Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamille McCollum, President and COO of BODYBAR Franchising.
Hi Kamille, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the owner of 3 BODYBAR Pilates franchises and the President and COO of BODYBAR Pilates Franchising. The first location was in Dallas and the Founder, Laurie Gatlin started BODYBAR along with her husband, Steve Gatlin. As Kamille and her husband, Matt McCollum, bought into their franchise system the Gatlin’s and McCollum’s later decided to partner together to grow BODYBAR Pilates across the United States. The Headquarters for BODYBAR Pilates Franchising is now in Fort Worth but still has close ties to its legacy studio BODYBAR Travis off Knox/Henderson and Travis Street. Kamille, Matt, and their BODYBAR Pilates Franchising Team have now grown BODYBAR into 12 states and a total of 66 territories sold and 16 locations open.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Matt and I started franchising in late 2019, just a few months before COVID hit in 2020. We sold to our first two Franchise Owners and then had to go virtual and for our next 5 franchise owners. It slowed our growth but gave us time to really build our support team. COVID was also difficult for studio owners like me. Navigating the right thing to do with regards to client and staff safety while also providing the community focused Pilates classes we pride ourselves on was certainly a test. Beyond that and the daily challenges most small business owners face I am proud of the communities we have had a part in establishing all over the country.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of the BODYBAR communities that I have at my three locations but also what our franchise owners are building across the United States. I love working out and what’s better than working out with your friends. My goal is to make the BODYBAR community somewhere people can thrive; physically, socially, and emotionally. I am also extremely proud of the work our Franchising Support Team is providing to this emerging brand. We value trust in each others’ expertise, hard work and good intention to encourage healthy and balanced environments where we consistently raise the bar and set the standard in boutique fitness franchising. Along with that we like to have fun and embrace a spirit of cheers!
It is not always easy to juggle 3 daughters, business ownership, and a full-time job but I am so lucky to have an amazing support team around me. I have family and friends who live close by, I have leaders at my studios who I trust to carry out our vision, and leaders at HQ to support franchisees to drive success.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been competitive with others and myself, driven, a hard worker, and positive. I love to laugh and enjoy life, but I could never sit still. I was born in Italy from missionary parents, and we have always embraced the Italian way of life; eat good food, enjoy time with family and friends, and celebrate life in all that you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bodybarpilates.com
- Instagram: @bodybarpilates
- Facebook: @bodybarpilates
Image Credits
Rachel Friedman Photography
