Anytime Fitness franchisee nominated for Victorian Young Achiever Award

24 year old Anytime Fitness franchisee Matthew Walker has been nominated as a finalist for the Victorian Young Achiever Award for Small Business Achievement.

Walker opened his first Anytime Fitness franchise in Moorabbin, Victoria in June 2012 at just 23 years of age and, less than two years later, his huge achievement is being recognised with this nomination.

The purpose of the Victorian Young Achiever Awards is to acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young Victorians up to 28 years of age. The Awards recognise the achievements of Victoria's youth in seven categories, with one of the six category winners being named the Victorian Young Achiever of the Year.

Walker has a history of admirable business achievements, starting off in sales where he was promoted to a senior account management at an early age.

He chose to become an Anytime Fitness franchisee after seeing the success it had for a friend who had opened a club in Mitcham. Having looked at other franchise companies, Walker felt they were nowhere near as comprehensive as Anytime Fitness.

Now, less than two years on from opening his club he has 14 staff and over 800 members, all before his 25th birthday

When asked what advice he would give others looking to start a successful business Walker explained “my business would not have been where it is today if it was not for me reaching out for help.

“Age is not a barrier to entry it just results in a much steeper learning curve to master your trade.

"I rely heavily on the support from those around me with greater knowledge and experience. Utilising a business coach for strategic and mindset training has kept me focused on my goals and inevitably my greater vision. For anyone looking at taking that next step in their life, a great business coach should be your first priority!”

With over 2,500 clubs and two million members’ worldwide, since Anytime Fitness’ launch into Australia in 2008 it has become the quickest growing segment of the world’s fastest growing fitness chain.

There are currently over 340 clubs open throughout Australia and 400 clubs are scheduled to open by December 2014.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Members can work out anytime in any of the 2500 clubs worldwide with one low monthly rate. State-of-the-art security and surveillance systems ensure member safety at the clubs even during unstaffed hours.

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards will be presented on 9th May 2014.

31st March 2014 - ANYTIME FITNESS AND SHANNAN PONTON EXHIBIT AT THE 2014 AUSTRALIAN FITNESS AND HEALTH EXPO