From Client to Co-Owner: Former Club Member Partners With Trainer To Become New Owners of Crete Fitness Premier 24/7 Club Location

After working out at Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs in Beecher, Illinois for years, Lisa Stasko has joined the ownership team of the Crete, Illinois gym as a franchisee. She joins her former trainer, Sam Gorman, in this new business endeavor.

Jason Markowicz, the CEO of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs, says he is excited to see how one of the brand’s lasting gym relationships has sparked this franchising experience. “Sam and Lisa have developed a strong relationship that has cemented a positive operation at the Beecher gym, and I’m thrilled to see what they will be able to do with increased ownership in Crete,” Markowicz said.

“It’s a tremendous asset of this company to have people who want to grow our franchisee base from within, and we’re pleased to set up owners for success long after the signing process,” Markowicz continued. “I know this is going to be a gym people enjoy working out at, all thanks to the strong relationship between Sam and Lisa.”

Stasko worked as a paralegal for 28 years in downtown Chicago, and she began working out at Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs in Beecher during that time. Gorman was the franchise manager and helped Stasko lose 50 pounds while balancing a rigorous work schedule, lengthy commute and demanding profession.

Gorman is excited to see how their personalities will complement each other in this new adventure. “We have fed off each other extremely well up to this point, and it’s going to be really easy for us to put clients first. That’s the same principles our relationship was built upon,” she said.

Gorman began working for Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs when she was 21, starting as a part-time trainer and working up to a management position. She was first contacted about owning a gym when she was 24 and has since helped the brand expand its operation throughout greater Illinois and Indiana.

“We are so thrilled to have somebody like Sam on our team, and our franchise model has improved through the years thanks to her invaluable insight,” Markowicz said. “It is an exciting time for members of the Crete community, as they have a staff that will be relentless in helping them achieve their fitness goals.”

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs is a fast-growing, 13-location, group-workout gym concept that creates a community with its staff and guests. Backed by franchise executive, Jason Markowicz and his franchisee-focused corporate team, Fitness Premier differentiates itself with great people, culture, and systems compounded by a growth focus in strategic yet smaller markets where some fitness brands would not think to grow. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit