D1 Training Franchise

D1 Training was founded in 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee, by former Division 1 football player Will Bartholomew, who wanted to create a professional-style performance training experience for youth athletes, adults and people of all ages. The original D1 Training facility opened in the Cool Springs area and was built around structured programming, expert coaching, proper technique and workouts designed to improve strength, speed, confidence and overall athletic performance. Rather than operating like a traditional fitness club, the brand created coach-led sessions that helped kids, competitive athletes and adults safely work toward personal fitness and sport goals. Its core values emphasized consistency, teamwork, accountability, positive morale and the belief that every member should be encouraged to reach their potential. As community interest grew, D1 expanded its services, equipment, facilities and membership options, giving parents and athletes access to experienced coaches and performance training in a supportive environment. This early success helped the business establish a recognizable brand in the fitness industry and created the foundation for what would eventually become the national D1 Training franchise system.

After proving the concept through company-owned facilities, D1 began offering franchise opportunities around 2016, allowing qualified franchise owners to open locations under a formal franchise agreement. Prospective franchisees review the current version of the franchise disclosure document, financial requirements, estimated investment, fees, gross revenue information and operating responsibilities before they sign and begin the site selection, construction, staffing and opening process. The franchisor and its affiliates provide support with real estate, marketing, equipment, operations, general manager recruitment, employee training and first-year business development, while owners remain responsible for building a strong local team and maintaining brand standards. Since entering franchising, D1 Training has experienced significant growth, expanding from a small number of units to more than 170 locations, with additional facilities sold or in development across the United States. Corporate ownership and outside investment have also helped the franchise improve technology, marketing, coaching systems and operational support. Today, the D1 Training franchise continues to grow by helping franchisees build community-based fitness businesses that serve youth athletes, adults and families through safe, results-focused training programs.

New D1 Training franchise owners receive structured onboarding designed to help them understand the complete franchise system before opening their facilities. After signing the franchise agreement, prospective franchisees should carefully read the current version of the Franchise Disclosure Document, including the investment requirements, fees, financials, gross revenue information and Item 19 performance representations. The franchisor provides support throughout the development process, including territory evaluation, site selection, lease guidance, facility design, construction coordination, equipment planning and pre-opening marketing. New owners also learn how to recruit and train a qualified general manager, coaches and employees who reflect D1 Training’s core values. Operational education covers membership sales, staffing, scheduling, customer service, local marketing, lead management, community partnerships and the daily systems needed to build and run a successful fitness business. From the first year forward, franchisees have access to corporate and affiliate resources that help them prepare for opening, improve operations and stay consistent with the D1 Training brand.

The D1 Training franchise also provides detailed instruction on its coach-led performance training model for kids, youth athletes and adults of different ages and fitness levels. Coaches learn how to deliver structured programming focused on strength, speed, agility, proper technique, safe workouts and measurable results while helping members develop confidence and reach their personal or sport-specific goals. The training process explains how to conduct each session, use equipment correctly, maintain high team morale and create a positive community where every athlete feels encouraged to improve. Ongoing support may include marketing guidance, operating reviews, staffing assistance, business coaching and access to updated services, systems and performance information as the brand grows. Founded by former Division 1 athlete Will Bartholomew near Nashville and Cool Springs, D1 Training has built its reputation around expert coaching, consistency and helping people win—giving franchise owners a proven form of fitness programming and the support needed to turn their investment into a strong local business.

Starting a D1 Training franchise gives prospective franchise owners the opportunity to build a purpose-driven businessin the expanding fitness industry and sports performance training market. D1 Training was founded around a simple idea: give youth, kids, competitive athletes, and adults access to expert coaching, quality equipment, and structured programming that helps members improve strength, speed, proper form, and proper technique in a safe, motivating place. Unlike a basic fitness gym, each session and week of workouts is based on measurable goals, consistency, and results, helping people of different ages build confidence and perform better in their chosen sport. This model can create recurring membership revenue through group training, personal training services, camps, and team programs, giving owners several ways to increase gross revenue. The brand, which grew from the Nashville area and includes recognizable facilities such as Cool Springs, emphasizes strong core values, positive morale, and coaches who acknowledge effort and help each person feel capable of a win. A parent may appreciate the structure, accountability, and confidence a child can gain, while adult members benefit from having coaches set clear goals and encourage them to work hard. Because demand for youth fitness, athletic development, and professional coaching continues to grow, this training franchise can be a strong fit for an owner who wants to help people reach their potential while building a respected local community business.

Before you start, carefully read the current version of the franchise disclosure document, review every important item, and understand the franchise agreement before you sign. The franchisor, its corporate team, affiliates, and any related LLC may offer site selection, opening guidance, marketing, operational systems, and ongoing support, but individual franchisees remain responsible for local ownership, staffing, employees, cash management, and daily operations. A capable general manager can lead the team, manage coaches, protect morale, oversee memberships sold, answer questions, and track the financials, but owners should not expect the business to run passively during the first year. The opening process takes time and may involve finding the right site, meeting facility and space requirements, ordering equipment, hiring employees, and building a marketing lead pipeline to drive local awareness before opening day. Whether you plan to open in December or another month, examine the number of current and coming locations, nearby units, any territory rights reserved by the franchisor, and whether company-owned or affiliate-owned facilities could affect your market. Ask for information showing average revenue, gross revenue ranges, total investment, monthly operating costs, membership growth, and results from established locations, while remembering that no average guarantees your results. Prospective owners are encouraged to meet current franchisees, learn how much cash was needed, and ask whether the marketing, site selection, staffing, and operating support matched their expectations. Some franchise opportunities are eventually sold as resales, so renewal terms, transfer rules, and long-term ownership matter. When the model, financials, market, and personal goals agree with your expectations, the D1 franchise system can offer the tools needed to build a successful Division 1-style training environment.