Balance and Faith Keys to Success for FIT4MOM Franchiseee

Led by founder Lisa Druxman, a recognized expert in the field of fitness and health for moms, FIT4MOM is the largest fitness program for moms as well as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the nation. As a brand, FIT4MOM is well respected in the fitness industry offering pre- and post-natal fitness programs for every stage of motherhood.

We recently spoke with Jessica Peralta, owner of FIT4MOM Las Vegas, who spent more than half a year doing comparative analysis of different fitness franchises before making her final choice. We learn what sets this company apart in her eyes, the two key factors in the secret to her success as well as what advice she has for others looking to own a franchise.


How long have you owned a franchise?

I invested in my franchise May 2012.

What were you doing before becoming a franchise owner?

Before becoming a FIT4MOM franchisee, I worked as a Critical Care Registered Nurse in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit here in Las Vegas and was also a Clinical Professor for a nursing program at our local university.

Why did you choose this franchise?

Shortly after the birth of my first daughter in 2011, I began my quest for a career that would be supportive of my new journey through motherhood. FIT4MOM embraces all of the things I valued as a new mom and a new business owner. Not only was I investing into a franchise, but I was welcomed into a family… an outstanding corporate support team and a truly unique network of other business owners who were there to connect, assist and encourage me and my new venture every step of the way. As a brand, FIT4MOM is well respected in the fitness industry offering pre- and post-natal fitness programs for every stage of motherhood with nationally certified instructors that are second to none. What sets this company apart from any other is the true village that is created amongst its members nationwide through its fitness programs, social events, children’s playgroups and community outreach. Offering so much more than just fitness, FIT4MOM strives to empower moms across the country by bringing together like-minded women in an effort to build stronger healthier families. It is a movement that I knew I had to be a part of.

What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your franchise?

My biggest challenge when starting was my lack of business experience. I aimed to educate myself on everything pertaining to business — developing a solid business plan, market analysis, budgeting, web design, marketing tactics and even familiarizing myself on the legal aspects of owning and operating a business. FIT4MOM set me up for success with wonderful resources and educational opportunities to help guide me along the way.

Where did you research or get advice about starting a franchise?

The majority of my research was based on information largely found online through different research articles and resources. I even placed calls to FIT4MOM franchisees from across the country who openly shared their experiences with me. I spent more than half a year doing comparative analysis of different fitness franchises and ultimately found that FIT4MOM was a strong and unique brand that I could relate to personally.

What does a typical day look like for you?

On most days, I’m out the door for my first workouts and then back in time to get the kids ready for school. After school dropoffs, I sometimes squeeze in an additional class and then am off to the office. The best part? My office can be anywhere I’d like it to be… sometimes I may need to finish certain projects in my office at home or the gym, other times I may decide to head to my favorite coffee shop or park. I schedule most of my business meetings in the afternoon and always try to wrap up work in time to pick up the kids from school so we can focus in on quality family time. Occasionally, I may have some evening classes to instruct and I’m always sure to attend classes from my FIT4MOM Las Vegas Instructor Team whenever possible. I love having the flexibility to schedule my days with plenty of time for my family as well.

What is your secret to success?
Balance and faith. An ongoing challenge both then and now is the delicate balance of owning a business as a mother. I am first and foremost a proud mother to three girls aged 2, 4 and 5. I am very passionate about this business and the many vital lessons I’ve learned along the journey. I firmly believe that if you are truly passionate about your business and its services, everything else will fall into place so long as if you have the faith and conviction that it will. Balance is essential in helping you to reach your business goals while still being the best mom, wife, and friend you can be.

What would you do differently if you had to do it all over?

I’m not sure if there is anything I’d ever really change about any experience I’ve been through in life. Every lesson is just that… a learning opportunity. And although there have been some learning experiences that have been more difficult than others, each one has made me the business owner that I am today. If I had advice, I’d say structure your time wisely. Owning a new business can be overwhelming and so it’s always important to pace yourself with goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely). Rome wasn’t built in a day… so build your business wisely… not overnight.

Where do you see your business in five years?

Continual growth. FIT4MOM Las Vegas has grown over the last 3 years to offer over 25 classes per week at more than 10 locations. We take great pride in our unique partnerships with local hospitals and other community partners. We’d like to see those numbers continue to climb until all new moms in Las Vegas and our surrounding areas know and can experience the amazing support offered through FIT4MOM. We also have plans to open our very own studio space which will function as a central hub for all things FIT4MOM Las Vegas!

What is one trend that really excites you?

Mobile business technology. With a business that functions primarily on offering programs at multiple locations, I love the accessibility of being able to operate much of my business matters from my smart phone. From collecting signed documents, managing payroll and other transactions and monitoring my classes from across the city, I cannot imagine running my business without the growing trend of mobile-friendly tools available right at my fingertips. I am able to be more productive by completing daily tasks in a fraction of the time from locations that are convenient with my daily schedule.

What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?

1) Google Hangouts: It’s how I get to meet and interact with our Corporate Team and franchisees from across the country. I also use Google Hangout monthly for administrative meetings with my staff here locally.

2) Facebook: Social media in general is great, but Facebook without a doubt is the extension offered to our moms at FIT4MOM classes into the virtual world wide web. 24/7 access to other moms to ask questions, find out about local events & happenings and share educational resources about pre and postnatal fitness.

3) Youtube: Great for inspiration along with sharing and exchanging workout ideas

Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?

It may sound cliché, but my husband has been an invaluable resource to me throughout my journey as a business owner. An entrepreneurial spirit himself, he offers so much support and guidance from sharing his own experiences with his existing businesses and also his educational background in corporate law.

What advice do you have for others looking to own a franchise?

Go with a business you know you can believe in. Financial gains are only skin deep… I firmly believe that if you are truly passionate about your business and its services, your “work” takes on a whole new meaning. Although I am working more now than I have ever in my life, I have an incredible sense of fulfillment knowing that I am working for a purpose I wholeheartedly believe in.

Would you recommend others be franchisees? Why?

Absolutely! Owning a franchise is a wonderful opportunity to dive into owning your own business while having a model in place to help set you up for success from the beginning. There are invaluable benefits to owning a franchise including having an expanded level of branding and PR that can help catapult your business to the top. It is amazing to have an immediate support system through our corporate team as well as hundreds of other franchisees who can help in sharing their experiences, ideas and goals. With a franchise, it’s not about reinventing the wheel… it’s about having the blueprints for a successful business in hand and then reaching for the sky.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Owning a FIT4MOM franchise has afforded me the opportunity to not only find a career that is supportive of motherhood, but I am incredibly blessed to witness incredible transformations — physically and emotionally. One mom in particular who always stands out for me is our member-turned-instructor, Crystal Banda. She first joined us in late 2012, shortly after our arrival here in Las Vegas while she battling postpartum depression. Since then, she has shed more than 100 pounds and more importantly is sharing her story and positivity to other moms that she comes in contact with at our classes throughout Las Vegas. This is why I love what I do… the “work” extends way beyond just sets and reps in a 60-minute workout class. The real magic happens when moms connect to other moms in an impenetrable support system that helps them to realize that they are capable of more than they think, worth more than they know, and loved more than they can imagine. And once they discover that for themselves, it is only natural to want to share that with others they come in contact with. This is the village that the FIT4MOM franchise has created… and I am so lucky to be a part of it.

Where can people get more information on Fit4Mom franchise opportunities?

Visit the website here.

Where can people find Fit4Mom on social media?

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