BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING BRIDGES: INSIGHTS FROM WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

By Lindsay Simpson, Athletic Republic

Diversity, equity and inclusion are no longer just buzzwords; they are fundamental pillars of progress and success in the modern business landscape.

As Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic Republic, a leading franchise in sports performance training, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of embracing diversity and empowering women within our organization. Today, I would like to shed light on our commitment to gender equality and share invaluable insights from the women who have played a pivotal role in shaping our franchise’s success.

More than 50 percent of the athletes and customers we serve are female…

Athletic Republic has immense pride in the fact that gender equality is equally reflected in the composition of our clients. More than 50 percent of the athletes and customers we serve are female — an encouraging statistic that reflects the growing prominence of women in the world of sports and athletics. By creating an inclusive and supportive environment, we have empowered countless young women to break barriers and achieve their athletic goals. From professional athletes to aspiring amateurs, our franchise network has become a beacon of opportunity for women in sports.

In addition to the diversity of our clients, Athletic Republic is proud to have female representation within our training staff. Our brand has added 25 new female trainers in the past six months alone, with future additions on the horizon. These trainers bring a unique perspective and invaluable insights to our athlete development programs, enabling us to deliver exceptional results while fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Driving this culture of diversity and inclusion requires a team of passionate individuals who embody these values at the highest levels. At our headquarters, I am proud to serve alongside Stephanie Fairbourn, our chief operating officer, as two of Athletic Republic’s female C-suite executives. Together, we have forged a collaborative and empowering environment that fosters growth and innovation within our franchise network.

Stephanie, with her remarkable leadership skills and operational expertise, has been instrumental in cultivating a supportive ecosystem for our franchisees. Her commitment to empowering women within the organization over the past three years has resulted in Athletic Republic experiencing a remarkable shift in ownership demographics, with a significant increase in female franchise owners. Approximately 40 percent of our new owners during this period are women — a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and determination that women bring to the table. As these women take the helm of their franchises, they not only bring fresh perspectives but also serve as inspiring role models for aspiring female entrepreneurs across the nation.

As these women take the helm of their franchises, they not only bring fresh perspectives but also serve as inspiring role models for aspiring female entrepreneurs across the nation.

One of the remarkable stories within our franchise network is that of Shae Sims, a dedicated and visionary franchisee based in Utah. Shae’s journey with Athletic Republic began as an athlete herself, and her passion for sports and fitness drove her to become a franchise owner. Today, she leads two thriving training facilities in Utah that not only serve as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, but also inspire young women in her community to dream big and shatter glass ceilings.

 Similarly, Carolyn Homberger, another exceptional franchisee from Florida, has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in her region. Carolyn’s unwavering commitment to creating equal opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds has transformed her facility into a hub for athletes seeking excellence in sports performance. Her dedication to cultivating an inclusive environment has not only resonated with athletes but also ignited a positive change in the local sports community.

Kelly Mallek, a passionate franchisee from Michigan, has leveraged her expertise in human resources and community outreach to build bridges between Athletic Republic and the diverse communities they serve. By actively engaging with local organizations and schools, Kelly has broadened our reach and made our training programs accessible to a wide range of athletes, regardless of their socioeconomic or cultural background. As a mom, Kelly believes deeply in the foundation of franchising and invested in Athletic Republic to create generational wealth for her son and family.

As the CMO of Athletic Republic, I am committed to amplifying the voices of these extraordinary women who have reshaped the narrative of women in sports and franchising. Their stories not only inspire us but also serve as a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that emerge when diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of a brand.

Lindsay Simpson is the chief marketing officer of Athletic Republic. A results-oriented, creative, and resourceful franchise marketer, Simpson has maintained over fifteen years of progressive experience in developing and growing organizations through strategic business planning and innovative online marketing techniques. She has a proven track record of successfully managing brands’ marketing through omni-channel orchestration, creative design and analytics implementations. For more information about IFA franchisor member Athletic Republic, please visit franchise.org/franchiseopportunities/athletic-republic.