D1 Training, a leading fitness and enrichment concept that utilizes the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, announced the opening of its 150th location in Cary, North Carolina. This milestone comes at the midpoint of a banner year — marked by record-breaking sales, innovative partnerships, infrastructure improvements and a relentless focus on franchisee success.
Owned by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Darren and Mariann Mock, they bring a powerful combination of business acumen and community passion to the D1 system. After successful careers in technology and insurance, they saw an opportunity to meet a critical need in their community — a place where both youth and adults could train like athletes, grow in confidence and reach their full potential. What started as a year-long journey of research and planning turned into a deeply personal investment, one that’s already having an impact.
“We searched for a training facility where our three children could prepare for the next level of athletics – and came up short,” said Darren. “Bringing D1 to Cary wasn’t just a business decision, it was personal. We’re building something this community truly needs, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of D1’s nationwide growth at such a pivotal moment in the brand’s journey. D1 supported us every step of the way — during the buildout, grand opening preparation and beyond. Now we’re already seeing superfans walk through the door. To reach this 150th location milestone as a family and as a brand is incredibly special. We believe in the integrity of this team and the vision for the future, and we’re excited to be part of shaping where D1 goes from here.”
Momentum continues to build as D1 has opened 26 new locations and awarded 32 territories year-to-date. May 2025 marked the brand’s highest monthly sales in history, with June tracking to break even more records. Much of this success can be attributed to the brand’s intentional investments in franchisee support, operational efficiency and innovation.
“We’re not just growing for growth’s sake — we’re building smarter,” said Will Bartholomew, the CEO of D1 Training. “We’ve brought construction project management and equipment sourcing in-house, with cost-savings in mind. At the same time, we’ve nearly doubled our home office team year-over-year and introduced performance-based regional workshops to ensure every owner gets the hands-on support they need.”
Franchisee-Centric Evolution: D1 Training continues to lead with a people-first approach.
- Franchise Advisory Council Relaunched — Giving franchisees direct, consistent access to leadership for feedback, suggestions and collaboration.
- Enhanced Marketing Tools — Including done-for-you promotional calendars and turnkey campaigns to simplify execution and drive local results.
- New Technology Rollouts — A recently launched mobile app, and an upcoming website relaunch are streamlining operations and elevating the customer experience.
- Strategic Partnerships — From ClassPass and WellHub to beta testing dayparting partnerships like 2 Hour Learning, D1 is forging revenue-driving relationships that keep locations competitive and relevant.
These enhancements are supported by D1’s unwavering commitment to franchisee success. New operator training programs, robust pre-sales support, and monthly workshops are equipping franchisees with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive fitness market.
Industry Recognition and Staying Ahead
In 2025, D1 Training climbed 56 spots on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, solidifying its place as one of the most dynamic, respected franchise systems in the country.
“Franchise success isn’t a byproduct — it’s the mission,” added Bartholomew. “Every decision we make — from who we partner with to how we train and support our owners — is built around one goal: helping our franchisees win.”
The industry remains strong as ever, with an untapped growth potential in scholastic training. The competitive landscape of youth sports is ever changing and having access to a place like D1 — where young athletes can hone their skills — is becoming increasingly important. This paired with D1’s adult and personal training programs provides an unmatched opportunity.