You can’t buy culture, but you can spend a decade building it. John Prior knows this better than most. While the fitness industry races toward bigger facilities, flashier equipment, and aggressive membership targets, he’s been doing something quietly radical: creating gyms where people actually know each other’s names.
John didn’t start as a franchise owner with a business plan and investor capital. He started in 2014 on the gym floor of one of Snap Fitness’s first UK clubs, learning what members really need when they walk through the door at 6 a.m. or unwind after a brutal workday. That front-row education shaped everything that followed—managing multiple locations across the UK and Wales, building award-winning teams, and eventually making the leap to franchisee. Eighteen years later, his approach remains unchanged: people first, equipment second.
What sets John apart isn’t just longevity. It’s his conviction that true wellness goes beyond reps and cardio. His clubs function as mental reset buttons, social hubs, and support networks wrapped inside fitness facilities. He’s built a reputation for leading with empathy, showing up when it’s hard, and creating spaces where a member’s personal breakthrough matters as much as any quarterly revenue goal. Recently named one of the top five most inspiring leaders in his field, John has turned soft skills into his competitive advantage.
The franchise model promises structure and scalability. John adds something harder to replicate: soul. As he maps out expansion plans across the UK, we sat down with him to explore how he’s balancing growth with the human touch that made his clubs successful—and why he thinks the future of fitness depends on it.
You started your journey with Snap Fitness back in 2014, managing one of the first clubs in the UK, and now you’re a franchisee shaping its expansion. What does this evolution mean to you personally?
It’s been a decade-long journey of growth, learning, and a genuine love for what Snap Fitness stands for. Starting in 2014 as a club manager of one of the first UK sites, I never imagined how deeply the brand would shape my career — and eventually my life. Becoming a franchisee isn’t just a milestone; it’s a reflection of years spent understanding what members truly need, what great teams can deliver, and what a community-focused fitness environment can achieve. Personally, it feels like completing a full circle — from helping build the foundation of the brand to now playing a role in its future.
Fitness brands often focus on equipment and facilities, but you’ve always emphasized community. How do you create a culture inside your gyms that makes members feel part of something bigger than a workout?
For me, community is the heartbeat of a successful gym. You can buy equipment, but you can’t buy culture — you have to build it every day. At Snap Fitness, that starts with people: the way we greet members, the way we coach them, the way we create spaces where they feel noticed and supported. We focus on small details — knowing names, celebrating personal wins, designing events that bring people together, and building a staff culture that genuinely loves helping others. When members feel seen, they’re not just attending a gym… they’re part of a family.
Eighteen years in fitness is no small feat. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leading people, both your teams and your members, through change and challenge?
The biggest lesson has been that leadership is about consistency anchored in empathy. People respond to leaders who show up — not just when things are easy, but especially when they’re not. Whether it’s coaching staff through operational changes, supporting members through personal barriers, or navigating industry shifts, the key is to listen first. Everyone wants to feel understood. When you lead with clarity, compassion, and high standards, people rise with you.
Becoming a franchise owner is a huge leap. What inspired you to take that step, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs considering the franchise route in the wellness space?
I took the leap because I believed in the brand, and I believed in what I could contribute to it. After managing clubs and overseeing operations for a large franchise group, I had a front-row seat to what makes gyms thrive. I wanted the opportunity to take everything I’d learned and create a space that reflected my vision for community-driven fitness.
My advice to aspiring franchisees? Know your “why” — and make sure it’s stronger than the challenges you’ll face. Be prepared to work hard, lead from the front, and build a team culture that mirrors your values. The franchise model gives you a framework, but the magic comes from how you bring it to life.
You’ve managed and opened several gyms across the UK and Wales. What’s been your proudest moment working with your teams or seeing members transform through your clubs?
There isn’t just one, but the moments that stay with me are always human ones. Watching a member regain confidence after years of struggling, seeing a team member grow from their first shift to becoming a leader, celebrating community events where everyone feels connected — those are the moments that remind me why I do this. My team at Snap Fitness Addlestone winning multiple awards, and being named one of the top 5 most inspiring leaders recently, were proud achievements too. But for me, it always comes back to seeing people grow.
In your view, what does true wellness mean today? How can fitness brands like Snap support mental and emotional well-being, not just physical fitness?
True wellness today is holistic. People aren’t just seeking a place to work out — they’re looking for support, connection, and a sense of belonging. At Snap, we focus on creating environments where members feel safe, supported, and empowered. Our clubs offer more than workouts: they offer community spaces, mental resets, social interaction, and a team that genuinely cares. Fitness is just one part of wellness; helping people feel mentally stronger and emotionally grounded is equally important.
Running multiple clubs and now owning one comes with challenges. What’s one obstacle that tested your resilience — and how did it shape the leader you are today?
One of the biggest challenges was navigating operational pressures while maintaining the standards I believe in. There were times when resources were stretched, expectations were high, and decisions had to be made quickly. But those moments taught me the importance of adaptability, transparent communication, and trusting the people around me. Resilience isn’t about being unshakeable — it’s about learning to bend without breaking.
As you plan for future locations, what’s your vision for the next chapter — for yourself and for Snap Fitness in the UK?
The next chapter is about sustainable growth, opening sites that reflect our ethos, building teams that share our passion, and continuing to strengthen the Snap Fitness community across the UK. Personally, I want to mentor more new owners, support operational excellence, and help elevate the brand nationally. My goal is to create clubs that feel genuinely different — more personal, more community-driven, and consistently high in service. Expansion is exciting, but impact is what matters.
For young professionals or future franchisees looking to turn their passion for fitness into purpose, what’s your one piece of advice for building a lasting career in wellness?
Start with service. The wellness industry is built on helping people — if you focus on impact rather than titles or quick wins, everything else follows. Be willing to learn, stay adaptable, invest in people, and commit to showing up even when it’s hard. Passion gets you started, but purpose and consistency are what build a long-term career.
