Sasquatch Strength Successfully Opens First Franchise Location

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Seattle-based fitness concept officially launches national franchise expansion with first franchisee-owned gym in its own backyard

SEATTLE – Sasquatch Strength – an education-based fitness concept dedicated to teaching its members about long term training and creating a community for those looking to improve their health – has successfully opened its first of three new franchise locations in Bellevue. Located at 2273 140th Avenue NE, the new gym is Sasquatch’s fourth Seattle metro area location, and the first of many franchises to come, the brand says.

“Founded in one of the most competitive fitness markets in the country, we couldn’t be prouder to not only continue the expansion of our local footprint, but also open our very first franchisee-owned gym right here in our own backyard,” said Sasquatch Strength founder Isaac Vaisberg. “This is just the beginning. We look forward to growing our reach and bettering the lives of individuals across the area and the country.”

The Bellevue gym is owned and operated by John and Mandy Hickman. John, the previous owner of a tutoring franchise in Sammamish, and Mandy, a nearly 20-year finance professional, were members of the Sasquatch gym in Sammamish. John initially wasn’t sure if he wanted to own another franchise, but his passion for the brand and its unique model convinced him to jump at the opportunity.

Sasquatch’s “purpose-based” programming focuses on educating and empowering members for life. While other fitness facilities expect a member attendance rate as little as 7%, Sasquatch Strength boasts 92%. . As a truly functional program, the difficulty level of the daily workouts is designed to be increased or decreased, depending upon the individual. This makes them doable by anyone and creates a community of support and accountability where everyone feels welcome and safe. Daily workouts can include: core conditioning, rowing, sprinting, gymnastics, lifting, etc. And all the workouts are designed to improve overall flexibility, strength, speed, endurance, and agility.

“Sasquatch Strength is not interested in simply putting members through a workout and sending them on their way, but specializes in teaching members how to take responsibility for their own fitness,” said John. “Sasquatch Strength is a journey from illness to wellness; from insecurity to confidence; from barely being able to stand up, to lifting your grandkids up when they want to be held. We create fitness for life. We want our members to live longer, and live better.”

With limited class sizes, trainers can offer individual attention to members to structure their experience around the member’s personal needs. Sasquatch Strength’s locations have reopened amid the pandemic with an adjusted class schedule, contactless registration, health screenings for members and staff, and more. During each class, members are designated their own space, 6 feet apart from each other, with sanitized equipment individually laid out for their use only. After every class, there is a 10-minute transition period where members are dismissed one at a time followed by a 30-minute disinfecting procedure to prepare the space for the next class. Each class accommodates eight members in compliance with CDC, local and state guidelines.

“Our goal is to teach members so much that they can leave the gym, but treat them so well that they want to stay,” added Vaisberg. “The fitness industry may be growing, but you never see concepts out there that are focused on purpose-based programming. We are not a limited or trendy fitness class that only focuses on one type of work out; we are committed to the long-term benefits that our members are looking to achieve.”

Today, Sasquatch Strength has three corporate-owned locations in the Seattle metro area in Redmond, Sammamish, and Issaquah. Additionally, Sasquatch Strength has already signed deals to open a gym in Kirkland, and also its first out-of-state location in Orlando later this year. While the franchise company is currently eyeing further expansion of their brand in and around the Seattle market, their development team is also working toward achieving growth and expansion nationally. Over the next 12 months, Sasquatch Strength hopes to add 14 new franchises, with a short-term goal of 100 units in the next three to five years.

Sasquatch Strength is seeking qualified candidates to open outlets throughout the country. In addition, Sasquatch Strength hopes to locate and partner with Area Representatives who take a stake in the growth and franchise expansion in their own, specific regions. 

About Sasquatch Strength
Founded in 2014 and franchising since 2018, Sasquatch Strength is a Washington-based fitness concept focusing on educating members for life, rather than giving them a workout and sending them home. The brand was founded when CEO Isaac Vaisberg found himself wanting to join the fitness industry, yet couldn’t find a gym that provided purpose-based programming. Sasquatch Strength prides itself on unique fitness programs that are personalized to help members reach their goals. Today, there are four open locations in Washington with two in various stages of development throughout Washington and Florida. For more information, visit www.franchise.sasquatchstrength.com.