2002
140
$66,000
$25,000
$128,000
No
Fitness Machine Technicians (FMT) is a leading franchise opportunity in the fitness equipment repair and maintenance sector, offering a scalable, home-based business model with national brand support. Specializing in both residential and commercial fitness equipment, FMT provides essential services to a diverse clientele, including gyms, hotels, schools, and private residences. With over 140 franchise units across the United States and Canada, FMT has established itself as a trusted name in the industry.
Proven Business Model: FMT offers a low-overhead, mobile-based franchise model that allows for flexible operations and scalability.
Recurring Revenue Streams: The business generates consistent income through service contracts, warranty work, and preventive maintenance agreements.
National Brand Recognition: Backed by a reputable brand, franchisees benefit from established trust and recognition in the market.
Comprehensive Support: FMT provides extensive training, marketing assistance, and operational support to ensure franchisee success.
1. Established Year:
Fitness Machine Technicians (FMT) was originally founded in 2002 under the name Exertech. In 2015, it rebranded to Fitness Machine Technicians to better reflect its specialized service in fitness equipment repair and maintenance.
2. Franchise Units:
FMT has expanded to over 140 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. This rapid growth demonstrates the brand’s scalability and strong market acceptance.
3. Founders:
The franchise was founded by Don Powers, a veteran in the fitness industry since 1984. His extensive experience in gym operations and equipment management laid the foundation for a franchise model that addresses a critical need in the market: reliable fitness equipment maintenance.
4. Brand Journey & Company History:
Started as a small, local fitness equipment repair service.
Over time, the company developed a mobile-service model that allows technicians to travel to clients’ locations, reducing overhead and increasing convenience.
Rebranding in 2015 strengthened its market positioning and helped establish national recognition.
Now, FMT serves a wide variety of clients including gyms, hotels, schools, and residential customers.
5. Ownership:
FMT is privately held under Proexco, LLC, giving it the flexibility to innovate, expand, and maintain close relationships with franchisees.
6. Market Presence:
Active in over 31 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces.
Recognized as a leader in the fitness equipment repair and maintenance industry, particularly in mobile service solutions.
Competes within the broader fitness services industry, which includes equipment sales, gym management, and wellness services.
7. Industry Category:
Fitness Machine Technicians operates in the fitness equipment service and maintenance sector, a niche that has become increasingly important as gyms and personal fitness routines grow in popularity nationwide.
8. Other Key Information:
FMT emphasizes quality, reliability, and responsiveness, which has helped them develop long-term client relationships.
They also focus on franchisee support, offering structured training, marketing, and operational systems to ensure success.
Fitness Machine Technicians is recognized for providing comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisees can successfully launch and grow their business. The support is structured across several phases:
Before opening, FMT guides franchisees through the critical steps to establish their business:
Territory Selection: Assistance in choosing an optimal location based on market research and demographics.
Franchise Documentation: Help with reviewing and understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and other legal requirements.
Business Planning: Guidance on budgeting, staffing, and initial marketing plans.
Equipment & Tools Procurement: Recommendations for tools, vehicles, and software needed to deliver mobile repair services efficiently.
FMT provides a robust training program to ensure franchisees are prepared to operate the business confidently:
Classroom Training: 4-day intensive program covering:
Company systems and processes
Operational best practices
Customer service standards
Marketing strategies and lead generation
Field Training: 5-day hands-on program, where franchisees work alongside experienced technicians on actual service calls to gain practical skills.
Technician Certification: Training ensures all technicians meet industry standards in equipment repair and safety compliance.
Once the franchise is operational, ongoing support ensures efficiency and growth:
Business Operations: Guidance on scheduling, client management, invoicing, and service tracking.
Performance Monitoring: Assistance with key performance metrics to optimize profitability.
Problem-Solving: Continuous support to handle operational challenges or complex repairs.
FMT provides marketing resources to help franchisees build their local presence and attract clients:
National Marketing Campaigns: Brand-level campaigns to strengthen recognition.
Local Marketing Assistance: Tools, templates, and guidance for online advertising, social media, and local promotions.
Lead Generation: Access to national accounts and partnerships for recurring service contracts.
Continuing Education: Webinars, workshops, and training updates on the latest fitness equipment technologies.
Networking & Community: Access to the franchisee network for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
Updates & Innovation: Guidance on implementing new service offerings or technology to stay competitive in the market.
Fitness Machine Technicians seeks franchisees who are entrepreneurial, mechanically inclined, and customer-focused, capable of running a mobile service business successfully. The ideal candidate combines business acumen with a hands-on approach to service delivery.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Franchisees should have a strong desire to own and grow their own business.
Business Experience: Experience in sales, operations, or service management is beneficial but not mandatory. Individuals with backgrounds in small business management, customer service, or technical operations often thrive.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage a small team of technicians and coordinate operations efficiently.
Hands-On Skills: Comfortable with troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing mechanical and electronic fitness equipment.
Problem Solving: Ability to analyze issues and implement solutions efficiently.
Learning Ability: Willingness to undergo technical training and stay updated with evolving fitness equipment technology.
Customer-Centric: Committed to delivering exceptional service to build long-term client relationships.
Self-Motivated: Can work independently and manage a mobile service business without constant oversight.
Community-Oriented: Ability to network locally with gyms, hotels, schools, and private clients.
Minimum Investment: Must have access to at least $50,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of $150,000 to cover franchise fees, equipment, and initial operating costs.
Long-Term Vision: Willingness to invest time and resources to grow the business steadily.
Mobile Service Operator: Ideal franchisees should be comfortable running a mobile business, traveling within their designated territory to service clients.
Territory Focus: Capable of developing strong client relationships across both residential and commercial sectors in their region.
Tech-Savvy: Comfortable using scheduling software, digital invoicing, and communication tools.
Growth-Oriented: Interested in expanding service offerings, increasing the team, and maximizing revenue streams over time.
Reliability & Integrity: Dedicated to building trust with clients, suppliers, and the franchisor.
| Financial Parameter | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $66,000 – $128,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 (Hometown Franchise) – $45,000 (Full-Size Franchise) |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales up to $499,999 annually; 5% on sales exceeding $500,000 |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | 1% of gross sales for national marketing; minimum $1,000/month for local marketing |
| Infrastructure / Equipment Costs | Included in total investment: service tools, vehicles, and mobile repair setup |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $15,000 recommended for initial operations |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 12 – 18 months |
| Expected ROI | Typically 20% – 30% annually, depending on territory and operational efficiency |
| Revenue Streams | Service contracts, preventive maintenance, warranty work, and equipment repairs |
| Financing Options | Third-party financing available; veteran discounts offered |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $50,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $150,000 |
| Franchise Units Available | Over 140 in U.S. and Canada |
