Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

Dean Altes and Henry Hazboun, co-owners of World Gym in Fulton, New York, have created a gym that’s more than just a workout space — it’s a community. With Altes’ business background and Hazoun’s career as an amateur bodybuilder and fitness specialist, they’ve built a facility that caters to everyone from young teens to seniors, all while maintaining the core values of the iconic World Gym brand. Since taking over in 2018, their partnership has flourished, and they’re focused on keeping their gym an inviting place for fitness enthusiasts in their hometown.

1851 Franchise spoke with the duo to learn more about their background, their journey to World Gym and their plans for the future.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Dean Altes: I came from the children’s activity world, running gymnastics centers for kids. We had thousands of students coming through weekly. My wife started training with Henry at World Gym, and she saw amazing results. I decided to start working with Henry too. That was about seven years ago, and in 2018, we partnered to take over World Gym.

Henry Hazboun: I was a bodybuilder and then became a personal trainer at World Gym. The owner was ready to sell the location, and since owning a gym was something I had always wanted, I talked to Dean about it. He had experience running businesses, and I had the fitness background, so it was a great match. The gym is in my hometown, where I’m known, so it felt right to take it over together.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you’re in it?

Altes: We were already familiar with the brand — it had a great reputation and history. Going the franchising route with World Gym felt like the natural next step for us.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Hazboun: I’ve been a bodybuilder for years, and World Gym has a rich history in the fitness world. It was a dream come true to take over the location. It’s been a great experience. The support we’ve received from everyone has been amazing.

Altes: World Gym corporate has been very supportive. They really want to see franchisees succeed. Even though our location is smaller in terms of size and membership, being in a smaller town works to our advantage, especially with Henry being such a well-known figure here. He’s passionate about the brand, and we have a great partnership. It’s been nearly seven years, which is hard to believe.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Altes: We have a beautiful facility. It may be smaller, but Henry and the team take great pride in keeping it in top shape. Our goal is to keep building on the reputation we’ve established in the community.

Hazboun: Our gym is for everyone, from 14-year-olds to 80-year-olds, and that’s not easy to achieve. But we’ve created an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, and we want to continue that.

1851: What’s the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Hazboun: We’re a 24/7 facility, staffed during regular hours, but we monitor the gym remotely to make sure everything runs smoothly. We rarely have any issues, but we always keep an eye on things.

Altes: Our members love the environment Henry has created, and we want to keep fostering that sense of community.

About World Gym

Founded in the 1970s amidst the iconic bodybuilding culture of Los Angeles, World Gym has been synonymous with strength, power, and passion from the very beginning. Legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno trained at the original Muscle Beach location, helping to establish World Gym as the premier destination for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

With over 30 years of franchising experience and more than 225 locations worldwide, World Gym continues to be an international leader in fitness and conditioning. The brand offers franchise opportunities across prime markets, empowering entrepreneurs to join a legacy of excellence. As a results-driven fitness brand, World Gym differentiates itself from high-volume, low-price competitors by offering members an unmatched commitment to strength training and personal transformation.

For more information on franchising with World Gym, visit: https://1851franchise.com/world-gym