Q&A with TRAQ 3D fitness

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Ben Baggett

Franchise Gator would like to present this interview with TRAQ 3D fitness. Learn more about this amazing opportunity:

How was TRAQ3D originally conceived and started?

Traq Ltd's founders are recognized leaders in the use of computer simulation ("interactive exercise") for the enhancement of health, physical performance and fitness. The product of our development efforts, TRAZER, has been successful in such demanding applications as healthcare, education (kinesthetic learning), fitness and performance enhancement. This success led to the evolution of the TRAQ 3D Fitness business model, which marries technology and functional training that is particularly relevant to athlete development/performance enhancement. 12 U.S. patents protect the TRAZER product.

What was your original vision for TRAQ3D? How has that changed over time?

TRAZER's early successes in the delivery of personal training services, for both athlete development and in the medical arenas, led to a concept that focused solely on the technology. However, our prototype sites at the world-renowned Fontainebleau Resort and at the TRAQ 3D Performance Institute site in Avon, Ohio, served to refine the business model. We recognized that we could further accelerate our already impressive results by the integration scientifically-based strength and power development using traditional equipment with the power of computer simulation.  The resultant program is TRAQ 3D Performance institute.

What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?

First it must present a commercially-viable business opportunity. Does the global opportunity offer the franchisee a meaningful ROI considering the risks associated with any business.

Why should someone choose your franchise over other similar franchises?

In his book "Purple Cow", Seth Godin states a your business must be remarkable enough for people to pay attention...to actually care. " He writes about transforming a business by being remarkable. Few, in any, athlete development/performance enhancement franchises are "remarkable"... the preponderance of such offerings are essentially identical. And the reported ROI is typically pedestrian considering the investment. TRAZER-driven programs are clearly differentiated, and the use of the patented TRAZER "sports simulator" provides an interactive 3-dimensional testing and training experienced unrivaled in the industry.

And it is important to note that a TRAQ 3D Performance Institute franchise is typically no more expensive that performance franchises using ubiquitous conventional equipment.

What makes the fitness industry attractive?

Athletes and the parents of athletes enthusiastically seek out the best means to maximize their performance in their quest for success. Success for some may mean earning a spot on their high school team. For others it may be a college scholarship or even a pro sports career. And performance enhancement is appealing for many adults who have tired of conventional exercise machines that repeat the same monotonous exercise pattern while leaving the mind uninvolved.

What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?

Experience in the fitness or healthcare fields is not a prerequisite for TRAQ success; TRAZER computer-controlled programs in combination with or customized administrative software greatly simplify the delivery of TRAQ services. The ideal TRAQ candidate will have sound business skills, high energy and a dedication to running a profitable business.

Numerous factors are considered to determine whether a candidate for TRAQ purchase has a suitable financial position: your liquid assets and a credit score in the range of 700 can be considered guidelines. Our financing partners will be happy to assist you in assessing your position.

What do your franchise fees and royalties cover?

•    Exclusive Operating Territory

•    Site Selection Assistance - Our real estate consultants are effective tenant advocates

•    Facility Configurations & Design Assistance - We've retained an award-winning architectural firm to provide facility layout and design drawings, initial equipment layout, build-out specifications, etc.

•    Financing - We have established relationships with national leasing companies and banking institutions to assist with funding.

•    Marketing and Design - We provide customizable library of marketing materials

•    New TRAZER Software Upgrades - To keep the TRAZER experience fresh and exciting for members.

•    Access to normative and elite data bases and online technical support.

•    Facility/Membership Administration PC and Software to create and manage a client database, schedule and print reports.

•    Extended Hardware Warranty

•    Use of Patented Technologies

•    Business and Operational Training - comprehensive training regarding the operation of the TRAQ site.

How do territories work for your franchisees?

Exclusive territory that comprises a minimum population of 50,000 prospects for TRAQ membership. The size of the exclusive territory is flexible, as it is most important is that it comprises sufficient potential to ensure a profitable site.

Why has your franchise model been successful?

Our clients are very motivated to succeed, and the program offered is quite unique. Their clients cannot replicate this style of training elsewhere, and have found it to be both effective and a solid investment in either their athlete's future, or their personal fitness. TRAQ's patented use of sports simulation that provides a more realistic training experienced coupled to TRAZER's realtime reporting of previously immeasurable key aspects of performance makes other approaches look quite primitive. And the integration of this technology to a full training program is a powerful combination

Where do you see TRAQ3D  in 5 years and 10 years?

It is our belief that interactive 3-dimensional fitness machines are the future of performance-fitness. The younger generations are dependent on (and addicted to) interactive technologies. Treadmills and stationary bikes are their parents' means of exercising, not necessarily theirs. We project significant growth over the next 1 to 3 years and beyond for applications of our patented exercise technologies.

What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?

Diligently apply yourself during the TRAQ training process.

What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?

Nervousness is a sign of maturity when undertaking the purchase of any business. The franchisee must have sufficient financial reserves for the initial startup period.

On average, how long does it take to start a new TRAQ3D from the franchisees point of view?

Approximately 4 - 6 months, though this estimate will obviously vary based on a number of variables. 

What was your background and experience before founding TRAQ3D franchise?

I'm the inventor of technologies/products using computer-based simulation for applications in healthcare, fitness and performance. In 2006, we established a TRAQ 3D "lab" at the Cleveland Clinic satellite hospital in Westlake, OH. For almost 2 years, we worked with athletes, fitness clients, rehabilitation clients, kids with special needs, including obesity, Alzheimer patients, and more - a very broad sampling of the population.

In October of 2008, we opened this facility "to the publc," and were at maximum capacity within a few weeks. We sold the site to our operators in the spring of 2009, who moved it to a warehouse within a few months in order to accommodate their client load. It is now our highly successful sports performance model.

During the same time period, one of our operators partnered with the Fontainebleau Resort in South Beach. He installed a prototype TRAQ 3D Fitness at the gym there. Our TRAZER Team there has been instrumental in developing programming for the personalized sports performance model that you will use in your TRAQ 3D Performance Institute facility.