SweatHouz

During a Peloton ride one day, Columbus, Ohio, entrepreneur&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtprosser/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=columbus-entrepreneur-sweathouz-franchise-story-2730745" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kurt Prosser</a> tuned into a podcast featuring&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=columbus-entrepreneur-sweathouz-franchise-story-2730745" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SweatHouz</a> founder Jamie Weeks. As he listened to Weeks describe the benefits of infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy, Prosser was immediately drawn in by the idea of combining health, recovery and wellness into a business.Curious to learn more, he flew to Atlanta to meet the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> team and try it out firsthand. After one session, he felt the difference — better sleep, faster recovery and improved energy. That experience confirmed what he already suspected: This was something special.Now, Prosser is bringing that same passion to Columbus. With his first SWTHZ location open in Pickerington and more on the way, he’s helping others experience the same physical and mental reset that inspired him to join the brand.1851 Franchise sat down with Prosser to discuss his journey into franchising and plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Kurt Prosser:&nbsp;The short version is that I had a digital marketing agency that I sold and was looking for my next thing. I was an avid Peloton bike rider. While I was riding the bike, I was listening to a podcast with SWTHZ founder Jamie Weeks. He was sharing how infrared sauna, cold plunge and conscious therapy were helpful to his overall health, how he felt better and how he’s going to start franchising this new brand, SWTHZ. I flew to Atlanta to meet the team and try it out, and I immediately fell in love with contrast therapy. The way I felt after that first sauna and cold plunge was amazing. It made my legs less sore. It made my bike riding better. I felt like I could ride farther. I had less soreness in my knees. I slept better. I knew I needed to invest.1851: What did you do before franchising?&nbsp;Prosser:&nbsp;I was previously a civil engineer. I attended Ohio State to pursue my MBA, and during my time in the program, I decided to start a digital marketing agency to assist small to mid-sized e-commerce stores. I started it in 2013, grew it and then sold it in 2021. It was an e-commerce agency that focused on Google Ads.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Prosser:&nbsp;There are two types of franchises; there are emerging and established franchises. SWTHZ is a new, emerging brand. For me, what I knew about the space and what I learned was that an emerging brand still has a lot to figure out. They often pivot, change and tweak as they continue to grow. I knew what I needed to do was find a team that I really believed in and was impressed with. The team at SWTHZ is passionate about this industry and health and wellness. They have passion and excitement that extends not only to what SWTHZ can achieve in the community, but also to the operations and execution portion of SWTHZ. Keeping it simple, keeping it lean, keeping it easily executable and scalable — those are some of the things that they would throw out in those early meetings that I was like, "Okay, this is the type of brand that I can get behind.”&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Prosser:&nbsp;For me, it was the team and the product. There are other franchises like SWTHZ that offer saunas and cold showers. I looked at them. However, as I mentioned, it was the team at SWTHZ that ultimately sold me. That was what I was most excited about — their passion and their ability to execute this model.&nbsp;I was concerned that with a franchise, I would be boxed into this corner and made to follow the script. But at SWTHZ, the team says, “Oh that's a great idea, run with it. Let’s try it.” I am fortunate to be a part of an emerging brand that has given me the flexibility to jump in and sort of figure stuff out with them alongside them.&nbsp;&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Prosser:&nbsp;I’m super excited to grow locally. We opened the Worthington studio in April 2024, the Grandview studio in October 2024, and will open the Pickerington studio in December.&nbsp; We have&nbsp;three more locations that we're working on for 2026 and 2027. We hope to have 10 locations throughout Columbus as quickly as possible. One thing I'm most excited about is that, with 10 studios, we can now have synergies among each studio and do things to really educate the community.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Prosser:&nbsp;We’ve assembled a great team here in Columbus. Our regional manager is a former Orangetheory regional manager with years of experience at Orangetheory and Mount Carmel Hospital. Our studio managers in Worthington, Grandview, and Pickerington also have years of experience working at Orangetheory and Club Pilates. We’re building a strong, passionate team that really understands the history of boutique fitness in Columbus. That experience helps us shape what SWTHZ can become in this market.ABOUT SWEATHOUZ:SweatHouz is a first-of-its-kind wellness concept offering private contrast therapy experiences with infrared sauna, cold plunge and Vitamin C showers in luxury, technology-forward suites. Designed for recovery, longevity and convenience, SWTHZ uses smart engineering and a membership-based model to make high-performance wellness accessible and effortless. With franchise opportunities available in select markets, SWTHZ is redefining the recovery space — one studio at a time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=columbus-entrepreneur-sweathouz-franchise-story-2730745" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://sweathouz.com/</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Kurt Prosser & SweatHouz logo

Columbus Entrepreneur Finds His Next Venture with SweatHouz

1851 Franchise

After selling his digital marketing agency, Kurt Prosser discovered SweatHouz while listening to a podcast — and immediately knew he’d found his next venture.

A Podcast, a Peloton Ride and a Life-Changing Idea Sparked This Columbus, Ohio, Entrepreneur’s Next Big Move

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SweatHouz Expands Nationwide, Opening Two New Wellness Franchise Locations Each Week Through the End of 2025

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<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz (SWTHZ)</a>, the rapidly expanding contrast-therapy franchise known for its private infrared sauna, cold-plunge and vitamin C shower suites, is heading into one of the most competitive wellness markets in the world: New York City.A new development agreement will bring 12&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> locations to Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, with nine units in Lower Manhattan and three in Brooklyn. The first studio is planned for Tribeca, which the group is positioning as the flagship for the New York market.Behind the deal is a tight-knit team: one of SWTHZ’s earliest members in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehtab-wasi-1b038429/">Mehtab Wasi</a>, her sister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehwishwasi/">Mehwish Wasi</a> and Mehwish’s fiancé&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-vogan-4b8427114/">Samir Vogan</a>, both based in New York City. Together, they’re betting that New York’s wellness-obsessed, time-starved population is ready for a more convenient, private and tech-forward recovery option.<h2>Becoming a Flagship Developer in Manhattan</h2>For Mehtab, SWTHZ started as a personal routine long before franchising was even on the table.Mehtab has long been passionate about health, wellness, and longevity, gravitating toward concepts that support sustainable performance and long-term well-being rather than short-lived trends“I’m based out of Atlanta,” she said. “I’ve been one of the founding members of SWTHZ in Atlanta. I’ve always been a fan of saunas, they gave me a consistent way to decompress, reset mentally, and recover physically. I used to go to Lifetime Fitness just to use the sauna after my Orangetheory session. So when SWTHZ opened, it was just like, ‘Oh my God, I need to get the membership.’ I’m still a member right now after all these years.”She joined in 2019 and has now been part of the concept for about six years. Over time, the studio played a much deeper role in her life.A few years ago, Mehtab’s husband passed away unexpectedly.“I reached a point where I simply couldn’t get myself to exercise or take care of my well-being. But SWTHZ was the exception. Going to the sauna and forcing myself through the cold plunge became a moving meditation—it was the single catalyst that helped me find my footing and begin to heal”That experience made her rethink how she wanted to spend her time and energy.“I realized I really want to live my life to its fullest,” Mehtab said. “I’d always wanted to start a Large Scale Wellness business, and if I don’t do it now, I may never get the chance.”With a strong corporate background and another entertainment concept in the works,&nbsp; years of passive investments in real estate and trading, Mehtab wanted a business model with structure and turned to franchising, recognizing the value of a proven system like SWTHZ.“I wanted to take that chance, but in a structured way,” she said. “That’s where franchising came in — franchises have playbooks you can follow, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Looking back, I wish I had known this sooner; honestly, I wish I had done it 10 years ago.”Naturally, she looked first at the brand that meant the most to her, whose model offered a clear path to success, including a proven playbook, an understanding of demographics and a defined member journey:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/sweathouz-swthz-franchise-opportunity-consumer-2730421">&nbsp;SWTHZ</a>.“As a SWTHZ member, I kept thinking, ‘It would be incredible if they ever franchised — I’d want to be part of it,’” she said. “When I reached out at the time, they told me they were still Atlanta-based and not franchising yet, but that they’d keep me in mind if that changed.”A few months later, when the team sent her a list of new markets — including New York — everything changed. As conversations with the brand progressed, and the full value of the SWTHZ franchise model became clear, she knew she needed local partners on the ground. That’s when she brought her sister and future brother-in-law into the picture.<h2>“Why Isn’t This in New York Already?”: The Local Perspective</h2>Mehwish moved to New York almost four years ago and has been building a career in technology consulting and project management. She also fits the exact profile of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/sweathouz-recurring-revenue-model-2730627">a typical SWTHZ member</a>.“I’ve been in the corporate world — I’ve been in technology consulting and recently moved over to project management,” she said. “Samir and I had been looking for something similar in New York and it just didn’t exist. That was one of my biggest light bulb moments, being like, this would be really cool to have in New York personally.”Samir, a luxury real estate broker working with SERHANT., comes at the opportunity from both an athletic and market-driven perspective.“I’ve seen that model grow and people that aren’t athletes getting into that health and wellness side of things with the podcasts — the Rogans, the Huberman podcast and those types of things,” he said.Once he understood the SWTHZ model —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/science-backed-wellness-franchise-2730420">private, technology-enabled suites that can fit into a one-hour window</a> — it clicked. “The business model made absolute perfect sense to go gangbusters here,” he said. “There are people like me who just want to get in, get out for an hour, do our thing, have our phone out, take a meeting if we need to, without committing to a communal experience or disconnecting entirely. That flexibility is something you don’t really get elsewhere.”<h2>A 12-Unit Roadmap: Tribeca, Greenwich Village and Downtown Brooklyn</h2>Under their agreement, the group will open nine SWTHZ studios in Lower Manhattan and three in Brooklyn.“The first location we’re currently targeting is in Tribeca,” Mehtab said. “That will be our flagship store.”From there, they’re planning to move methodically through key trade areas.“We’ll focus on the Greenwich Village, Financial District and downtown Brooklyn next,” Mehtab said. “We’ve put together a five-year plan and worked with CEO Mike Tan to create a roadmap for expanding throughout Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. That’s how we determined our territories and locations.”For Mehwish, growth is about staying visible and present in a constantly churning city.“Living in New York has taught me it can be a transient city,” she said. “If you visit one Pilates club to connect with members, two months later, you’ll be reaching a completely new group. That’s why it’s so important to consistently engage with the community, attend events, and stay active in the city’s health and wellness scene.”<h2>Legacy, Family and Building Something That Lasts</h2>Underneath the business plan, the New York expansion is also a family project — and a tribute.“My sister is older than me, and I’ve always looked up to her,” Mehwish said. “She asked me to join her in this business because she knew my background. I’ve always trusted her vision, so it was an easy ‘yes, let’s do this.”She says her late brother-in-law, Hassan, is also a major motivator.“His story was a huge inspiration for me,” she said. “He was the coolest, smartest person I knew. I want to make sure his legacy lives on through Mehtab and her son, and I also want to create a legacy for myself and Samir. We’re building a family together, and I want to build something meaningful for us. We’re very close-knit.”For Mehtab, that personal alignment is what makes the work meaningful.“Any business I wanted to pursue wasn’t just about profit,” she said. “It’s something we believe in completely, and we’re fully part of it. We’re the demographics. This is something I do every day. Doing something we truly believe in, that we’re part of and live and breathe every day — that’s what matters.”As they push toward their first Tribeca opening and the larger 12-unit buildout, that combination of personal story, family legacy and market opportunity is what keeps them moving forward.“It’s both scary and exciting,” Mehtab said. “But we believe in the concept, the brand, and what it can do for people in New York.”As South Asian sisters leading a multi-unit wellness expansion in one of the world’s most competitive markets, Mehtab and Mehwish represent a new generation of founders shaping the future of the industry: quietly, intentionally and on their own terms. Their partnership brings together complementary strengths across strategy, operations and market execution, underscoring the growing presence of women-led, family-driven ownership in modern wellness.

SweatHouz Expansion - Tribeca Opening and 12 NYC Franchise Units - 1851 Franchise

SweatHouz Franchise Expands Into New York City With 12-Unit Development Agreement Across Manhattan and Brooklyn

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When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-bryant-b9a95b20b/">Kaleigh Bryant</a> injured her knee skiing in Salt Lake City, she ultimately decided not to visit a doctor. Instead, she relied on infrared saunas and cold plunges to manage the swelling and finish the trip. It was a regimen that not only helped her general recovery but also sparked a deep interest in the burgeoning idea of contrast therapy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The treatment worked so well that Bryant assumed she’d only suffered a sprain. It wasn’t until returning home to Texas that a doctor informed her she’d actually suffered a much worse injury, having torn her ACL. “I was a customer of [contrast therapy] first,” Bryant said. “I saw the benefits.”Eventually, epiphany intersected with opportunity. Partnering with longtime friend and mentor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chestonsyma0311/">Cheston Syma</a>, a multi-brand franchise owner, Bryant began to explore the idea of entrepreneurship in the health and wellness sector. Together, Bryant and Syma chose&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz</a>, a franchise delivering contrast therapy within a private-suite setting, drawn by Bryant’s now firsthand experience with the restorative services.&nbsp;With her first location in Austin, Texas, now open and plans to launch another dozen, Bryant is combining her passion for wellness with Syma’s vast franchising knowledge.&nbsp;1851 Franchise sat down with Bryant to discuss the benefits of contrast therapy, her transition into the health and wellness sector and her franchising journey with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a>. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise:&nbsp;Can you frame your personal story for us, your franchising journey?&nbsp;Kaleigh Bryant: I worked for my business partner, Cheston, for about six and a half years. He is a multi-franchise franchisee. When I started working for him, he had six Sport Clips Haircuts and a couple of Signaramas, and I helped him grow through some large acquisitions. He now owns, I believe, 53 Sport Clips Haircuts. He diversified into laser hair removal, Tommy’s Car Wash and Big Blue Swim School.So, I was around the franchise model for a long time. And, through it all, Cheston became one of my best friends. And we were looking at a franchise we could partner on. I was looking at locations I might want to move to and where I might want to put it, which territories were available. I lived in Houston at the time. And we decided to go to Utah. I like Salt Lake City, I like Park City. I like skiing. And while we were out there, we decided to ski. Well, I fell off a cliff and tore my ACL.Cheston&nbsp;convinced me it was just sprained, so I scooted down the mountain. I got back to Houston and didn’t see a doctor. I Googled how to burn calories without working out (it was a vanity thing). But I ended up going to a place with infrared saunas. They had a sauna in every room with a TV. In each locker room, they had one cold plunge. And I started doing the sauna and cold plunge.&nbsp;Well, I didn’t see a doctor for six weeks, but I got all my swelling down. I was able to walk (I just had fluid in my knee). And I really drank the Kool-Aid. I was in the locker room coaching people to get into the cold plunge because that’s my personality. People thought I was crazy! This was three or four years ago (before it was as popular as it is now).But I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon six weeks after my injury and he said, “Oh yeah, you tore it.” I didn’t believe him because I’d been walking. It was a very bad tear. I had to have surgery.But Cheston, working side by side with me in franchising and being there through my injury, heard all about my love for contrast therapy. We found SWTHZ and a couple of other franchises that offered the concept, but we liked SWTHZ specifically because Jamie Weeks was a franchisee before he became a franchisor. He has a magnetic personality. And he definitely sold the brand to us.I was a customer of this type of service first. I saw the benefits. And Cheston, having worked with many franchises, saw it as a good business opportunity. Reading the FDD and hearing the numbers that were possible was exciting.1851: What did you do before franchising and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Bryant: I was the director of administration for Cheston and oversaw a team of people. I really loved the plug-and-play idea of franchising, but I also knew it was going to take a lot of boots on the ground. It’s not a passive investment. I understood I was owning my own business but also buying myself a job with the support of a franchisor network.Probably the biggest happy surprise throughout the journey with SWTHZ is the franchisee network. For the most part, everyone is so willing to help each other and share information. It’s full of smart people with a lot of background in this sort of thing.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee and what do you want people to know now that you’re in it?Bryant: I don’t think I had any disillusionment. I always knew it wouldn’t be passive. I think people need to realize they will have to be boots on the ground until they find the right people so they can step back. Cultivating people is one of the most difficult but rewarding things you do.You can tell when you walk into a business if it’s owner-absentee when it’s a franchise. Once you’re a franchisee yourself, you see it immediately.1851: What made you pick SWTHZ and what excites you most about the company?Bryant: I’m 31 now. I’m young and healthy. I go to Pilates. But the sauna is my workout. It’s transformed my life. I love it. I now have a cold plunge at my house. My fiancé uses it almost every morning and night because he likes to use it after he works out.Being part of this health and wellness movement, and the SWTHZ focus on both physical and mental benefits of contrast therapy, really spoke to me. I was on two antidepressants and now I’m only on one. Which is kind of cool.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? Do you have a plan for growth?Bryant: I’m hoping this is my big legacy money-maker. My business partner already has his legacy businesses. We collectively have 17 licenses. We have one studio open, we’re close to opening a second and I just received the lease and demo permits for my third studio.We own the whole Austin territory. I think probably 12 locations is the goal.&nbsp;ABOUT SWEATHOUZ:SweatHouz is a first-of-its-kind wellness concept offering private contrast therapy experiences with infrared sauna, cold plunge and vitamin C showers in luxury, technology-forward suites. Designed for recovery, longevity and convenience, SWTHZ uses smart engineering and a membership-based model to make high-performance wellness accessible and effortless. With franchise opportunities available in select markets, SWTHZ is redefining the recovery space — one studio at a time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/">https://sweathouz.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Kaleigh Bryant SweatHouz, Cheston Syma multi-brand franchisee, SweatHouz franchise, SWTHZ franchise

Young Entrepreneurs Launch Game-Changing SweatHouz Franchise in the Heart of Texas

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna3/">Brenna</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-dorsey-9b5362336/">Kevin Dorsey</a> opened their first&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz</a> in North Bethesda, Maryland, in April and committed to three licenses on day one. The plan balances a lean operating model, private-suite recovery and a support network they can reach by phone, text or Slack when it counts.With two daughters — and a son on the way — the Dorseys took a hard look at how their work and time lined up with family life. “I used to work in real estate and Kevin still works for the Government,” Brenna said. “After our second daughter was born, we sat down at the kitchen table and had that talk: What does life look like going forward after having both of them?”&nbsp;An unexpected listing for a local Pure Barre studio sent them down the research path. They didn’t win that deal, but Brenna credits the experience for eventually leading them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a>. “Everything happens for a reason, and during that process we realized franchising makes sense,” she said.<h2>Why Recovery and Why SWTHZ</h2>COVID-era labor shortages pushed them toward concepts that don’t require big teams. “One of the biggest things people said was that during COVID, staffing was the hardest issue for any business. We looked at low staff requirements,” Brenna said.SWTHZ’s combination of infrared sauna and cold plunge aligned with Kevin’s background as a college and professional football player. “Once we came across cold plunging, it was becoming mainstream. He’s a testament to ice baths and cold plunges from his football career,” Brenna said.The timing was right as well. SWTHZ was in the process of moving from its early layout — separate infrared saunas and a shared plunge — to all-in-one private suites. “No one had done that,” Brenna said. “It was a game changer. A lot of our clients say, ‘I would never get in a cold plunge with a stranger.’”<h2>The System Behind the Studio</h2>The Dorseys wanted a culture where owners problem-solve together and leadership is reachable without layers, and they found it with SWTHZ.&nbsp;“The franchisee group is smaller. It’s not a massive, thousand-owner network,” Brenna said. “We have a franchisee Slack where everyone throws ideas out. If someone’s struggling with a shower handle or an installation, it’s a quick message. Everyone’s in constant communication.”That access extends to the top. “We can call the CEO. Everyone has everyone’s cell phone number,” she said. “It’s not like we have to schedule a meeting. If I need to call [CEO] Mike [Tan], I can shoot him a text.”During discovery, the couple also tested whether they genuinely wanted what they’d be selling. The cold plunge was already a part of Kevin’s routine; Brenna came around to it after opening but had been all-in on heat for years. “I was a big believer in the infrared sauna,” she said. “I used it after the birth of my first daughter, and that’s when I started working it into my routine. Infrared sauna compared to standard sauna is a game changer,” she said.A meet-the-team day in Atlanta locked in the fit. “We were sold. We loved them all, and here we are,” Brenna said. “It wasn’t formal or daunting. It felt like I could talk to anyone about anything, from marketing down to construction.”<h2>Building Close to Home, Planning for More</h2>North Bethesda works for the business and the family. The studio is five minutes from home, and the proximity makes the inevitable fixes manageable. Brenna says their two daughters are already a part of the routine. “They’re a big part of SweatHouz,” she said “They call it&nbsp;their SweatHouz.”With the first studio stabilized, their focus has shifted to a second location. “We’re still working on the lease,” Brenna said. “We haven’t signed it yet, but hoping — as long as permitting takes — we can get it open by the second quarter of 2026.”It adds up to a simple playbook: private, consistent sessions for guests; a franchise network that trades answers quickly; and ownership that fits the rhythm of home. “All good things,” Brenna said. “I can’t complain.”<h2>What It Takes to Keep Going</h2>For the Dorseys, the hard part isn’t launch day; it’s the quiet maintenance that follows — keeping standards tight when a pump fails, keeping energy high on slow afternoons and keeping perspective when plans slip a week. That’s the filter they use when people ask how to make it work.“First and foremost, believe in the product. Be a full-blown believer in the business you’re opening,” Brenna said. “Aside from that, with business ownership there are no days off. Just be prepared for any and everything, quite literally.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz">https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz</a>.

SweatHouz Franchise - SWTHZ - Brenna and Kevin Dorsey - North Bethesda, Maryland - 1851 Franchise

A Family Bet on Wellness: The Dorsey Duo’s Journey With SweatHouz in North Bethesda, Maryland

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Following her time in finance and accounting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-ratz/">Carrie Ratz</a> needed a change.Working as a CPA and Banking Director, Ratz found it increasingly difficult to balance work while raising three children. Tired of the grind, she began to prioritize the simple idea of helping people. But the spark that lit her franchising fire came from an unexpected place. Ratz’s husband,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-ratz-a2427652/">Peter</a>, built a homemade cold plunge in the couple’s garage, and eventually she gave it a shot.“I remember I had a meeting at one point in New York. It was 5 a.m. I was exhausted, hadn’t slept at all, and my husband said, ‘Why don’t you just try the plunge? Try it one time.’ So, I did. I went into his homemade cold plunge in the garage. And, honestly, it just changed the trajectory of my day. I was so much more alert, awake and alive. I felt great all day. From that point on, I was hooked,” Ratz said. “I’d been looking at franchising, and all of a sudden, I thought, ‘Why can’t we do something like this?’”While it was life-changing in the moment, Carrie’s cold plunge experience would wind up having an even more profound impact later, a flashpoint that helped her make a career pivot to entrepreneurship alongside her husband. She was in search of three career elements: greater autonomy, work-life balance and the ability to make an impact within her community. A&nbsp; <a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz (SWTHZ)</a>, the rapidly expanding contrast-therapy franchise known for its private infrared sauna, cold-plunge and vitamin C shower suites, checked each box.Prepping the opening of their new&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> location in Media, Pennsylvania, the Ratzes are excited to bring contrast therapy to their local Philadelphia area community, delivering a stress-free escape.“Obviously, it’s a business. But what’s more important to me is helping people,” Carrie said. “You’ll never have two days that are exactly alike.”1851 Franchise sat down with Carrie to discuss her transition into the health and wellness sector as she begins her franchising journey with SWTHZ. Here’s what she had to say:1851 Franchise: Can you frame your personal story for us? What do you want people to know about your journey?Carrie Ratz: I started my career in finance and accounting. I was a CPA and worked for a lot of the big banks. Honestly, I just got to a point in my career where I was no longer passionate about it.It was a lot. And I also have three kids. Doing that while raising three kids just wasn’t working for me. So, I started doing some research and got interested in franchising. I was actually very close to signing with Nothing Bundt Cakes but, but right before we did, I found out I was pregnant with number three and decided the timing just wasn’t right.So, I kept looking. Simultaneously, my husband —&nbsp;he’s ex-military — got into cold plunging. He made a cold plunge in our garage, and he loved it. I remember I had a meeting at one point in New York. It was 5 a.m. I was exhausted, hadn’t slept at all, and my husband said, “Why don’t you just try the plunge? Try it one time.”So, I did. I went into his homemade cold plunge in the garage. And, honestly, it just changed the trajectory of my day. I was so much more alert, awake and alive. I felt great all day. From that point on, I was hooked.I’d been looking at franchising, and all of a sudden, I thought, “Why can’t we do something like this?” I started doing more research and met the team at SWTHZ. It was an easy decision. Working with them has been phenomenal. They know what they’re doing and they provide great support. They’re really great partners.1851: What did you do before franchising and how did you decide that franchising made sense for you?Carrie: I’ve always had an interest in business. I went the accounting path, worked for EY — part of the Big Four — for several years and then went into banking. I was with Barclays and Capital One.I’ve always had an eye for numbers and enjoy building financial models and things like that. I thought about how I could use that in franchising and owning my own business. I’ve actually been able to leverage a lot of what I did back then — building models, creating spreadsheets — and it’s definitely been an asset.My husband, being in the military, has that leadership personality and can execute. Franchising gives you the playbook, and then you execute it. So, together, it’s been a great transition for us.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee and what do you want people to know about it now that you’re in it?Carrie: I’ve always liked the idea of franchising. If you’ve never done it before, there’s so much you don’t know. There’s a lot that goes into it that’s kind of a black box. But when you have a strong franchise partner, they really hold your hand through a lot of it.It would have been a lot more difficult to do this without the support of a franchisor.1851: What made you pick the SWTHZ brand and what excites you most about the company?Carrie: It’s cool. It’s hip. But it’s also science-backed.It’s based in Atlanta. And we met with Jamie Weeks, who, at the time, was the CEO and founder. He welcomed us and said, “I believe in you guys.” We met the rest of the corporate team, and they were all really great — people we wanted to work with. That’s what won us over. It just made sense.1851: What are you hoping to achieve with the business? Do you have a plan for growth?Carrie: Obviously, it’s a business. But what’s more important to me is helping people. We have several clients who’ve had phenomenal results from contrast therapy.One is a doctor whose blood pressure is now lower than it’s been in 20 years. Another is a young woman who suffered from severe arthritis, and she’s been able to get off her medication entirely because of coming to SWTHZ daily.Seeing people get better and step into wellness has been huge for me. That’s what drives me. We own a territory with the rights to open 3 studios and would love to own more because I really believe in this brand and how it helps people.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Carrie: Understand that every day is going to be different. You’ll never have two days that are exactly alike.Building a team is huge. Creating a strong culture within your team has really helped us grow and succeed. Build a strong team and understand that every day is an adventure.ABOUT SWEATHOUZ:SweatHouz is a first-of-its-kind wellness concept offering private contrast therapy experiences with infrared sauna, cold plunge and Vitamin C showers in luxury, technology-forward suites. Designed for recovery, longevity and convenience, SWTHZ uses smart engineering and a membership-based model to make high-performance wellness accessible and effortless. With franchise opportunities available in select markets, SWTHZ is redefining the recovery space — one studio at a time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/">https://sweathouz.com/</a>.

Helping Others ‘Step Into Wellness’ Drives Carrie Ratz’s Journey From Finance to SweatHouz Franchise Ownership

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ATLANTA —&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz (SWTHZ)</a>, the rapidly expanding contrast-therapy franchise known for its private infrared sauna, cold-plunge and vitamin C shower suites, is closing out the year at record speed, announcing it will open two new studios every week through the end of 2025. The rollout includes major debuts across Miami and Naples, Florida; Houston and Austin, Texas; Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; Phoenix, Arizona; and Cleveland, Ohio, solidifying&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> as the fastest-growing brand in the recovery and longevity sector.The brand’s aggressive growth underscores a powerful shift in consumer preferences: Modern users want private, convenient, results-driven wellness without the communal spa or gym setting. Each new SWTHZ studio features premium luxury suites with an infrared sauna, a cold plunge and a vitamin C shower, all accessible through a self-guided, technology-driven interface.“People are looking for wellness that actually fits into their lives,” said&nbsp;Mike Tan, CEO at SWTHZ. “The privacy, the science and the luxurious design — that combination is what makes SWTHZ the future of recovery.”Each suite is engineered for ease and personalization. Members can book, customize and track sessions seamlessly through the SWTHZ app, creating a consistent, premium guest experience at scale.The brand’s infrastructure has made it a magnet for experienced entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators. According to Item 19 in SWTHZ’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the top-performing franchise studio generated over $1.2 million in annual revenue, signaling strong financial potential for operators.Key franchise advantages include:<ul><li>Lean operations, with just 7 to 8 employees per studio (2 to 3 per shift).</li><li>No medical licensing required.</li><li>Technology-driven operations.</li><li>Strategic real estate model.</li><li>Hands-on support from buildout to launch.</li></ul>The initial investment to open a SWTHZ location ranges from $569,757 to $1,193,974.“We’re seeing franchise demand accelerate faster than ever,” Tan said. “Our newest 12-unit agreement in Lower Manhattan puts SWTHZ in the heart of New York City.”With more than 78 studios open in 25 states and over 90 currently in development, SWTHZ expects to hit 100 operating locations at the beginning of 2026. Additional territories are underway in Virginia, Utah, Colorado and Connecticut, further extending the brand’s national footprint.As part of the booming $500 billion wellness industry projected to grow 7% to 9% annually, SWTHZ is shaping a new standard for accessible, private recovery. By merging science-backed protocols with elevated design, the brand is making high-performance wellness both attainable and lifestyle-driven.ABOUT SWEATHOUZ:SweatHouz is a first-of-its-kind wellness concept offering private contrast therapy experiences with infrared sauna, cold plunge and Vitamin C showers in luxury, technology-forward suites. Designed for recovery, longevity and convenience, SWTHZ uses smart engineering and a membership-based model to make high-performance wellness accessible and effortless. With franchise opportunities available in select markets, SWTHZ is redefining the recovery space — one studio at a time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/.">https://sweathouz.com/.</a>&nbsp;

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North Carolina-based entrepreneurs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-little-46204923/">Ben Little</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gower-144592a1/">Richard Gower</a> built their franchising careers in the quick-service world as successful multi-unit Zaxby’s franchisees. Now, they are channeling that experience into the booming health and wellness sector as owners with&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz</a>. Founded in 2019 and launched as a franchise three years later,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> has grown to more than 70 locations across the country.&nbsp;SWTHZ focuses on contrast therapy, alternating between hot and cold treatments through infrared sauna and cold plunge experiences. Guests relax in private suites equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and television, creating a stress-free escape designed to lift mood and clear the mind.For Little and Gower, the new venture strengthens their partnership and gives them more autonomy as they concentrate on operations, building a strong team and overseeing construction. They see SWTHZ as the next step in a shared franchising journey grounded in aligned values and a belief in the long-term potential of the wellness space.For Little, it is also personal. A SWTHZ Discovery Day proved transformative, quickly turning him into a believer in contrast therapy and its benefits. The brand gives him an opportunity to support his team while bringing an experience to the community that, in his view, can make people happier and healthier.1851 Franchise sat down with Little to discuss his transition into the health and wellness sector and his franchising journey with SWTHZ. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Can you frame your personal story for us? What do you want people to know about your journey?Ben Little: Sure. Richard and I are also Zaxby's franchisees, so we've been in franchising for quite some time.&nbsp;We had looked at other brands for a while and never really found anything that got us excited. We went through quick service restaurants — and I know now I don't want to do QSR for a second brand. I wanted something with low employee headcount, relatively easy buildout, simple operations, recurring revenue preferably and something that added to the net health and wellness of society.SWTHZ checked all those boxes. The original founder, Jamie Weeks, went on the same podcast I was on, the episode after me. I listened to his interview and that's how I found SWTHZ. Richard and I signed up for Discovery Day, went down and the rest is history.1851: What did you do before franchising and how did it make sense to pursue this path?Little: With Zaxby's, it's a family business. My dad is still one of my partners and we have one other partner as well. Richard worked for the corporate office at Zaxby's and my dad recruited him to join our group. That's how we're all connected.The appeal of franchising is that if the franchisor is doing its job correctly, you can pick the battles you want to fight and focus on your strengths. We’re strong in operations, people development, site selection and construction. If the SWTHZ franchisor is doing their job, we don’t have to worry about marketing and other areas we're not experts in. So far, so good.1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee and what do you want people to know about franchising?Little: If you're getting into it to be an absentee owner or fall for one of those sales pitches that you just pop something open and check the mailbox once a month, you're in for a rude awakening.No matter the brand, it requires active involvement. Eventually, at a certain scale, it becomes about providing opportunities for your people and teams. That's what Richard and I aim to do with SWTHZ.1851: What made you pick SWTHZ, and what excites you most about the company?Little: Many things. At Discovery Day, I had never done an infrared sauna or cold plunge, so I was skeptical. After my first contrast therapy session, I distinctly remember how my body and mental state felt afterward. It made me a believer.We're big believers in the health and wellness benefits of contrast therapy, infrared sauna and cold plunge — not just physically but mentally. Many members come just for mental health. Some use it as a weekly reset with a partner. It's an hour for themselves, disconnected from the world.We wanted to contribute to making the general population happier and healthier. Seeing members leave feeling great every day, and hearing how contrast therapy impacts their lives, has been rewarding.1851: What do you hope to achieve with the business and what's the plan for growth?Little: Scaling to multiple units requires organization, delegation and recruiting future talent for our internal teams.We have seven more units planned after the three already underway. It's hard to look past a year from now but we hope to do more after that. Our first location recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.1851: What advice do you have for those considering franchise ownership?Little: It's really hard work, but gratifying. I respect anyone willing to bet on themselves, regardless of brand or concept.&nbsp;Entrepreneurs and capitalism are what makes America the best country in the world. And seeing the positive impact on people's lives is incredibly rewarding.ABOUT SWEATHOUZ:SweatHouz is a first-of-its-kind wellness concept offering private contrast therapy experiences with infrared sauna, cold plunge and Vitamin C showers in luxury, technology-forward suites. Designed for recovery, longevity and convenience, SWTHZ uses smart engineering and a membership-based model to make high-performance wellness accessible and effortless. With franchise opportunities available in select markets, SWTHZ is redefining the recovery space — one studio at a time. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/">https://sweathouz.com/</a>.

Ben Little, Benton Little, SweatHouz franchise owner, SWTHZ

SweatHouz Gave These Zaxby’s Operators a Second Brand — and a Bigger Mission in Health and Wellness

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A Podcast, a Peloton Ride and a Life-Changing Idea Sparked This Columbus, Ohio, Entrepreneur’s Next Big Move

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