Update: We Launched A New Fitness Concept [$12M Franchise Business]
This is a follow up story for Busch Global. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 5 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
I’m JD Busch, the founder, and Chief Energy Officer for Busch Global. Busch Global specializes in growing franchise concepts through investments, development, and consulting services. We have recently changed our focus and expanded to launching our franchise system.
The last time we chatted…we were focusing on growing franchise concepts through investments, development, and consulting services. We have a lot of experience being multi-unit franchisees and Regional Developers with several brands and had expanded to consulting franchisors with development, growth strategy, and operations. We have now moved on to being Franchisors ourselves by launching PUlse Performance in 2021.
In 2021, I launched Pulse Performance, The Innovation of Fitness. We are currently seeking qualified individuals nationwide to become Pulse Partners and bring a Pulse Performance studio to their community. We have seen a 98% retention rate with our clients and our clients come in for an array of reasons- are easing into/beginning to work out, want to add to their current fitness routine, or are interested in the technology/innovation aspect of our workout or they have physical ailments or conditions that EMS can help with
Tell us about what you’ve been up to! Has the business been growing?
I recently founded a new company, Pulse Performance. Founded in 2021 in Austin, Pulse Performance is a revolutionary fitness experience that offers full-body workouts with technology-enhanced exercises.
More details on Pulse Performance origins… JD was introduced to Electrical Muscle Stimulation, a few years ago, while in Europe, but it wasn’t until February 2020, that he realized how truly amazing it is. From an accident, JD suffered a spinal injury. He was left not knowing if he would ever fully recover. Luckily, he was blessed to have a therapist introduce EMS into his rehabilitation. It was through EMS that he made major strides in his recovery and experienced a drastic reduction in chronic pain. From this injury and the success of EMS in recovery, the concept for Pulse Performance was formed. Having over 25 plus years of experience in franchising, JD saw this as an opportunity to bring a new concept in fitness, EMS, to Americans so that no matter someone’s fitness level- whether they were starting to work out, a weekend warrior, or needing special help to recover from an injury or ailment- they could benefit from this.
With a second location coming soon to San Antonio, we recently announced our franchising opportunity in Texas and Florida. We are looking to identify qualified prospective franchisees as we look to bring EMS training to the forefront of health and wellness.
Our goal is to become the leading franchise that utilizes EMS as we’ve witnessed explosive growth. We anticipate having 50 locations signed by the end of 2023, with an additional 100 by the end of 2024. We’ve seen a 98% retention rate with our clients, as we provide a white glove experience, a variety of innovative fitness programs- EMS fitness, EMS Sculpt, and Infrared Light Therapy, and weekly consulting, ensuring our clients reach their goals. Interestingly enough, we’ve seen clients come in for an array of reasons, whether they’re simply looking to ease into fitness, exploring new avenues to achieve their fitness goals, or using EMS as a physical therapy tool.
Empower your employees and show them there is the opportunity to climb the company ladder.
At Pulse Performance, we make it a priority to lead by example and set the tone for the rest of our employees. We are in this together, and we will succeed together. Ultimately, we want our employees to know that we are as invested in them as they are in us. Establishing that mutual relationship and respect can truly impact your growth and success as a brand and showing them there is the opportunity to grow within Pulse helps establish a positive work environment and culture.
Having a team that is as passionate about Pulse Performance as we are, ensures that we not only have the best team but that we have the best possible customer service. We aim to positively impact our clients' lives, and having a team that embodies passion and looks to help people, allows us to do this.
Additionally, we have brought on a marketing firm and a PR firm to better educate the public on Pulse Performance and increase brand awareness. The public relations efforts will certainly help us tell my personal story of how EMS training reshaped the trajectory of my life for the better. The firm has already landed us features in trades such as IFA and Club Industry and will help us establish relationships with local and national social media influencers to ramp up mentions of the brand on social media channels.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
Considering we are so new, no major mistakes or missed opportunities stick out. The main challenge we face is hiring the right people. Staffing can be difficult because we want to find people philosophically aligned with our brand’s vision and culture. Having a team that believes in your concept as much as you do makes a world of difference both internally and in client-facing instances. Additionally, we offer major growth opportunities to our team members, not only to retain them as employees but to show that we are invested in them.
Mistakes are going to happen, and every person at every level will make them in some capacity.
One thing I’ve learned over my professional career is that mistakes are going to happen, and every person at every level will make them in some capacity. For me, the adage ‘don’t make the same mistake twice’ rings true. Learn from your mishaps, put your best foot forward and learn from them instead of dwelling on it. I think providing leadership that insinuates that we can continue to move forward positively after a mishap has helped improve our processes and company culture. I know I’m not perfect and being self-aware of that allows me to lead by example, demonstrating that we can recover from mistakes, coming out the other side stronger.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
We anticipate having 50 Pulse Performance studios opened and in development by the end of 2023, with an additional 100 by the end of 2024. Within 5 years, Pulse Performance will be in every major market nationwide as well as have studios internationally.
Have you read any good books in the last year?
I’ve read a lot of great books recently centered around culture and executing high levels of customer service. I think it’s extremely important to seek out other viewpoints or thought processes to see if you can apply those to make yourself and your professional output better. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Convey stands out in that regard for me.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
For me, it’s laying out a road map and game plan. Without some sort of planned outline, it can be difficult to find a path toward success. It’s also important to have plans and growth opportunities for the people on staff, not just the company as a whole. Relying on others is important, and for many can be an obstacle should they have an ego. We all believe in doing something great and becoming someone great, but 99% of the time, we can’t do that alone. We need to surround ourselves with people who believe in us and know that we either fail together or succeed together.
Empowering employees and showing them there is the opportunity to climb the company ladder helps establish a positive work environment and culture. To add to that, hire people who are passionate about your product or service. This helps ensure the overall vision and growth of the company are not misconstrued.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
Pulse Performance is actively seeking multi-unit franchise partners nationwide, [email protected]
And currently hiring for Pulse Advisors and Pulse Trainers positions in Austin, TX, [email protected]
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
