How was your franchise/opportunity originally conceived and started?
PickUp USA was founded to create a better way for people to play basketball. Company President and Founder, Jordan Meinster, has loved playing basketball his entire life. He found the experience of pickup basketball at other gyms to be frustrating and inconvenient. Constant arguments, long wait times, inefficient and unfair choosing of teams, and more. After years of planning, PickUp USA was launched to create a better way to play! We took traditional pickup basketball, added 2 refs, timed all the games at 10 minutes, and implemented an efficient system for organizing teams.
What was your original vision for your company? How has that changed over time?
The original vision of the company was just pickup basketball with referees. This concept really took off at our first location, and people were seeking more and more basketball related services. With that, we have added group and private basketball training, full weight and cardio rooms, retail merchandise, lounges, and much more. We are truly a full-service fitness club now, and our main attraction is still the pickup basketball with referees!
What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?
Business ownership is a challenging endeavor, and no doubt the most important factor when choosing a franchise is finding something you are passionate about. When you believe in the work you are doing, you will have almost endless energy to grow and develop your business, and you will feel good selling your product and services to your customers.
Why should someone choose your franchise over other similar franchises?
PickUp USA is unique in the fitness space. We are the only basketball focused fitness club. There are tons of great concepts out there in the fitness industry. For the individual seeking a business based on basketball, we are likely a great fit.
What makes your industry attractive?
The fitness industry is thriving. Individuals are becoming more and more health conscience, and those of us fortunate enough to be in the general health & wellness industry are in a great position to not only build strong businesses, but also to be a part of the solution for moving our society to a healthier standing. The growth of our industry speaks for itself, with over 55 million people nationwide having a gym membership. With more and more specialized concepts coming to market, the selection for customers and franchisees is benefiting everyone involved.
What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?
PickUp USA seeks individuals who really believe in our concept. What we do is unique, and there is a huge market for our services. We spent years refining our brand before offering franchise opportunities, and we are looking for franchise owners that will be as passionate about our product as we are. We also look for individuals capable of building and developing a strong team for their club. The staff at PickUp USA is critical to the customer experience, and it is very important for our club owners to select and develop team members that will deliver world-class service to our customers.
What do your franchise fees and royalties cover?
Our franchise fees and royalties cover all stages of support, as well as ongoing development of the operating model. We provide comprehensive support from the day you sign your franchise agreement. Before you open, we will support you with financing, site selection, build-out of your club, and marketing and business planning. We also provide 8 days of training at our corporate headquarters for you and your managers. During your grand opening, at least one member of our corporate team will be with you for the two days prior to your opening, as well as your first 3 days in business. After your grand opening we provide consistent, ongoing support, coaching, and development, including weekly phone calls, and monthly on-site visits to your club.
How do territories work for your franchisees?
Franchisees get a protected territory around their clubs of at least a population of 50,000 people. Being such a unique gym concept, our clubs will attract people from a greater distance than traditional gyms, and our territories give franchisees the ability to really focus on the area surrounding their club.
Why has your franchise model been successful?
PickUp USA puts the customer first. Every decision we make is in the interest of being as customer friendly as possible. This creates a positive reputation for our clubs that allows word of mouth and referrals to really take off. When you take care of the customer, they will take care of you. We go out of our way to wow our members and guests in every interaction with them, and they have referred friends and family, and the result is a continuously growing business.
Where do you see your franchise in 5 years and 10 years?
I easily see PickUp USA as a household name in the fitness world 5 years from now. We are looking to grow this brand throughout the country and beyond, and we are very confident in the concept. If we keep our focus on world-class customer service, the rest will take care of itself.
What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?
Trust the process. We’ve been through a lot in our time operating our fitness club, and we have developed policies and procedures that enable the business to thrive. Owning a business will naturally bring challenges, but sticking to the process is the best path towards success.
What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?
It’s an investment, no doubt. You are investing time and money into any franchise endeavor. It’s similar to the decision to obtain advanced education. You are going to invest your time and money into something with a potentially uncertain outcome. However, if you believe in what you are doing, and stay the course, you will likely be rewarded for your efforts.
Can you explain your financial assistance?
PickUp USA is partnered with Guidant Financial. They will be able to provide comprehensive support in researching and obtaining financing for your PickUp USA location. Our franchisees should have a minimum of $150k in liquid capital, and a strong credit profile. With this, Guidant is in a strong position to help you obtain financing for your entire initial investment in your new fitness club.