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Thinking Small: The Story Behind Snap Fitness
Snap Fitness began as an experiment based on the assumption that people go to a health club for one basic reason: to exercise.
Founder and CEO Peter Taunton owned and operated several "big box" health clubs, and realized that many of the costly amenities offered in his facilities such as swimming pools, racquetball courts and childcare sat idle most of the day. Knowing most people are on the go, constantly seeking balance between work and family, Peter designed a model that incorporated the most readily used health club amenities into a smaller, more efficient, passcard-secure facility. By doing this, he was able to deliver 24/7 access, affordable membership pricing and top-quality exercise equipment to neighborhoods across America.
Growing the business
When testing the Snap Fitness franchise model, Peter returned to his roots. Opening his first clubs in his native Minnesota, he chose small communities such as tiny Cokato, Minn.-population 2,700-only to watch the club grow to 180 members in a mere 90 days. This proved to Peter that he had, in his words, a "tiger by the tail"-a business concept that would succeed anywhere, whether small town, suburb or urban area.
Snap Fitness began franchising in April of 2004 and quickly spread to more than 130 locations nationwide in 2005. Today, club locations exceed 1,000 in the United States and Canada.
Another key reason for our rapid growth is Peter's creative, high-tech approach to franchising and the connections he's forged through more than 20 years in the fitness industry.
Supporting our growth
Advanced Web-based technology and an unrivaled system of franchisee support facilitate low-maintenance "absentee" ownership, allowing franchisees to hold a full-time job or manage other business interests. In fact, 70 percent of franchisees take advantage of this option. Peter's networking has led to such growth measures as equipment manufacturers subsidizing a percentage of start-up costs and contributing to a marketing fund.
Our success is a prime example of the growth of smaller health and wellness "express" facilities, a concept driven by a growing preference for convenience and led by an aging-and increasingly health conscious-baby boomer generation. Our business model is contributing to a profound restructuring of the fitness industry, as upstart franchises break into a market once dominated by big box clubs at increasing rates.
Our unparalleled support system and continued technological advancements are indicative of Peter's commitment to the continued growth of our business, and explains why a club location has never closed.