The Secret on Owning Multiple Studio Pilates Locations
The job of a leader is to help people succeed, and that’s definitely true of Studio Pilates co-founder and CEO Jade Winter. From humble beginnings, Jade and his co-founder and wife Tanya Winter have managed to turn a single studio into a global empire and along the way, have attracted a network of successful franchisees from all different walks of life.
At present, over 50% of our current Studio Pilates franchisees own more than one studio, a statistic that’s no coincidence. With no business experience prior to opening their first studio, Jade and Tanya were passionate about creating a franchise model that required no prior experience in either business or fitness to succeed. Creating education and training manuals for every aspect of the business, the turnkey business model has doubled the size of its network in the last two years, despite the challenges faced by the global pandemic.
While reserved in his approach, Jade's measure of success isn’t his own financial gain, but rather the assurance that the franchisee could generate plenty of profits and a rapid payback period for their business investment, enabling them to continue to purchase additional studios.
One example of this is Rosa McCartney, our Nundah, Albany Creek and soon to be Aspley studio owner, who decided to swap her career in HR to become a Studio Pilates studio owner and has never looked back.
Name: Rosa McCartney
Age: 53
Occupation: Multiple Studio Owner – Nundah Village, Albany Creek and soon Aspley
Who referred you to Studio Pilates initially/ how did you find out about it?
I won a 10 pack with Studio Pilates Ashgrove which was in a hamper from Home Café Ashgrove and fell in love with it.
What was the catalyst that inspired you to buy your first franchise?
My husband. He has always believed in me and encouraged me to just do it.
What was your previous professional history prior to purchasing a franchise?
I had my own business recruiting within the Scientific and Medical industries - Rose Recruitment.
What was the process like when you opened your first studio?
I purchased an already existing studio and had a huge learning curve as there was no real handover, but for my second studio, the process could not be faulted in any way – brilliant support and service from support office.
How long after opening your first studio did you decide to buy another?
Almost 2 years later.
How did the business fair during the covid pandemic? And at any point did you fear you’d lose the business?
It was daunting during our two month lock down with no trade and not knowing what the future held. However, it skyrocketed on re-opening and at that stage we never feared losing the business.
Who has been your most standout client and why?
From Nundah – Both Anna McBride and Ann Sauer – they were both there when we first bought the studio and are still with us and have both achieved over 1000 classes.
Albany Creek - Tertia Ferreira because she teaches pilates at her physio business but still manages to come to our Albany Creek studio 5 times a week even though she has had serious health issues. She was the first to reach 50, 100 and 250 classes. And Karen Ovens who managed to do 60 classes in 30 days for her 30 Day Challenge as she decided to do Tertia’s classes as well as her own when Tertia was unwell.
Has Studio Pilates helped you overcome any hurdles or obstacles in your life?
Absolutely YES, SP has helped me to believe in myself and that you can do anything if you put your mind to it and put the time into it. Also, has made me grow even more as a person and have learnt so much from dealing with different people with different mindsets.
What do you love the most about Studio Pilates?
Everything – the classy brand, the studios, the systems in place, and more importantly watching clients’ lives change and the wonderful friendships with both clients, staff and other franchisees.
Have there been any instructors/team members who have had a positive/significant impact on you?
Yes, Kayla Scotland and Megan Sewell.
Kayla Scotland as she has a heart of gold and a true love for pilates. Kayla joined the team a couple of months after we bought Nundah and has blown us away with her loyalty, generosity and work ethic. She has developed into an amazing instructor and genuinely cares about every client and instructor.
Megan, who has such a positive outlook and a strong passion for Studio Pilates. She left a high paying corporate role to work with us and has been a god send helping me through some tough decisions and proving her loyalty and professionalism. Megan loves her job with a passion and almost lives at the studio treating it like her own business. Her drive, energy and passion are inspiring.
Every instructor that has worked for us has been an inspiration in one way or another.
What would you say to anyone who is on the fence about buying a Studio Pilates studio?
Just do it… If you love people, if you love Pilates and you love improving people’s lives then, JUST DO IT! You will not regret it. As they say in Sicilian, Later is related to never!
For more information on franchising opportunities with Studio Pilates International, please contact John L Scott, Franchising Director joinus@studiopilates.com.
