Faith and Passion Led this Ambitious Couple to Open a Workout Anytime Franchise in Florida

Joe and Francesca Davenport are passionate about health and fitness. Throughout each of their respective careers, the husband-and-wife duo have championed the cause of wellbeing. As the next step in their journey, the Davenport couple have signed with Workout Anytime to open their very own franchise in Melbourne, Florida, which they hope to introduce to the local community by the beginning of next year.

1851 Franchise recently spoke to the Davenports to learn more about their entrepreneurial journey and what led them to become first-time franchise owners and operators.

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

Joe: Before franchising, I worked as a teacher. Throughout my life, I always felt a strong sense of purpose, a belief that God had a plan for me. I had a passion for health and wellness, which led me to train high school football teams in the gym and even compete in powerlifting. My focus was always on helping people improve their physical wellbeing and understand the mental benefits of exercise. I also worked with children with disabilities, which taught me that exercise was not just a physical activity; it had profound mental effects, calming kids down and enhancing their overall wellbeing. I truly believe that these experiences were God’s way of teaching me something important.

Francesca and I met in a gym, and I knew she was the one I was meant to be with. When the opportunity arose to open a Workout Anytime franchise, it felt like divine guidance. We had always dreamed of owning our own gym and creating a space where people could escape their troubles. Our goal is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can leave feeling like better versions of themselves. Opening this gym is not just a business venture for us; it’s a calling, a dream that we are passionate about fulfilling. We are confident that this is what God wants us to do, and we are excited to embark on this journey.

Francesca: I have been a massage therapist for the majority of my life, which has given me extensive knowledge about the human body. I understand how people’s muscles and their dietary choices can impact their well-being. I personally started working out when I was around 20 years old, and it had a transformative effect on me and boosted my self-esteem significantly. Thanks to my expertise in massage therapy, I feel as if I can offer valuable insights and support to our clients.

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?

Joe: At the start, we were really intrigued by the idea of franchising. We already operate a jet ski rental business and an Airbnb. But what excited us the most about franchising was the potential to connect with a much larger audience. Our goal has always been to expand. We don’t want to just make an impact locally; we want to make waves as far as we can. Operating an independent business wouldn’t have allowed us to reach as far and wide as we wished. But by partnering with Workout Anytime, we found a way to stretch our reach beyond the borders of Florida.   

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

Francesca: Something that stuck out to us right away was the amount of support provided by the corporate team. That level of assistance was something we truly valued. As we got to know the staff and leadership, we were genuinely impressed by their initiatives and accomplishments.

Joe: Despite owning our own businesses, this is our first venture into franchising. And Workout Anytime acknowledged that but still assured us that we have their full support. Knowing they are right there beside us, guiding us every step of the way, gives us the confidence to embark on this journey.

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

Joe: Our primary focus is on catering to the local community in Melbourne. Looking ahead, we have plans to extend our reach by opening additional gyms across various locations in Florida.

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

Joe: One essential aspect of our journey is our faith. God has played a significant role in guiding us along this path, and we would not be here if it weren’t for Him.  

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

Joe: My advice is simple: Start with prayer. Beyond that, my strongest recommendation is not to enter business solely for the money. Instead, focus on the people. When your motivation centers on serving others, financial success will naturally follow.

For more information on franchising with Workout Anytime, visit: https://1851franchise.com/workoutanytime/info

ABOUT WORKOUT ANYTIME*: 

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