DALLAS, TEXAS (April 1, 2019) PLAYTRI FRANCHISING, LLC announced today the latest franchisee, located in Rogers, Arkansas. “PLAYTRI Rogers is the next chapter in our expansion goal of a nationwide network of PLAYTRI franchises; serving the recreational community of triathletes, cyclists, runners and swimmers in the US.” According to Stephan Brown, CEO of PLAYTRI.
GPP was founded by owners, Kevin Whaley, Kimberlie Whaley and March Wohler. The three had a successful training business which led them to start GPP and ascend on a rapid curve. With management issues that often come with rapid growth, ownership arrived at a crossroads decision. “We needed to reassess our plan going forward in order to survive as an IBD”, said Kevin Whaley. “One of our reps knew of our struggles and urged us to reach out to PLAYTRI,” continued Whaley.
GPP ownership reached out to Ahmed Zaher, Founder of PLAYTRI. “After we met with Ahmed and the PLAYTRI team, they laid out a plan for us to extricate ourselves from our current situation. They gave us concrete guidance and showed us the profitability opportunities that comes with associating as a Franchisee. After several meetings and personal visits, we decided our way forward to success was with PLAYTRI”, said Whaley.
“With the training systems, procedures, marketing and vendor relationships developed by PLAYTRI, franchisees are able to compete and find success in a competitive marketplace. Providing comprehensive services to the customers in all facets of their fitness goals is a strength against the online “retailers”. We are actively focused on expansion with new Franchisees, or IBD’s like GPP Cycling who are looking for assistance,” concluded Brown.
PLAYTRI - The Official Triathlon Store of IRONMAN
About PLAYTRI
PLAYTRI was founded as a triathlon coaching company in 2000 by Ahmed Zaher with his wife Staci Brode joining him in 2004. Zaher and Brode, both avid athletes, saw the Playtri stores as great places for athletes of all levels to gather in the community. Over time they worked to perfect the model enabling them to help more people reach their health and fitness goals. Zaher brings a wealth of athletic training to the business as a former member of the Egyptian Olympic swim team and 8-time Hawaii IRONMAN® Finisher. Brode is an Ironman triathlete who has led the marketing and event production side of the business for 15 years. Rounding out the leadership team as the CEO of PLAYTRI Franchising is Stephan Brown, an experienced senior executive in the consumer products industry: Humminbird Marine Electronics, the Experimental Aircraft Association and most recently as the 10-year CEO of the Commemorative Air Force, Inc. Brown has competed as an age group triathlete for 33 years and owns the PLAYTRI Colleyville franchise location.
