Franchisee and former Navy SEAL Jeff Moore explains why veterans should consider investing in a boutique fitness brand after their military career ends.
Fitness Premier offers entrepreneurs of all backgrounds the opportunity to build their own businesses while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Fast-growing full-service gym franchises are especially appealing to veterans because of their emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and service to others. With a comprehensive support system and a people-first ethos, Fitness Premier offers veterans the opportunity to transition into business ownership and continue serving others.
One such veteran is Jeff Moore, a former Navy SEAL with an extensive military and fitness background. After owning his own gym and working in corporate fitness for years, Moore realized that Fitness Premier’s mission resonated with his values.
“I had a mid-level position in the corporate fitness industry and it was a great learning experience, but it wasn’t about people, people, people, it was numbers, numbers, numbers. That’s why I took this job. ” Moore said.
After owning his own gym and serving as a regional manager for a large company, Moore was looking for something different. It was through a close friend that he was introduced to Fitness Premier.
“A friend of mine knew the Fitness Premier guys in Chicago and said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to meet these guys,’ you’re going to really like it,” Moore said. . “I went on site and immediately built great relationships. The level of support and assistance they give their franchisees is amazing, which is beyond anything I have ever seen in this industry. I found out that
Moore quickly realized that Fitness Premier’s mission aligned perfectly with his own values and that it was the ideal next step in his career.
“As I get to know Jeff better, I think it’s his sense of purpose combined with his desire to see others succeed that really drives him,” said Vice President of Fitness Premier Rick King said. “He obviously loves fitness and had a successful career in the industry for 20 years before joining us as a franchisee. But at this stage in his career, just like him who has served our country for so many years, this business is… They want to leave behind a successful legacy.”
Military experience as a foundation for franchise success
Moore’s extensive military background has provided him with the leadership skills necessary to succeed as a franchisee. He believes the discipline and teamwork instilled in veterans make them ideal candidates for franchise ownership.
“I have an extensive military background as a second-class carrier for many years,” Moore said. “I learned a lot about what a leader should be, the difference between a leader and a boss, and how to build and develop a team.”
These are qualities that veterans already have through military training and can demonstrate in franchise ownership. As someone who values leadership over management, Moore said he is looking for potential leaders to build a strong team.
“I don’t hire bosses. I hire leaders or potential leaders,” Moore said. “I’m looking for people who can embrace teamwork, growth and development, something that’s already ingrained in our veterans.”
Fitness Premier’s comprehensive support system is one of the reasons Moore believes the brand is a great choice for veterans. The company takes over the back-office operations, allowing franchise owners to focus on member engagement and growth.
“They handle all the back-office operations, including payroll, billing, human resources, IT systems, etc.,” Moore says. “This allows us to be on the gym floor and allow our members to accomplish their goals instead of being stuck behind a desk.”
King says the franchisor is involved from the beginning, helping with everything from site selection, construction and equipment to full-scale operations.
“The most important part I’ve found is the continued training for veterans to learn the business, utilize the transferable skills they learned during their service, and apply it to their gym business,” he said. said. “This is where collaboration between the military and the gym business becomes critical, requiring near-daily communication to ensure success.”
Pathways for veterans to continue serving their communities
Owning a Fitness Premier franchise provides veterans with a unique opportunity to continue their mission of service. Moore is passionate about community involvement and believes Fitness Premier provides the perfect platform for veterans to give back.
“I’m a very community-minded person,” Moore said. “I’ve sponsored Little League teams, T-ball, and soccer. My company’s name was on the scoreboard on a high school football field. Thanks to Fitness Premier, I can truly make an impact. Now I can participate in the community.”
This is what led Fitness Premier to actively recruit military veterans as franchise owners.
“Our initial inspiration came from our great respect and admiration for those who have served, considering our veterans to be true heroes,” Dr. King said. “Knowing that the military mindset is one of service and community, we felt it was a great fit for the fitness industry in general and Fitness Premier in particular, because we truly believe in service. Because we are part of the community we serve.”
For veterans considering franchising, Moore emphasized that Fitness Premier’s people-first philosophy and support system align well with the skills and values that veterans bring.
“I truly believe that if you go out there every day and help as many people as you can, the money will take care of itself,” Moore said. “Fitness Premier embraces that 1,000 percent. It’s not about numbers, it’s about helping people, and everything else falls into place.”
This means veterans can seamlessly transition from serving their country to serving their local communities and creating a lasting impact through fitness and wellness.
“We found that several of our veteran owners had something in common,” King said. “It seems like they are driven by a sense of duty to serve others. Being part of the community is also important, because they can contribute, like participating in parades or charity work. I just want to provide a place for the community where bad things don’t happen. It’s just good.”
For more information on purchasing costs for this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/fitness-premier.
