Burn Boot Camp Expands to 37 States Thanks to Gail Wiles and Her Passion for Fitness

Burn Boot Camp is spreading like wildfire. The franchise that aims to build a fitness culture of empowerment and acceptance was founded in 2012 in Huntersville, North Carolina, and began franchising in 2015. Since then, Burn Boot Camp has expanded to more than 225 locations currently in operation, with another 200 locations in development.

Recently, Burn Boot Camp signed a Franchise Agreement in its 37th state—Maine—thanks to new franchisee Gail Wiles. Wiles plans to have Maine’s first Burn Boot Camp location in operation sometime in early 2020, serving the Cumberland area.

The Burn Boot Camp franchise has disrupted the fitness industry through its mission to empower communities of women to achieve their health and fitness goals . Driven by a commitment to provide members with “strength in our bodies and passion in our souls,” the brand focuses on boot camp style workouts, nutritional guidance, one-on-one training sessions, and complimentary childwatch services. The company also features a community of supportive and motivational members, referred to as Burn Nation.

So, just how did Wiles become a member of the Burn Nation community ?

Before signing on as a Burn Boot Camp Franchise Partner, Wiles had worked for Unum Insurance for 16 years and most recently was the Director of Enrollment Services for the Midwest region. In May 2018, Wiles’ position at Unum was eliminated due to a reorganization within the company. The company then offered Wiles a choice: she could either take a different position or take a severance package.

Wiles saw the situation as the universe giving her a sign and took the severance package in order to focus on a new journey— and one she would really enjoy doing.

Wiles was first introduced to the Burn Boot Camp brand by long-time friend Melissa Price about four years ago. Price owns two Burn Boot Camp locations in Charlotte, North Carolina . So, when Wiles was given the choice to stay with Unum Insurance or pursue other opportunities, she took Price’s success with owning her own business and with Burn Boot Camp specifically, into consideration. Aside from hearing what her good friend had to say about the brand from her own experience, Wiles found the brand’s mission to be particularly inspiring.

So, with the severance money she received from Unum, Wiles bought a Burn Boot Camp location, thus beginning a brand-new chapter in her life. “I was turning 50 and knew that if I didn’t pull the trigger on my dream to own my business now, it would never happen,” said Wiles.

As Wiles gears up to open her gym, she reflects back on what really inspired her about the Burn Boot Camp brand. “I really fell in love with the mission of Burn Boot Camp and the founders in particular,” she said. “ Devan and Morgan Kline have such an inspirational story. In the beginning, the camps were primarily attended by mothers. Devan really felt that if he could teach moms to be healthy, it would trickle down to the rest of the family, which really resonated with me.”

In addition to the brand and its mission, Wiles had always dreamt of owning her own business and being her own boss. “I have always been interested in franchising,” said Wiles. “It allows you to be your own boss, but you also have the corporate support behind you. For me, with my business background and my passion for fitness, the decision to franchise with Burn Boot Camp was a no-brainer.”

Looking forward, Wiles is more than excited about her journey with Burn Boot Camp. “I spent most of my professional life in a career that never made me feel fulfilled or energized,” she said. “I am not making that mistake with the second half of my career. Burn Boot Camp allows me to help my community and change people’s lives.”

Once her doors open, Wiles plans to be even more heavily involved in the Cumberland community.

“I have a passion for the veterans that have served our country,” said Wiles. “I plan on incorporating fundraisers for different veteran services and charities on a quarterly basis. I also believe in bringing healthier food choices to our community. We have several farms in our area that I plan to partner with for food-share events: members will be able to order organic, local food that will be delivered to the gym on a weekly basis that they can bring home.”