Celebrating Veterans Day at 9Round
Celebrating Veterans Day at 9Round
Nothing is more honorable than sacrificing yourself for others, so on this Veterans Day, we want to thank those who have served and given everything to keep us safe. 9Round is proud to offer a franchising opportunity that enables veterans to become small business owners within their local community. Meet a few of our 9Round owners who are also veterans below and learn how their years of service helped prepare them to open a 9Round studio.
#1 – Craig “TNT” Thompson
Craig Thompson spent 20 years in the U.S. Army before becoming a 9Round owner. He originally chose to buy a 9Round franchise because he fell in love with the business model and the workout itself, which was unlike anything else he had experienced. He says the military helped prepare him to become a small business owner in multiple ways.
“The military practices chaos daily, just like a Monday night when the 9Round studio is packed with members sweating and smiling. The music is up, the energy is up, and members are destroying the bags getting out all their frustrations of the day. Time is everything in the military and 9Round’s 30-minute workout is fast and convenient for people on the go. 30 minutes in and out just like a well-planned assault.”
Craig’s Studios:
9Round Fayetteville, NC - Treamoor Village
9Round Fayetteville, NC – Ramsey
#2 — Melissa "The Machine" Lantz
After serving five years in the United States Air Force, Melissa “The Machine” Lantz found herself wanting to help others in her local community—and 9Round seemed like the perfect fit. Now, after being with the brand for three years, she gets to help changes lives through kickboxing fitness, one 30-minute workout at a time at each of her three locations in Colorado Springs.
When asked how her years of service helped prepare her to become a small business owner, she says it taught her the value of servant leadership. Learning to lead not only from the front of the pack, but also from the back to help her team thrive.
Melissa’s Studios:
- 9Round Colorado Springs, CO - South Tejon
- 9Round Colorado Springs, CO - Powers Center Point
- 9Round Colorado Springs, CO - Centennial and Garden of the Gods
#3 — Tim “Sally” Beauchamp
Tim Beauchamp is a United States Coast Guard veteran, husband, father, and 9Round owner. He has been a 9Round franchisee for four years, and looking back, he says opening his studio was definitely the right decision for his family after 10 and a half years of service. He started his 9Round journey like many others, as a member.
He and his wife attended a local studio in Florida where he was stationed. There, he fell in love with the atmosphere, the workout, the culture, and the feeling of accomplishment he got after each session. When he decided it was time to leave the Coast Guard, he knew just what he wanted to do next—open a 9Round studio.
"The military shaped and prepared me for business in many ways. Most of all, it taught me the fundamentals of leadership. Learning from your mistakes, never giving up, and always leading from the front. It taught me to trust in your team, learn from every individual, and keep growing and educating yourself. The military taught me how to deal with adversity, navigate the challenges in life, and to never take anything for granted. All of this prepared me for small business ownership and success as a franchisee."
Tim’s Studio:
- 9Round Portsmouth, NH - Mirona Rd.
#4 — Stephanie “ZigZag” Zatzke
Stephanie Zatzke spent 21 years of her life working for the Federal Government, with eight of those years being dedicated to the United States Army. But, after being a member at 9Round and experiencing what the workouts had to offer, she decided it was time to give back to her community by opening a location of her own. She loved how all you have to do is show up, and the workout would take it from there.
“I came out of the military with very thick skin and determination, which I believe played the biggest part of successfully opening [my studio] during COVID. Working for the government for so long—serving mostly officers who only served themselves—made me hungry to serve others who needed compassion, understanding, and patience. Now, working with our Champion Trainers and members makes my heart happy.”
Stephanie’s Studio:
- 9Round Arroyo Grande, CA - E Grand Ave.
As part of our commitment to helping veterans, we offer a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee for U.S. veterans. Find out more about our fitness franchising opportunity for veterans on the Own a Franchise page, and fill out the form that follows to be contacted by a Franchise Development rep.
