Jeff Londis, a co-founder of the private equity firm White Oak Enterprises, describes himself as a "patient and seasoned executive and investor with a passion for helping entrepreneurs." The 57-year-old executive also credits team work and talent for the success of any venture, including his ownership of a Workout Anytime franchise.
Londis, who founded the Benchmark Physical Therapy chain in 1995, bought into the exercise business after selling his stake in Benchmark and acquiring Workout Anytime locations in Hixson and the North Shore. Over the past couple of years, his team has opened other Workout Anytime franchise locations in Chatsworth and Calhoun, Georgia. A fifth location opens this month in Dayton, Tennessee, at 200 Able Drive.
The management team for Workout Anytime includes, from left, Kenneth Blevins, Jeff Londis, Ted Brisebois and Bradley Kelly.Despite the competition from other gyms and other exercise facilities at YMCA centers, schools and churches, the managers of the local Workout Anytime franchise insist they are unique in their hours of operation, membership value and flexibility and exercise options. The local franchisee for Workout Anytime is looking to have at least 10 locations in the Southeast within the next three years.
"The low price point, around-the-clock hours and personal service sets Workout Anytime apart from other membership clubs," says Ted Brisebois, the regional director for Workout Anytime in Chattanooga who has previously worked with other exercise clubs.
The local Workout Anytime clubs are staffed most days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and during other hours members may access the gyms with a key card. Security cameras, emergency phones and the design of each gym keeps members secure during overnight hours.
Having the right team at each location is key to making each facility friendly and fun and keeping members coming back, Londis says.
"Our people are here to orient new members, greet returning members and make this a fun and worthwhile experience every time you come in," he says "It's a very social atmosphere."