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How Integrity Franchise Group Helped Don Vollmar Succeed with Gameday Men’s Health

Don Vollmar's journey from military and corporate life to entrepreneurship was made possible with Integrity Franchise Group's support and led to his ownership of Gameday Men's Health.

By Chris IrbyCopy Editor
SPONSORED 1:13PM 10/03/24

For Don Vollmar, entrepreneurship wasn’t the first stop on his career journey. After serving in the military and spending years in corporate America, he explored the world of franchising multiple times, each time returning to the comfort of a corporate job. But it wasn’t until his most recent transition that everything aligned, thanks to the support and guidance from Franchise Consultant Lisa Welko and her team at Integrity Franchise Group.

“I had looked at franchises during other career transitions,” says Vollmar. “The first time, I just investigated and went back to corporate America. The second time, I learned a bit more but still returned to what was comfortable. But with Lisa’s help, I finally got over the hump and committed to buying a franchise. Now, I’m proud to be the owner of Gameday Men’s Health.”

Integrity Franchise Group’s approach was crucial in helping Vollmar find the right franchise fit. Welko worked closely with him, narrowing down options from 30 franchises to a final three, ultimately guiding him toward Gameday Men’s Health.

“At the Decision Days for the other two franchises I was considering, there were maybe one or two people alongside me, and they didn’t seem like good fits,” said Vollmar. “But when I went to Gameday’s Decision Day, there were 35 other people — doctors, gym owners, high-powered individuals who were all enthusiastic about the brand. That sealed the deal for me.”

Gameday Men’s Health focuses on men’s wellness, particularly addressing low testosterone, a condition that Vollmar had seen many of his military peers struggle with. “In the military, I had a lot of peers who experienced low energy, weight gain and low libido — classic symptoms of low testosterone,” he said. “Back then, not everyone knew about Low T or what to do about it. When this opportunity came up, I realized I could not only build a business but give back to my peers and other men facing similar challenges.”

Vollmar’s first Gameday Men’s Health location is set to open in Germantown, Wisconsin, on October 15th, with two more locations planned — one in Shorewood later this year and another in Mequon in 2025. For now, Vollmar plans to focus on growing these three locations and maintaining his hands-on approach to running the business.

A significant part of Vollmar’s decision to become a franchisee was influenced by his wife and his desire to break the cycle of returning to corporate America. “My wife and I talked about it, and we realized I was just going in circles,” he said. “Franchising with Gameday gave me the chance to break that cycle and finally become my own boss.”

The military also played a pivotal role in preparing Vollmar for entrepreneurship. He notes that his time in the service helped shape his leadership skills and work ethic, which have been essential in transitioning to business ownership. “I’ve done all three — military, corporate America and entrepreneurship,” he says. “It’s been a unique journey, but each experience has prepared me for where I am today.”

Looking toward the future, Vollmar has plans to keep the business in the family. His 28-year-old son will be joining the business next year, allowing Vollmar to take a step back and enjoy a semi-retirement while keeping the legacy alive.

For Vollmar, Integrity Franchise Group wasn’t just a resource — it was a catalyst that helped him realize his dream of business ownership. “They helped me narrow down my choices, supported me through the process and ultimately led me to the right decision. I talk to Lisa all the time — whether it’s because we’re both involved with Gameday or because she was my franchise administrator, I’m not sure. But that relationship is key.”

Now, as Vollmar prepares to open his first location and build a family business, he credits Integrity Franchise Group for providing the support and guidance that made his entrepreneurial dream a reality.

“We’re on track to test 1,000 men in the first year, and I’m excited to see where we can take it from here,” says Vollmar. “This isn’t just a business — it’s a way to give back and make a difference.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the franchising world, Vollmar’s journey with Integrity Franchise Group highlights the value of personalized support and guidance. Embracing the process, trusting in expert advice and following your passions are essential for realizing your entrepreneurial goals.

For more information on embarking on your own franchise journey with Integrity Franchise Group, visit https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/.

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