Innovative Franchise Model Delivers Low Overhead, Fast Openings and Strong Support
Stretch Zone has made its impact on franchising with its innovative approach to professional assisted stretching. Founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, the brand was created to improve mobility and enhance overall well-being. Today, Stretch Zone has grown to 377 locations across 41 states, offering a proven, turnkey business model with low overhead and strong franchisee support.
In the interview below, Chief Marketing Officer Lindsey McFadden discusses Stretch Zone’s rapid growth, unique business model and its role in making stretching an essential part of a healthier lifestyle.
1. What inspired Stretch Zone’s creation?
Founder Jorden Gold is the mastermind behind the service — dedicating his life to crafting what we know as Stretch Zone today. Initially, he created it to aid his grandfather, who was suffering from loss of mobility due to health issues, but he quickly realized the benefits it could bring to the masses. His grandfather went from being bedridden to walking unaided in a matter of months, due in large part to the stretching routine Jorden crafted.
2. How did Stretch Zone evolve into a franchise?
After a few corporate-owned locations proved very successful in South Florida, Jorden and his business partner, Tony Zaccario, realized the impact the service could have on the masses and began the journey into franchising. Stretch Zone’s organic growth took off. With many original members becoming franchise owners, the brand grew naturally from South Florida and hasn’t stopped since! Franchising began in 2017, and Stretch Zone now has 377 locations open across 41 states with zero closures.
3. What is Stretch Zone’s mission?
Our mission is to bring wellness to the communities we serve, and our focus is on franchisee success. If franchisees are successful, we are successful — so with that clear mindset, everything else is guided to supporting that mission. At the core, what we do makes a difference in people’s lives — at both the consumer level, helping members feel better, and at the corporate level, empowering small business owners on their entrepreneurship journeys.
4. How does Stretch Zone contribute to the broader wellness industry?
There has been a significant shift toward wellness over the past several years, and the consumer better understands the benefits that stretching can bring. Whether you’re a serious athlete, someone struggling with mobility issues or just an active person looking to feel better, stretching can help. Doctors, trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors all agree about the benefits of stretching and the difference it can make in your overall wellness routine.
When Jorden created the service that we now know as Stretch Zone in 2004, there was nothing like it. He invented the new vertical. Stretch Zone is complementary to other wellness concepts, whether you like CrossFit or high intensity interval training (HIIT) classes or just like to hit the pavement for a run, all of these wellness activities can benefit from stretching as an additive service.
5. What sets Stretch Zone’s business model apart?
The business is turnkey, super quick to open, with low overhead and a simple buildout. Our studios can open in as little as three to four months. The space requirements make real estate site selection simple, and we provide the equipment — that’s all you need! There’s no inventory to manage, supply chain challenges or spoilage and waste. With our membership model, the focus is on getting and then retaining members by providing an exceptional experience at the studio level. Hyper-successful franchise locations don’t need thousands of members, just a few hundred.
6. How does the business model support franchisees?
The business really lends itself to multi-unit ownership, with 93% of our owners being multi-unit owners. The synergies of staffing, marketing and events among locations that are close in proximity make it easy and cost-effective for franchisees to have multiple locations.
Franchisee Success
Katie Webb (above) wasn’t looking for a specific industry when she started looking at franchises — she was searching for the right culture. That’s exactly what she found with Stretch Zone. “Within minutes of meeting the founder and CEO, I knew I had found what I was looking for,” she says. “The service and business model just resonated with me.”
Today, Webb owns five Stretch Zone franchise locations, including two of the topper formers nationwide, and has 28 employees. Her success comes from building strong systems and fostering a dedicated team. “Whenever it’s calm at work, I ask myself, ‘What system or area can I work on today since I have some extra time?’”
Webb credits the Stretch Zone franchise for its unwavering support. “The Stretch Zone team is 1000% there for us. They’re hardworking, fun and enjoyable to work with,” she says.
For more information, visit Stretch Zone’s franchise website.
