Athletic Republic focuses more on training athletes than overall fitness. Their training is backed by exercise science and their equipment is made by the company itself.
Shae Sims, an Athletic Republic franchisee, is returning to her roots with her purchase and opening of two locations in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah. An exercise physiologist, she’s using her experience to think outside the box among other franchisees and bring training to all athletes.
“It’s really been exciting to take this business in particular take off,” said Sims. “We really felt like being part of the community would really serve us well.”
After working in her career and returning to Park City, Sims was looking for her next step. She reached out to her previous boss, who worked at Athletic Republic, and signed on as an owner in 2021.
Shae Sims, franchisee of Athletic Republic.
Sims had her work cut out for her opening in the midst of a pandemic, and she’s already made an impact. The community was key in ensuring her success, Sims said. Park City is fairly small and active, so Sims and her team got in touch with school sports teams and clubs nearby.
This paid off when Athletic Republic awarded Sims the “Explosive TNT Award” for her efforts and for increasing revenue by 106 percent in her first year. She attributes her success to thinking outside the box.
“We knew the science and protocols and what the franchise is built on is sound, but I really wanted to say, ‘What are we missing? What can we add to it to provide our athletes with the best training that we can give them?” said Sims.
The answer was “beefing up our strength training program,” Sims said. Investing in new equipment and education for the younger athletes was key.
Not only does this provide a better experience, it also prevents injuries from weight lifting, she said. Sims also encouraged education for female athletes when it came to strength training, because they are often not part of the conversation.
Athletic Republic, with 80-plus units, allows for high variability in location size, ranging from 3,000 to 100,000 square feet. The brand also allows franchisees to incorporate complementary additions, such as a yoga studio or 24-hour gym, such as Snap Fitness.
Sims emphasized this achievement wasn’t hers alone. Heather Walker, Sims’ longtime friend and director of operations and marketing, has been with her every step of the journey. Sims referred to their work as a “two-headed female monster.”
While Athletic Republic focuses on sports training and athletic improvement for all clients, regardless of age, sport or gender, Lindsay Simpson, chief marketing officer, said the company has 50 percent female clientele, which is rare in the industry.
The initial investment required to open an Athletic Republic franchise ranges from $285,000 to $627,000, according to its franchise disclosure document.
Simpson commented that Sims is a role model for other female entrepreneurs and athletes. As for how Sims feels to be regarded as a role model in the industry, she sees it as a badge of honor, especially in tandem with the mission of Athletic Republic.
“It’s certainly a privilege to have the opportunities since there’s not a lot of women in this industry,” said Sims. “I see the importance of females in the industry, but also female athletes.”