Leaving a life on the corner of New York City's Wall Street and Broad Street, mover and shaker Gene Chayevsky arrived in Atlanta in 2009; the extensive investment knowledge he'd earned as a private investor (and through mere proximity to the New York Stock Exchange) in tow.
Since then, he has become a key player in Atlanta's business, investment, fitness and now, philanthropy spheres. In 2022, Gene boldly decided to invest in what is now the fastest-growing fitness concept in the US—the BODY20 franchise. As the largest multi-unit franchisee of BODY20 in Atlanta, he's already found great success—but he's nowhere near done. He recently sat down with us and divulged how he got to where he is today and what the future has in store.
What brought you to Atlanta from NYC?
I moved to Atlanta 15 years ago to take over as CEO at a portfolio company owned by the private equity firm I was with. After commuting to Atlanta from New York weekly, my wife and I moved our family to Atlanta in June 2009. I thought I could make the company successful and leverage that success for bigger and better things. On a personal level, we felt that Atlanta would provide a more pleasant and sustainable environment to raise our kids, who were five and six at the time. Once we got here, my wife retired from dentistry, sold her New York practice, and we had our 3rd child, William.
Outside of BODY20, what other businesses have you been involved with?
I am an investor. My investment company is called KLW Capital (named after my kids Kirk, Liv and William). I have traditionally invested in private and public companies as a passive investor but decided to make an active investment and commitment to BODY20 in 2022 as a vehicle for building a substantial business from the ground up.
How many BODY20 franchises do you currently own, and what is your plan for expansion?
I am now the largest multi-unit franchisee of BODY20 in Atlanta, with a commitment to develop seven locations in metro Atlanta. Starting in 2026, I hope to begin expanding outside Atlanta and am targeting at least 50 locations across the US in the next seven years in partnership with my former associates and friends in the private equity business.
What drew you to the BODY20 brand?
When searching for franchises, I assessed the quality of the business model. I wanted a recurring revenue, membership-based business with attractive margins. I also knew I wanted growth potential.
My search brought me to the wellness and fitness space, where I could fundamentally improve people’s lives and return to my family roots—doctors, dentists and healthcare business owners run in the family. I zeroed in on BODY20 for its unique approach to fitness. Its 20-minute, tech-enabled workout replaces hours of traditional strength training in the gym. BODY20’s efficacy, efficiency and affordability are changing the game in wellness and fitness across the US.
In what ways do you give back to the local community?
I sponsor football, baseball, soccer and lacrosse at Walton High School and local baseball leagues: East Side Baseball and 643 DP Athletics. I am an active member of the Cobb County Chamber, the Greater North Fulton Chamber and the East Cobb Business Association. I also have plans to join a Rotary chapter. In conjunction with other Atlanta area BODY20 franchisees, I sponsor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
What have been your keys to success?
The biggest thing is providing great service. BODY20 has incredible coaches and staff, a clean studio and a welcoming atmosphere. I focus on building the culture and developing personal relationships with our members.
We are also very active in the local community. Sponsorships, networking and cross-referral relationships with local businesses have helped me grow the BODY20 brand in and around East Cobb and become the fastest-growing BODY20 studio in the country.
BODY20's belief in fitness equality is the most admirable aspect of the brand to Gene:
BODY20 Believes:
You should not have to choose between fitness and family.
Fitness should never compete with your career.
Getting in shape should not hurt.
Everybody should get the most out of life.
Everybody is entitled to feeling great.
If this sounds like a fitness space for you, visit body20.com/east-cobb for more information.