|
GNC’s ‘Live Well’ Philosophy Serves Franchise Operator Well
“I worked for GNC so it was a natural fit for me to become a franchise operator,” Nelson Fleming recalled of his decision to become a GNC franchise operator over 11 years ago.
In a way, GNC found him. While in college, Fleming worked at a jewelry store that happened to be located next to a GNC in a mall. After the jewelry store went out of business, the manager of the neighboring GNC called Fleming and offered him a part-time job. “I started working at that GNC store as a salesperson, from there I became a store manager and then for seven years I was a regional manager for GNC corporate…I oversaw company-owned stores but I was involved enough to know that the franchise operators were doing well, ” Fleming explained. “Most of them were coming in with no related experience and I had over 10 years of experience with the company so I thought, ‘I can do as well as them if not better’.”
Fleming has done well. Since opening his first store in January 1997, his operation has grown to include 10 stores in the Atlanta area. Although the transition from corporate employee to franchise operator wasn’t a drastic change, it did help him achieve a long-time goal, “I always had it in the back of my head that I wanted to run my own business,” Fleming said. “My father owned a construction company, so even though that’s a very different industry, I was aware of what running a business entails… and I knew I wanted that.” For those like Fleming, who’ve always wanted to run their own business, parlaying a military background into operating a GNC franchise can be a perfect fit.
No Previous Experience is Necessary!
Though his background put him ahead of the learning curve, it’s GNC’s proven, comprehensive business system that sets their franchise opportunity apart and gives all of their franchise operators an edge. Regardless of what your previous career in the military entailed, GNC’s well-developed system will provide you with the structure you’re accustomed to. “The operating system is excellent; people in other franchises don’t typically have the sophisticated operating system and excellent support program that we do…even someone with no knowledge of the industry can become an operator. Regional support staff goes to the stores to consult and work with operators, and with the Genesis intranet system, every day we know what’s going on in the company, if any changes are taking place, we’re aware,” Fleming said. “It’s a great support system that a lot of people in retail don’t have. We’re far ahead.”
In addition to a superior business system, GNC franchise operators also benefit from widespread consumer awareness and competitive advantages. “Franchise operators receive the best deals possible (from vendors) because we’re part of such a huge operating system…And there’s not a lot of labor capital, so it’s a very low cost opportunity compared to other franchise operations,” he explained. “GNC is very well known so when a store opens, we get respect and notoriety instantly because people know GNC, it’s been out there for over 70 years…people know what it is and what it’s all about,” Fleming said. With 4800 domestic retail locations, GNC commands the majority of the $21.3 billion dollar retail supplement market and is ranked the top franchise opportunity in the supplement industry.
GNC uses a well-structured system to, “Create a consistent customer experience from store to store. If you go to a store in one city it should be basically the same as going to a store in Atlanta or another city,” Fleming said. To achieve this cohesiveness, GNC provides operators with store layout plan-o-grams to follow and promotional, marketing and merchandising campaigns that are identical for every store.
The Ideal Business for Military Veterans
“People who are organized and systematic do well as GNC franchise operators. You need to know how to follow the system,” Fleming said. The GNC franchise opportunity is ideal for veterans because the discipline they develop during their military career translates well into GNC’s proven franchise system, and helps cultivate their success. “I could see someone with a military background doing well as a GNC franchise operator,” Fleming added.
Military professionals with an appreciation of the importance of maintaining good health and being in optimum physical shape may enjoy owning a business in the booming health supplement industry. “This is a good business to be in. I’ve seen exponential growth in this industry in the 22 years that I’ve been with the company,” Fleming noted. “I absolutely recommend this concept…and I’ve recommended it to lots of people over the years. I’m very proud to be part of the GNC franchise system.”
You too can take pride in operating a GNC franchise. Through December 31, 2008 GNC is providing special business discounts to honorably discharged veterans, as a special thank you for helping Americans “Live Well”.
Learn more about how you can take advantage of this special program.
|
