Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Embraces Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry

As of a 2022 study, 63% of businesses are male-owned. In the fitness industry, this statistic jumps to 70%. Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, the emerging fitness concept, has built its brand identity on bringing something different to the market. While the brand looks to develop its clubs in underserved areas and equips its facilities with more than just treadmills and a few free weights, the ethos of change is a prominent trait of its leadership structure as well.

“We have many intellectual, strategic, leadership-minded women throughout our franchise network,” said Jason Markowicz, CEO. “As we continue to grow and take on new challenges in the industry, each and every one of them plays a crucial role in our success.”

Women leaders are present at all levels of the franchise system. The corporate office houses Kathy Mecklenburg, vice president of human resources and finance; Jillyan Morris, franchisee success manager; Emily Janssen, director of growth and development; Kristina Scardine, director of franchise support; and Mary Haynes, club support specialist.

The system also has five women franchisees who own a combined eight Fitness Premier locations across the state of Illinois: Samantha Gorman, who owns Beecher, Crete and Monee locations; Kathy Mecklenburg, who co-owns Champaign, Mahomet and Monticello locations; Emily Janssen, the other co-owner of the Champaign, Mahomet and Monticello locations; Maggie Wells, who owns the Geneseo club; and Blair Soto, the owner of Fitness Premier of Morris.

“I am proud to be a female franchisee in a male-dominated industry,” Gorman explained. “I believe that myself, along with the other women in our company, are paving the way for future generations of female leaders in our company. We set the example for the women that are up and coming in our industry for them to see that it is possible for them to be in a leadership role.”

Though she started with Fitness Premier as a part-time trainer a decade ago, Gorman has worked her way up to ownership of three locations, having built out a staff of over 30 people, and now leads a monthly Mastermind Leadership group for the entire company.

“Half of my staff and leadership groups are women, and it is so important for me that I lead by example, helping them grow personally and professionally and showing them that they can be anything they want in life,” she explained. “I want to pave the way for the women behind me that have big dreams for themselves.”

Managers at local Fitness Premier locations also play a crucial role in the success of the brand and the maintenance of a welcoming culture. Dana Odegaard of the Minooka club, Melissa Proskurniak of the Beecher location, Sabrena Nash and Anna Raymond in Crete, Chrissy Brown of the Plainfield club, Krystyn Kochanny in Morris, Shay Monson of Coal City, Alyssa Latcher of Homer Glen, Izabelle Nelson of Champaign and Alexis Knake, who is a regional manager over the Mahomet and Champaign locations, each bring unique contributions to the Fitness Premier experience.

“I joined a gym for the first time a little over 10 years ago to better my health and fitness. Being diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 20, I knew that I needed to stay healthy by working out and eating right!” Odegaard explained. “I loved fitness so much that I chose to make it my career. Over the last 10 years, my passion for fitness has evolved. Helping other women meet their goals physically, mentally and nutritionally is the highlight of my job.”

As the concept continues to evolve, implementing additional franchisee resources and services for club members, the innovation and expertise of women at every level of the Fitness Premier system propels the business forward and exemplifies the power of inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

“As women, I fully believe that we grow not by looking forward but by reaching behind us for the hand of the woman following us to bring her forward with us,” Gorman said.

The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Fitness Premier Club Model is $279,849 to $575,499 per unit, and $92,850 to $200,000 per unit for a fitWave Model. This includes a $39,999 franchise fee.

About Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs:

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs is a fast-growing, 17-location fitness concept that creates a community with its staff and guests. At Fitness Premier 24/7 clubs, some of the amenities include 24/7 access, hydromassage, group exercise classes, supervised kids club, and training & nutrition programs. Backed by franchise executive Jason Markowicz and his franchisee-focused corporate team, Fitness Premier differentiates itself with great people, culture, and systems compounded by a growth focus in strategic markets. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit https://1851franchise.com/fitforyoufranchising.