Former Tech Professional Finds Franchise Success with Lindora

Katie Smith’s journey from a 24-year career as a staffing director for a large tech company to a successful entrepreneur with Lindora, the medically guided weight management franchise, is nothing short of inspiring. After two decades in the corporate world, Smith sought a change that would fulfill her on a deeper level. This quest led her to become a franchise owner, transforming her life and the lives of many in her community.

Smith’s transition from corporate America to franchise ownership was driven by a desire for something different and more fulfilling. “I was at the point where I felt like, okay, this isn’t fulfilling me anymore, and I can’t see myself doing this for another 10 years,” she said. This realization sparked her interest in becoming an entrepreneur, leveraging the skills and experience she had accumulated over her career.

Discovering Club Pilates

As an athlete with a history of injuries, Smith found herself continually searching for a sustainable workout routine. Her discovery of Club Pilates was a turning point. “I finally found Club Pilates, and it was interesting because it was a legacy studio,” she said. Despite its challenges, she was drawn to the inclusive and adaptable nature of Pilates.

Her decision to explore the business model of Club Pilates was met with a promising discovery. “I was impressed with what I saw, and I was thinking this could actually work,” Smith said. She invested in three studios initially, motivated by the brand’s broad appeal and the potential for scalability. Recognizing the need for a partner to scale her business, she teamed up with a Club Pilates member who shared her vision.

Expanding Horizons with Lindora

Smith’s success with Club Pilates laid the foundation for her next venture — Lindora. Seeing a gap in the market for weight loss and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) services, she recognized an opportunity to expand her portfolio. “I see how much it can sell because I’ve seen the need,” she said, noting the organic growth of her business.

With a new partner, a director from a large tech company, Smith is poised to bring the same level of dedication and success to Lindora. They are in the process of securing real estate for their new locations, confident in their ability to replicate the success they achieved with Club Pilates.

The Keys to Franchise Success

One of the fundamental keys to Smith’s success is her passion for the brand. “I think the biggest thing is to make sure that you believe in the product,” she said, “then you really need to follow the process.”

Smith also highlights the significance of leveraging the resources provided by the corporate franchisor. Initially, she underestimated this aspect but later came to realize its value. “When I first started with Club Pilates, I was thinking, ‘Wait, I know better than you. I’ve been around and maybe I’m not going to use corporate resources for a lot of things.’ So I think I didn’t utilize them as well as I could,” she said. “Use the tools and trust the process, because there’s a reason that you’re buying [a franchise]. Just get all the help you can get; they are on your side.”

Her experience also underscores the importance of choosing the right partners, preferably those that bring complementary skills to the table. “You want to find someone that doesn’t have your skill set and has a different one to fill the holes,” Smith said.

Looking Back… and Ahead

Reflecting on her journey, Smith says her main regret is that she didn’t make the leap into franchising sooner. “If anything, I wish I would’ve done it 10 years earlier,” she said. “I wish I would have gotten all the experience and done it earlier; that would have been a great financial move for me.”

That said, Smith’s journey to becoming a thriving entrepreneur is a testament to her determination, adaptability and strategic thinking. As she continues to expand her business portfolio, she remains committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments for her clients.

“I think the culture of Club Pilates, as far as exclusivity and inclusivity, is the same for Lindora, and that’s near and dear to both me and my partners,” she said. “We just want everyone to feel welcome. We’ve been to gyms and clinics where you don’t, and it’s horrible. If we can create a successful customer experience in our studios, then we can carry that forward as we grow.”

Smith’s success is not just about building a business; it’s about building a community and making a lasting impact. With her sights set on the future, there’s no doubt she will continue to achieve great things.

To find out more information on the costs of buying this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/lindora/info.