The January 2014 opening of 9Round Fitness in Middleton, Conn. marked a milestone for 9Round, as the franchise’s 100th location. In 2013 alone, the company, after partnering with Snap Fitness, grew from 37 locations to an impressive 100. Founder and CEO Shannon Hudson said the company is just now gaining momentum.
9Round began in 2008 and started franchising in 2009. In 2013, the company was listed as No. 443 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” list, an honor and accomplishment in itself. However, with the recent jump in growth, they shot up 141 spots to be positioned at No. 302. Hudson has enormous faith in the brand, and the number of stores they have been able to open is evidence that the public shares his faith.
The workout model is unique. Designed as a circuit experience, it combines traditional boxing elements with weights, cardio, strength and core exercises. With no class times or appointments, visitors are introduced to a convenient circuit-style system with expert trainers available at no additional cost.
The growth began organically. “Lots of trainers wanted to become owners, and lots of members wanted to become owners,” said Hudson. And that growth was accelerated by the addition of the Snap Fitness team. “They have over 1,400 locations — that’s a lot of horsepower,” said Hudson.
The partnership with Snap has been a great opportunity for the franchise. “[Snap Fitness] has great systems and great processes,” said Hudson. “We’ve learned a lot from the partnership. Peter [Taunton] has been like a mentor. We can ask him anything and he’s been there, done that. That gives us a level of comfort.”
9Round is anticipating an even more massive expansion in years to come. “We have 102 locations as of today (February 12, 2014),” said Hudson. “We are hoping to have over 200 by the end of 2014. By the end of 2017, we plan on having 1,000 opened.” This blowout is not just limited to the U.S., with locations starting in Canada, and continuing to Mexico, Australia and New Zealand in sight.
With such great heights on the horizon, a certain level of planning is necessary. “We plan to keep doing what we’re doing, staying ahead of the curve,” said Hudson. This means keeping the model consistent, with no class times, circuit training and a robust nutritional program.
To stay ahead of that curve, they are in the process of adding state-of-the-art heart-rate straps that are worn by the clients during workouts, and visible on a monitor.
By Maggie Cunningham
