Blink Fitness Appoints Thomas Flaherty as President of Franchising

NEW YORK – Blink Fitness (Blink), a premium-quality, value-based fitness concept that creates an unmistakable and incomparable Feel Good ExperienceTM, is bound for breakthrough franchise growth.

The fast-growing brand has appointed franchising industry veteran Thomas Flaherty as president of franchising, a newly created position. In this role, Flaherty will oversee the entire franchise business, including directing the brand’s expansion across key markets in the United States and internationally.

In his previous position as president and CEO of Agile Pursuits Franchising, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, Flaherty oversaw the Tide Dry Cleaners franchise and Mr. Clean Car Wash license. Flaherty helped to grow Tide Dry Cleaners from three test stores to more than 140 locations, becoming the third largest dry cleaner in the United States. Prior to joining Agile Pursuits, Flaherty served as chief development officer for Huddle House and spent 13 years at Papa John’s International, where he served as vice president of new business development and vice president of global business development. During his time at Papa John’s, Flaherty signed more than 2,000 new units and spearheaded franchise development efforts domestically and abroad.

“Thomas’ proven track record of growing brands through franchising will be instrumental in shaping Blink’s future as the top-player in the premium quality, value fitness sector,” said Blink CEO, Todd Magazine. “Thomas is a seasoned leader. His experience is exactly what we need to dramatically accelerate franchise growth and seamlessly integrate our franchise business with our company-owned infrastructure.”

Flaherty will build on Blink’s franchising momentum, which includes numerous multi-unit deals inked in key markets including New York, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, South Carolina, California, Tennessee and Texas. In recent months, Blink has signed a major 20-unit development deal for the greater Sacramento region with Yadav Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest multi-unit franchisee groups in the country with a portfolio of more than 350 restaurants. The brand also inked a 10-unit development deal for the Boston area with multi-brand franchisee group BBI Fitness Holdings. In addition, three-time NBA All-Star Draymond Green, who has a 20-unit development deal with Blink in Michigan and Illinois, opened his first location in Warren, Michigan in late-June.

“I am excited and honored to lead the franchise expansion for Blink. More than ever before, people are focused on health and wellness, and Blink’s all-inclusive brand and attractive business model position the organization well for substantial growth,” said Flaherty. “I look forward to working with the Blink team and franchisees to build a solid, collaborative foundation to support our growth for years to come. We have a lot to be excited about as we look ahead, and I can’t wait to get started."

Founded in 2011 by the world leader in the luxury fitness segment, Blink is steadfast in its philosophy that there’s more to exercise than just looking good. The brand currently has more than 100 locations open or in development and has plans for more than 300 company- and franchise-owned Blink gyms in the next three years.

As Blink focuses on franchise expansion in 2019, the brand is awarding franchise development opportunities to experienced multi-unit groups focusing on diversifying their portfolio with a proven concept well-positioned for growth.

About Blink Fitness

Through its revolutionary philosophy of Mood Above Muscle™, Blink Fitness, a premium-quality, value-based fitness brand, celebrates the positive feeling you get from exercise, not just the physical benefits. Blink has more than 100 locations open or in development throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, California, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts and Texas.

Blink has twice ranked in the top 500 of the Inc. 5000 list, was recognized as one of the top health clubs by Club Industry and selected as the best budget chain by Men’s Health. Blink Fitness has franchise opportunities available nationwide with a focus on the following markets: Charlotte; Dallas-Fort Worth; Phoenix; Raleigh; Las Vegas; and Kansas City.

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