SweatHouz

Moving from franchisee to the CEO hot seat isn’t the typical workplace trajectory, but that is exactly what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=nico-varano-sweathouz-interim-ceo-operator-leadership-2731500" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nico Varano</a> has accomplished.Varano, who was the first&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=nico-varano-sweathouz-interim-ceo-operator-leadership-2731500" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SweatHouz</a> franchisee, has been named CEO. It’s a shift that places a longtime operator in charge of helping to sustain the brand’s rapid growth. That decision puts a proven operator at the helm of the broader organization — someone who has worked inside the contrast-therapy studios and managed his own locations.&nbsp;<h2>From Early Investor to First Franchisee</h2>Varano’s connection to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> predates wider awareness of the brand. While working in private equity at Prospect Hill Growth Partners, he attended a conference where SWTHZ founder Jamie Weeks was presenting. At the time, Varano was gearing up for a charity boxing match and searching for ways to offset the physical strain of training.That’s when the concept actually caught his attention. SWTHZ is a rapidly expanding contrast-therapy franchise known for its private infrared sauna, cold-plunge and vitamin C shower suites. Beyond the basic appeal of wellness, Varano saw a business model that made sense on paper: low variable costs and a straightforward four-wall structure.That realization helped him move beyond mere interest, building out Boston-area locations as the brand’s first franchisee. During his first year, Varano worked directly in the studio, learning daily operational demands. It was a profound experience and one that would later inform his role on the company’s board of directors."Every day is different," Varano said. "The challenges we see out in the field are the challenges we need to focus on at HQ. And that’s what’s given me a unique perspective. I know the daily challenges that exist, whether it’s equipment issues or anything else.”<h2>A CEO Who Understands Operations</h2>Elevating an active franchisee to CEO delivers a very intentional signal to the broader system. Varano continues to operate his own studios, so he’s familiar with managing the same costs and pressures as other franchise owners in the system. It’s the type of dual role that helps shape how he views decision-making at the corporate level.Efficient buildouts, strong membership growth and disciplined unit economics are all familiar to Varano. As a franchisee, the question is always about payback and how quickly invested capital can generate returns."Franchise owners should feel confident they have somebody in the CEO role who wears both the franchisee and CEO hat," Varano said. "Every decision is made through the lens of, ‘Does this benefit the studios in the field? Does this make the day of an operator easier? Is this going to help me get a return on my investment quicker?’"In Boston, Varano’s operational approach delivered significant dividends fast. His South Boston studio reached $1.5 million in revenue in its first year. Across the broader system, three additional studios that opened in late 2024 each surpassed $1 million in average unit volume during their opening year.<h2>A Focus on Sustained Momentum</h2>Varano stepped into the CEO role in early January, at the start of the industry’s busiest season. Regardless, his focus is on continuity rather than overhaul. Varano is also in the midst of expanding his own territory from five to eight Boston-area studios.SWTHZ is also approaching a significant milestone: the opening of its 100th studio, slated for Kansas City’s Power &amp; Light District. It’s the type of expansion pace that tends to stand out in the franchising space."We’re six weeks away from opening studio 100," Varano said. "And I believe only about 1% of franchise brands get to that point. So, having the opportunity to say we hit that mark only two years after we opened our first contrast-therapy studio is pretty awesome."Even as the unit count climbs, Varano cites the importance of maintaining growth that’s disciplined."You can’t grow if your house isn’t in order," he said. "It’s about fixing the pieces first, then hitting the growth button. So, right now, we’re focused on returning to the basics of what SWTHZ is here for and why we exist, without overcomplicating it. Once we simplify, then we’ll multiply."As the SWTHZ brand moves forward, leadership is now firmly in the hands of someone with a level of operational familiarity that can only come from a boots-on-the-ground approach built on troubleshooting equipment, managing staff and driving local memberships."My journey started with fighting in a charity boxing match,” Varano said. “I came down here and raised my hand for this role for one reason. That was to create the best system for franchisees to succeed in."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>.

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SweatHouz Names Nico Varano Interim CEO: From Franchisee to Leader

1851 Franchise

Nico Varano’s rise from first franchisee to SweatHouz CEO reinforces an operator-led strategy focused on unit economics and trust as SWTHZ approaches its 100th studio milestone.

This brand page has been paid for by SWEATHOUZ. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

From First Franchisee to Interim CEO: Nico Varano Takes the Helm at SweatHouz

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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 taking a proactive step to remove one of the biggest barriers facing aspiring franchise owners: access to capital. Beginning Jan. 13, 2026, the contrast therapy franchise officially became eligible for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applepiecapital.com/">ApplePie Capital</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applepiecapital.com/franchisees">Core Loan Program</a>, giving qualified operators a new pathway to secure flexible, growth-oriented financing.The partnership positions&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/info">SWTHZ</a> among a select group of brands approved for ApplePie’s conventional lending platform, which is designed specifically to support multi-unit franchise development. For candidates who meet the financial and operational benchmarks, the program offers an alternative to traditional SBA financing, streamlining the funding process and accelerating timelines from approval to opening.“Anytime you are looking to open up a new business, financing is challenging, and it is no different in franchising,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiedavisapc/">Jamie Davis</a>, Senior Vice President of Business Development at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/supplier/apple-pie-capital">ApplePie Capital</a>. “Even though franchising is, in and of itself, a risk mitigant, most banks are not going to finance a first project for a franchisee. So, we look to change that for the right brands.”Davis says ApplePie’s approach centers on relationship lending and long-term alignment with brands that demonstrate strong unit economics and system-wide stability.“Our goal is to do relationship lending for exceptional franchise brands,” he said. “When we can go out and find great brands that have an excellent track record of keeping franchise locations open and strong unit-level economics, that is a further risk mitigant.”The ApplePie Core Loan is structured as a 10-year, fixed-rate conventional loan with no personal collateral requirements and no prepayment penalties. Unlike&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sba-franchise-loans-what-they-are-and-how-to-get-one-2724719">SBA-backed loans</a> that rely on draw systems and extended approval processes, ApplePie has a streamlined closing and funding process, allowing franchisees to focus on development and operations rather than ongoing financing logistics.“The ApplePie Core Loan is designed for multi-unit franchise growth,” Davis said. “As a result, SWTHZ franchisees will experience a dramatic difference in the process compared to SBA. And they’ll also have the ability to unlock embedded equity in&nbsp; their businesses through our Recap &amp; Growth program.”To qualify, candidates must typically contribute 15% to 20% down and demonstrate sufficient post-closing liquidity. ApplePie evaluates the full investment outlined in Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, rather than limiting financing to construction or hard costs.“For eligible brands — for a Category 1 brand like SWTHZ — we can do conventional lending with the ApplePie Core Loan for first-time franchisees with no experience,” Davis said. “That is kind of a game changer for a lot of brands.”ApplePie’s relationship with SWTHZ began several years before Core eligibility. Davis says the lender initially worked with the brand through an SBA-first program while monitoring its system development, leadership structure and unit performance.“They are moving and grooving. They have a great leadership team,” he said. “We wanted to be in on the ground floor because of the uniqueness of the concept, the leadership and the franchisees we were talking to.”After meeting ApplePie’s operational benchmarks, SWTHZ achieved Core eligibility in January, opening the door to broader conventional lending for both first-time and experienced operators.Beyond financing, the Core Loan Program is designed to reduce friction for franchisees. ApplePie eliminates the need for traditional business plans, minimizes repetitive underwriting and simplifies closing requirements, helping candidates move faster from approval to launch.“All of those things cut down on friction and speed things up,” Davis said. “Once a brand hits Core eligibility, we look to make it easier for the franchisee on the other side.”ApplePie Capital has assigned a dedicated relationship manager to the SWTHZ brand, so existing and prospective franchisees have a single point of contact for discussing their financing needs.&nbsp; Davis says those conversations focus not only on opening a first unit, but on building a long-term, multi-unit strategy supported by ApplePie’s Recap and Grow program.“It is not necessarily as much about the first location as it is about getting to five,” he said. “It is a more holistic approach than just doing a transaction and getting a loan funded.”With the launch of the Core Loan Program, SWTHZ continues to position itself as a growth-oriented franchise brand focused on equipping qualified operators with the financial tools and institutional support needed to scale. By aligning with ApplePie Capital, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable expansion and long-term franchisee success.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 - ApplePie Loan Program - 1851 Franchise

SweatHouz Partners With ApplePie Capital to Launch Core Loan Program

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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;

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

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Seattle has long been recognized as a hub for fitness, nature and an overall culture of wellness — and that’s exactly why&nbsp;<a href="https://sweathouz.com/franchise/">SweatHouz</a> is setting its sights on the Pacific Northwest. The luxury private-suite contrast therapy franchise has identified Seattle as a prime growth market, with plans to open as many as 30 studios in neighborhoods like Kirkland, Downtown Seattle, Queen Anne, Bellevue, Redmond and Tacoma.“It is a very health-conscious community with a lot of boutique fitness,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-walsh-mba-1479493">Tracey Walsh</a>, Chief Franchise Experience Officer at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz">SWTHZ</a>. “There’s a lot of hiking and biking, and after working out so hard, they need to be able to recover. Winter is dreary, so having that opportunity to go and feel warm in the saunas is a great fit for the area.”Seattle residents already prioritize their physical and mental health, from morning runs along Lake Union to weekend mountain treks. SWTHZ’s contrast therapy experience, which pairs infrared saunas, cold plunges and Vitamin C showers in private suites, fits naturally into that active lifestyle.“People in Seattle understand recovery,” Walsh said. “They’re not just looking for a spa treatment; they want something that helps their bodies perform better, feel better and recover faster. SWTHZ gives them that — a luxurious, personalized wellness experience backed by science.”Unlike many concepts in the booming $14 billion wellness market, SWTHZ isn’t chasing a trend — it’s building on&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/sweathouz-swthz-franchise-opportunity-consumer-2730421#franchisor-stories">a proven, science-backed practice</a>. Contrast therapy has been shown to improve circulation, boost immunity and reduce inflammation, making it the go-to recovery method for athletes, fitness enthusiasts and everyday wellness seekers alike.At SWTHZ, this traditional practice is paired with luxury and privacy. Each guest enjoys a self-guided session in their own suite, complete with customizable lighting, sound and entertainment.“Nobody wants to be in a community environment when they’re trying to do something for themselves,” Walsh said. “A key point of the SWTHZ experience is that ‘me time’ — you go into the suite, shut the door and the world is gone for 60 minutes.”For franchise investors, Seattle represents more than just a wellness-friendly culture — it’s also a market with strong financial upside. SWTHZ’s simple, scalable business model keeps labor needs low (just seven to eight employees per studio) and eliminates the need for medical licensing.With&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz/sweathouz-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730419#franchisor-stories">top-performing studios generating over $1.2 million in annual revenue</a>, franchisees benefit from a membership-based model that provides recurring revenue and predictable cash flow.Seattle is also known for its innovation and SWTHZ’s tech-forward approach fits right in. The brand uses proprietary software to monitor equipment, automate cold plunge dosing and collect data that enhances the user experience.As the brand develops its next phase of tech integration, members will even be able to track their wellness milestones and unlock new temperature settings as they progress, gamifying the recovery journey.“Our users are engaged in their wellness,” said CEO Mike Tan. “With the technology we’re developing, we’ll be able to adapt the experience to each person and play an active role in their progress.”With its mix of outdoor adventure, urban sophistication and health-conscious residents, Seattle checks every box for SWTHZ’s next phase of expansion. The brand anticipates up to 30 potential locations across the region — each offering a premium, restorative experience that resonates with the city’s values.To learn more about SweatHouz franchise opportunities in Seattle and other markets, visit<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sweathouz">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://1851franchise.com/sweathouz">1851franchise.com/sweathouz</a>.

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Why SweatHouz Is Targeting Seattle for Franchise Growth

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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

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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>.

From First Franchisee to Interim CEO: Nico Varano Takes the Helm at SweatHouz

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