Jetset Pilates combines traditional pilates with its unique reformers to bring the more intense workout founder Tamara Galinsky was craving when she created the brand.
This article is part of “Where Are They Now?”—an ongoing series in which Franchise Times reporters Megan Glenn and Emilee Wentland catch up with emerging brands.
Jetset Pilates started its franchising journey in 2022 after operating for more than a decade. At 15 locations and over 50 signings, the brand continues to make waves in the Pilates segment with its unique routine that combines traditional Pilates and the reformer machine.
“We sold out of South Florida,” said founder Tamara Galinsky. “We’ve only been getting bigger with the momentum and I’m very excited.”
At just four corporate stores nearly two years ago, the growth so far is unexpected but extremely welcome for Galinsky and the team. To meet demand, Jetset hired a slew of executives, including Sarah Buie as head of franchise development, Taylor Talcott as head of franchise services and Erin Hildebrand as director of franchise development and more.
Tamara Galinsky, founder.
Starting in Miami in 2010, Galinsky set up Jetset for walk-in sessions for the snowbirds and tourists that came to the city. As the brand expanded to less touristy areas, it’s changed how it brings in customers by offering memberships. Maintaining the brand’s luxury feel while staying affordable is Galinsky’s priority, and that’s staying the same as it branches out of its home state.
The whole of South Florida is signed for, and Jetset is opening in New Jersey, New York, California and Texas. Jetset expanded internationally with one unit in Melbourne, Australia.
The studio Pilates space is gaining competitors, with top dog Club Pilates leading the way. The Xponential Fitness subsidiary did about $525 million in sales in 2022 with 756 studios at the time. There’s also Bodybar Pilates, a Dallas-based brand with more than 40 locations nationwide.
Related: Snapdragon Capital Invests $30 Million in Largest Club Pilates Franchisee
Jetset’s rapid growth presents a challenge to the team, though, with finding real estate.
“I think the big box brands are coming into what used to be quaint towns,” said Galinsky. “Developers are not as sensitive to the community aspect of it and providing services that people really want.”
Jetset studios have 16 reformers on average, which requires roughly 1,800 to 2,000 square feet per location. That need has been a major choke point for studio openings as franchisees negotiate leases.
Jetset is meeting demand by increasing the number of reformers in its units from 12 to 16 if possible.
The first franchised studio, opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hit $100,000 in revenue within the first three months, Galinsky said. With an initial investment of $394,000 to $680,000, a quick turnaround is a boon for any franchisee that had to delay opening due to real estate shortages.
Finding those franchisees has been largely organic for Jetset, Galinsky said. Since it started in a tourist hotspot, it garnered attention nationwide. When Galinsky meets a franchisee, she looks for someone similar to herself: enthusiastic and passionate with business.
“We want to stay humble, and the team has done so much just to get us to where we are,” said Galinsky. “I think we’re in the right area to not take the runner up but the prime spot because we are so different.”