Sample Business Plan for a Health Club

1.0 Executive Summary

Corporate Fitness will serve Seattle-area businesses, helping them to become more productive, while lowering their overall costs.

Our business is based on two simple facts:

  1. Healthy employees are more productive than chronically ill employees.
  2. It costs less to prevent injuries or illnesses than to treat them after they occur.

At Corporate Fitness, we tie worker productivity directly to the health care issue. We believe that traditional approaches to the current health care crisis are misdirected. These traditional efforts are what we call reactive--that is, they wait until after the worker has been stricken with illness or injury, and then pay for the necessary treatments. Our approach, which emphasizes prevention and good health promotion, is much more proactive.

By helping employees change their behavior patterns and choose more healthy lifestyles, Corporate Fitness will lower companies' health care expenditures, while raising worker productivity. Health care expenditures will decrease due to reduced medical insurance premiums, reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover rates, reduced worker's compensation claims, reduced tardiness, shorter hospital stays, etc.

The state of America's health care crisis, coupled with current demographic changes, threaten to not only exacerbate the crisis, but further erode worker productivity as well. These environmental factors coupled with the local competitive situation signal a favorable opportunity in this market. We feel the time is right for Corporate Fitness.

Highlights

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1.1 Objectives
  1. Provide wellness strategies/programs to businesses in the downtown Seattle area.
  2. Create working relationships with 20 companies by the end of 1995.
  3. Expand Corporate Fitness into Portland, Oregon by the end of 1996.
1.2 Mission

Corporate Fitness is a health service that helps businesses and individual workers attain one of the greatest gifts of all--that of good health. Personal gains, such as improved self-esteem and self-motivation, combined with measurable benefits will create tremendous advantages for both the employer and the employee.

1.3 Keys to Success

Corporate Fitness' keys to success are:

  • Marketing services to companies and individuals.
  • Recruitment of experienced managerial talent.
  • Dedication and hard work of the founders.
  • Raising productivity.
  • Lowering overall costs.

2.0 Company Summary

Corporate Fitness is based on the belief that healthy employees are more productive and efficient employees. For this reason, it provides wellness strategies/programs to businesses in the downtown Seattle area. This combines promotion of health and exercise-related activities designed to facilitate positive lifestyle changes in members of a company's work force.

The company began in Seattle, founded by three owners, all of whom hold director positions.

2.1 Company Ownership

Corporate Fitness is a privately held corporation. The three founders comprise all of the ownership.

  • Dave Jensen - 40 percent.
  • Steve Perkins - 30 percent.
  • Robert Gomez - 30 percent.
2.2 Start-up Summary

Start-up will require approximately $300,000 of capital, $200,000 of which will be provided by the founders and their families. The remaining $100,000 will come as a loan.

Approximately $140,000 will be allocated to leasehold improvements and $75,000 to equipment.

Start-up
  
Requirements 
  
Start-up Expenses 
Legal$1,250
Stationery etc.$1,000
Brochures$800
Insurance$5,000
Rent$58,000
Expensed equipment$75,000
Utilities$6,500
Leasehold improvements$140,000
Other$2,450
Other$0
Total Start-up Expenses$290,000
  
Start-up Assets 
Cash Required$10,000
Other Current Assets$0
Long-term Assets$0
Total Assets$10,000
  
Total Requirements$300,000
Start-up Funding
Start-up Expenses to Fund$290,000
Start-up Assets to Fund$10,000
Total Funding Required$300,000
  
Assets  
Non-cash Assets from Start-up$0
Cash Requirements from Start-up$10,000
Additional Cash Raised$0
Cash Balance on Starting Date$10,000
Total Assets$10,000
  
  
Liabilities and Capital 
  
Liabilities 
Current Borrowing$0
Long-term Liabilities$100,000
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)$0
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)$0
Total Liabilities$100,000
  
Capital 
  
Planned Investment 
Investor 1$80,000
Investor 2$60,000
Investor 3$60,000
Other$0
Other$0
Additional Investment Requirement$0
Total Planned Investment$200,000
  
Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)($290,000)
Total Capital($90,000)
  
  
Total Capital and Liabilities$10,000
  
Total Funding $300,000

Start-up

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2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Corporate Fitness headquarters are located within the first club located in downtown Seattle. Upon expansion, offices will be moved to a different location, not within any individual club.

3.0 Services

Business ratios for Corporate Fitness indicate strong financial growth and an impressive chance for investment opportunities, making expansion and further development both very possible.

3.1 Service Description

Corporate Fitness provides wellness strategies/programs to businesses in the downtown Seattle area. A wellness strategy is a long-term effort, combining both health-promotion and exercise-related activities designed to facilitate positive lifestyle changes in members of a company's work force.

Corporate Fitness will work with a company's senior management to help it develop a mission statement for its wellness program. The client company's employees will undergo a health-risk analysis, following which each employee will be given the opportunity to meet with a health professional to design a personalized health program.

Finally, Corporate Fitness will furnish employee progress reports to senior management with which to carry out the incentive program and generally monitor changes in the behavior of its work force.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

Corporate Fitness is not primarily a health club, as are the majority of competitors. This organization is in the business of health care cost management. The major function is to work with client companies to implement wellness strategies. Many employees will become benefactors of such strategies without ever visiting the fitness facility, as exercise is only one facet of overall wellness.

Corporate Fitness has a vested interest in each individual member of every wellness program, unlike many competitors. An integral part of this service is following up and monitoring the individuals.

3.3 Fulfillment

All fitness machines are purchased from exercise equipment distributors, while all medical equipment is bought from a reputable supply company.

4.0 Market Analysis Summary

In 1991, the U.S. medical bill was $738 million, of which businesses paid 30 percent. Recent studies indicate returns on investments in wellness programs for various companies ranging from $1.91:1 to $5.78:1. General Electric's aircraft engines division, for example, saves $1 million per year through its wellness programs. Traveler's Insurance Company reported savings of $7.8 million in 1991, attributable to its wellness programs, and a return of $3.41 for every dollar invested in wellness.

Important demographic changes are taking place in America that point to the importance of worker productivity in coming decades.

  • 16 million new jobs will be created by the year 2000, but there will only be 14 million workers to fill them.
  • By 1995, women will comprise one-third of the work force, a ratio that will increase to one-half by the year 2000.
  • An estimated 80 percent of jobs to be filled in the immediate future will require more than a high-school education. Only 74 percent of Americans, however, finish high school, and only 67 percent graduate with adequate skills.
  • The number of skilled workers available to fill new jobs is decreasing, meaning that employers are facing more severe competition for labor. Thus, the health and productivity of each employee becomes crucial to a company's success.
4.1 Market Segmentation

The market for corporate fitness is not particularly segmented, as potential customers include all downtown businesses that offer their employees some type of medical benefits, are experiencing escalating health care costs, and wish to more effectively manage those costs.

Corporate Fitness, however, segments its services for individual organizations. Corporate Fitness works with senior management to develop mission statements and provide incentive plans, and with employees to design personalized health and fitness programs.

Market Analysis
  19951996199719981999 
Potential CustomersGrowth     CAGR
Corporate Employees35%7501,0131,3681,8472,49335.03%
Manufacturing Employees15%25028833138143815.05%
Industry Employees25%5006257819761,22024.98%
Other15%30034539745752615.07%
Total26.96%1,8002,2712,8773,6614,67726.96%

Market Analysis (Pie)

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4.2 Service Business Analysis

Several small fitness facilities are currently in operation in the downtown area, none of which cater their services to corporations. These organizations are primarily exercise facilities with little emphasis on personalizing individual plans to improve working performance.

4.2.1 Business Participants

Participants in the fitness industry include national, regional, and local organizations. On the national level, companies such as Gold's Gym and the YMCA offer exercise facilities and training programs. At the regional level, firms such as Better Bodies and Bally's offer comparable services, while locally, privately-owned businesses provide similar, but less extensive services to exercise-seekers.

4.2.2 Distribution Patterns

Few fitness centers are located in the downtown Seattle area, while the majority are found in suburban neighborhoods and shopping complexes. Those in the downtown area are located close to professional centers containing restaurants, parks, and other recreational activities. In suburban locales, these establishments are often found close to grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores.

4.2.3 Main Competitors

The three main competitors for Corporate Fitness are:

  • YMCA-market is lower-income families and/or students who want accessibility and affordability of fitness facilities.
  • Gold's Gym-services are targeted toward those motivated and dedicated individuals who workout five to seven times per week.
  • Better Bodies-aimed at casual fitness-seekers who do not workout with a high intensity but still desire the status and recognition.

5.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary

Corporate Fitness' strategy is based on raising worker productivity and lowering overall costs for businesses. The most logical way to approach these factors is through a healthy work force. Companies that implement wellness programs with Corporate Fitness will be encouraged to look at the "big picture" regarding the effects of its wellness programs. Thus, one marketing goal is to persuade more traditionally managed companies that wellness can work for them.

By tailoring services and developing customized programs for companies and individual employees, Corporate Fitness will develop a reputation for quality and customer service.

5.1 Marketing Strategy

Corporate Fitness will begin by targeting small- to medium-sized businesses in the downtown Seattle area. The first task is to convince senior executives of the benefits and needs of wellness programs. This will be accomplished by aggressively pursuing interaction and relationships with business professionals who would profit from using this service. Once a strong image is established, Corporate Fitness will use similar strategies to market its services to larger corporations in Seattle and other areas of expansion.

5.1.1 Pricing Strategy

Prices for using Corporate Fitness' services are comparable to those of higher-end fitness centers. An employee choosing to utilize a Corporate Fitness center will pay a $100 monthly fee. For each employee enrolled in the general wellness program, regardless of whether or not they use the fitness facility, the employer will pay $150 annually. The prices reflect the quality of the equipment and service.

5.1.2 Promotion Strategy

Following initial promotional activity through advertisements in newspapers, magazines, and on television and radio, Corporate Fitness will significantly reduce its promotional efforts in the hope that word-of-mouth will attract potential clients. Promotional activity will still be utilized through these media outlets, but only minimally.

5.2 Sales Strategy

This proprietary information was omitted from the sample plan.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

Anticipated sales are shown in the accompanying table and chart.

Sales Forecast
 199519961997
Sales   
Sales$539,075$650,750$825,600
Other$0$0$0
Total Sales$539,075$650,750$825,600
    
Direct Cost of Sales199519961997
Sales$33,000$44,000$55,000
Other$0$0$0
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales$33,000$44,000$55,000

Sales Monthly

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Sales by Year

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6.0 Management Summary

Corporate Fitness is currently a small organization headed by three individuals. The CEO/Director of Sales and Marketing oversees the activities of the Director of Health and Wellness Programs and the Director of Finance and Administration.

The Director of Health and Wellness Programs is the contact for and supervisor of the fitness specialists and health educators and promoters.

The Director of Finance and Administration provides guidance for fitness facility attendants.

As the firm grows and expands, more director positions will be added as needed.

6.1 Organizational Structure

There are currently two divisions of Corporate Fitness: "Health and Wellness" and "Finance and Administration." With the growth of the company, more divisions will be created as the demand for services increases.

6.2 Management Team
  • Dave Jensen: CEO and Director of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Jensen is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and control for all aspects of the company's activities in order to realize optimum profits compatible with the best long- and short-term interests of the shareholder, employees, consumers, and public. Mr. Jensen completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, and then earned his MBA from the University of Texas.
  • Steve Perkins: Director of Finance and Administration. Mr. Perkins is responsible for guiding and directing financial and control activities of the company in a manner designed to protect assets, meet reporting requirements, and effectively plan for and audit the financial needs of the firm. Mr. Perkins completed his undergraduate work at the University of California-Berkeley, and received his MBA from Vanderbilt University.
  • Robert Gomez: Director of Health and Wellness Programs. Mr. Gomez will assume the overall management of the health promotion program, including organizing and conducting health education programs. Mr. Gomez received his undergraduate degree in Exercise and Movement Science from the University of Oregon.
6.3 Management Team Gaps

The gaps of Corporate Fitness' management team include:

  • Lack of experience in the fitness industry.
  • Minimal expertise in areas of finance and accounting.
  • Strong desire for financial prosperity immediately with little patience for minimal profitability.
6.4 Personnel Plan

Corporate Fitness' personnel staff requirements are shown in the table below.

Personnel Plan
 199519961997
Fitness Center Manager$15,000$15,000$15,000
Program Director$54,000$54,000$54,000
Personnel Manager$36,000$36,000$36,000
Health/Fitness Specialists$33,000$33,000$33,000
Attendants$12,000$12,000$12,000
Other$0$0$0
Total People000
    
Total Payroll$150,000$150,000$150,000

7.0 Financial Plan

  • Consulting revenue will make up approximately 85 to 90 percent of total revenue, with the rest coming from service revenue.
  • Salaries and rent are the two major expenses, while depreciation is another significant cost that will increase as the company develops. Although the purchasing of fitness, medical, and office equipment is expensive, constant replacement will be needed to minimize depreciation costs and maintain a competitive edge.
  • In order to maintain steady gross margins, salaries and advertising expenses are not likely to increase within the first two years of operation, unless cash flows significantly increase.
7.1 Important Assumptions

Three assumptions for Corporate Fitness are:

  1. A constantly growing economy without any major recession or boom.
  2. No unpredictable changes in fitness, medical, or office equipment.
  3. No major national or global events that threaten the stability and health of the country and its citizens.
General Assumptions
 199519961997
Plan Month123
Current Interest Rate3.00%3.00%3.00%
Long-term Interest Rate10.00%10.00%10.00%
Tax Rate25.42%25.00%25.42%
Other000
7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The most important financial indicators are net increase in cash and net income. Net increase from cash will exemplify the relationship between net income and net cash from operating activities. The greater the increase is, Corporate Fitness has that level of financial strength at that point in time.

Benchmarks

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7.3 Break-even Analysis

Corporate Fitness' break-even point is computed in the table below, comparing sales and monthly expenses. Sales forecasts indicate that units sold and monthly sales are expected to be much greater than the break-even point mentioned in the table.

Break-even Analysis

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Break-even Analysis
  
Monthly Revenue Break-even$28,681
  
Assumptions: 
Average Percent Variable Cost6%
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost$26,925
7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

Sales are predicted to increase each month with first year annual sales totaling close to a half-million dollars. Gross margin, likewise, is expected to increase correspondingly.

Compared to total sales, net profit will increase each month and is predicted to increase for 1995 through 1997.

Pro Forma Profit and Loss
 199519961997
Sales$539,075$650,750$825,600
Direct Cost of Sales$33,000$44,000$55,000
Other$0$0$0
 ------------------------------------
Total Cost of Sales$33,000$44,000$55,000
    
Gross Margin$506,075$606,750$770,600
Gross Margin %93.88%93.24%93.34%
    
    
Expenses   
Payroll$150,000$150,000$150,000
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses$25,200$25,200$25,200
Depreciation$7,200$7,200$7,200
Insurance$5,400$5,400$5,400
Rent$60,000$60,000$60,000
Other$0$0$0
Utilities$25,200$25,200$25,200
Leased Equipment$27,600$27,600$27,600
Payroll Taxes$22,500$22,500$22,500
Other$0$0$0
 ------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses$323,100$323,100$323,100
    
Profit Before Interest and Taxes$182,975$283,650$447,500
EBITDA$190,175$290,850$454,700
Interest Expense$10,926$12,531$14,174
Taxes Incurred$42,424$67,780$110,137
    
Net Profit$129,625$203,339$323,189
Net Profit/Sales24.05%31.25%39.15%

Profit Monthly

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Profit Yearly

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Gross Margin Monthly

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Gross Margin Yearly

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7.5 Projected Cash Flow

With cash flow increasing significantly and expenses remaining relatively static with only minimal increases, cash flow will experience a similar increase for each period of financial evaluation.

Cash flow is expected to more than double  in 1995 and increase substantially in 1996, with corresponding positive cash balances.

Cash

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Pro Forma Cash Flow
 199519961997
Cash Received   
    
Cash from Operations   
Cash Sales$215,630$260,300$330,240
Cash from Receivables$230,395$371,174$465,179
Subtotal Cash from Operations$446,025$631,474$795,419
    
Additional Cash Received   
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received$0$0$0
New Current Borrowing$27,000$24,750$24,750
New Other Liabilities (interest-free)$72,575$85,755$93,450
New Long-term Liabilities$9,000$9,000$9,000
Sales of Other Current Assets$0$0$0
Sales of Long-term Assets$0$0$0
New Investment Received$39,500$30,000$30,000
Subtotal Cash Received$594,100$780,979$952,619
    
Expenditures199519961997
    
Expenditures from Operations   
Cash Spending$150,000$150,000$150,000
Bill Payments$221,243$297,364$340,690
Subtotal Spent on Operations$371,243$447,364$490,690
    
Additional Cash Spent   
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out$0$0$0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing$0$0$0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment$0$0$0
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment$0$0$0
Purchase Other Current Assets$0$0$0
Purchase Long-term Assets$21,700$9,600$9,600
Dividends$0$0$0
Subtotal Cash Spent$392,943$456,964$500,290
    
Net Cash Flow$201,157$324,014$452,329
Cash Balance$211,157$535,171$987,500
7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet indicates that at the end of the first year of operation, net worth will be positive and constantly increasing through the end of 1997.

Pro Forma Balance Sheet
 199519961997
Assets   
    
Current Assets   
Cash$211,157$535,171$987,500
Accounts Receivable$93,050$112,326$142,507
Other Current Assets$0$0$0
Total Current Assets$304,207$647,497$1,130,007
    
Long-term Assets   
Long-term Assets$21,700$31,300$40,900
Accumulated Depreciation$7,200$14,400$21,600
Total Long-term Assets$14,500$16,900$19,300
Total Assets$318,707$664,397$1,149,307
    
Liabilities and Capital199519961997
    
Current Liabilities   
Accounts Payable$31,006$23,853$28,373
Current Borrowing$27,000$51,750$76,500
Other Current Liabilities$72,575$158,330$251,780
Subtotal Current Liabilities$130,581$233,933$356,653
    
Long-term Liabilities$109,000$118,000$127,000
Total Liabilities$239,581$351,933$483,653
    
Paid-in Capital$239,500$269,500$299,500
Retained Earnings($290,000)($160,375)$42,964
Earnings$129,625$203,339$323,189
Total Capital$79,125$312,464$665,653
Total Liabilities and Capital$318,707$664,397$1,149,307
    
Net Worth$79,125$312,464$665,653
7.7 Business Ratios

The following table outlines some of Corporate Fitness' more important business ratios. The final column, Industry Profile, details specific ratios based on the Physical Fitness Facilities industry as it is classified by the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, 7991. These ratios indicate strong financial growth and an impressive chance for investment opportunities, making expansion and further development both very possible.

Ratio Analysis
 199519961997Industry Profile
Sales Growth0.00%20.72%26.87%4.96%
     
Percent of Total Assets    
Accounts Receivable29.20%16.91%12.40%5.74%
Other Current Assets0.00%0.00%0.00%31.21%
Total Current Assets95.45%97.46%98.32%39.86%
Long-term Assets4.55%2.54%1.68%60.14%
Total Assets100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%
     
Current Liabilities40.97%35.21%31.03%21.71%
Long-term Liabilities34.20%17.76%11.05%29.51%
Total Liabilities75.17%52.97%42.08%51.22%
Net Worth24.83%47.03%57.92%48.78%
     
Percent of Sales    
Sales100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%
Gross Margin93.88%93.24%93.34%100.00%
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses69.94%61.99%53.97%72.76%
Advertising Expenses2.78%2.31%1.82%2.44%
Profit Before Interest and Taxes33.94%43.59%54.20%3.01%
     
Main Ratios    
Current2.332.773.171.05
Quick2.332.773.170.73
Total Debt to Total Assets75.17%52.97%42.08%2.72%
Pre-tax Return on Net Worth217.44%86.77%65.10%61.25%
Pre-tax Return on Assets53.98%40.81%37.70%7.03%
     
Additional Ratios199519961997 
Net Profit Margin24.05%31.25%39.15%n.a
Return on Equity163.82%65.08%48.55%n.a
     
Activity Ratios    
Accounts Receivable Turnover3.483.483.48n.a
Collection Days559694n.a
Accounts Payable Turnover8.1412.1712.17n.a
Payment Days273428n.a
Total Asset Turnover1.690.980.72n.a
     
Debt Ratios    
Debt to Net Worth3.031.130.73n.a
Current Liab. to Liab.0.550.660.74n.a
     
Liquidity Ratios    
Net Working Capital$173,625$413,564$773,353n.a
Interest Coverage16.7522.6431.57n.a
     
Additional Ratios    
Assets to Sales0.591.021.39n.a
Current Debt/Total Assets41%35%31%n.a
Acid Test 1.622.292.77n.a
Sales/Net Worth6.812.081.24n.a
Dividend Payout0.000.000.00n.a
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