When Sydney couple Nick and Kristie Finn relocated to the Sunshine Coast for a better lifestyle, they had visions of sun-filled hours at the beach. 

Instead they have poured their passions and energy into seizing business opportunities, and are reaping the rewards.

“We just don’t have time to get to the beach, we’re far too busy building our wellness centres!” Kristie says proudly.

The couple has bought, and operates, three City Cave Float & Wellness Centres in less than three years, and turned them all into high-performing businesses; they built the first centre in Maroochydore from the ground up, and have turned it into a million-dollar operation. 

Kristie and Nick have also achieved massive growth with their City Cave acquisitions in Kawana, and Caloundra. “They just needed support and passion,” Kristie says.

City Cave experience impressed

Kristie has a background in beauty therapy and aesthetics, and discovered the unique City Cave vibe when helping a friend open her first centre in Sydney.

“I took a week off to help her before opening and I was immersed in the environment. City Cave is creating a really amazing experience for people with float, infrared sauna and massage, and I wanted to deliver the next level experience,” she says.

When Nick suggested it could be a brilliant solution for the pair if they fulfilled a dream to relocate to the Sunshine Coast, she jumped at the opportunity.

“We spoke to the City Cave founders Tim and Jeremy, and we all agreed it aligned with all our goals,” Kristie says.

She and Nick opened the doors to the Maroochydore centre in December 2021 after a long search for the right location.

“It was crucial the space was big enough and had ample parking for two to three hours for our guests, in a quiet location with no noisy neighbours,” Kristie explains.

Expanding the business

Just six months into the brand-new business and head office offered the couple the chance to buy the company-owned centre in nearby Kawana. 

Swift expansion

“We weren’t expecting to expand into a second centre so soon, but it was a smart choice. And because it was not franchisee-run, there was excellent growth opportunity for the business. It just needed a little TLC; someone really involved to grow the business. We knew it could bring in more revenue,” Kristie says.

The couple bought the business in August 2022. Just a year later head office approached Nick and Kristie again when the City Cave Caloundra franchise was up for sale.

“We initially said ‘no, two is enough’,” Kristie laughs. “Then we took time to properly assess it.”

Three centres in three years

They liked the opportunity to control the brand message across three neighbouring centres, and could see the potential for greater synergy and growth across the businesses. 

“We said to ourselves, ‘let’s just make a business decision and do it. It’s smart and wise,’” Kristie says. 

And despite the challenges of growing so swiftly, the support from City Cave eased the difficulties, she adds.

City Cave support and collaboration

“I felt total support from City Cave head office with any challenges and growth we have embarked on. Head office is very personal; the team treats all franchisees like family, and understands the investment, time and energy we commit to the brand.

“They care about franchise owners, the guests, making a difference, it is not just a money-making opportunity,” she says.

The fourth Sunshine Coast City Cave centre, in Noosa, is under new ownership, and that has provided Nick and Kristie with an opportunity to support fellow franchisees.

“We collaborate with the new Noosa owners, we’re not in competition,” Kristie reveals. “They recently spent half a day with our manager in the Maroochydore centre to solve a particular problem.

“All franchisees share info and best practice because building the brand and delivering an amazing experience works for all of us. A customer’s poor experience reflects on the brand,” she says.

Kristie says collaborating with other franchisees, engaging with the local regional community, and a strong team culture are fundamentals of the business.

New skills, high levels of satisfaction

“We value our team, we have one-on-one and team meetings, and the staff feel comfortable and appreciated. We call all our teams family, most of them refer to us as mum and dad! 

“I love that, that’s how we nurture them, that grows our business. We want everyone to love coming to work,” she says.

Nick and Kristie both work full time in the business; Kristie experienced in customer service and leadership, Nick initially directing his talents to equipment and water maintenance.  However, the City Cave business has nurtured a talent Nick didn’t know he had – team leadership.

An indoor plant rental franchisee for nearly 30 years he had never worked in a team environment.

“Nick thought he would never have the ability to lead, but he has flourished in a leadership role in our business,” Kristie says.

They have found their niche: instead of hours sunning themselves by the beach they have gained immense satisfaction from their business achievements.

“We are running a good business and we’re doing something we love and are passionate about. I am also making a difference for other people; this not just a float in a pool, it will help mental health and ADHD too.

“Wellness is an amazing industry; at City Cave we see stressed and worn out clients walk in and they walk out different people,” Kristie says.