Podcast Summary: The Inspiring Journey of Club Pilates Founder, Allison Beardsley
The Pilates Business Podcast hosted by Seran Glanfield features an insightful conversation with Allison Beardsley, the visionary founder of Club Pilates and the innovative entrepreneur behind the Red Light Method. Released on December 16, 2024, this episode delves deep into Allison's entrepreneurial journey, her strategies for building a global franchise, and her latest venture aimed at revolutionizing wellness.
1. Introduction and Early Beginnings
Seran Glanfield opens the episode by highlighting Allison's remarkable achievement of transforming a single Pilates studio in San Diego into one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises worldwide. Allison Beardsley’s passion for movement and resilience in overcoming personal injuries played a pivotal role in her journey.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (03:46): “I first started teaching Pilates in the year 2000... I became addicted. And so I started just doing mat Pilates. And then I started teaching mat Pilates.”
2. Founding Club Pilates
Allison recounts the inception of Club Pilates during the economic downturn of 2008. Despite the challenges, she adapted by offering affordable $10 reformer classes, which significantly attracted clients facing financial hardships.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (05:46): “We did an economic stimulus package and we eventually made it down to $10 reformer classes and up to 12 reformers.”
3. Scaling Through Franchising
Recognizing the potential for expansion, Allison launched a teacher training program, which became the cornerstone for franchising Club Pilates. By 2013, she had successfully franchised 120 locations in just two years, demonstrating her ability to scale rapidly even without prior experience in franchising.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (07:18): “You don't need to know, you just have to do so. I always tell people my motto is ready, fire, aim.”
4. Transitioning and Selling Club Pilates
In 2015, after achieving substantial growth, Allison decided to sell Club Pilates to Exponential Fitness. This decision was driven by the overwhelming responsibilities of supporting 120 franchisees and her desire to move beyond the managerial aspects of the business.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (10:23): “I could sell Club Pilates and retire for life. And I'm like, no way.”
5. Lessons Learned and Entrepreneurial Insights
Allison emphasizes the importance of systemizing operations and maintaining the core values of a business. She reflects on her time with Exponential Fitness, learning from CEO Anthony Geisler, which equipped her with the knowledge to launch her next venture.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (13:43): “Faith is a huge part in business. And having that attitude of knowing... I just have a knowing that whatever I'm going to touch will turn to gold.”
6. Launching the Red Light Method
Allison introduces her latest venture, the Red Light Method, a hybrid boutique fitness spa that integrates red and near-infrared light therapy with Pilates reformer classes. This innovative model focuses on cellular health, offering treatments that aid in body contouring, pain reduction, and overall wellness.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (19:12): “When people come into Red Light Method, it's a hybrid boutique fitness spa... It really energizes the body at a cellular level.”
7. Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead to 2025, Allison plans to expand Red Light Method to 100 new locations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity and personal touch of her business. She aims to hire a CEO to ensure the company grows sustainably without becoming a corporate behemoth.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (21:30): “I want to keep our Red Light Method, the integrity and the love and like the genuineness of what it's built upon... I don't wanna sell Red Light Method and have it turn into a corporate beast.”
8. Conclusion and Final Insights
Allison shares inspiring success stories from Red Light Method members, underscoring the profound impact of red light therapy on their health and well-being. Her unwavering dedication to innovation and holistic wellness positions her as a leading entrepreneur in the fitness industry.
Notable Quote:
Allison Beardsley (25:42): “Red light therapy... energizes your cells at a mitochondrial level. We've had people going blind with macular degeneration have their eyes healed.”
Key Takeaways
- Adaptability: Allison’s ability to pivot during economic downturns was crucial to the success of Club Pilates.
- Systemization: Creating robust systems allowed for scalable growth and consistent franchisee performance.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Embracing a “ready, fire, aim” approach facilitated rapid decision-making and execution.
- Innovation: The Red Light Method exemplifies Allison’s commitment to blending fitness with advanced wellness technologies.
- Integrity in Growth: Allison is determined to expand her new venture without sacrificing the personal and genuine touch that defines her businesses.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for boutique fitness studio owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, offering valuable lessons on scaling a business, maintaining core values, and embracing innovation. Allison Beardsley’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and strategic thinking in building a successful and impactful business.
For more insights and to connect with Allison’s ventures, visit RedLightMethod.com.