Winner of the 2019 Global Franchise Awards Best Fitness Franchise, Gold’s Gym has been setting standards for fitness centers since 1965
Since Gold’s Gym first opened its doors in 1965, the brand has cemented its presence as the world’s trusted fitness authority. A pioneer of the fitness industry since day one, it was not long before the brand’s iconic weight plate logo was recognizable worldwide, even in locations where it had not yet planted its roots. To keep up with the brand’s increasing global popularity, Gold’s Gym made the decision to begin franchising in 1980.
Shortly after the brand began franchising, Gold’s Gym had less than 10 U.S.-based locations open and operating. Today, almost 40 years of franchise development later, Gold’s Gym now serves more than three million members across 29 countries around the world. With more than 700 Gold’s Gym locations open today, over 70 percent of those are owned and operated by franchisees with more than 370 franchise gyms located outside of the United States.
The power of experience
Gold’s Gym has proven its strength as a brand and a pioneer for both fitness center operations as well as franchising. A global look at their franchise network today reveals two important ingredients that have made Gold’s Gym an award-winning business: a supportive franchisor and strong franchisees. Gold’s Gym has found this perfect balance in its franchise model over the years by determining the key qualities needed for a star franchisee.
A value for quality over quantity
With its 54 years of industry experience, Gold’s Gym has high standards for the operation of locations worldwide. As the most widely known fitness brand in the world, Gold’s Gym looks for sophisticated franchisors with strong business acumen and extensive expertise.
A perfect example is Gold’s Gym in Egypt, where master franchisees Gina Grant, Ali Mahmoud and Mohamed Nassif brought the country its first full-service health club in 1997. Much like the Egyptian pyramids, they set the bar high for designing and constructing true landmarks with their gym destinations. They prioritized quality over speedy development from day one. And today, with 15 locations open and more on the way, Gold’s Gym Egypt has constructed some of the most impressive locations for the brand. Their latest opening was named “Best International Gym” at the Gold’s Gym 2018 convention, and they continue to receive worldwide recognition as the perennial winner of the most iconic fitness brand in the country.
A community focus
Another benefit for franchisors is the opportunity to bring the Gold’s Gym brand to the communities that owner/operators consider home. When a franchisee has a connection with the community where his/her gym is located, there is true devotion to providing an exceptional customer experience that translates directly into the success of the gym.
When Hurricane Sandy devastated the U.S. east coast in 2012, many residents of the communities surrounding Gold’s Gym in Paramus, New Jersey, found themselves without many of their necessary household utilities. Gold’s Gym Franchisees Mike Epstein and Art Carrill saw their role not only as business owners in the community, but also as caretakers for their fellow citizens. They proactively welcomed residents through their doors to charge their electronics, use the shower facilities, and connect with others in a time of need. In return, Epstein and Carrill were recognized by State Congressman Josh Gottheimer with a “Hometown Heroes” award for allowing Gold’s Gym to bring a new kind of strength to the area and its citizens.
A passion for fitness
The Gold’s Gym mission for franchisees, members and the communities where they operate is to help people achieve their potential through fitness. As a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important around the world, this mission is especially paramount.
Before Gold’s Gym entered India under master franchisee J.K. Valecha, there was a dire need for fitness outlets in the country. When Valecha first brought Gold’s Gym to his country 16 years ago, India had a population of more than one billion people, and a gym penetration rate of less than one percent at the time. Valecha and his team set their sights on opening 100 Gold’s Gym locations in the country where they were so desperately needed. Today, that dream is a reality as Gold’s Gym India now has over 150 locations serving more than 350,000 members. In return, the fitness culture in India has been transformed. Valecha oversees an incredibly successful organization in financial terms, and his passion for serving others with a proven brand continues to help many.
Join the tradition that continues to thrive
These are just a few examples of the ways Gold’s Gym franchisees exemplify the brand ideals. It is due to franchise owners with characteristics like these that the brand has grown to the powerful global entity it is today.
If you possess these qualities and are looking to join a legacy like none other in its category, then look no further than Gold’s Gym for your next investment. Provided you have exceptional business acumen and experience, you may be an ideal fit to become a master franchisee for Gold’s Gym in your country. Potential candidates must have strong financial capability (net worth in excess of $1M).
Do you have what it takes to transform your life and the lives of others through Gold’s Gym ownership? For more information about Gold’s Gym franchise opportunities, visit https://franchising.goldsgym.com or call +1-214-296-5026.
AT A GLANCE:
Name of Franchise: Gold’s Gym
Established: 1965
Number of outlets: 706 [563 franchise / 143 corporate-owned]
Location of Units: United States, India, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, UAE, Oman, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Russia, Czech Republic, Armenia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Jordan, Trinidad, Canada, Peru, Australia, UK, Mexico, Saipan, Netherlands, Turkey
Investment Range: $2.5M to $5M
Minimum Required Capital: $400,000+ liquid, $1M+ net worth
URL: https://franchising.goldsgym.com
Contact: ken.phipps@goldsgym.com or +1-214-296-5026
