Steve Rollings opened his first Anytime Fitness franchise in Muswellbrook in early 2008, and has gone on to open a total of 10 gyms in just five years.
He owns gyms in locations including Cessnock, Forster, Greenhills, Gunnedah, Kotara, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Tamworth, Taree and Thornton.
“I decided to purchase a franchise because I wanted to operate a business system, not create one. It’s much faster to do business this way,” he says.
A GREAT BUSINESS MODEL
Steve has expanded his empire rather rapidly, so it comes as no surprise he was sold on Anytime’s ability to establish a strong presence for itself in the USA.
“I loved the massive growth and culture that Anytime Fitness had in the USA. They had grown from zero to 800 clubs in just six years.
“I also loved the fact that you can run multiple Anytime Fitness clubs with ease,” added Steve.
Expansion has been made easy thanks to the brand’s business model, a key factor being the gym’s ability to operate with little or no staff.
“Once I had established my first club and trained up my management team they were able to handle it on their own and I didn’t need to be involved in the day to day activities, so I had spare time again,” he explains.
“From there I decided to open more clubs and it just continued. I loved the fact that the gyms were never staffed on weekends or public holidays. This was a massive benefit for me as I have a young family with four kids.”
SUPPORT = SUCCESS
Steve has employees that oversee the day-to-day running of his clubs, allowing him to head up a regional office that oversees all 10.
“This involves having meetings with my team, going out and visiting the clubs, and planning new club upgrades, purchases and relocations,” he says.
While he is a sole franchisee, Steve has a strong support network of head office staff behind him
“I run my team with a general manager, Scott Brown. Under Scott there’s Jarrod, who looks after club compliance and personal training, Jess who looks after marketing and IT, Lisa my financial controller and Michelle, the admin assistant,” Steve says.
He also receives assistance, when required, from Anytime’s support office, and is in regular contact with his franchise consultant.
“[We] have access to an e-learning platform which is great, [and] there is also an online operations manual which includes a step-by-step breakdown of what to do.
“Sales training moves through the country every six weeks and when you first sign up you take part in a week long franchisee training program which equips you with all the tools you need to get started and stay successful,” Steve explains.
THE PERFECT LIFESTYLE
“After being with Anytime Fitness for five years, I am in the process of selling a few of my 10 clubs and investigating other business opportunities,” says Steve.
He has been involved in the franchising industry for nearly 20 years and loves the lifestyle, so it seems additional franchised brands could be on the cards.
“It [franchising] has enabled me to have a fantastic life with my wife and four kids. Being an Anytime Fitness franchisee means I only work an average of 30 hours a week.
“This means I am lucky enough to have more time with my family which is the best benefit of all. It also enables me to travel overseas three to four times a year with them,” he adds.