How Operators Describe the Experience
Reflections from founders operating at real scale.
The operators represented here are already running complex businesses, teams, leases, payroll, and real consequences.
What follows isn’t about outcomes or praise. It’s about perspective.
These reflections describe what participation feels like, how conversations unfold, and how decisions evolve when you’re in the room with peers who understand the stakes.
If you’re curious about the quality of thinking, the tone of the environment, and whether this kind of space would be useful for you, you’re in the right place.
I needed clearer operating systems, stronger leadership discipline, and the confidence to make hard people decisions.
— Founder, 8 locations
I was held accountable, encouraged to confront blind spots, and pushed beyond my comfort zone so I could grow into the leader the business needed. His ability to combine strategic insight with honest, constructive feedback made me rethink how I approach decisions, leadership, and long-term vision.
— Founder, 3 locations
I gained clarity, confidence, and a strategic roadmap that have helped me hone in on my goals and make them a reality.
— Founder, 3 locations
The clarity and structure I gained have been essential.
— Founder, multi-location operator
On the Environment
What it’s like to think out loud with peers who already understand the context, and aren’t posturing for effect.
I joined BFS to surround myself with like-minded, growth-oriented studio owners who were serious about scaling with intention.
— Founder, 8 locations
The access to an exceptional network and a trusted sounding board for key decisions has been invaluable..
— Founder, 5 locations
Learning from Crisalli and other operators has given me the confidence for our next stage of growth.
— Founder, multi-location operator
What Members Were No Longer Looking For
Several members described the value of the network by contrast, not in opposition to other approaches, but in clarity about what no longer served them.
I had interviewed and even worked with other coaching groups, but BFS stood out as the best fit for studios like mine.
— Founder, 3 locations
As the business grew in complexity, finding someone with the right level of insight and experience became harder.
— Founder, 5 locations
We knew becoming a franchisor required a new level of discipline.
— Founder, multi-location operator
On Pressure and Relief
Not relief as comfort, relief as reduced isolation and faster certainty.
As a fitness coach and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, it can be a lonely leadership journey. The access to an exceptional network and a trusted sounding board for key decisions has been invaluable.
— Founder, 5 locations
The relationships and support I’ve received have been instrumental.
— Founder, 5 locations
The Network part of BFS is a huge benefit.
— Founder, 5 locations
This page isn’t here to convince you. It’s here to give you a clearer sense of the room, so you can decide whether it’s relevant to how you think, decide, and lead.