Woman Executive Purchases Fitness Franchise

Posted on April 19, 2007 by

CEO & President Burzynski Buys Liberty Fitness

AUSTIN, TX – On Tuesday, April 3rd, Linda Burzynski, CFE, closed on the purchase of Liberty Fitness Holdings, LLC.  By forming a separate LLC with the support of financial backers, Burzynski purchased the company from Concentric Equity Partners and the current investment group.

“This amazing and obvious next step in developing the Liberty Fitness business is occurring because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.  The team at our home office, our franchisees, area developers and financial backers has all helped to make this purchase possible,” said Burzynski.

Since Burzynski was appointed CEO of Liberty Fitness in 2005, the franchise has added six area developers who are contracted to open 200 clubs in five years, formed significant alliances with Nike and Polar, and added a weight-loss system to their business model.

“Our passion to significantly impact women’s health through our approach to fitness, weight loss and wellness (all under one roof in a beautiful spa-like setting) is fueling the desire to continue the company’s positive growth momentum,” said Burzynski.

Prior to joining Liberty Fitness, Burzynski was the CEO of CM IT Solutions. She also served as president and COO of Molly Maid, Inc., and before that, was senior vice president of operations of Interiors by Decorating Den.

In 2007, Enterprising Women magazine inducted Burzynski into its Hall of Fame, a distinguished honor for women who have devoted a lifetime to building dynamic businesses and have given back to others in many ways. Also, the Women’s Franchise Committee selected Burzynski to receive its 2007 Crystal Compass, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions through leadership within their franchise organizations, franchise communities or the communities in which they live.

In 2006, Burzynski was named chairwoman of the Business Women's Network, a Washington, D.C.-based company providing information and resources for women entrepreneurs and business people.  She is responsible for business planning and development of memberships, sponsorships, events, publications and speakers, and also serves as one of the key speakers for the network.

Burzynski is also the 1998 recipient of IFA’s Bonny LeVine Award, which honors individuals who advance the cause of women in franchising. She is a trustee of the IFA Educational Foundation and past chairwoman of the ICFE Board of Governors.

Burzynski is an advisor to MicroClinics, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide critical and basic health care to the sick and poor of Ghana using the model of franchising to open quality health-care clinics throughout the country. 

About Liberty Fitness Women’s Health Club

Liberty Fitness distinguishes itself in the fitness, weight loss and wellness industries as the only club that offers a holistic approach to women’s health under one roof. Liberty Fitness combines this total body approach in a supportive, spa-like setting. Founded in 2002, Liberty Fitness has 40 independently owned and operated clubs in 16 states. In addition to a 30-minute circuit training workout featuring adjustable, hydraulic strength-training equipment, Liberty Fitness club members have access to free fitness instruction, cardio equipment, Yoga and Pilates classes, sauna and massage amenities, and new technology from Polar BodyAgeÔ that provides the ability to set body-specific workout goals and monitor workout results. At the core of these amenities is Liberty Fitness' proprietary five-phase weight loss program, designed by nutrition and diet experts. Guided by routine one-on-one counseling, members follow healthy meal plans that combine "real" foods with delicious, club-exclusive dietary supplements. Liberty Fitness owners and employees share a common vision to help women everywhere lead healthier, happier lives.