Do I need fitness industry experience?
No. Several of our owners came from corporate careers and the military. You need leadership, work ethic, and a real connection to the mission — we teach you the fitness business. If you are a trainer, you're ahead of the game on the floor and we'll level you up as an operator.
Can I finance the investment?
Yes. Most owners use a mix of savings and financing — SBA loans, home-equity lines, retirement rollovers (ROBS), or a capital partner. If you meet the credit and income marks, we'll point you to financing partners who know our model.
What does the all-in investment actually cover?
The $30K franchise fee, commercial workout equipment, rubberized flooring, a professional lighting package, two weeks of hands-on training at an operating REFUEL Bootcamp (lodging and travel included), a full week of onsite launch support before your Grand Opening, site selection and lease negotiation assistance, your website and CRM build-out, and presale coaching and advertising. Where you land in the $125K–$150K range depends on facility size and condition, local construction costs, and your market's build-out requirements.
How fast can I open?
Typical timeline is 4–6 months from signed agreement to grand opening, driven mostly by lease negotiation and build-out. Our lean footprint means less construction than a big-box gym — and we've done this six times.
Do I have to run classes myself?
You don't have to coach every class — the guided programming and screens run the workout — but this is an owner-operator model. Your presence builds the community, and the community builds your revenue.
Why is REFUEL so much less expensive than the big names?
Smaller footprint, tech-guided classes instead of large staff, and no corporate bloat baked into the fee. We make money when you succeed and the brand grows — not by maximizing your build-out.
