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Leading Fitness Franchise Expands to Four Arkansas Facilities as Existing Franchisees Double Down on Growing D1 Portfolio
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – D1 Training, a leading fitness concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, achieve their sport and fitness goals – has announced the signing of a two-unit franchise agreement that will bring new facilities to Bentonville and Fayetteville. Behind the agreement are existing franchisees – Steve Snider and Todd Farnsworth - who operate two existing facilities and have found the state to be a prime area for expansion. This new agreement contributes to the brand’s overall explosive nationwide growth – now with 165-plus awarded territories in just three short years since transitioning to a franchise model.
Snider and Farnsworth are no strangers to D1 Training. Snider opened D1 Training in Little Rock back in 2008, making it one of the first five locations in company history. The Little Rock facility has consistently ranked in the top-5 revenue generating D1 locations systemwide. It was there he met Farnsworth, who had become a member. As the two got to know each other and developed a friendship, Farnsworth’s interest in D1 franchising also grew, and he joined the ownership team with Steve in 2014. In 2020, the pair opened D1 Training in Rogers and have since seen tremendous success, exceeding the number of members they expected to sign in their first year of operation. With proof of concept and increased marketplace demand, the duo decided to further invest in D1 and sign on for an additional two locations set to debut in Bentonville and Fayetteville. While they are still early on in the development process, the first location is tentatively slated to open in the next 12 months, with the second location planned to open 18 months after.
“I’ve been a part of D1 Training for over a decade and have had the time of my life being a part of the franchise network. D1 cares about their franchisees and equips them with everything they need to ensure long-term success – investing in more locations was a no brainer,” said Snider. “Northwest Arkansas is a fast-growing community overflowing with young families and athletes that will benefit from D1 Training. We’ve seen how our existing locations have impacted communities by creating a positive and encouraging space for people to build relationships and better themselves,” added Farnsworth.
Over the years, youth sports have garnered more popularity, especially in Arkansas, making it a prime spot for further expansion. The competitive landscape of youth sports is changing and having access to a place like D1 - where young athletes can hone their skills – is more important than ever. D1 Training is seeking qualified, community-minded franchisees like Snider and Farnsworth, with a passion for the fitness industry to further develop in Arkansas, specifically in Benton, Conway, Jonesboro, Van Buren and Mulberry.
“We attribute our brand’s success to our strong franchise network that shares our same community-first mentality and believes in delivering the D1 experience to everyone who walks though their doors,” said Dan Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of D1 Training. “Our franchise partners are committed to our mission and invested in our processes. So, it’s no surprise when we see additional growth within our network. Steve and Todd are great examples of what it means to be a part of D1 franchising. We are looking forward to seeing the impact they have on the people of Northwest Arkansas.”
With increased demand for scholastic and adult training during the pandemic and D1’s success over the past year and a half, the brand has proven its ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. Through its D1toU online, virtual training app and remote program in partnership with TrainHeroic, D1 allowed franchisees to feel safe and supported in their quest to continue servicing their communities. As facilities began to safely reopen across the nation, its newly secured vendor partnerships with Sorinex Equipment, Plae and Zybek are providing D1 with a unique competitive advantage. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the brand is up 179.95% in systemwide sales, year-over-year – with scholastics and personal training its top performing programs.
These achievements have not gone unnoticed as the franchise industry has honored D1 Training with several recent award wins including breaking into Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2021 Franchise 500 ranking – the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking recognizing brands for their outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength, and brand power.
All locations offer three core training programs, Scholastic (Rookie, Developmental, Prep and Overtime), Adult and Pro (College and Professional). Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 Training offers one-on-one training with world-class coaches. The goal is simple: to continue to train athletes who are dedicated to their sport or their fitness goals, regardless of age or athletic background.
For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1franchise.com/, call 531-333-3278, or email [email protected].
About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training began franchising in 2017. It has over 50 locations currently open, with an additional 165+ in development, across 26 states. The brand was recently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500, was named a Top 30 Gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine, and also made an appearance on The Inc. 5000 which ranks the fastest growing private companies in the nation. D1 Training has been endorsed by the NFL Players Association as an approved training facility and is a preferred partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. D1 Training is actively seeking qualified, community-minded franchisees with a passion for the fitness industry to continue its growth through single and multi-unit franchise deals. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.d1franchise.com/.