New Jersey Entrepreneur and Fitness Enthusiast Brings New Gym to Elmwood Park and Bergenfield Areas

Donovan Powell is no stranger to franchising. After 20 years in the real estate development industry, Powell began franchising with Phenix Salon Suites. He’s since opened over 20 locations with the brand but wanted to look into franchising in the field he’s most passionate about: fitness. His research and franchise mentor led him to Workout Anytime.

As someone who has a busy life but still likes to work out six to seven times a week, he loved the 24-hour concept of the brand. He knew New Jersey towns such as Elmwood Park and Bergenfield would also appreciate the workout space and concept. Powell will open his first gym of three with the brand this year but looks forward to expanding. He has his sights set on opening over 20 gyms across the country in the future, with plans to expand beyond New Jersey into Texas. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Powell to learn more about his franchising journey with Workout Anytime.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Donovan Powell: I’m an owner and operator of several Phenix Salon Suites franchises. Before that, I was a developer for real estate. Since starting with Phenix two years ago, I’ve contracted over 20 locations with the brand. I love working with franchises because it allows you to start a business with a known brand.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Powell: I looked at a few gyms before deciding on Workout Anytime. I like that it’s a mid-size gym but still a boutique gym concept. All the facilities I saw were really nice and clean, which left a good impression. I knew that customers would appreciate the 24-hour access because it allows flexibility. My mentor, Kevin Davis, has over 20 locations with the brand so that also really motivated me to go with Workout Anytime.

I’m excited to open the location because I enjoy the benefits of working out. You can find me in the gym six to seven days a week. I’m excited to make passive income doing something that I’m passionate about. Because of that, I’m more excited about this opportunity than any other investment I’ve made so far.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Powell: My goal is to have 20 Workout Anytime locations or more across the country. There are several franchisees with the brand who have proven that it can work.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Powell: I’m known in this community for not just giving job opportunities, but helping other business owners grow their businesses. I plan on being very involved in the gym so my customers know that this isn’t just a business for me—it’s a passion.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Powell: Keep the blinders on, and seek out insight from other franchise owners - this can help you avoid pitfalls as you get started. You also need to stay consistent, no matter the roadblocks you may come across in your business. If you can do that and work hard, you’ll be successful.

ABOUT WORKOUT ANYTIME*:

Atlanta-based Workout Anytime is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week fitness concept with 190 units across the U.S. Founded by fitness veterans John Quattrocchi and Steve Strickland, the company was formed to provide members with first-class fitness facilities at the lowest cost possible while delivering a profitable and affordable business model to franchisees. Built on the founders’ motto of “think big, keep it simple and do it with integrity,” Workout Anytime is preparing for significant expansion into new territories across the U.S. and Central America by providing opportunities to business-minded entrepreneurs. Franchise opportunities are available, and more information can be found on workoutanytimefranchise.com.