Zack Marks was certified as a personal trainer at 16 – a talented and ambitious kid, he always knew what kind of career he wanted, according to his father. Today, at 21, Zack’s not only into personal training, he’s also co–owner of a thriving fitness business. And who’s his partner? None other than Ed Marks, his proud dad.
Working harmoniously and able to hash out problems despite their generation gap, they operate two Fitness Together franchises. There’s one in San Antonio at 1207 N. Loop 1604 West, and one in University Park inthe Dallas area. A third studio is due to open soon in Alamo Heights.
It’s an encouraging note for a business to be so successful in the current economic climate and to be planning expansion instead of scaling back. Why such optimism in the Marks family? To put it simply: Both father and son believe in the viability of the fitness industry and in the service they can provide.
“We think people – especially the private clientele we attract –will always want to stay in shape,” says Zack. “Also, when we look at what’s happening to the population of our country, the future seems promising.”
Statistics show that the U.S.population is getting older, he explains. Everyone, especially the baby boomer segment, wants to stay healthy and ward off aging. A business that addresses these desires and demographic trends is a good bet.
And such facts were at the forefront when he and his dad decided to buy into the personal training division of the world’s largest wellness organization, Fitness Together Holdings Inc. (The division boasts more than 500 franchises in the United States, Costa Rica, Ireland, Canada and Israel.)
Ed vividly recalls the day they became entrepreneurs.
“Zack was getting dissatisfied with his job at a local exercise studio and then franchise opportunities at Fitness Together came up. I remember how he sat me down, looked me in the eye and said, 'Dad, we need to do this!’ His arguments were pretty persuasive, he convinced me.”
The business move made a lot of sense, given their complementary strengths, experience and interests. Ed had managed a gym in the'80s and then segued into the corporate sector while raising his three boys. Zack had grown up in Austin excelling at football and weight lifting. Dad could bring organizational skill and business savvy to the operation.With scientific knowledge and awards –including being named No. 1 Personal Fitness Trainer in the San Antonio Region – his son could custom tailor programs for clients.
Their San Antonio franchise began welcoming clients in 2006. The University Park location got going last October. Ed oversees things locally, shuttling between homes in S. A. and in Austin, where youngest son, Brandon, still attends high school. At the moment Zack is looking after things in Dallas, but often spends time in the Alamo City, making sure as company president and CEO that things are running smoothly and clients are happy.
Clients run the gamut in age. Most want to lose weight. Some want to feel more energetic. Others have specific health concerns that they hope to target. Fitness Together caters to the individual needs with the slogan, “one client, one trainer, one goal” and a regimen that combines nutrition, a cardiovascular routine and resistance training. Several trainers are on staff at each facility and both Ed and Zack assist with the personal training in addition to their executive duties.
Customers are enthusiastic about the personalized attention. Take banking and financial consultant Steve Basilotto, who showed up at the San Antonio studio because there was a ski trip ahead and he wanted to look svelte on the slopes.
“I went from 254 pounds to 242 and my waist size went from 42 inches to 38,” Basilotto says. “The best part was the way my strength and flexibility increased. Those guys really know how to motivate you!”
San Antonio pharmacist Carla Collins feels the same way.
“I’m impressed by the way they push you to improve and how they consider your feelings by having private rooms for each client,” she says. “You don’t have to go parading around in your leotard for all to see or wait in lines for exercise equipment. I’m so pleased with my progress, I’ve become a regular.”
Zack and Ed put a lot of emphasis on that word “regular” whenever they talk about staying in shape. They think regular attention to exercise and diet is a positive step everyone canand should take toward a healthy lifestyle. But heed their warning: You can’t be consistent for a while, then slack off and expect the increased energy and taut tummy to last. According to father and son, fitness must be a continuing commitment.
“My son and I try to work out at least three to four times a week without fail,” Ed emphasizes. “Our professional philosophy at Fitness Together is to guide clients in the right way and set the right example.”
“In other words,” says Zack, “we practice what we preach.”
And that could be the secret of their success.
