1851

With nearly 500 studios nationwide and counting, <a href="https://franchise.purebarre.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-development-leader-pure-barres-mike-kormelink-2707738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Pure Barre</a> is one of the most established fitness franchises and is still ripe with growth potential. 1851 caught up with Mike Kormelink, VP of Real Estate, Design &amp; Construction with Pure Barre, to gain insight on the brand&rsquo;s development strategy and process. &nbsp;

How did you first get involved with the franchising industry?

I spent my career in retail real estate until 2013, when I began looking for a change. The opportunity to work for Pure Barre stood out due to the brand&rsquo;s passionate following among clients and franchisees alike. Although I did not have a great deal of experience working in a franchised system, as a fitness-minded person myself, I was drawn to the opportunity to help passionate entrepreneurs on their journey as small business owners. My role with Pure Barre began very focused on providing assistance to new owners during the real estate process, but has expanded to include other areas of development, including new and existing unit sales.

What do you love about the industry?

My favorite thing about franchising is the relationships I am able to form with our owners&nbsp;and the ability to have a direct impact as they set out to create their business. Nothing is more exciting than an owner we&rsquo;ve worked with to open their first Pure Barre unit calling to express interest in expanding their relationship with us. Seeing how much that first-time business owner learns and grows from our first interaction with them to getting reacquainted as they work to expand is so rewarding.

What&#39;s the biggest change you&#39;ve seen in the industry since you started out in franchise development?

Across a diverse group of industries, there are so many brands deciding to expand via franchising. I view this as a reflection of a shift to a service- and membership-based retail environment where the product sold to consumers is a daily experience, not a commodity. In this type of environment, the person acting as the face of the brand at the unit level is extremely important and franchising represents one unique structure for brands to find the right fit.

What makes a great franchisee?

The best franchisees are a great brand fit and unwavering in their pursuit of success &ndash; not just financial success, but success as a leader of a team and success in impacting their clients&rsquo; lives on a daily basis. Sometimes that pursuit of success will require that the franchisee step outside of their comfort zone or be very conscious of their strengths (and weaknesses). Good franchisees also must understand the day-to-day and longer-term lifestyle associated with the hard work that goes into being a successful franchisee. There are ups and downs over the life cycle of any business and franchisees are not immune to that.

What&#39;s the number one thing that sells franchises?

A strong product! For Pure Barre, our product is our choreography and technique, led by our training team. They ensure that classes are consistent across geographies and scalable to a broad demographic, and are constantly assessing ways to innovate the client experience.

Franchise Development Leader: Pure Barre’s Mike Kormelink

1851 Franchise

The fitness brand’s VP of Real Estate, Design & Construction weighs in on how his team executes the delivery of an ever-evolving product to customers and franchisees alike

franchise-development-leader-pure-barres-mike-kormelink

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Photo of a large group of people standing in a circle, placing hands together in center

Franchise Opportunities for Minorities: Expanding the Franchise Network

franchise-opportunities-for-minorities

Missy Maio - Gong Cha - Top Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Missy Maio — Vice President of Marketing and Global Partnerships, Gong Cha

franchise-marketing-leader-missy-maio-gong-cha

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchise Development Leader: Pure Barre’s Mike Kormelink

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS