Tony Greco, Canada's Leading Fitness Specialist is a top graduate from the Sports Performance Institute (SPI), whose certification programs exceed the guidelines established by the National Fitness Leader Advisory Council (NFLAC) in personal training, strength training, and aerobics instruction. He also runs the meanest fitness class you’ve ever tried!
Greco's franchise owner and Founder, Tony Greco is frequently sought out by some of the biggest names in the NHL such as Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers, Darroll Powe of the New York Rangers, Dan Boyle of the San Jose Sharks, Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators and Chris Philips of the Ottawa Senators. Tony has also created programs for and personally trained pop-country star Carrie Underwood, former supermodel Carol Alt, and Kevin Dillon from Entourage.
Tony continues to be the driving force behind Greco’s ever-evolving nutritional plans and workouts. He is a radio and TV spokesperson for health living and proper fitness, and is the president and founder of the Foundation to Fight Obesity in Children.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the Greco Fitness Franchise concept.
Tony Greco: At Greco Fitness Franchise, we have been transforming bodies, lifting spirits and strengthening minds of over 20 years. We offer our members nutritional planning, high-intensity workouts and personal training in a boutique-style atmosphere. Our legendary Lean and Fit program has helped thousands of people lose weight, change their lifestyles, and even train for elite level sports. Our focus is to help people live lean, live fit and live well.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Greco?
TG: Greco was founded in Ottawa, Ontario in 1992. I opened a fitness studio with my business partner Paolo Fiorin, and together we ran the most intense fitness classes anyone had seen at that time. We studied nutrition and personal training over the years and combined our knowledge of human kinetics with our passion and drive to deliver an amazing service. Greco Fitness developed from there. Over the years, we have trained supermodels, pop stars, NHL hockey players and high-level politicians – we’ve been able to tailor our programs to any fitness level. After expanding to 14 locations in Ottawa, and transforming the lives of thousands of people of all ages, shapes and sizes, we decided it was time to take the next step in our company’s growth.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining the Greco Franchise?
TG: I have always played sports or been in the fitness industry my whole career. This isn’t a job at all, it’s a deep passion that I have and one that I am incredibly lucky to share with my dedicated franchisees and members.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Greco franchise business owner (franchisee?)
TG: This is a very simple business model. Members come into the school because they love the atmosphere and the intensity of our workouts. Franchisees simply have to run their classes, hire the right trainers and follow our proven nutritional plans with their members. Sales are increased through protein shakes, add-on programs and Greco clothing which sells really well. We have amazing celebrity endorsement, which always help build reputation and awareness.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchise business owner (franchisee)?
TG: Our ideal franchise business owner (franchisee) is someone who wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Someone who has a real ambition to succeed, who is outgoing and friendly, and who wants to be hands-on running their business on a day-to-day basis – greeting clients, running seminars and helping out in class. Franchisees do not have to have any prior fitness training, although it can be a huge asset. The business model requires hiring of trainers to ensure members are getting the appropriate coaching – this can be the franchisee, but can also be an employee.
BTB: Tell us a little about the Fitness Franchise Industry?
TG: There is a lot of competition in the general fitness industry with many “gyms” or 24-hour equipment centers, however, Greco Fitness Franchise is extremely unique. Our members come to us because they are bored of the normal gym where they push weights and get little motivation from staff or other members. Greco combines nutrition training, fitness classes and a boutique atmosphere that is unlike anything else in the market.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise opportunity?
TG: This is a people business, and you have to love working with people. The right franchisee following the system and building strong relationship with his/her members and trainers will build a great business. It can be a lot of work, but is so incredibly rewarding. There is nothing like hearing from a member that they just reached their weight-loss goal of 80 lbs and that Greco changed their life. Hard work reaps rewards – this goes for our members, and our franchisees.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
TG: Wayne Gretzky inspires me. If you don't take shots everyday then you won't succeed. Do something different for great success.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Greco Fitness Franchise Opportunity?
TG: Do your research and understand the business. Understand what it is that you will be doing everyday, and how owning the business will change your current lifestyle. Understand all the costs, not just the upfront investment. Understand the systems and processes to ensure that the business is truly something that you feel is right for you.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Greco Fitness Franchise would be a great franchise opportunity for someone?
TG: We are in the ever-growing market of health and fitness and people today are looking for something better than your typical gym. People are looking for health and nutritional advice and Greco has 20 years of proven success to know what works. Its an exciting, rewarding business to be a part of and you come home most days feeling like you’ve made a difference in people’s lives.
