First Time Franchisee Becomes Successful Multi-Unit Owner with Anytime Fitness

Health and fitness have always played a role in Jinell Abernethy’s career. But it wasn’t until she discovered Anytime Fitness that she considered opening up her own gym and becoming a local business owner.

Before investing in Anytime Fitness, Abernethy worked for a marketing company that created campaigns for health clubs. However, when she had the opportunity to work alongside Anytime Fitness, she realized that she had discovered something special. Recognizing the brand’s growth potential and unique position within the fitness industry, she signed on to become the brand’s second franchisee in September of 2002. And she has been growing with the brand ever since—today, 15 years after opening her first gym, Abernethy now operates five Anytime Fitness locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“The more I learned about the brand, the more I realized that there was a real opportunity for long-term growth here. Anytime Fitness has welcomed me into their family since day one, and that supportive environment has only gotten stronger with time,” said Abernethy.

What continues to inspire Abernethy to expand with Anytime Fitness is the brand’s focus on supporting both its franchisees and its members. The brand is enhancing its coaching and training programs, for example, in an effort to grow its personal training teams. By providing a level of accountability and encouragement through individual and group fitness classes, the brand is boosting its motivational environment and helping members see results.

Abernathy also makes an active effort to extend her success outside of her gyms. To give back to the communities that she calls home, Abernethy organizes unique contests and charitable events so that members at all of her locations can stay connected to the Anytime Fitness brand.

“Franchisees like Jinell perfectly exemplify what it means to live out our core values on a daily basis. Not only has she been able to grow alongside the Anytime Fitness brand, but she’s also playing an active role in enhancing her members’ lives. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re all about,” said Chuck Runyon, co-founder of Anytime Fitness.

Going forward, Abernethy is planning to continue growing alongside the Anytime Fitness brand. By building out the infrastructure across her five clubs and continuing to be a hands-on owner, Abernethy says that she expects her locations to continue bringing in new members at rapid rates.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing a member say that they were able to reach their fitness goals by working with us at Anytime Fitness. That’s why we’re in this business in the first place—to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Abernethy. “As the fitness industry continues to change and become more popular, it’s important for brands to evolve alongside it. There’s a lot of potential to succeed in this space, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.”