Becoming a Franchise Partner: Dan and Jannis Danzig

"It may sound simple, but it added a whole world of options back to my workout routine. A few months after that, I noticed that I was sleeping better and waking up without back pain for the first time in decades..."

We love member successes, but the Club Pilates stories do not stop there. The journey from becoming a member, to improving personal health, to becoming a part of the Club Pilates family really is something special.

Dan and Jannis Danzig are just one husband and wife duo that have participated in every part of what Club Pilates has to offer. A combined background of injury, career change, and Pilates practice, led them to find their new professional path and passion.

“Not too long prior to purchasing our Club Pilates development agreement, I had sold my partnership interest in a financial services business in Michigan. Our plan was to move back to San Diego, take a little time off and then find a few business opportunities.”

For over 20 years, Dan has been suffering from back pain (S5L1 herniated disc). Additionally, he injured his shoulder a few years back doing some HIIT (p90x) for which he went to physical therapy. “PT helped, but the shoulder would always get re-injured when I worked out. I was at the point that all I could do was get on an elliptical 4-5x week, which was very, very boring.”

Jannis had been attending Club Pilates classes in Michigan, and finally convinced Dan to try it out in early 2018 after resisting for years. “Within a month or so I noticed my shoulder was much better and I was able to do pushups, pullups, etc. It may sound simple, but it added a whole world of options back to my workout routine. A few months after that, I noticed that I was sleeping better and waking up without back pain for the first time in decades. My back rarely bothers me now. In short, I became a believer in Pilates and specifically in Club Pilates.”

Back in March, Jannis and Dan were talking about the business they were thinking of acquiring and she said jokingly, “We should buy a CP franchise.”  Dan responded in all seriousness, “we really should”. Dan immediately picked up the phone and called, and 45 days later they were signing a development agreement for the Fresno area.

Because of her passion for Pilates, Jannis enrolled in Club Pilates teacher training and is planning on being very hands-on with their Fresno location. She is finding a career change not only by being a studio owner, but by continuing her Pilates education and becoming an instructor as well. Both Dan and Jannis are extremely excited to bring the benefits of Pilates to their new family of members.

“As part of the purchase decision, you look at a lot of things, but the franchisor team is always critical. What really stood out to me, was the quality and commitment of the corporate staff. All experts in their areas, excited, committed to the brand and focused on success. I thought to myself, this is a great concept with a first-rate team, and a service I love that helps people live healthier, more fulfilled lives.  To date, I have not been disappointed. While there are always issues with running a business, Club Pilates team support has been A+.”