Tyler Kula – The Sarnia Observer, March 1, 2020
A Sarnia-Lambton-started weight-loss and workout business has its 50th franchise.
EWYN (Exactly What You Need) Studios recently hit the milestone said president and co-founder Dean Esser.
The 51st store opens in St. John’s, NL in April, he said, putting EWYN in its seventh province. The others include Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
“Fifty is a huge accomplishment,” said Esser about the former Evolution Workout business started in 2011 in a Petrolia garage.
It was re-branded in 2015 when Esser, a former Sarnia Jail guard and bodybuilder, teamed up with Herbal Magic founder Dieter Decker to grow the business.
Esser bought out Decker in 2018, after the two combined their respective health and fitness, and franchising and weight-loss business expertise, Esser said, noting his goal was always to fully purchase the business.
“We feel we’re, I don’t want to say halfway there – our goal is 300. But it just keeps going,” Esser said about reaching 50 franchises.
“We’re super excited about it.”
With its corporate base in Corunna, Esser said growth has mostly been happening in Alberta over the last six months.
“But we’re looking at going anywhere,” he said.
The company is focused on collaboration, he said, noting things like new protein flavours are decided with input from franchisees and clients.
“We have a good culture, a positive culture,” he said, estimating 2,500 to 3,500 active clients.
Clients stay in the personalized weight loss program 30-40 weeks on average, he said.
Hopes are to hit 75 franchises by the end of 2020, he said.
“It just seems to be going really, really well.”
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