This Millennial Entrepreneur Created a Boxing Franchise Based on Community
BASH Boxing’s founder and CEO Alex Trakas calls herself a movement enthusiast. Her career in fitness franchising was a result of a life-long passion for health and wellness. She started on the front lines of some of the most well-known and respected franchise brands, including Orangetheory Fitness and The Bar Method as a group fitness instructor and studio manager. She soaked in all the information she could in order to realize her dream of owning her own fitness studio. And that’s exactly what she did. She had a vision for something different and in 2017, started developing the concept for BASH, a group fitness studio that offers a community-based, high-energy total body workout. Her vision was a gym that empowers everyone.
With a wealth of knowledge about the fitness industry and an affinity for boxing, Trakas launched BASH Boxing in 2018 with three partners. “I had my sights set on franchising from the get-go,” she said. Trakas took the best of what she saw from other fitness brands and created an opportunity that she felt offered more than anything out there — for both customers and franchise owners.
Community-Based Fitness
For Trakas, the most important element in creating BASH was fostering a community-based environment. “I wanted members to come in and feel like BASH was their home away from home. I also wanted to create an addictive, high-energy workout that’s never boring,” she says.
Mostly, Trakas wanted members to feel welcome and safe at BASH. She has achieved all of that and more by adding extras and going above and beyond for members. For example, the studios make members feel special by celebrating milestones like birthdays and anniversaries. And during the pandemic shutdowns, BASH offered virtual classes for free, “just to keep members going,” she says. “We want our members to know that we are in their corner.” Trakas also implemented a tiered coaching method as a way to retain employees. “We offer a career path, not just a job.”
BASH Boxing Franchise Opportunity
The second BASH location opened in November 2019 and the franchise offering launched in January 2021. There are three more franchised studios in development in Pittsburgh and Annapolis, Md.
At just 33 years old, the millennial entrepreneur has accomplished more than many people do in a lifetime. Her inspiration comes from American poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” She says that message keeps her from doubting herself and helps instill confidence in others.
For more information, visit the BASH Boxing franchise website.