobotLAB.com www.RobotLAB.com

- Market to grow 100x in a decade.

- Unique, high-value proposition.

- Executive model/Semi absentee - Low-cost location, light industrial.

- High profit-margin, recurring revenues

THE MODEL Provide the full suite of sales and services to businesses in the territory; Market, sell, deploy, service, upsell, and repair.

Suitable for: Restaurants, Hotels, Assisted Living Facilities, Gyms, Family Entertainment Centers, Hospitals, K12 Schools, Colleges, Universities, Office Buildings, Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Doctor Offices, Residential Buildings, Car Dealerships, Supermarkets, And Many More!

THE MONEY - Territory Fee: $54.9k - $33.5k - Item 7 range: $139k-$375k - Target revenues: $1m/Year 1 - 7% Royalties, 1% Brand, 3% Marketing - Area-development available - Cold calling, local marketing included

ABOUT US

The $165 Billion Opportunity Hidden Inside Every Property Claim

by Ashley Taylor, President, CRS

A

fter a fire, flood, hurricane, pipe burst, or major property loss, most people look first at the structure.

Can the building be saved?

How much damage is behind the walls? How long will repairs take? What will insurance cover? When can the family move back in, the business reopen, or the property return to normal?

Those are the obvious questions.

But inside the building

116

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

is another claim, another business problem, and often another emotional crisis: the contents.

Furniture. Clothing.

Electronics. Documents.

Medical equipment.

Restaurant supplies. Office files. Inventory. Artwork. Family heirlooms. Tools. Rugs. Photos.

Books. Computers. The items that make a house feel like home and make a business function.

Contents are not an afterthought. They are a

massive market, estimated at roughly $165 billion, and one of the most under-improved parts of the property insurance ecosystem.

That is the opportunity CRS Content Recovery Specialists was built to address.

The restoration industry has advanced dramatically over the last two decades.

Contractors have better drying equipment. Adjusters have better estimating platforms.

Insurance carriers have more data. Brokers have become more sophisticated.

Property owners expect faster communication, cleaner documentation, and better results.

But contents recovery has often remained fragmented.

Too often, contents are handled as a burden instead of an asset. Items are packed out, moved, stored, listed, cleaned, replaced, discarded, or left sitting while the larger claim moves forward. The process can be slow, expensive, emotional, and inefficient.

Policyholders lose time.

Insurers pay more than they should. Brokers deal with

frustrated clients. Restorable items are written off because the system around them was not built for speed or precision.

CRS is helping change that.

The company’s mission is simple: recover, restore, document, and return contents whenever possible, so property owners get their lives and businesses back faster while insurance companies reduce unnecessary replacement costs and claim waste.

That may sound practical. It is also powerful.

In property insurance, the best solutions are the ones that create value for every party in the claim. CRS does that by focusing on a category that touches the customer experience, claim severity, cycle time, documentation, sustainability, and trust.

For the property owner, contents recovery can mean getting back items that matter.

Sometimes that is a couch, a dining table, or a wardrobe.

Sometimes it is a business computer, a set of tools, a medical device, a commercial mixer, or a box of family photographs that no check can replace.

For the insurance carrier, contents recovery can mean fewer total losses, lower replacement costs, better documentation, and faster claim movement. In an environment where claim costs are under pressure from inflation, labor shortages, weather events, and litigation, every recovered item matters.

For the broker, it means a better client experience. A policyholder who sees action,

communication, and care is more likely to feel served rather than processed.

That is where CRS stands apart. The company is not simply moving boxes. It is bringing process, discipline, and accountability to a category that has needed all three.

The traditional approach to contents can be reactive.

A loss happens. Contents are removed. Lists are created.

Decisions are made later.

The customer waits. The insurer reviews. Costs build.

Storage fees accumulate.

Replacements are priced.

Emotions run high.

CRS is built around a more modern approach.

First, contents are evaluated with the goal of identifying what can be recovered. Then they are documented, packed, transported, cleaned, restored, stored when necessary, and returned in an organized way.

The process creates a cleaner path from loss to resolution.

Instead of defaulting to

replacement, CRS makes recovery the first question.

Can this be saved?

That question changes the economics of a claim.

If a homeowner’s furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items can be restored instead of replaced, the insurer can avoid unnecessary payout.

If a restaurant can recover equipment, smallwares, and operational contents faster, it may reopen sooner.

If a business can get critical items returned quickly, the loss becomes less disruptive.

If a family gets meaningful property back, the claim becomes less traumatic.

The financial case is important, but the human case is just as important.

After a disaster, people want control. They want answers. They

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

117

want to know that someone is treating their belongings with care. A property claim is not just a transaction. It is a moment of stress, uncertainty, and often grief. Contents recovery is one of the few parts of the process where a customer can physically see progress. Their property is cleaned. Their items are returned. Their life begins to look familiar again.

That matters.

The category is also being reshaped by technology and data. Better inventory systems, digital documentation, photo records, barcoding, itemlevel tracking, and claim communication tools can make contents recovery far more efficient than it was in the past. The future of this market will not be built on clipboards and confusion. It will be built on transparency, speed, accountability, and measurable savings.

CRS is positioned for that future because it understands the real problem.

The issue is not just cleaning contents. The issue is managing a complex flow of property, information, emotion, and money during one of the most stressful events a customer will ever face.

That requires training. It requires systems. It requires coordination with adjusters, contractors, carriers, brokers, and policyholders. It requires knowing when to restore, when to replace, when to document, and when to move fast.

The companies that win in this space will be the ones that make contents recovery feel less like chaos and more like a professional category.

118

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

That revolution is already underway.

Insurance carriers are looking for ways to control loss costs without sacrificing service. Property owners are demanding faster outcomes.

Brokers are searching for partners who protect their relationships. Environmental pressure is making waste reduction more important.

Restoration companies need reliable specialists who can take contents off their plate and handle them properly.

CRS sits in the middle of all of that.

The market is large because the need is universal. Every property has contents. Every loss creates decisions about those contents. Every claim has the potential for waste, delay, and unnecessary cost. And every recovered item represents a small victory for the policyholder and a better economic outcome for the insurance system.

That is why the $165 billion number matters. It is not just

a market size. It is a signal of how much value is trapped in a category that has not yet been fully modernized.

CRS believes that contents should not automatically be thrown away, replaced, or forgotten. They should be evaluated. They should be restored when possible. They should be returned with care.

And the entire process should be built to save time, save money, and improve the claim experience.

This is the next chapter of property recovery.

The building matters. The structure matters. The policy matters. But the contents are where people live their lives, run their businesses, and keep their memories.

CRS is proving that when you recover the contents, you recover more than property.

You recover value, trust, time, and dignity.

And in a $165 billion market, that is not a niche.

It is the future.

DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH A

FRANCHISE BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

SEMIABSENTEE

VT

RECORD DEMAND

KEY MARKETS AVAILABLE

NH

MA

RI

CT

NJ

DE

MD

DC

OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES States with existing locations CONTACT US

ATTRACTIVE ROI

pwatson@phenixsalonsuites.com phenixsalonsuitesfranchise.com 770-670-1223

Top Reasons to Present Painter Bros to Your Candidates • Multiple Revenue Streams - Owner/Operator & Semi-Absentee • Strategic Alliance Partnerships - National Accounts • Proprietary Technology - Powered by • Nationwide Coverage • Recession Proof - Industry revenue expected growth of 3.2%

AVERAGE SALES PER MATURE TERRITORY $1.4 Million Chief Development Officer *2022 FDD

FRANCHISE FEE: $65,000 INVESTMENT RANGE: $120k-$300k TERRITORY SIZE: 250k pop

Bailey Rayner

385.535.0944 brayner@painterbros.com

www.painterbros.com/franchising

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN AVG.: 49.8% CURRENT UNITS: 21 Franchises/43 Territories *includes corporate

During first full year of franchise sales:

Sold 26 territories *Feb-Nov 2023

Owner & Founder

Zach Tanner

Do what you love with an essential business everybody loves.

Lori Nebel | Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

Fetch the retail pet franchise that outruns the competition with a $2.4M AUV*.

Now’s the time. Get in on an award-winning franchise that’s growing fast — giving pet lovers and their pets the supplies and services they need. 2020 was a banner year, and the momentum continues with markets available nationwide.

Omni-channel options keep pet lovers shopping.

Online ordering

Same-day delivery from store

Curbside ready in 1 hour

In-store with social distancing

In-store grooming services

Ready to get in on our 30+ years of success?

Learn more at petsuppliesplusfranchising.com *This information can be found in Item 19 of the 2021 Franchise Disclosure Document issued by PSP Franchising, LLC. The data reflects the calendar year beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020, and shows the data for 220 Reporting Franchised Stores which were open and operating for 12 months as December 31, 2020. There is no assurance you will do as well. If you rely upon our figures, you must accept the risk of not doing as well. This is not an offer to sell you a franchise. Franchises are offered by prospectus only. Franchises are not currently offered in MN, SD, and VA. ©2021 Pet Supplies Plus. All rights reserved. Pet Supplies Plus is a trademark of PSP Franchising, LLC.

ABOUT US

4EverCharge Is Betting the Next Big EV Boom Will Be Built One Property at a Time

by Kyle Bailey, CEO, GenDev

F

or the past two years, the electric vehicle market has been easy to misunderstand.

Headlines said EV sales were slowing. Automakers pulled back. Dealers had inventory on the lot. Some consumers hesitated. Critics declared the category overhyped.

But that is not the whole story.

What really happened is that the EV market moved from novelty to normalization. The early adopters already bought.

The next wave of buyers became more practical. They asked harder questions. Where do I charge? What does it cost?

Is the infrastructure reliable?

Can I take a road trip? Can my apartment, office, hotel, retail center, condo building, or

122

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

parking garage support this?

That is where the next opportunity lives.

4EverCharge is built around a simple idea: EV adoption does not succeed because people like technology. It succeeds when charging becomes easy, visible, available, and profitable for the property owners who host it.

Oil prices have reminded the country that energy independence is not an abstract conversation. When gasoline moves higher, consumers feel it immediately.

Families rethink their monthly transportation costs. Fleet operators look harder at total cost of ownership. Businesses with vehicles start asking whether electricity gives them more control than fuel markets. The higher and more

volatile oil becomes, the more valuable it is to own part of the infrastructure that gives drivers another option.

That does not mean every American will buy an EV tomorrow. That is not how markets mature. EV adoption slowed because the industry ran ahead of the infrastructure in many places. Consumers were not rejecting the technology as much as they were reacting to friction.

Charging had to get better.

Locations had to get better.

Reliability had to get better.

The business model had to get more local.

Now the market is finding its footing again.

The first EV wave was mostly about the car. Tesla changed the conversation. Legacy automakers followed. Luxury buyers, tech buyers, and environmentally motivated buyers stepped in first. The second wave will be about access. Charging stations will become part of the real estate fabric of America, much like Wi-Fi, security cameras, lighting, and card readers became expected features of commercial property.

That is the opening for

4EverCharge.

The company is positioning itself not as a car company, not as a utility, and not as another gadget seller. It is a local infrastructure business.

Its franchise model gives owners the ability to develop EV charging locations across commercial and residential properties, working with landlords, developers, hotels, shopping centers, office parks, multifamily communities, and other real estate owners that need charging but may not know where to begin.

The timing matters.

The federal government’s NEVI program, created to support the rollout of a national EV charging network, has been through stops and starts. But the broader direction is clear: public money is still pushing charging infrastructure forward, and many programs can support a major portion of eligible project costs. State agencies are reopening applications, property owners are paying attention, and the market is moving from speculation to deployment.

For entrepreneurs, this creates a rare mix: a growing category, public policy support, fragmented local demand, and a service that property owners increasingly need but often do not want to manage themselves.

That is where a franchise system can make sense.

Most property owners do not want to become EV charging experts. They do not want to study hardware options, installation requirements, utility coordination, software

platforms, maintenance, payment systems, uptime standards, grant applications, and customer support. They want someone credible to show up, explain the economics, install the right system, and keep it working.

4EverCharge can fill that gap.

The best franchise opportunities often sit at the intersection of national change and local execution. A national trend creates demand. Local operators convert that demand into relationships, sites, revenue, and trust. EV charging is exactly that kind of market.

A 4EverCharge owner does not need to convince America that EVs exist. That work has already been done. The job is more practical: find the properties where charging makes economic sense, help the owner understand the upside, coordinate installation, and build a network that produces recurring value over time.

For hotels, EV charging can attract guests. For apartment communities, it can help retain tenants. For retail centers, it can increase dwell time. For office buildings, it can support employees and visitors. For fleet operators, it can lower long-term fuel exposure. For municipalities and publicfacing properties, it can show investment in modern infrastructure.

The market has also become more realistic. That is healthy.

Easy money and hype create bad businesses. Discipline creates durable ones. The EV sector is now asking better questions about utilization, location quality, uptime,

pricing, grants, and longterm maintenance. Those questions favor operators who are trained, supported, and focused on execution.

4EverCharge is not selling a dream about tomorrow. It is building around a visible need today.

Gas prices remain a pressure point. EV adoption is no longer a straight-line story, but it is not going away. NEVI and related infrastructure programs are back in the conversation.

Automakers continue to invest. Consumers continue to compare costs. Property owners continue to ask what they should do next.

The answer may be sitting in their parking lot.

For entrepreneurs looking at the next decade, the opportunity is not simply to own chargers. It is to own the local relationships, the site pipeline, the installation process, and the ongoing service layer around one of the biggest shifts in transportation.

That is the bet behind 4EverCharge.

Not that every car will be electric overnight. Not that oil disappears. Not that the market moves in a perfect line.

The bet is that charging will become normal. And when something becomes normal, somebody has to build it, sell it, maintain it, and make it work locally.

That somebody may be the next generation of 4EverCharge franchise owners.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

123

IT’S TIME T O PR E S S PAU S E • Full-service Wellness Studio offering mind/body recovery • First franchise to offer “Contrast Therapy” (Sauna/Cold Plunge) with EIGHT unique revenue streams: Cryotherapy, IV Drip, Cold plunge, Float, LED light therapy, Sauna, Normatec & Retail • Minimal employee ownership model • Four corporate units open in Los Angeles with a fifth in development • Broad retail offerings focused on Sleep, Stress/Anxiety, Clean Beauty, Detoxification and Immunity, brands include Moon Juice, Bee Keepers, Osea, Quick Silver Scientific • Top performing studio revenue: $1,975,984 in 2022 • Top performing Net Margin: 35% (After a 7% royalty deduction) • 2,600-3,000 sq.ft • 50+ licenses awarded with markets available: San Diego, San Francisco, Houston, and New York.

INITIAL INVESTMENT | $979,000 - $1,618,000 LIQUID CASH | $400,000 NET WORTH | $1,000,000 This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. Pause franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residentsan offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of the Pause FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary.

CONTACT | Jackie Carillo TITLE | Director of Fran Dev EMAIL | Jackie@RepMGroup.com PHONE | (504) 290-9055 CONTACT | Jen Rieck TITLE | VP of Fran Dev EMAIL | Jen@RepMGroup.com PHONE | (720) 245-1252

WHO WE ARE The Nation’s Leading Recruiting Franchise Specializing in Hospitality, Restaurant and Executive Search.

Escape the corporate grind and build a business that empowers others to thrive. As a Patrice & Associates franchisee, you’ll step into a high-demand industry with low overhead, flexible work-from-anywhere operations, and a mission-driven model that transforms lives.

WHY PATRICE & ASSOCIATES Be Your Own Boss: Without Starting from Scratch Leverage our 30+ years of experience, national brand recognition, and proven systems to build your own business with confidence.

Executive Model: Your Patrice & Associates business is fully remote, professional, and scalable, designed to create freedom on your own terms.

Make a Difference Daily: You’re not just filling jobs; you’re changing lives. Help candidates land life-changing roles and help companies find the talent they need to grow.

Recurring Revenue and Real Impact: Earn placement fees every time your recruited candidates are hired—and build client relationships that keep your pipeline strong.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT National Accounts Program: Start filling jobs already open through our network —our franchisees can fill roles for brands like Panera, Chick-fil-A, and more.

Exclusive Territory + Open Client Access: Operate in your assigned area but earn revenue from national clients across the U.S. Low Investment, High Potential: Home-based business, no employees required, and fast potential path to revenue.

Cutting-Edge Tools and Training: From AI and automation to advanced recruiter training, you’ll be equipped for success.

WHO WE WANT Comfortable building relationships Passionate about people Enjoys speaking on the phone on a daily basis

Strong follow-through skills Great time management and self-discipline Ability to work independently Tech-Savvy

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Mark Rubick | Regional Developer | (513) 227-6325 | mrubick@patriceandassociates.com

mark-rubick.patriceandassociatesfranchising.com/ FranDevCo, LLC is a franchise seller/broker representing Patrice Franchising, LLC ("Patrice & Associates”) the franchisor of the Patrice & Associates concept. This information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. Patrice & Associates will not offer you a franchise until it has complied with applicable disclosure and registration requirements in your jurisdiction and has provided you with its Franchise Disclosure Document ("FDD"). Contact Patrice Franchising, LLC, 9112 East Verde Grove View, Suite 101-E, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, patriceandassociates@frandev.co or by telephone at (301) 327-5059 to request a copy of the Patrice & Associates FDD. RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the New York Department of Law. The application for registration of an offering prospectus or the acceptance and filing thereof by the Department of Law as required by the New York law does not constitute approval of the offering or the sale of such franchise by the Department of Law or the attorney general of New York. RESIDENTS OF MINNESOTA: MN Franchise Registration Number: 10684. Copyright© 2025 FranDevCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Complete Mobile Drug Testing and the New Standard for Safer Workplaces

by Michael Stavrinakis, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or years, workplace drug testing was treated like an administrative burden.

A company hired someone.

Human resources handed over paperwork. The employee drove to a clinic, waited in a lobby, took the test, and the employer waited for the result.

If there was an accident after hours, a supervisor scrambled to figure out where to send the employee. If a driver needed a DOT test, someone had to stop the workday, leave the jobsite, and hope the process was handled correctly.

That old model is starting to look outdated.

The modern workforce is faster, more mobile, more regulated, and more exposed to risk than ever before.

Construction crews are spread across jobsites. Trucking fleets run at all hours. Warehouses operate overnight. Utilities, manufacturers, municipalities, schools, logistics companies, and contractors cannot afford downtime. They also cannot afford mistakes.

That is where Complete Mobile Drug Testing comes in.

Complete Mobile Drug Testing was built around a simple but powerful idea: bring compliant drug testing,

126

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

alcohol testing, background screening, fingerprinting, and related services directly to the employer, the jobsite, the fleet yard, or the individual who needs them. Instead of forcing companies to work around the testing process, CMDT brings the process to the company.

That may sound like a convenience. In reality, it is becoming a workplace safety necessity.

The drug screening market is large and growing. The U.S. drug testing market was

estimated at approximately $2.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to continue expanding in the years ahead.

Globally, drug screening is now a multibillion-dollar market, with estimates near $10 billion in 2025 and continued growth projected as employers, regulators, and safety-sensitive industries demand more reliable screening.

But the real story is not just market size.

The real story is complexity.

Employers are trying to

operate in a world where marijuana laws vary by state, fentanyl remains a national crisis, post-accident testing is under greater scrutiny, and regulated industries still face strict requirements. At the same time, labor shortages make every lost hour more expensive. A worker sitting in a clinic lobby is not producing.

A driver waiting for clearance is not moving freight. A supervisor chasing paperwork is not running the operation.

The old system creates friction at the exact moment employers need speed and certainty.

Complete Mobile Drug Testing removes that friction.

The company provides 24/7 mobile service, including DOT and non-DOT drug testing, alcohol testing, after-hours testing, background screening, DNA testing, fingerprinting, and third-party administration support. It serves employers that need certified professionals, clear chain-ofcustody procedures, compliant collections, and quick results without shutting down the workday.

That model is especially important for DOT-regulated employers.

Transportation is one of the clearest examples.

Commercial drivers, fleet operators, owner-operators, and companies regulated by agencies such as FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG must follow strict testing rules.

Pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, returnto-duty, follow-up, and postaccident testing are not optional details. They are part

COMPLETE MOBILE DRUG TESTING PROVIDES 24/7 MOBILE SERVICE, INCLUDING DOT AND NON-DOT DRUG TESTING, ALCOHOL TESTING, AFTERHOURS TESTING...

AND THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT. of the operating license of the business.

When testing is mishandled, the risk is not just administrative.

It can become legal, financial, reputational, and human.

CMDT helps employers stay compliant without turning compliance into chaos.

The company’s mobile model is also a better fit for the way many industries actually work.

A construction company may have 40 people on one site in the morning and a different crew across town in the afternoon. A logistics company may need testing before

dawn. A manufacturer may have a second-shift incident at midnight. A municipality may need an urgent post-accident test on location. A small fleet owner may need help managing random testing without a full compliance department.

In each case, the problem is the same: testing needs to happen fast, correctly, and with minimal disruption.

That is the opportunity.

The workplace has changed.

The testing model has to change with it.

One of the most important trends driving this change is the rise of on-site and mobile workforce services. Employers have become accustomed to bringing solutions directly into the workplace. Safety training, occupational health, background checks, compliance programs, telehealth, remote onboarding, and digital HR tools are all moving closer to the employer.

Drug testing is part of that same shift.

Companies no longer want fragmented vendors. They want a partner that can handle the details. Complete Mobile Drug Testing is positioned as that partner.

The company has been operating since 2011 and presents itself as a trusted service provider for employers, including large organizations and regulated industries. Its value is not simply that it can collect a specimen. Many companies can do that. The value is in making the process easier, faster, compliant, and available when the employer actually needs it.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

127

That matters because the statistics are moving in the wrong direction for employers.

Workplace drug testing data continues to show meaningful positivity rates across the workforce. Marijuana remains one of the most commonly detected substances.

Fentanyl has become a growing concern in random workplace testing. Postaccident positivity remains an important warning sign. At the same time, attempts to tamper with drug tests have increased, making professional collection and chain-ofcustody procedures even more important.

This is the environment employers are operating in.

It is not enough to have a policy in a handbook. The policy has to work in the real world.

That means supervisors must know what to do after an accident. HR must be able to schedule quickly. DOT employers must be able to 128

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

document compliance. Random testing must be handled properly. After-hours situations must not fall apart because a clinic is closed. Employees must be treated professionally. Results must move efficiently. The employer must be able to prove that the process was handled the right way.

That is why the category is ready for a revolution.

For too long, drug testing has been viewed as a defensive requirement. Complete Mobile Drug Testing reframes it as an operating advantage. A strong testing and screening program can help reduce risk, protect employees, lower liability exposure, support insurance and compliance objectives, and create a safer, more accountable workplace.

The best employers do not test because they want to catch people. They test because they want to protect people.

They want drivers who are safe. Jobsites that are controlled.

Warehouses that are productive.

Fleets that are compliant.

Supervisors who have support.

Employees who understand expectations. Customers who trust the company. Families who know their loved ones are working in an environment where safety matters.

That is the bigger story behind Complete Mobile Drug Testing.

The company is serving a market that is growing because the need is growing.

More regulation. More legal complexity. More substancerelated risk. More pressure on employers to move faster while staying compliant. More demand for services that come to the workplace instead of pulling workers away from it.

The next generation of drug testing will not be built around waiting rooms.

It will be built around speed, mobility, documentation, compliance, and service.

Complete Mobile Drug Testing is part of that shift. It gives employers a practical way to protect their workforce, support their compliance programs, and keep business moving. It turns a slow, fragmented process into a professional service that meets companies where they are.

The revolution of the category is here because the workplace cannot afford the old way anymore.

Safety is no longer a poster on the wall. Compliance is no longer a file in a drawer. Drug testing is no longer just a box to check.

It is part of how serious companies operate.

And Complete Mobile Drug Testing is helping define what that standard looks like.

MAKE YOUR FUTURE

BRIGHTER OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES with

As North America’s largest full-service outdoor lighting company, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives helps our valued clients enhance the beauty, safety, and security of their homes with the power of low-voltage lighting. The Outdoor Lighting Perspectives business model boasts a quick rampup, strong gross profit margins, and a recurring revenue stream making it an attractive franchise opportunity for franchise operators, investors, and entrepreneurs. For those looking for a business endeavor designed to achieve your personal career, lifestyle, and income objectives, consider building a bright future as an Outdoor Lighting Perspectives franchise owner.

Why Choose Outdoor Lighting Perspectives?

• Low Initial Investment • Lucrative Revenue Streams • Strong Profit Margins

804-500-9865 OutdoorLightingFranchise.com An important part of

GREAT PEOPLE. GREAT BRANDS. GREAT CULTURE.

At Limitless Franchise Growth, our mission is to transform exceptional emerging franchisors into iconic brands, empowering them to achieve national expansion and market dominance. We are dedicated to unlocking their growth potential and enhancing the lives of small business owners and their communities with integrity and excellence.

PEOPLE

We leverage a team with a proven track record of success, combining experience and expertise to deliver exceptional results.

PROCESSES

Our streamlined, proven processes are designed to deliver results while minimizing obstacles and maximizing opportunities.

PARTNERS Our experience in the industry has allowed us to build high-quality partnerships with franchise consultants, media agencies, legal services, lending partners, and real estate & construction services.

LEARN MORE - INFO@LIMITLESSFRANCHISEGROWTH.COM

After opening in 2017, 1611 Indoor Golf Club has quickly become the premier golf game improvement and entertainment facility in the Dallas- Fort Worth Metroplex.

We offer something for golfers of all skill levels. Improve your golf skills using our state-of-the-art tracking Trackman technology or grab a drink at our full bar and choose from over 200+ world famous courses to play a full round.

NOW AWARDING FRANCHISES

1611golf.com

THE 1611 GOLF DIFFERENCE GROWING CUSTOMER BASE FUN AND EXCITING BUSINESS BE A PART OF THE GROWTH

franchising@1611golf.com

(817) 349-0276

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

Resting Rainbow and the Rise of the Modern Pet Aftercare Industry

by Joe Fox, President, Resting Rainbow

F

or most of American history, the end of a pet’s life was handled quietly.

A family dog passed away. A cat got sick. A child lost the animal that had slept at the foot of the bed for 12 years.

People grieved, but the process around that grief was often informal, rushed, or hidden behind a veterinary counter.

That world is changing fast.

Pets are no longer treated as animals that simply live in the house. They are family members. They travel with us, sleep next to us, appear in our holiday cards, eat specialized food, receive advanced medical care, and increasingly occupy the same emotional space once reserved only for human relationships.

132

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The pet economy reflects that shift. Americans spent approximately $158 billion on their pets in 2025, and the market is projected to reach approximately $165 billion in 2026. Pet ownership remains massive, with roughly 95 million U.S. households owning at least one pet. That is not a niche. That is one of the most powerful consumer categories in the country.

But there is one part of the pet industry that has lagged behind the rest of the market: end-of-life care.

Resting Rainbow was created to change that.

The company operates in pet funeral, cremation, memorial, and aftercare services, a category that is becoming more important as pet owners demand dignity, transparency, and emotional support at the end of a pet’s life. For decades, pet death was treated as an operational event. Resting Rainbow believes it should be treated as a family moment.

That distinction matters.

A pet owner who spends

years caring for an animal does not want a cold, confusing, or impersonal experience when that animal passes. They want to know who is handling their pet.

They want clear choices. They want compassion. They want memorial products that feel worthy of the relationship. They want to feel that their pet’s final chapter was handled with care.

That is the opening for a brand like Resting Rainbow.

The company sits at the intersection of several powerful trends: the humanization of pets, rising spending on pet services, growth in pet memorial products, increased awareness of cremation, and the need for local, trusted aftercare providers. At the same time, the category is still fragmented. Many markets lack a polished, consumerfriendly, emotionally intelligent provider that can serve families, veterinarians, shelters, rescue groups, and pet businesses with consistency.

That is where franchising becomes powerful.

Resting Rainbow is building a national brand in a deeply local business. Pet loss happens in every community.

Every veterinary office,

animal hospital, emergency clinic, rescue organization, grooming business, and pet family eventually encounters it. The demand is local, emotional, and recurring.

The opportunity is to bring a professional system to a category that has historically been handled by small operators, back-of-house vendors, or providers that were never built around the pet parent experience.

Resting Rainbow is moving quickly because the market is ready.

The brand has evolved rapidly from a concept into a growing franchise system, with franchisees opening and territories developing across the country. The reason is simple: the unitlevel demand is visible. Pet

WHEN A FAMILY CAN FIND A DIGNIFIED URN, A KEEPSAKE, OR A MEMORIAL PRODUCT THROUGH A TRUSTED NATIONAL PET PLATFORM, IT VALIDATES THE CATEGORY. owners already need these services. Veterinarians already need reliable aftercare partners. Families already

buy urns, keepsakes, paw prints, memorial jewelry, and cremation services. The question is not whether the need exists. The question is who will serve it best.

In many franchise categories, the operator has to spend years educating the customer on why the service matters. Resting Rainbow does not have that problem. Pet loss is unavoidable.

The need is immediate. The customer is motivated. The emotional stakes are high. And the service must be handled correctly the first time.

That creates a different kind of business opportunity.

This is not just a retail concept. It is not just a cremation business. It is not just a memorial products company. It is a full aftercare platform.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

133

The best Resting Rainbow franchisees can build relationships with veterinary practices, emergency clinics, shelters, rescue groups, groomers, breeders, pet insurance partners, pet retailers, and local communities. They can serve families directly. They can become the trusted aftercare provider in their market.

They can also offer memorial products that help pet owners keep a meaningful connection to the pet they loved.

One of the most important signs of the brand’s evolution is its relationship with Chewy.com.

Chewy has become one of the most trusted names in pet retail by understanding something fundamental: pet owners do not buy pet products the way they buy ordinary household goods. They buy with emotion.

They buy with loyalty. They buy from brands that make the pet parent experience easier and more personal.

134

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Resting Rainbow’s products being available through Chewy signals that pet memorialization is moving into the mainstream pet economy. Urns, keepsakes, and aftercare products are no longer hidden in a side catalog or presented as an uncomfortable final step. They are becoming part of the full lifecycle of pet ownership.

That is a major shift.

When a family can find a dignified urn, a keepsake, or a memorial product through a trusted national pet platform, it validates the category. It tells the customer that honoring a pet is normal. It tells the market that aftercare is not an afterthought. And it gives Resting Rainbow a broader brand presence beyond any single location.

The franchise side of the business benefits from that same brand lift.

A local Resting Rainbow

franchisee is not starting from zero. The broader pet economy is already educating consumers. Chewy and other major players have already helped normalize high-quality pet products and services.

Veterinary care has already become more sophisticated.

Pet insurance has grown.

Grooming, boarding, daycare, nutrition, and wellness have all become major categories. Endof-life care is the next logical step.

The revolution of the category is here because pet owners are demanding it.

They do not want the cheapest possible ending.

They want the right ending.

They want honesty. They want kindness. They want options.

They want to know that the ashes they receive are handled properly. They want to choose a memorial that reflects the bond they had. They want to feel seen during one of the most painful moments of pet ownership.

That emotional reality is also what can drive fast cash flow for well-run locations.

The market is large, the need is constant, and the referral channels are identifiable. A franchisee who builds strong veterinary relationships, responds quickly, delivers a compassionate customer experience, and offers quality memorial products can become a meaningful local provider in a relatively short period of time. Unlike many emerging consumer businesses, the customer need is not speculative. Every pet owner will eventually face this moment.

Scale matters here.

A single location can serve a community. A franchise network can help standardize trust across many communities. That is the goal for Resting Rainbow: to bring consistency, compassion, and professionalism to pet aftercare while giving local owners the tools to build real businesses in their territories.

The broader industry numbers point in the same direction. Pet spending continues to rise. Pet ownership remains deeply embedded in American life.

Younger generations often treat pets as children. Older generations rely on pets for

companionship. Households without children often center their lives around animals.

Empty nesters, retirees, single professionals, and families all participate in this economy.

As the bond grows stronger, the goodbye becomes more important.

Resting Rainbow is not trying to create grief. It is trying to serve it better.

That is the heart of the business.

A family that loses a pet needs more than a transaction.

A veterinarian needs more than a vendor. A franchisee needs more than a logo. The category needs standards.

Resting Rainbow is building

those standards into a brand that can grow nationally while still feeling personal in each local market.

The future of pet aftercare will be more transparent, more compassionate, more professional, and more integrated into the broader pet economy.

Resting Rainbow is helping lead that shift.

The pet industry has already transformed food, medicine, grooming, daycare, retail, insurance, and wellness. Now it is transforming the final goodbye.

And for the families who loved their pets like family, that change is long overdue.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

135

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

VOLOFIT

$32 BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY *

Volofit provides its owners a turnkey business model, with the support of fitness industry experts and state-of-the art technology and equipment

OWN A VOLOFIT

FITNESS FOR TOMORROW. YOUR FUTURE TODAY.

Visit our website to download a free copy of our Industry Outlook Ebook.

This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Any offer to sell a franchise will be made after individuals have been qualified to receive a Franchise Disclosure Document.

volofitfranchising.com | (844) 977-4181

A partnership with endless possibilities.

Financial Freedom.

Full Business Support.

A Premium Service Brands company, the Maid Right franchise model was designed around the idea of financial freedom - and a great lifestyle to go along with it. Those principles are at the heart of our business, and key drivers for the franchisees who come to join our brand.

All the tools you need.

Market penetration & proprietary technological integrations Intensive, personalized first-year business mentorship

Want to find out more? Contact Maid Right today

434-995-5582 PremiumServiceBrands.com/Maid-Right

Fully-staffed call center Territories available in all major metro markets

We're a marketing & technology company that happens to clean!

Maid Right, LLC 630 Peter Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, VA 22911

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

D1 and the Rise of the Athlete-Training Economy

by Joanna Chanis, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

F

or years, the fitness industry was split into two simple lanes.

There were gyms for adults who wanted to lose weight, build muscle, or stay healthy. Then there were sports teams, school programs, and private coaches for young athletes who wanted to get faster, stronger, and more competitive.

D1 Training sits in the middle of those worlds and may be arriving at exactly the right moment.

The brand is built around a clear promise: train like an athlete. Not just for the elite high school quarterback, the college prospect, or the former professional player trying to stay sharp. D1 is designed for kids, adults, teams, and everyday people who want a structured, coach-led environment based on Division 1 strength and conditioning principles.

That matters because the market has changed.

Parents are spending more on youth sports than ever before. The youth sports economy is now commonly estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, with families investing in travel teams, private lessons, camps, tournaments, nutrition,

138

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

recovery, and performance training. At the same time, the broader fitness industry continues to move away from anonymous rows of machines and toward specialized, highaccountability concepts.

Boutique fitness in the U.S. is estimated in the multibilliondollar range and projected to grow steadily through the end of the decade.

The result is a new category: athlete-style training for the

mainstream consumer.

That is where D1 has planted its flag.

Walk into a D1 facility and the difference is obvious.

This is not a big-box gym where members disappear behind headphones and wander from one machine to the next. It is coach-led. It is organized. It has turf, racks, sleds, speed work, strength work, movement, energy, and structure. It feels less like a

health club and more like a training facility.

That distinction is important.

The modern fitness customer does not just want access.

Access is cheap. Access is everywhere. A consumer can join a low-cost gym, watch free workouts online, buy equipment for the garage, or download an app in seconds.

What people increasingly want is guidance.

They want coaching. They want accountability. They want programming. They want a place that makes them feel part of something.

For adults, that may mean getting stronger, losing weight, rebuilding confidence, or training with the energy they remember from sports.

For kids and teens, it may mean improving speed, agility, strength, coordination, confidence, and character.

D1’s advantage is that it does not have to choose between those audiences.

The brand serves youth athletes, scholastic athletes, adults, teams, and high performers. Its programs include group training, personal training, small group training, team training, and pro-level preparation.

That gives a single facility multiple revenue lanes and multiple entry points into the community.

That is one reason the franchise model has gained traction.

D1 reportedly opened more than 45 locations in 2025, bringing the system to more than 170 locations, with its eyes on continued expansion. In an industry where many fitness concepts compete only on

price, D1 competes on identity.

It is not selling a treadmill. It is selling a training culture.

That culture is especially relevant in youth sports.

The youth athlete has become one of the most important customers in the fitness economy. Families are no longer waiting until college recruiting begins to think about performance.

They are starting earlier, spending more, and looking for professional environments that can help their children improve safely. Speed, mobility, strength, injury prevention, and confidence are no longer reserved for elite prospects. They are becoming

part of the normal youth sports conversation.

This does not mean every child is trying to go pro. Most are not. But parents understand that sports can build discipline, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and identity. They also understand that better training can help young athletes compete, stay healthy, and enjoy the game longer.

D1’s model works because it speaks to both sides of that equation.

It is performance-driven, but it is also character-driven. The best youth training companies are not just creating faster athletes. They are helping kids learn how to work, how to listen, how to compete, and how to recover from failure.

That is valuable whether the athlete earns a scholarship or simply becomes a stronger, more confident person.

For adults, the appeal is different but related.

Many adults are bored with ordinary fitness. They do not want to walk into a gym and

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

139

figure it out alone. They do not want another boutique class that feels disconnected from measurable progress. They want to train with purpose. D1 gives them a framework that feels athletic without requiring them to be an athlete.

That is a powerful position in a crowded market.

The broader wellness economy is also moving in D1’s favor. Strength training is having a major cultural moment. Consumers are becoming more educated about muscle, longevity, mobility, injury prevention, and metabolic health. GLP1 drugs have changed the weight-loss conversation, making strength training even more important for people who want to preserve lean muscle. Former athletes want to feel athletic again.

Parents want their kids to build confidence. Teams want better offseason development.

Schools and communities want better sports performance resources.

D1 can sit in all of those conversations.

The best franchise brands usually win because they combine national systems with local relevance. D1 fits that pattern. A local facility can become a training hub for schools, teams, families, athletes, coaches, and adults in its market. It can host team training. It can build relationships with youth leagues. It can serve parents who are already driving kids to practices, tournaments, and games. It can become part of the local sports infrastructure.

That is more durable than a fitness fad. The category is also 140

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

benefiting from a shift in real estate. Fitness concepts have become important tenants in retail centers because they drive recurring traffic. A training facility brings parents, kids, teams, and adults into a center throughout the day and week. For landlords looking to replace traditional retail with service-based uses, concepts like D1 can be attractive because they create routine visits and community activity.

But the real story is not just real estate or franchise growth.

The real story is that athletestyle training is becoming mainstream.

For a long time, high-quality strength and conditioning was hidden inside college athletic departments, professional teams, and elite private programs. Most people never had access to it. D1 is helping bring that model into local communities. It takes the

principles of serious training and packages them in a way that a 12-year-old soccer player, a 17-year-old linebacker, a 42-year-old parent, or a former college athlete can understand and use.

That is the revolution of the category.

The old gym model was about access to equipment.

The new training model is about access to coaching, structure, community, and identity.

D1 is not simply asking people to work out. It is inviting them to train.

That word matters.

Working out can be random.

Training has a purpose.

Working out can be solitary.

Training has a coach. Working out can be skipped. Training creates accountability. Working out is about burning calories.

Training is about becoming better.

In a market crowded with fitness options, D1 has a clear lane: it turns the local gym into a performance culture.

For franchise owners, that creates a compelling business story. The customer base is broad. The demand is tied to durable trends. Youth sports spending is strong. Adult fitness is evolving. Strength training is rising. Parents are prioritizing development.

Communities need better training environments. And the brand has already shown that it can grow across markets.

The fitness industry has always been full of promises.

D1’s promise is different because it is simple, emotional, and easy to understand.

Train like an athlete.

For the kid chasing a roster spot, that means confidence.

For the parent writing the check, it means development.

For the adult walking back into fitness, it means purpose. For the franchise owner, it means a brand built around one of the most powerful identities in American culture: the athlete.

That is why D1’s timing is so strong.

The youth sports market is bigger. The fitness consumer is smarter. The need for coaching is clearer. The appetite for strength and performance is rising. The local community still matters. And people of all ages want to feel capable, competitive, and strong.

The revolution of the category is here.

D1 is proving that the future of fitness may not look like a gym at all.

It may look like a training facility.

YOUR AD HERE ADVERTISE WITH US! CONTACT US

INFO@FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

141

www.MyCommunityServices.com

Tel: 713.679.4255

My Community Franchise is bringing a new kind of business to the American public. We go above and beyond for our customers by bringing perfected and professional tax and multi-services to their communities. We aren’t just another print services place or tax prep group. We climb the extra mile by being a one-stop-shop for various services, including tax preparation, car insurance, defensive driving, and so much more. We at My Community Franchise are here to provide entrepreneurs looking for a business opportunity the chance to get in on the ground floor of an exciting, easy-to-operate concept.

>>> We are a company with a great track record of growth, exceptional experience in the industry, and proprietary operational advantages for an owner-operator. My Community Franchise is ready to share its proven operational practices and dialedin services with the rest of the States. Our brand has been built on a firm foundation and is now seeking qualified candidates for an enticing franchise offering!

My Community Franchise offers an extensive array of services that build a fast and favored reputation within any city. We are the all-stars within our current five locations in Texas and are confident that our services will be well-received no matter where we are. We are proud to offer the following services:

TAX PREPARATION

NOTARY SERVICES

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

VIRTUAL TAX PREPARATION

BOOKKEEPING

(With Our Mobile App)

CAR INSURANCE

TRANSLATION

TITLE TRANSFER

The My Community Franchise brand is beckoning entrepreneurial hopefuls who want a business with reasonable overhead, affordable start-up costs, impressive ROI, and sprawling market applicability.

Franchise Fee: $15,000

Royalties: 10%

Total Investment: $40,000

While working in Denver, Colorado, I was working as an RN in the labor and delivery emergency department.

I was continually treating dehydration, elevation sickness, migraines, malabsorption, and many other ailments due to lack of nutrients, vitamins, and simple hydration.

I felt bad that patients had to come in and pay so much in copays/insurance for simple IV uids and medications to help x lifedisrupting ailments. I felt that patients deserved to have an elective option that was signiicantly lower in cost than traditional health care emergency room visits.

Jenny Haiar ivclub, LLC. Owner, Founder & CEO AWARDING FRANCHISES $49,500.00

I was extremely good at IV’s and loved the skill set of that; along with witnessing how great people felt after infusion treatments. The experience was an all-around positive reinforcement wheel that kept rolling down this path of creating ivclub. The goal was to allow the general public to experience an eeective, safe way to hydrate, recuperate and revive your overall health and wellness.

EMERGING INDUSTRY | AFFORDABLE INVESTMENT | ACCESSIBLE IV INFUSION

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

SubContain Is Reimagining the Dumpster for the Age of Automation

by Ian Paradis, President, SubContain

F

or decades, the commercial dumpster has been one of the most overlooked pieces of infrastructure in America.

It sits behind restaurants, apartment buildings, hotels, shopping centers, schools, office parks, and municipal facilities. It smells. It leaks. It attracts pests. It creates visual clutter. It takes up valuable

144

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

surface space. It is serviced by large trucks that have to maneuver into tight corners, reverse through busy lots, and work around cars, pedestrians, walls, landscaping, and loading zones.

The dumpster is essential, but it has never been elegant.

That is beginning to change.

SubContain was built around a simple belief: waste collection should be cleaner, safer, more efficient, and more compatible with the way modern properties actually operate. The answer is not a prettier dumpster. The answer is a better system.

SubContain’s inground waste containment model moves the waste below grade, inside a vertical container system that is accessed from the surface and serviced by specialized equipment. Instead of large, open, exposed steel boxes sitting across a property, SubContain creates a cleaner, more stable waste collection point that is engineered into the site itself.

That one shift changes the economics, the appearance, and the future of waste handling.

Traditional dumpsters are a compromise. Property owners accept them because

they have to. They give up space. They deal with odors. They handle complaints. They pay for frequent pickups when containers fill unevenly or when loose waste expands into volume it does not need.

They also carry the operational risk of having trucks move through areas that were never designed for constant heavy vehicle activity.

Inground waste turns that model on its head.

Because the container is vertical, it can hold significant volume in a smaller surface footprint. Because the waste is below ground, the system can reduce odors, windblown debris, pests, and unsightly overflow. Because the collection point is fixed and designed for service, it can create a more predictable interaction between the property and the waste hauler.

That matters today. It will matter even more tomorrow.

Waste collection is moving toward automation. Around the country, haulers are investing in smarter routing, camera systems, robotic arms, automated side loaders, telematics, driver-assist

technology, and eventually more autonomous collection platforms. Labor is tight.

Insurance costs are high. Safety is a major issue. Municipalities and private haulers are under pressure to do more work with fewer people, fewer accidents, and better data.

The future garbage truck will not simply be a bigger version of the old truck. It will be more automated, more sensordriven, more route-optimized, and more dependent on repeatable service points.

That is exactly why SubContain is positioned for the next phase of the industry.

Autonomous and semiautonomous trucks work best when the environment is predictable. A traditional dumpster is often anything but predictable. It can be moved.

It can be blocked. It can be overloaded. The lid can be open. Waste can spill around it. Cars can park too close. The driver may need to get out, reposition the container, open gates, move obstacles, or make judgment calls in real time.

That is not ideal for automation.

A SubContain location, by contrast, is stationary. It is set in the ground. Its service point is fixed. The truck knows where it is going. The operator knows how to approach it. The property owner knows where waste belongs. The entire interaction can become more repeatable.

In a world where trucks are increasingly guided by sensors, mapped routes, cameras, and automated lifting systems, stationary infrastructure becomes more valuable. The more fixed and standardized the collection point, the easier it

is to build efficiency around it.

That is the long-term opportunity.

SubContain is not just trying to solve the dumpster problem. It is helping prepare waste collection for a more automated future.

Consider a shopping center with multiple restaurants.

The traditional approach may involve several dumpsters, frequent pickups, odor problems, grease-adjacent waste, cardboard overflow, pest issues, and truck movement across the property. The property manager has to field complaints from tenants and customers. The hauler has to work around parked cars and tight spaces. The site looks worse than it should.

Now imagine that same property with properly placed inground systems. Waste is centralized. The footprint is

cleaner. The visible impact is reduced. The service point is known and stable. The property becomes easier to manage, easier to service, and more attractive to tenants and visitors.

That is not just an environmental improvement. It is a business improvement.

For multifamily communities, the same logic applies. Waste areas are one of the most common sources of resident complaints. Overflow, odor, pests, and appearance all affect the living experience. A cleaner waste system can help protect the property’s brand. In higherend apartment communities, condos, and mixed-use developments, the old dumpster corral is increasingly out of step with the rest of the property.

For hotels, schools, campuses, parks, and municipalities, the case is also clear. Waste is not WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

145

going away. But the way it is stored, collected, and managed can improve dramatically.

The United States has spent the last decade modernizing almost every part of property infrastructure.

Buildings now have smart locks, smart thermostats, EV charging stations, appbased access, LED lighting, surveillance systems, solar, water management tools, and advanced HVAC controls.

Yet the dumpster behind the building often looks exactly the same as it did 40 years ago.

That gap is where SubContain lives. The company’s model is built for owners, developers, municipalities, and haulers who understand that waste is not just a back-of-house issue.

It affects cost, safety, aesthetics, property value, resident satisfaction, tenant experience, and operational efficiency.

It also affects labor.

Waste collection is hard work.

It is physically demanding, repetitive, and risky. Every time a driver gets out of a truck, reverses in a tight area, moves a container, or navigates around people and vehicles, there is risk. Automation will not eliminate every challenge, but it will reward infrastructure that reduces unnecessary human intervention.

SubContain’s stationary inground design fits that future. It can help create cleaner pickup points, reduce chaos at the curb or behind the building, and make each collection event more consistent. That consistency is the foundation of automation.

There is also a real estate argument. Surface space is valuable. A bulky dumpster area can consume land that 146

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

could otherwise be used for parking, landscaping, outdoor seating, pedestrian access, loading efficiency, or simply a cleaner site plan. Inground systems can help properties reclaim visual and physical space while improving the waste experience.

For developers, that matters before a shovel goes into the ground. For existing properties, it matters when owners are trying to upgrade, reposition, or solve recurring complaints.

SubContain is entering the market at a moment when three forces are converging.

First, property owners want cleaner, better-looking, more efficient infrastructure.

Second, waste haulers are under pressure to improve productivity, safety, routing, and labor efficiency.

Third, automation is reshaping what collection systems will need from the built environment.

The old dumpster was built for a human driver, a diesel truck, and a property owner willing to tolerate the mess.

The next generation of waste infrastructure will be built for cleaner sites, smarter

trucks, better data, and more predictable service.

That is why SubContain is more than a container company. It is an infrastructure company. It takes something every property needs and rebuilds it for the way the next generation of properties and haulers will operate.

The opportunity is practical.

It is not based on a trend that may or may not arrive. Every restaurant, hotel, apartment building, retail center, school, and public facility produces waste. Every one of them needs a place to put it. Every one of them would prefer that place to be cleaner, safer, less visible, and easier to service.

SubContain’s job is to make that possible.

The commercial dumpster may never be glamorous. But the businesses that solve boring, expensive, universal problems are often the ones that build the most durable value.

Waste is not optional. Better waste infrastructure is overdue.

SubContain is ready to put the dumpster where it belongs: out of sight, below ground, and directly in the path of the automated future.

Minimal Staffing

1

Chiropractor

Validation!

1

137+

Front Desk Staff

Open Locations across the country

LEO | Learn, Earn & Own Model

1. Investor opens the clinic, builds it over a period of time and then sells to their Chiropractor.

2. Less turnover because Chiro is bought into the business. It will be their future business!

7 Revenue Streams

1. Chiropractic 2. Active, Corrective Functional Rehab - Eliminate underlying muscular dysfunction/weaknesses present 3. Next Generation Spinal Decompression - Adhering to new protocols, allowing for alternate positions 4. Laser Therapy - Photobiomodulation to create better healing and faster functional restoration 5. Branded Nutrition & Products - We create personalized nutrition plans for better and faster healing 6. Sleep Excellence - Sleep optimization products for improved healing 7. Wellness Club - Subscription-based program which regularly schedules wellness visits

Financial Performance Top 25% - $1,052,217 2024 AVG Gross Revenue:

Contact

Jen Rieck

VP of Fran Dev Jen@repmgroup.com 720.245.1252

Top 50% - $842,507 System-wide average - $571,119 Average gross profit - $369,432

Aaron Sawyer

Director of Fran Dev Aaron@repmgroup.com 808.675.6987

This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a Franchise Disclosure Document filed with the referenced state, which filing does not constitute approval. HealthSource franchises will not be sold to any resident of any such jurisdiction until the offering has been exempted from the requirements of, or duly registered in and approved by, such jurisdiction and the required FDD has been delivered to the prospective franchisee before the sale in compliance with applicable law. The following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IN, IL, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you reside in one of these states, you may have certain rights under applicable franchise laws. This advertisement is not an offering for New York residents-an offering can only be made by prospectus filed first with the department of law of the state of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the department of law. This document is not intended for the sale of a franchise. Please see Item 19 of the HealthSource FDD for further detail. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Individual results may vary.

HEALTH & FITNESS EDITION

The Vital Stretch Is Turning Mobility Into a Movement

by Adam Gruen

P

eople do not just want to feel better. They want to live better.

That is the idea behind The Vital Stretch, the growing wellness brand founded by Rob and Missy Goldring. It is a simple concept on the surface: help people stretch, move, and feel better. But what they have built goes much deeper than that. They have taken something most people treat as an afterthought and turned it into a serious wellness experience with real purpose behind it.

Rob and Missy came to this business from the clinical world. Rob is a chiropractic physician. Missy is a physical therapist. Together, they spent years seeing the same problem from different angles. People were tight, sore, stiff, and frustrated. They were dealing with back pain, neck pain, hip pain, shoulder problems, poor posture, and a general loss of mobility that slowly made life smaller.

For many people, it was not one dramatic injury. It was years of sitting too much, moving too little, training without proper recovery, aging, stress, travel, work, and daily life wearing the body down.

One day it is harder to bend down. Then it is harder to play golf. Then getting out of a chair

150

MAY 2026 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

feels different. Then sleep gets worse. Then workouts become less enjoyable. Slowly, the body starts setting limits.

Rob and Missy saw that pattern clearly. They also saw that most people did not have a great solution.

Gyms help people get stronger. Massage can help people relax. Chiropractic and physical therapy serve important clinical needs.

But there was a wide open space for something more practical and consistent: a place where everyday people could come in, be guided by trained professionals, and work on mobility in a focused, personalized way.

That became The Vital Stretch.

The brand is built around assisted stretching, but the real business is helping people regain freedom in their bodies.

Clients come in because they feel tight, stuck, sore, or limited.

They leave with a better sense of how their body is moving and how much better life can feel when mobility improves.

That is why the concept has connected so quickly.

The Vital Stretch is not trying to make stretching fashionable. It is making it useful. That is a big difference. The experience is structured, professional, and approachable. Clients are not simply told to touch their toes or handed a basic routine. They are guided through sessions built around their body, their movement patterns, and their goals.

For some people, that goal is performance. They want to run better, lift better, swing a golf club better, or recover faster. For others, it is comfort.

They want to sit at a desk without pain, wake up without stiffness, or get through the day without feeling like their body is fighting them.

For older clients, it may be independence. For busy professionals, it may be stress relief and posture. For parents, it may be having enough energy and mobility to keep up with their children.

That broad appeal is one of the most powerful parts of the model. The Vital Stretch does not belong to one narrow demographic. It speaks to athletes, executives, retirees, weekend warriors, office workers, and people who simply want to feel better in their own skin.

Rob and Missy understood early that mobility was becoming a major part of the wellness conversation. People are living longer, working longer, and staying active later in life. They are also more aware of recovery, longevity, posture, and preventative care than ever before. The old idea of fitness was mostly about looking better. The new idea of wellness is about living better.

The Vital Stretch fits that shift perfectly.

The company has also grown because the experience feels personal. In a world where so much of health and fitness has become automated, digital, or self-directed, The Vital Stretch brings people back to something human. It is handson. It is one-on-one. It is built around trust. A client can feel the difference in real time.

That matters.

People may try a service because they are curious, but they return because they feel results. They stand taller. They move easier. They notice less tightness. They sleep better.

They get back to things they had started avoiding. They realize that improving mobility can change the way they experience everyday life.

That is where Rob and Missy’s vision becomes more than a business story. It becomes a quality-of-life story.

They have taken their clinical knowledge and turned it into a brand that is easy to understand, easy to experience, and highly relevant to the moment. The studios feel modern and wellness-driven, but the foundation is practical.

This is not about chasing a trend. It is about solving a problem millions of people have.

The growth of The Vital Stretch reflects that demand.

As the brand expands into more markets, it is stepping into a category that still has enormous room to grow.

Assisted stretching is no longer a niche idea. It is becoming part of the way people think about health, recovery, aging, and performance.

For franchise owners, that

creates an attractive story. The concept has a clear customer need, repeat visit potential, broad market appeal, and a service that feels personal enough to build loyalty. In a crowded wellness world, The Vital Stretch has a message that is refreshingly direct: move better, feel better, live better.

Rob and Missy Goldring have built the company with that mission at the center. Their strength is not just that they understand the body. It is that they understand people. They know how frustrating it feels when movement becomes limited. They know how much confidence can return when pain eases and flexibility improves. They know that a better stretch can sometimes mean a better day, a better workout, a better golf game, or a better night’s sleep.

That is the future The Vital Stretch is building toward.

The brand is growing because it meets people where they are. It does not ask them to become athletes. It helps them become more capable, more comfortable, and more confident in their daily lives.

Rob and Missy saw something before the market fully caught up: stretching was not a side note. It was a missing piece.

Now, The Vital Stretch is bringing that missing piece to more communities. And as more people look for smarter ways to stay active, age well, recover better, and live with less limitation, the opportunity ahead looks strong.

The Vital Stretch is not just helping people stretch.

It is helping them get their lives back.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | MAY 2026

151

DISCOVER

CANADIAN

FRANCHISING! Online Trade Show Marketing is the #1 Way to Meet New Opportunities!

THE LARGEST ONLINE SHOW IN CANADA!

Attend

Tour

Meet

Learn

The Largest Online Franchise Trade Show in Canada!

The Best Canadian & U.S. Franchise Offerings.

With Canadian Experts on Business, Finance, Law and Marketing.

About the Hottest Business Trends in Canada.

Ask for Your FREE VR Headset!

TO REGISTER

For Your Free Tickets or to Learn About Exhibiting Go To:

www.FranExpoCanada.com In Conjunction With The Great American Franchise Expo

Franchise Expo

FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM/SUBSCRIBE C O N TA C T U S I N F O @ F R A N C H I S E J O U R N A L . C O M