Partnered for Success: The Yancey's Journey to Small Business Ownership
While there isn’t a playbook for guaranteed small business success, using existing business models is a way entrepreneurs can hit the ground running.
After MonTayla and Deangelo Yancey, now retired athletes, fell in love with their local Burn Boot Camp fitness facility, they began to consider what franchising their own facility could look like for their futures. At the time, MonTayla was the head trainer at a Burn Boot Camp location.
“Not only did Burn deliver hands down one of the most intense yet rewarding workouts I’d ever been put through, but it aligned with the ONE rule I had when searching for a new place to be a trainer: the company’s mission had to align with my own which was putting PEOPLE FIRST,” she said.
While they looked at owning and operating a Burn Boot Camp location after Deangelo’s career in the NFL, an unexpected injury fast tracked their dream of small business ownership. By this time, he had been supplementing position workouts with Burn Boot Camp and was hooked on the workouts, results, and culture of the company.
Like any savvy entrepreneur, the couple did their research – meeting with other owners and evaluating the market opportunity for opening another Burn in Atlanta. Many discussions and workouts later, they were ready to take the jump to open their first location in Hiram, Georgia within the metro region.
The Yanceys aren’t shy about sharing that starting a business has a lot of unknowns, but that “Burn Boot Camp has given us the opportunity to fulfill our ‘why’ and become our own bosses and business owners at the age of 26. We didn’t have all the answers, but we didn’t need them, and that’s why we love this company.”
Since that first location in 2021, the wellness-focused duo has already fostered a strong community of like-minded members who are there to elevate their lifestyles through health and wellness.
“Deangelo and MonTayla Yancey have truly made a name for themselves and what their brand represents in the Metro West region community since opening their first location only three years ago,” shared Ashley West, the Metro West Regional Economic Development Manager for Georgia Power. “They now own two locations and have grown their membership to nearly 1,000 members...that’s 1,000 lives they are positively impacting daily in the most innovate and transformative way through their businesses.”
Utilizing a network of over 400+ Burn facilities across the country, the Yanceys are showing that small business ownership can be a team sport. Franchise models offer passionate entrepreneurs an opportunity to take advantage of proven strategies, a network of experts, and regional flexibility that works for your community.
Find Your Network
There are many ways to find a network of support as business owner in Georgia. Local chambers, entrepreneur centers, and mentor networks can help you start and grow your business.
Get a jump on finding connecting with your network using these resources: