Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Member Turned Multi-Gym Operator Credits Success to Brand Support

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, the 18-unit emerging exercise franchise, has been growing steadily over the last few years. The brand saw sales grow double digits this year, opened a number of gyms and aims to have 200 locations opening under the Fitness Premier name by 2030. As the company grows in size, it has also been expanding in manpower and hiring experienced operators to run the gyms.  

“We are growing quickly but strategically,” said Rick King, vice president of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs. “We have a wealth of opportunity available and increasing consumer demand, so we are looking to bring fitness-oriented professionals who see the true value of our business onto our team.”

Brent Bergeson is one notable valued addition to the Fitness Premier team. Now an operator of the Minooka, Coal City, and Morris fitness locations, his journey with the company started as just a member of the gym. One day while exercising at the Fitness Premier, Bergeson struck up a conversation with King and mentioned his current role as a manager at a fitness center about an hour away.

“Rick let me know Fitness Premier had been growing and seeking skilled people with gym management experience,” Bergeson said. “I already trusted the brand as a patron, so a few weeks later, I made the call.”

After starting at the Minooka location in 2020, he helped to open up the Coal City gym in 2021 and the Morris center in early 2022. Bergeson appreciates that with each new club opening, the brand has offered him increasing responsibility, ownership and “sweat equity.”

As an operator of three gyms, Bergeson has a long list of management duties, from overseeing expenses, driving new revenue, working with new members on training or an exercise plan, teaching classes, repairing equipment and more. 

Bergeson has seen his facilities experience exciting advancements over time. Many of the new gyms opened in communities that were underserved for a quality fitness concept. The Minooka gym was just remodeled, with saunas and more space for fitness classes added. At the Morris location, there are big plans to put in more equipment, update paint, redo the flooring, renovate bathrooms and more. 

“It really is a jack-of-all-trades role, which keeps it interesting. I’m always doing something different, and I’m able to accomplish so much because the brand provides a lot of guidance and support,” he said.

“Fitness Premier’s leadership and development training has been really helpful in developing staff members. I know I can always look to Rick or Eric [Greenhill, franchise owner] for advice,” Bergeson continued. “The brand has big aspirations for growth, and as we add new gyms, we’ll need to find the right people to build out those teams.”

As Fitness Premier continues to expand, Bergeson is excited to see what the brand can achieve and what growth opportunities present themselves with these expansions. He is eager to aid in opening and managing more gym locations and “be a part of turning 18 clubs into 200.”

The total initial investment necessary to begin the operation of a Fitness Premier Club Model is $279,849 to $575,499 per unit. This includes a $39,999 franchise fee.

About Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs:

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs is a fast-growing, 18-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.