Long Discovered Biohacking After Four Knee Surgeries
Upgrade Labs’ new president, Griff Long, brings firsthand experience in the brand’s biohacking specialty after using its techniques to recover from four knee surgeries. Long will tap his experience in fitness, franchising and business development to devise and hone growth strategies, streamline operations, and support for owners of Upgrade Labs.
Long is a big believer in Upgrade Labs’ mission. When seeking pain relief after his surgeries, he turned to biohacking, which consists of tips and tricks that enable the body to function at peak performance. By using red light therapy, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and oxygen training, he could continue endurance racing. Long’s wellness journey led him to Upgrade Labs founder and CEO Dave Asprey as well as the brand’s tools, including the AI Cheat Machine, which delivers a week’s worth of resistance training in 15 minutes, and the Big Squeeze, which promotes water loss, slimming and toxin elimination. Long said Upgrade Labs’ mission of empowering people to take control of their health and well-being aligns with his values.
Asprey said Long’s business development expertise and personal experiences with biohacking will be key contributors to Upgrade Labs’ success. “His knowledge and dedication will strengthen our model and provide unparalleled support to both our franchisees and members,” Asprey said.
Wellness Franchising
Long has found franchising to be “the perfect blend of strategic planning, operational excellence and the satisfaction of helping others to achieve their dreams.” He has held senior leadership positions at fitness brands such as Equinox, SoulCycle, Pure Barre, Orangetheory and EL1 Sports. While at EL1 Sports, Long achieved a 33% annual growth rate, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he secured a partnership with Major League Baseball as its official Youth Training Partner. Long has also worked in the transportation sector, spending 15 years in leadership roles with Hertz before joining Flex Car, a car-sharing start-up that merged with Zipcar. This background has equipped him with a deep understanding of franchising’s best practices, challenges and opportunities, he said.
Long advises potential wellness franchisees to do due diligence on brands under consideration, choose one that aligns with their values and goals, and roll up their sleeves. ”Be prepared to invest time, energy and resources into building a successful franchise. By focusing on providing exceptional customer service, building strong relationships with other franchisees and staying ahead of industry trends, entrepreneurs can position themselves for long-term success in the wellness franchising space.”
In his free time, the father of two has participated in 50-plus triathlons, including nine Ironman events. He has competed in the Kona Ironman World Championship and in sprint and distance races in the Age Group World Championships.
About Upgrade Labs
Founded in 2017 and franchising since 2021, Upgrade Labs helps members reach optimum physical, cognitive and cellular performance through proprietary technologies and guidance from biohacker technicians. The brand, which bills itself as the world’s first biohacking facility, seeks single and multi-unit franchisees across North America.
