New consultancy helps fitness club owners develop solid exit plans

With COVID shutdowns and the other unprecedented impacts of the pandemic have seen operators in the fitness industry experiencing a year unlike any other, industry newcomer Leading Edge Business Consulting has joined forces with GSE Business Consultants to launch a new joint venture called Fitness Business Sales.

Delivering specialist services beyond those of a conventional broker, to produce tailored growth plans and exit strategies for gym owners.

Damien Bain is the founder of Leading Edge Business Consulting (LEBC), which is a highly specialised business consultancy dedicated to creating measurable outcomes of growth and success.

Bain is an executive leader with more than 20 years’ experience in multiple industries, after having successfully managed portfolios in excess of $120 million in revenue, and staffing of up to 1,200. Bain has a demonstrated history working in the fitness and recreation industry across both global and national footprints including owning his own health club, and managing the opening of more than 64 clubs for various brands across Australia such as Fitness First, Genesis, Belgravia Leisure and Premium Lifestyle Clubs.

Commenting on these current challenges, Bain advises “if nothing else, this year has been a challenging exercise to teach us how to expect the unexpected, and to be nimble enough to respond in ways that our members will appreciate and engage with.”

Partnering with Bain to create Fitness Business Sales is Paul Leach, the founder of GSE Business Consultants.

Bain explains “I originally met Paul in 2012, when I was recruiting for roles within Fitness First.

“Paul joined my team there, and then joined my state team in his own state role, until 2015.”

With parents who were restauranteurs, Leach grew up in the hospitality industry and during his career has developed and sold nine businesses of his own, worked across multiple industries helping clients with exit plans in his role as a Certified MAUS Exit Planning Consultant.

He is also licensed broker in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria; and he recently completed his accreditation as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) with the Exit Planning Institute.

Through Fitness Business Sales, the 25+ years of combined experience in health and fitness operations of Bain and Leach ensures that gym owners receive specialised guidance to navigate the unique and challenging process of selling their business.

To support club owners during this unique time, Fitness Business Sales takes a considered approach, rather than taking a ‘test the market’ approach, which increases the risk of underselling or overpricing a business or having it get stuck on the market.

Leach states “we’ll work with you on the planning, preparation and execution of your exit from the business.

“So if you’ve been considering the sale of your gym - and many are in these current times - then chances are you’ve been wondering how the process works, how you can get the best return, and what you need to do before going to market.”

Bain adds “if you’ve asked yourself any of those questions, then Fitness Business Sales can help you.

“We’re here to help you plan and execute your sale.

“We’ll work very closely with you, to make sure that you understand the sales process and are confident that you’re selling at the right time and for the right price.

“Having a structured process in place to help you through each stage of the sales process will ensure that your time on the market is minimised, and that your sale is kept as confidential as possible.

“We’ll take the stress out of the sales process, by looking after everything from listing to settlement. So when you’re confident that you and your business are ready for sale give us a call to find out how we can help.”

To learn more about Fitness Business Sales visit www.fitness-business-sales.com.au or contact the Co-Founders:

Damien Bain on 0414 738 461, email: damien@fitness-business-sales.com.au

Paul Leach on 0415 801 313, email: paul@fitness-business-sales.com.au

Images: Damien Bain (middle) and Paul Leach (below, credit Creek Street Photography)