Veterans Winning at Franchising: Jeff Cercy

The franchising industry was always something that Jeff Cercy, a retired Marine and Army Special Forces member, was drawn to. After seeing success as a franchisee for both Sport Clips* and LA Boxing, Cercy decided to look for new opportunities when he moved to Chicago. He came across WORKOUT ANYTIME*, the leading 24/7 fitness concept, and has been growing with the brand ever since.

Cercy boasts 21 years of both active and reserve military service. After enrolling in the United States Marine Corps out of college, he joined the U.S. Army Special Forces. His time in the military included a tour in Afghanistan shortly after September 11, 2001.

Now, Cercy serves as the area developer for the greater Chicago area for WORKOUT ANYTIME. 1851 Franchise spoke to Cercy to learn more about the ways serving in the military helped him become a better business owner as well as his plans to grow with the brand in the years to come.

How did your military service prepare you for franchising?

The military attracts people who are independent and have risk-taking attitudes, which are qualities typically found in entrepreneurs. My experience with the Marines and Army Special Forces taught me to be willing to go into the unknown, which is what’s gotten me this far in franchising.

The leadership skills that I learned in the military have also helped me further my career. You need to be disciplined and able to work within a structured system in order to run a business and get things done.

What is it about WORKOUT ANYTIME that attracted you to the brand?

When I decided to invest in a new franchise opportunity, I knew I wanted to go into a market and really build a brand. I talked to the leadership team at WORKOUT ANYTIME along with a few of their other veteran franchisees, and it just felt right.

WORKOUT ANYTIME is perfectly positioned for growth. The brand’s model is simple and its concept is something that people across the country can get behind. Given my military background, I’ve always been active and had an interest in fitness, and now I have the chance to make that passion my job.

What advice would you give to veterans who are looking to get into franchising?

I think the franchising industry is great for veterans. In the military, you’re used to structure and standard operating procedures, which is exactly what franchisors offer their local owners. But in order to make the most of the opportunity, you need to go into an industry that you like. That’s what makes owning your own business such a rewarding experience.

What does franchising mean to you?

Franchising gives me the extra backing and support to do what I love. I’ve looked into other business models outside of the industry, but none of them can compete. There are unlimited risks for business owners trying to make it entirely on their own. Franchising takes away those fears. As I continue to grow and move my business forward, I know that there’s a strong team behind me. By working with WORKOUT ANYTIME, I know I won’t fall behind.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years?

As a franchisee, my goal is to keep opening up new WORKOUT ANYTIME locations. Right now I have four units that are open for business, but I’d eventually like to have up to 10. As an area developer, I want to bring the WORKOUT ANYTIME brand to new communities across Chicago and help other entrepreneurs create successful businesses.