D1 Training Announces Multi-Unit Franchise Signing to Kick Off 2022 Development Efforts
Leading Fitness Franchise Expands in Texas & Kansas; Sets Tone for Goal of Awarding 70-plus Units this Year
D1 Training has announced the signing of a three-unit franchise agreement that will bring new facilities to Southlake and Little Elm TX, in addition to Overland Park, KS. This new agreement kickstarts the brand’s aggressive 2022 development goals to award over 70 franchise agreements, which will bring D1’s total number of units in development to over 250.
Behind the three-unit agreement is Texas-native Darin Morse. As a former college athlete, Morse was attracted to the D1 concept immediately – wishing there was something like it when he was training. Lucky enough, Morse’s son, who plays pre-MLS soccer, currently has the opportunity to train at D1 Training– Carrolton, owned by former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib. Curious about the franchise opportunity, Morse began his research and quickly fell in love with D1’s culture and training philosophy. Following a career spanning professional athletics, marketing, and the culinary industry, Morse was ready to dive head first into this new venture that provides him with an opportunity to go back to his athletic roots while giving back to the community.
While still early on in the development process, the first location – Southlake – is tentatively slated to open in Q3 this year. The second location – Little Elm – is planned to open 18 months after, and the final local – Overland Park, home to Morse’s in-laws – is projecting a late 2024/early 2025 opening.
“Having been an athlete and now involved in my son’s sports, D1 is the perfect fit,” said Morse. “I was ready for a career pivot that offered an opportunity to operate a positive, energetic and family-friendly business that would make a meaningful impact in the community,” said Morse. “I wholeheartedly believe these facilities will enhance the communities they operate, helping kids and adults alike, and can’t wait to get these locations up and running. Equipped with a proven business model and a talented franchise support team, we’re well on our way to developing these locations over the next couple years.”
The competitive landscape of youth sports is changing and having access to a place like D1 - where young athletes can hone their skills – is more important than ever. This paired with D1’s adult and personal training programs are providing an unmatched opportunity. With increased demand for its services, D1 is reporting 46% same-store-sales growth YOY.
Additionally, the fast-growing franchise recently announced a strategic investment from Princeton Equity Group that will continue to propel D1 into a national brand synonymous with high-caliber athletic performance and fitness. With this partnership, D1 is positioned for major expansion and is seeking qualified, community-minded franchisees like Morse, with a passion for the fitness industry to further develop locations throughout the U.S.
“We attribute our brand’s success to our strong franchise network that shares our same community-first mentality and believes in delivering the D1 experience to everyone who walks though their doors,” said Dan Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of D1 Training. “Our franchise partners are committed to our mission and invested in our processes. Darin is a great example of what it means to be a part of D1 franchising. We are looking forward to seeing the impact he’ll be able to make with these openings, helping raise the bar for D1 as we continue to grow our nationwide footprint.”
All locations offer three core training programs, Scholastic (Rookie, Developmental, Prep and Overtime), Adult and Pro. Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 Training offers one-on-one training with world-class coaches.