22-Year-Old Geoffrey Psillos Becomes First AWATfit Franchisee

After 22-year-old Geoffrey Psillos graduated from SUNY Delhi, he knew he wasn’t meant for the corporate world. Having grown up in his family’s pool service business, he felt destined to own his own company.

So, he quit his job as a project engineer and committed to becoming the first franchisee of Hamptons-based AWATfit (All Weather All Terrain Fitness) a mobile fitness concept that uses equipment entirely out of a truck — no landlords, no real estate.

Psillos wanted to own a business that blended with his passion for fitness. The young bodybuilder won the 2018 National Physique Committee East Coast Championship. Now, the first-time business owner is owning his next opportunity, opening his outdoor fitness business during a time when indoor gyms are experiencing their toughest challenges. Psillos’ AWATfit is opening in Port Jefferson, New York community this month.

Geoffrey Psillos: I helped with my family’s pool maintenance business from age 12 to 18 and then I went to SUNY Delhi for college. If I wasn’t playing sports or in school, I was working for my family. I was supposed to take over the family business, but decided to go the college route instead.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree this year (2020). On the side, I’ve also been a personal trainer and a national competitive bodybuilder for the last four years — I actually won the East Coast Bodybuilding Championship in 2018. SInce then, I’ve been focusing on personal health and helping colleagues with their fitness goals.

Psillos: [Richard] Decker (CEO and founder of AWATfit) asked a friend who was the best trainer she knew. She referenced me because I’d guided her through her fitness journey. After talking through Decker’s business model and how to get started, it made more sense to become a franchisee with Decker rather than going through the effort of having to start my own fitness business.

Psillos: I joined AWAtfit because I wanted to be able to work as a team with Decker. I didn’t want to go into it alone. Everyone I’ve worked with is very intelligent and respectful. I also saw their experience in the industry as a benefit for my business.

Psillos: I just kind of fell into this franchise with AWATfit. It was either me starting a business on my own or going into my family’s business. I would have chosen to open a gym, but with the overhead and the valuation of profit, it wasn’t worth it. At the end of the day the vehicle is mine and I don't have to worry about rent for it.

Psillos: I chose AWAtfit because Decker is willing to provide plenty of support for your business. But, at the end of the day it’s your company and everything is for the most part your decision. He puts you in contact with the right people because he wants his franchisees to be successful. Another big thing for me is that I’m one of the first people up and running as a franchisee with the brand. I have a lot of knowledge in fitness and I can potentially be a representative for the company.

Psillos: In the future, I would like to see this business everywhere. It’s like having a gym right at your home. I want to expand to see sports teams hiring us for professional training of professional and college prospects.

I would like to see my AWATfit business eventually grow to five or six trucks while taking over the entire island with just my vehicles. I want to see this business prosper by upgrading people’s lives with my fitness business. My business will have more people going outside and getting in a good workout. I think it can really help people’s lifestyles and make the world a healthier place.

Psillos: I’m going to focus on class style workouts because I don’t want people to think of it as just a workout. I want it to be a social club for Port Jefferson residents that promotes a healthier lifestyle while spending time with other residents. I want it to bring the community together and boost morale.

Psillos: For AWATfit, I would recommend new franchisees be true to what they say and follow through with your intentions for the business. Don’t try to fluff anything and be straightforward with your purpose.

As for anyone looking into franchising, just be respectful to your franchisors. They provide the support you need and they’re going to help you make as much business as possible. They are the ones who will stick their neck out for you.