Hotworx franchises fell into the laps of Amy Nicholas and Jennifer Young when they least expected them, but needed them the most.
“I was a stay-at-home mom for a long time, and I always kind of felt like I wanted to do something more,” Amy explains. “My husband and I were both athletes growing up, so being physically active and staying healthy has always been a priority for us.”
For Jennifer, it was after spending over 30 years in the healthcare/health insurance industry that she realized it just wasn’t filling her cup anymore.
“I was sitting in the lobby of the Hotworx that I was a member of, wondering what the heck I was going to do with my life,” Jennifer reminisces. “I looked over at the television, and there was an advertisement for franchising, and I thought, 'Why not?’”
Now, both women own multiple Hotworx franchises throughout Colorado. Jennifer’s locations are in Westminster, Arvada and Parker on Cottonwood, while Amy’s locations are in Littleton and Parker on Stroh.
For Amy, her Hotworx business conveys her passion for fitness and building a community.
“It’s more than just a gym; it’s literally life-changing,” she exclaims. “Even though members are only in the studio for a short time during the day, it’s so fun to see the relationships being created and the transformations in our members.”
Owning the franchise doesn’t mean the owners have to figure everything out on their own, either. The camaraderie sets them apart and brings local entrepreneurs together to enhance an already fabulous product.
“The one thing that I absolutely love about Hotworx,” Jennifer begins. “Is that the owners and franchise owners, especially in Colorado, we cooperate so much, and we talk all the time.”
Amy and Jennifer’s entrepreneurial journey has changed and shaped who they are as people.
“I’ve had to problem-solve and stand up for myself and my staff in ways I never would have imagined,” Amy explains. “It’s been challenging and rewarding, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I truly never imagined the change in myself. I have more confidence in all parts of my life because of this experience.”
Jennifer echoes the challenges and how perseverance is what takes an idea from taking the first step to truly becoming an entrepreneur.
“It’s the people who persevere through those challenging times where you get hit with the unexpected,” Jennifer explains. “You have to persevere and push through those and not give up.”
Amy advises future women entrepreneurs to get to know their clients when she says, “I have learned so much from the women who walk through my doors every day, from our amazing staff to our incredible members; they are a wealth of knowledge. Women love to support each other and lift each other up, and I love getting to be a part of that.”
“I’ve had to problem-solve and stand up for myself and my staff in ways I never would have imagined.”