Health Expert Firmly Believes in Science Education in Franchising
Exercise physiologist Rachelle Reed, Ph.D., has joined Perspire Sauna Studio’s executive team as director of health and science. She will lead the sauna franchise’s efforts to better explain the efficacy and science behind its services, which include full-spectrum infrared and red-light therapy. Reed brings an extensive background in health and wellness to the position.
“Consumers today are looking to wellness brands like Perspire Sauna Studio to provide science-backed solutions that improve their quality of life. With the health and wellness space growing so quickly, the opportunity to help share and contribute to the science behind heat therapy with [CEO Lee Braun] and his team was an easy yes,” she says.
Reed praises Braun as a mission-driven leader who focuses on culture and strategy while keeping others in mind. She notes that Braun and the brand’s leadership team place an emphasis on science, investing in research with a university partner. And Reed is excited about working with like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in the health of their franchisees, studio teams and guests.
Science and communication in franchising are among Reed’s passions, so she finds it rewarding to work with a brand contributing to scientific literature.
Braun believes Reed’s skills will aid Perspire Sauna Studio’s growth. “Our technology-driven, science-backed approach to the ancient practice offers members an enhanced experience with the modality. We are thrilled with Rachelle joining the team. She’ll be stewarding a new era for the business by helping educate people on the benefits of what we are offering.”
Making an Impact
Prior to joining Perspire, Reed worked with wellness franchises including Pure Barre, Orangetheory Fitness and SweatHouz. Her time at these franchises showed her there’s a need to bridge the gap between researchers and the health and wellness industry. A firm believer that science matters most if it reaches the end user, Reed will utilize her experience and expertise to ensure Perspire Sauna Studio’s guests receive the best information in an approachable way. “So often the amazing and impactful findings of research studies take decades to translate into practice,” says Reed, who wants to expedite the process.
She sees significant opportunities for science to be a positive force in the business world. “In the franchise fitness and wellness spaces specifically, science is often an in-house service provider for all departments – from brand strategy and marketing messaging to in-studio operations. Even potential franchisees and investors benefit from improved science messaging and clear science strategy.”
She adds that the importance of networking can’t be overstated, and that leading with integrity and forming meaningful relationships with mentors have been key components of her career.
Wellness Trends
In her new role, Reed will stay on top of wellness trends. A report from McKinsey summarizing the $1.8 trillion global wellness market for 2024 indicates consumers are more and more often expecting companies to “provide effective, science-backed solutions,” she says. That data analysis also suggests that consumers place a priority on scientific credibility and efficacy, an implication that Reed respects.
She is well-versed on cutting-edge technology in her field: Reed contributed to development of the survey and helped write the American College of Sport Medicine’s 2024 trends report, which cites wearable technology and tracking the health-promoting benefits of infrared saunas, cold therapy and red light therapy as likely to become much more prevalent in the upcoming year.
About Perspire Sauna Studio
Founded in 2010, the Perspire Sauna Studio franchise, an infrared sauna and red-light therapy concept, has experienced rapid growth. The brand has awarded more 170 franchise agreements, with 49 open locations and 20 more under development, according to a press release.
