Posted:29-September-2023
Exclusive interview with BFT franchisee Brian Saund
- Name: Brian Saund
- Location: Leicester
- Franchise: Body Fit Training (BFT)
- Date launched the franchise: 23/09/2022
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your BFT franchise business?
Prior to venturing into the franchise business, I spent two decades in high-level sales roles across various industries, including banking, finance, healthcare, and media. Over the past 15 years, I immersed myself in personal development, mindset enhancement, and neuroscience. My global experiences have shaped my perspective, and I'm a proud father of two incredible children who have been my greatest teachers.
Can you also tell us about Body Fit Training (BFT)
I am the proud owner of a Body Fit Training (BFT) franchise. Established in 2017 by renowned strength and conditioning coach Cameron Falloon, BFT offers a distinctive group fitness experience. With elite programming for sustained results, real-time feedback during workouts, and a vibrant community, BFT stands out. It strikes the perfect balance between strength development and cardiovascular fitness, delivering exhilarating sessions that leave participants energized and assured of results.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the fitness industry? And why a BFT franchise?
My journey into franchising aligns with my personal mission: to help people and foster communities. This passion drove my pursuit of entrepreneurship. I conducted thorough research, leveraging my experience working with global brands, and sought the best of the best. The ongoing pandemic underscored the importance of physical and mental health, reinforcing my commitment to building communities through fitness.
Opting for a franchise provided the stability, current trends, and support I needed. Given my limited experience in the fitness industry, I wanted a proven model. BFT was introduced to me by a friend in Toronto, and after connecting with its founder,, Cameron Falloon and Global CEO, Richard Burnet, I was captivated by their unwavering passion and commitment to franchisee support.
How did you raise the finance?
Financing our venture was a combination of personal funds from my business partner and me, coupled with strategic lending arrangements.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
It's worth noting that given our unique position as the first BFT franchise in the UK, we've bridged the geographical gap through several discovery calls with Jason Clark in Australia.
We attended a 6-day bootcamp in Melbourne, Australia, which covered brand awareness, product knowledge, and the business aspects of the franchise. The ongoing support has been exceptional, facilitated by accessible decision-makers, a vast network of studios and franchisees, and seamless communication channels. Our regional franchise manager, Phillip Pavlou, deserves special recognition. Despite the time zone differences, we never felt disconnected. Support is readily available for any need, big or small.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
My partner James and I actively invest in the business, primarily because we are passionate about the product and community. This approach allows us to maintain a strategic overview and adapt to the diverse demands of our other business interests. While every day is unique, we consistently engage with our team, providing training and fostering digital communication channels for support.
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date.
One of our significant challenges was assembling the right team to operate the business effectively. This was mitigated through a combination of trial and error, guidance from the network, and support from the franchise's headquarters. In the UK, the boutique fitness model is gaining traction, but it's relatively new, presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
Our notable successes include opening with a record number of members and creating a beloved community.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Absolutely! Being able to make a positive impact on people's lives while generating income is transformative. It reinforces my life's purpose and fuels my passion for growth in the fitness industry.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I don't view my work as a typical job; it aligns with my internal goals, and I genuinely love what I do. This allows me to define my terms and prioritize time with loved ones and self-care.
If you have staff, how do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive; how do you incentivise your staff and recognise success?
My commitment to helping people extends beyond our clients to the talented individuals we employ. It's crucial to create a thriving team by showing them that their well-being and growth matter to us. We employ a multifaceted approach to retain our top talent and maintain high morale and productivity.
We combine financial incentives with personal recognition to motivate our staff. We invest in their continuous learning and development, offering opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement. Additionally, we occasionally reward our team members with experiences such as spa days to help them relax and recharge.
We believe that a well-supported and motivated team is essential to our success.
As we operate with what we believe is the best fitness product in the world, we understand that to excel in our industry, we must have the best people on our team. We're dedicated to equipping our staff with the tools and skills they need to reach their full potential. We celebrate their achievements and provide unwavering support, both in their professional roles and in their personal lives.
Can you tell us about any community involvement, including any local partnerships, incentives, or charity work you are involved in?
Community engagement is at the heart of our business, extending not only to our members but also to the local business community. We've cultivated partnerships with approximately 20 local businesses that share our values and enhance our community. These partnerships offer exclusive benefits to our members while also supporting these local businesses.
Our commitment to community involvement goes beyond partnerships. We actively engage in charitable work and events, supporting both local and national charities. Through various fitness challenges and events, we contribute to causes that align with our mission of promoting wellness and making a positive impact on society.
We firmly believe that a thriving community benefits everyone, and we are proud to be a part of building and supporting such a community.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
The most crucial advice I can offer to someone considering their first franchise investment is this: don't let fear guide your decisions; it's merely an illusion. Take the leap and make the investment. The boutique fitness sector is experiencing a growing appetite for funding, making capital relatively accessible. When combined with the right team, unwavering support, and a healthy dose of drive and passion, success is inevitable. Remember, in this journey, courage is your best ally.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
A successful franchisee understands that the quality of their franchise is directly correlated with the quality of the individuals working within it. You could have the finest product in the world, but without the right people to operate and represent your business, it becomes a challenge. Internal culture plays a pivotal role in a franchise's ability to scale and succeed. Furthermore, knowing that you have robust support, like the extensive support we receive through BFT, is a key factor in building success.
What are your plans for the future?
Our future plans are ambitious and dynamic. We're actively seeking our second studio location, and our strategy is aggressive. We have a vision for continued expansion into the Middle East, where the health and fitness industry is thriving. This sector is here to stay, especially considering the increased focus on personal wellness following the pandemic. Our goal is to persist in this space, not only
building a successful business but also fostering healthy communities and promoting the well-being of individuals.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I'm not one to dwell on regret. Life and business inevitably come with challenges, and these challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. I wouldn't change a thing about my journey with BFT. Instead, I embrace the lessons learned over the past year, all of which have enriched my understanding of the business. I intend to apply these invaluable insights to our upcoming studios, ensuring operational excellence and future success.
Interested and want to know more about Body Fit Training (BFT)?
The Body Fit Training (BFT) profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
