Annual Franchise Summit Prepares Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs for Another Year of Monumental Growth

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, the 19-unit full-service fitness franchise that works to bring a robust fitness experience to underserved communities, recently hosted its annual summit to reconnect and reenergize ahead of another year of meaningful growth. Last year, the system focused on elevating its offerings and renovating key clubs in preparation for an expansion of over 50% of the system in 2024.

“We have ambitious growth goals this year, and our January summit gave team members throughout the system an opportunity to develop themselves personally and professionally as we gear up to further develop the brand,” said Jason Markowicz, founder and CEO of Fitness Premier 24/ Clubs. “The summit was a power-packed day, complete with breakout sessions, a Q&A panel and two fantastic guest speakers: Ted Petersen and Tim Regan.”

Petersen addresses the team

A Valuable Lesson in Creating Opportunity From Challenges

Petersen, a former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion, discussed some of the most valuable lessons he learned during his journey. Petersen wasn’t exposed to football until high school, but having come from a smaller school, he had a better chance of getting noticed. Come graduation, Petersen had a scholarship offer to attend Eastern Illinois University, and he made the most of it.

As he grew in his college career, Petersen became a valued member of the team and was the starting tight end. He was not pleased when he was unexpectedly moved to the center position, but he made the intentional choice to view the shift as an opportunity rather than a setback, and this ended up being one of the steps in his journey to becoming a champion.

“Your attitude determines your altitude,” he often says. For Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs owners, operators and team members, this is especially pertinent. Business ownership is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t come without challenges, and the ability to maintain a positive mindset and vision for the future can make all the difference.

Regan, a financial advisor, continued the conversation with practical insights, sharing guidance on how those in the Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs system can plan for their futures finanically and some of the most impactful ways to do so. 

After these presentations, the team split into breakout sessions led by members of the franchise’s leadership team. “From Operators to Ownership” and “Gaining Financial Success” sessions ensured all members of the system could gain valuable guidance related to their situations and goals.

Individualized Breakout Sessions Encourage Growth at All Levels

Operators and other club-level staff were able to participate in a breakout session with Markowicz and Vice President of People Development Mike Orwig, a Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs multi-unit owner, to learn more about taking their role in the system to the next level.

“In this session, we offered guidance and actionable steps that our operators can take to make this transition happen,” Markowicz said. “We encourage our operators to explore how they can level up with Fitness Premier. Because they have worked in our clubs and understand the day-to-day demands associated with the model, they bring valuable knowledge and experience to the ownership role. The transition from operator to owner can feel intimidating, and we want hopeful owners to understand that there is a clear pathway and a support system here for them.”

Existing owners attended a breakout session with Rick King, vice president of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, for more information on financial gains. In addition to comprehensive financial planning guidance, King discussed how owners can prepare for and leverage future trends in the fitness industry to increase the profitability of their clubs.

System leaders share insights in a Q&A session

The team reconvened toward the end of the day for additional collaboration, sharing thoughts on current industry trends, local challenges and more strategies for success through a Q&A panel that featured operators and members of the executive team. 

Orwig and Panfil celebrate Rookie of the Year recognition

Following the discussion, Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs conducted an awards ceremony to recognize the greatest successes and milestones achieved in 2023 and build excitement for another year of similar success. The team recognized Ricky Panfil as Rookie of the Year, Brent Bergeson as Operator of the Year and Keegan Mraz as Hustler of the Year, among other key players.

Looking to the remainder of the year, Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs intends to maintain this momentum with plans to award 10-15 new franchises as it works to expand in the states neighboring its Illinois and Indiana strongholds, as well as Georgia and Southern Tennessee.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://ownafitnesspremier.com/