The premise of CBS's “Undercover Boss” is simple but intriguing: Company executives disguise themselves as entry-level or mid-management employees to uncover faults in their business.
One can easily imagine how this concept could apply to the fitness industry. Could a health club company president even fathom what their franchisees deal with on a day-to-day basis? Would they be willing to get their hands dirty in order to find out? Furthermore, would they allow a film crew to capture their experience?
Anytime Fitness Brand President Stacy Anderson was eager to find out these answers for herself. Anderson was the guest star of the Jan. 15 episode in which she posed as a Sam, a former printing shop professional who is considering a new career as an Anytime Fitness franchisee.
During the episode, Anderson, posing as Sam, visits franchise clubs in Indiana where she interacts with managers, trainers and members. At the end of the episode, Anderson reveals her identity and has candid and even tense conversations with the episode's characters.
“As we grow Anytime Fitness to a global brand, it's more important than ever that we're delivering a great and consistent experience every single time,” Anderson said in the episode. “We're at this critical stage where we're evolving to a new business model. I'm going undercover because I absolutely want to see how the franchisees are receiving all these changes. We also recognize not everyone is going to come along with us on that journey. Change is hard. Change is hard for everyone. I am feeling excited, nervous, hopeful.”
The full episode is available for viewing here.
Would you be willing to go undercover at your own fitness business? Share your thoughts on Anderson’s experience on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.