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Hear from our Members and Franchise Owners
Franchise Owners
Currently Showing: ALL Franchise Owners
Jan Frapiccini
Franchise: Step into Life® Sans Souci, New South Wales
Comments about Step into Life®:
"Even though I know it's my business and the success / failure depends on how I run it, I feel very secure knowing that I have the support and back up of the Master Franchisor."
Jenny Bryce
Franchise: Step into Life® Lockyer Valley, Queensland
Comments about Step into Life®:
I bought a Step into Life Franchise because I want to offer my community high quality, professional outdoor personal training that is fun, affordable and gets results. I believe Step into Life gives me the opportunity, as a personal trainer, to deliver a service that is of a far higher standard than what I could on my own. As I have never operated a business before, I will benefit greatly from the training and ongoing support offered by Step into Life. I can run my own business, but have the reassurance of being part of a larger team of people, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, that I can call upon when needed.
If I had any doubts about purchasing a Step into Life Franchise, spending time with current clients put them to rest. People from all different walks of life and differing levels of fitness come together and have a great time getting fit, doing things that they never thought they’d do. Perhaps most important of all, is that they get results, achieve their goals and continue to train year after year. Step into Life offers clients a means of changing their lifestyle forever. I am looking forward to people in my rural community adopting this fitter, healthier and happier way of life.
Koula Pontidis
Franchise: Step into Life® Oakleigh, Victoria
Comments about Step into Life®:
Les Brooks
Franchise: Step into Life® Edgewater, Western Australia
Comments about Step into Life®:
I had been searching for a life style change that would encompass what I had achieved since leaving school, having managed a martial arts school and part owning an adventure clothing outlet, prior to this working in finance for over 25 years.
What I found was Step into Life, and quite literally that is what I did, I stepped into a life of commitment (my own business), of hard work (initially), of fun (lots of it every day) and a lifestyle that I would not change.
I did the all important business checks and after careful consideration I quickly came to the conclusion that Step into Life was for me.
After completing their comprehensive training program, both in fitness training and business systems, then being let loose to run my own venue I found that the ongoing support mechanism more than fantastic, both locally (Wayne & Jeanette Grimes, WA Major Franchisee)and from Head Office ( Larry & Mark Cohen, Owners).
Step into Life had given me the tools and a tried and tested system and all I needed to do was follow the bouncing ball (the formula) and it will happen and it did and in the time frame as set out in the training manual, it’s that simple.
I can honestly say there is no looking back……………………….
Les Brooks - Step into Life Edgewater
Lino Caruso
Franchise: Step into Life® Carlton, Victoria
Comments about Step into Life®:
I have no doubt that the success of my franchise has been expediated by the hard work and dedication of the Step into Life Victorian Office. While I have worked hard to grow my business so has the state office team. Nothing is ever a problem and no matter how many times I ring them for advice or assistance they are only to happy to help. This is the case for everyone in the office.
Not only are they willing to help but their experience and knowledge of the fitness industry and the running of a franchise business ensures they are given the best possible advice available. The team at state office simply wants my franchise to be successful so their recommendations and advice are honest, and most important of all, due to their experince are proven.
There is no doubt in my mind that I would have made many mistakes during the first 6 months of running my franchise and these mistakes would have had a negative impact on my business. However with the experience, knowledge and support of Step into Life Victorian State office these mistakes have been minimised and as a result I have seen a strong staedy growth of my business.
Lino Caruso
Franchisee – Step into Life Carlton
Marie Muscat
Franchise: Step into Life® Mackay, Queensland
Comments about Step into Life®:
Sipping on my wine as the plane soared above the clouds, how could I have ever known that this flight was about to change my life forever in a fantastic and positive way. Being in the fitness industry for over 25 years, I had gradually become disillusioned with what we could offer at gyms and the monotony of my work was driving me insane. How can you motivate clients when your bored silly yourself.
I’d heard of Les Mills, (who hasn’t), so I decided to attend a convention and trade show in Sydney, hoping for inspiration and great ideas, Wandering around, nothing really caught my eye until; I noticed the ‘Step into Life’ stand. After speaking to Linda, I came home with my head in a spin.
What would it be like to own my own business and not have to answer to a boss? Would the people in my home town of Mackay embrace this idea as much as I had? Did I have the guts to go ahead with this? Inside I already knew the answer but I still needed some more back up. I rang everyone I knew and asked them what they thought. I was over whelmed by the interest I received from my friends so I decided to bite the dust.
I had already decided that I’d had enough of working in gyms and doing all the shifts that no-one else wanted to do, and I had children to care for as well, so it was either change my career and throw all my knowledge or start my own business. My children told me ‘go for it mum’ so I thought if I don’t give this ago, I will never know.
I made a phone call to Ian, the first of many long, long phone calls, and before I knew it I had handed in my resignation and was on my way to the Gold Coast to put a face to the voice on the phone. I was also looking forward to trying out some classes. I’ve always thought I was a very fit person, I exercise regularly and I eat healthy, but the very 1st class was a marathon class in the middle of winter, followed by more cardio and toning. After 4 days I could have used one of those hydraulic lifts the old people use to get me up the steps of the plane because I really didn’t think my legs were going to carry me up! I was pleasantly surprised how effective the ‘Step into Life’ program was, especially on a fitness fanatic like me.
This was defiantly the motivation I had been looking for and I was more than ready to start and franchise of my very own.
Soon after I flew to Brisbane to stay at the Radisson Hotel to learn all I needed to know about running a franchise. Although I was staying in complete opulence, I found myself stuck down with a virus that had me bedridden for 2 days. I wasn’t the only one. Not being very good with paper work, I really struggled through the rest of the training, after having missed so much. Although I met a lot of great people, I wasn’t sad to be heading home to recover.
I then had 2 weeks until launch! Most of my time was spent calling everyone I knew or had ever known and drumming up business and I can tell you even though I fell into bed exhausted at the end of everyday, I didn’t get too much sleep. My brain was swimming with so many questions, is this really going to work? Will anyone really call me? Oh my God, WHAT HAVE I DONE??? I’m not ashamed to admit that I said quiet a few prayers up to heaven during this time. Well I should not have worried I had more calls in that first week than I could cope with. I truly love and believe in what I do and I know that this shines through. I really care about helping my clients becoming fit and healthy and I’m always there for them. They are my best form of advertising after all. My classes are hard but we have a great time. Even the not-so-fit people puff and pant their way through the pain with a smile on their faces. (Most of the time).
The only thing I have found difficult is the bookwork. My teenage children know more about computers then I ever had. I’d never even sent an e-mail! But through all of this Ian has been my hero, patiently helping me put the new members through the software (probably while gritting his teeth) I never thought I could find my way around a computer as well as I can find my way around a fitness class. I have only been a franchise for 8 short weeks but I already have 70 members and this number is growing weekly I know in my heart that this has been the best decision I have ever made in my life, apart from having my 2 beautiful children, and I am so ready to step into my fantastic career with the ‘Step into Life’ company!
Mark Pisano
Franchise: Step into Life® Ellenbrook, Western Australia
Comments about Step into Life®:
After spending the last 12 years of my working life performing day to day duties in a freezing cold air conditioned office, sitting in front of a computer for 9 hours a day, wearing a jumper when the temperature outside is 35 degrees, the time had come for a career change.
But, what could I do? I didn't have any experience in anything else, except Engineering Design Drafting. I was always into keeping myself fit, eating healthy foods and exercising, but I didn’t think that you could make a living and earn a good income from getting people to run and jump over hurdles.
Well, I learnt that you most certainly can. In fact, helping other people achieve their health and fitness goals and seeing your member’s progress from a sedentary lifestyle into a lifestyle full of movement, energy and vitality would have to be the most rewarding thing that I have done in my life. It's definitely not a job at all, I’m in business! And my business is helping others achieve their goals, be it health goals, fitness goals or just wanting a place to go to get away from their day to day activities.
So, I decided to become a personal trainer. I did my course with the Australian Institute of Fitness and in 16 weeks I was a qualified personal trainer. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my qualification as I wasn’t that keen on working in a gym, so I continued with drafting for another year.
In the meantime I had made a few enquires at different fitness organisations including Step into Life but didn't hear back from anyone, until Wayne gave me a call. Wayne asked if I would like to attend one of his information seminars, so I did and about 6 months later I was running my own business.
It's been a steep learning curve for me since attending the January training. I have been taken out of my comfort zone on many occasions in the last few months and somehow I'm still alive. Actually my communication skills have improved and I am a lot more comfortable being around and talking to people than I have ever been.
After 12 weeks of running the business I am a lot more confident at the park running the classes. I've got to know all my members very well and my members actually look up to me for inspiration when they are feeling down and they’re always asking for advice on a range of topics fitness related and non fitness related.
The most important goal that I had when I left Engineering to start Step into Life was to have more quality time with my wife Anna and our two children Talia and Evan. I have to say that the first 12 weeks of running the business has been quite hectic, with Marketing, Advertising, Admin, Training at the Park, Counsellor at the Park etc, so I’m looking forward to honouring my original goal very soon and being able to have more quality time with my family by running the business smarter, rather than harder.
Anna has helped me throughout this journey with marketing, advertising and admin duties and is an integral part of our business being successful. In the coming months we will be sharing more of the workload in order to free up some more time.
We have developed a core group of members that know exactly how a session runs, from as soon as they arrive at the park to when they leave. We have followed the system that we learnt at training and always refer back to the manuals. We have made mistakes along the way, however we learn from them.
At times it's been hard as we are taken out of our comfort zones; however when you see your member’s fitness levels improve and see the difference you make to their lives then it all becomes worth it.
Mark Ruta
Franchise: Step into Life® Mitchell Park, South Australia
Comments about Step into Life®:
Step into Life has provided me with the quality of life that I have been dreaming of. Being my own boss and having control of the hours I work make it a fantastic business.
The exceptional training and tools that are provided, and knowing that the ongoing support and honest approach to be successful and achieve all goals, made the total package a pleasure to be part of.
Can’t wait to buy my next one!!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew Sparkman
Franchise: Step into Life® Golden Grove, South Australia
Comments about Step into Life®:
"The absolute best business decision I have ever made. I have my lifestyle back and the thrill of seeing my clients achieving great results is amazing."
Good morning Larry.
This is one of the most motivation emails I have read - Kristi and I were energised after reading it. Our positive attitudes are something we naturally convey, and I think it is the characteristic which people talk about when they mention us in their conversations. I have been relatively successful in most business ventures I have undertaken in my life, and I attribute this to excellent training, hard work and a positive nature. For me, it is the FIRST thing I talk to people about when they ask me for advice - some take it well, and others are offended if I say I think they're a bit too negative. The thin-skinned fail, and those who try to employ a positive attitude into their businesses and training succeed. I can physically see the differences in their attitudes when they employ this new way of thinking.
And you know what - it costs nothing to be positive. All the other systems just fall into place naturally when you have a good attitude.
This is one thing I always say to my new Intros when they ask what they need to bring to class - I say "Water, comfy sneakers and an excellent attitude". This sets the tone immediately for the environment which I endorse as an SiL Trainer. It is amazing how often they comment on how friendly and supportive the group was during their first class. They just want to be part of it.
Anyway, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I have sat down with John, and have goals of 6, 12, 10 and 10 new Members for 2009 in the first 4 months. This will take me to around 140-150 Members at around 2.02 sessions. I already have my 6 for Jan, with about 10 'real' busy Intros. Hey, I have had a few terminations but relative to my numbers it is exceptional.
I wanted to comment on the fact that SiL DOES provide excellent income. Wow, I never dreamed of $13,110, $11,500 and $15,084 (my last 3 months) when I signed 3 years ago. I charge $16, $13 and $12 for 1, 2 and 3 or more sessions. This is crazy money for a South Australian. Interest rates are down, Petrol's cheap and I can afford anything I put my mind to. I just think of everything now in terms of "Members Joined" instead of dollars!! For example - "that extra week in Qld in August after Conference is about 5 new Members". Too easy.
Kristi and I have re-launched Golden Grove - 10,000 Fliers have dropped, 30 schools have been sent posters, gift certificates, business cards and letters - we are onto businesses (these letters take time, and we want to do this with quality, rather than quantity) and our 3 Assistant Trainers are screaming out for more training - they love it! We are providing this training, and they are providing that extra personalised attention, and are a breath of fresh air. They are all handing out Gift Certs in their circles, and the new interest can be measured.
I just stood back and had a look at my venue yesterday - Trailer in the car-park all wrapped, Advertising A-Frame on the pathway, Tear Drop Banner flapping away on the oval and Hanging Banner secured to the fence. It looked fantastic - if I was running past I would want to stop and have a look.
I just thought I'd let you know my biggest actions outside the SiL system which keep my Members involved - Email communication twice weekly, Fun-Runs and Events, Congratulations Cards for ALL Training Club Awards. They honestly do continue training to hit that 500 or 1000 goal - which is 12 months to 3 years of training.
Have a top day,
Matty.
Matthew Tozer
Franchise: Step into Life® Brighton, South Australia
Comments about Step into Life®:
I am very, very happy to say that tonight I took a running leap through the “gateway”. I am extremely pleased to finally get to my goal – the GATEWAY CLUB. At last conference I decided I was going to make some changes to my life and I can say that those changes have really made the difference to the success of my business.
I have never been happier, I look forward to doing every session (yes even the 6am sessions). I love to see the improvements in my clients, not just from a fitness perspective but also to see how their attitudes and personalities have changed as their self confidence grows.
Thanks very much John and Amy for all the support this past 6 months. You guys have answered all of my requests, no matter how trivial they might seem.
Looking back at my business now compared to Oct last year, I can see there is no comparison at all. Everything is different. My business is so much more complete now and my promo covers so many more areas and all of these areas are happening consistently. It’s great to see that each month my leads are coming in from all areas.
Is Step into Life recession proof? HELL YES! My business has grown by nearly 50% since October. My clients are leaving their gym’s and spending their money with us as they are getting more for their hard earned dollar.
Thank you once again guys for all your help and support.
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