1851

Given the unprecedented coronavirus crisis that businesses are facing right now, it can be hard for franchisees to remain positive throughout the uncertainty. But Jimmy Mak is relying on a team of other local owners and customers to maintain the brand’s momentum.In addition to owning <a href="https://workoutanytimefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisees-covid-19-how-one-owner-and-area-developer-is-keeping-customers-engaged-throughout-the-crisis-2712645" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Workout Anytime</a>’s Plano, Texas location, Mak oversees over 20 locations as the <a href="https://workoutanytime.com/news_story/workout-anytime-hires-new-southwest-developer-eyes-texas-for-expansion/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisees-covid-19-how-one-owner-and-area-developer-is-keeping-customers-engaged-throughout-the-crisis-2712645" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">brand’s southwest area developer</a>. These locations are owned by seven different franchisees in various counties across Texas and Oklahoma. This has created a unique situation for Mak during the coronavirus crisis — because these clubs are spread out across a wide area, the rules and government-mandated recommendations vary from club to club. So while the majority of Mak’s clubs are currently closed, there are some that remain open.Regardless of whether or not a club’s doors are open currently, Mak’s number-one focus right now is ensuring that members are aware of what’s going on.“Communication with our members is key. I think it’s made a huge difference that we’ve been answering the phone in our clubs and forwarding those calls to our phones at home to help out our members and coach them through this situation. It’s important to have a real person picking up and answering questions,” Mak said. “Whatever we need to do, whether it’s waiving dues or freezing or crediting accounts, the main thing that we’re focused on is making sure our members are happy. Our members really care about us, and we want them to know that we truly care about them.”This heightened level of communication extends to the franchisees Mak works with as well.“I call my owners daily to see how they’re doing and if they need anything. We also have a conference call every other day so that we can get together as a group and discuss what’s going on. And by the time we hang up the phone, I know that because I feel better, all of my owners feel better, too,” said Mak. “In times like this, it’s more about the support and communication — it’s so important that you don’t leave anybody in the dark. We’re all still a team, and we need to be on the same page.”What’s ultimately keeping Mak motivated and positive during this time is the fact that there are still ways to give back to the communities that Workout Anytime calls home, even when clubs are closed. The brand rolled out a new app with at-home workouts and is also posting daily workouts to its <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8CVg36MOmCOvE7WfmCB1HNGx0VzrIfpv&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisees-covid-19-how-one-owner-and-area-developer-is-keeping-customers-engaged-throughout-the-crisis-2712645" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube channel</a>. So far, the feedback that Mak has received from members is adding to his positivity, too.“I’ve found that when you reach out to a member, they’re surprised by it. It’s a small thing to do, but it means the world to them that they’re not being left in the dark,” said Mak. “We’re all in this thing together, and we’ll get the clubs open as soon as we possibly can. Until then, we’ll keep providing our members with new workouts every day to keep them engaged until we can all be back in the gym together.”

Franchisees & COVID-19: How One Owner and Area Developer Is Keeping Customers Engaged Throughout the Crisis

1851 Franchise

Jimmy Mak, a franchisee and the southwest area developer for Workout Anytime, tells 1851 how he’s working with members and club owners alike to keep momentum going, even while gyms are closed.

franchisees-covid-19-how-one-owner-and-area-developer-is-keeping-customers-engaged-throughout-the-crisis

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Seniors Helping Seniors - Heather Maver  - Profile - 1851 Franchise

Amazon Delivery Fleet Owner to Deliver Compassionate Care with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

amazon-delivery-fleet-owner-to-deliver-compassionate-care-with-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise

Uni K Wax

Why Uni K Wax Is the Best Franchise for Women Entrepreneurs

why-uni-k-wax-is-the-best-franchise-for-women-entrepreneurs

Edible

Edible - Holiday Gift Guide - Multiple Revenue Streams - 1851 Franchise

How Edible® Empowers Franchisees To Help Guests Find the Perfect Holiday Gift Through Multiple Revenue Streams

how-edible-empowers-franchisees-to-help-guests-find-the-perfect-holiday-gift-through-multiple-revenue-streams

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne’s Chicken Fingers: A Franchise Built on Support, Culture and Community Impact

laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact

Edible Franchise - State of Gifting - December 2024 - 1851 Franchise

How Edible® Continues to Define Itself as an Industry-Leading Franchise Opportunity

how-edible-continues-to-define-itself-as-an-industry-leading-franchise-opportunity

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 Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Starbucks Strike Brews Opportunity for the Next Coffee Franchisee

starbucks-strike-brews-opportunity-for-coffee-franchise-hopefuls

I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Business Online: Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese

restaurant-business-online-franchisees-sue-i-heart-mac-and-cheese

Consumer Sentiment Hits 8-Month High: What It Means for Franchises

consumer-sentiment-hits-8-month-high-what-it-means-for-franchises

Jersey Mike’s Hits 3,000 Locations Amid Unprecedented Growth

jersey-mikes-hits-3000-locations-amid-unprecedented-growth

Fast Company: KFC Introduces Spin Off Restaurant, Saucy

fast-company-kfc-introduces-spin-off-restaurant-saucy

From Footwear to Senior Care: How a Pandemic Pivot Brought this Franchisee to Senior Care Authority 

from-footwear-to-senior-care-how-a-pandemic-pivot-brought-this-franchisee-to-senior-care-authority

Local Pet Health Advocates Have Big Plans for Pet Wants Franchise in Roanoke, Texas

local-pet-health-advocates-have-big-plans-for-pet-wants-franchise-in-roanoke-texas

Former Stay-At-Home Mom, Renovation Hobbyist Becomes Entrepreneur With Preservan

Franchisees & COVID-19: How One Owner and Area Developer Is Keeping Customers Engaged Throughout the Crisis

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS