Building a fitness empire without losing your values or your mind? Emily Drouillard, CEO of Modo Yoga International, shows it’s possible. In this episode, she breaks down how real leadership, cultural alignment, and smart business decisions have helped scale Modo Yoga International to over 46 studios. Here are five key takeaways from her playbook.
Fitness Franchise Growth: Why Your Success Starts with Rolling Towels
Emily’s rise from studio helper to CEO wasn’t luck, it was full immersion. She credits her leadership edge to firsthand experience at every level of the business, from folding towels to running reports. This deep operational empathy now shapes how she leads and scales.
Want Investors? Build a Business, Not a Hustle
When it came time to bring in investors, Emily didn’t chase just money, she hunted for culture-fit capital. Her team rejected multiple offers to avoid growth that would sacrifice Modo’s core values. Lesson: strategic investors are partners, not lifelines.
If It’s Not Forecasted, It’s Just a Wish
KPIs matter, but it’s forward-facing forecasting that drives actual growth. Emily explains how tracking key metrics like member churn and studio utilization helps predict the future and stay proactive, not reactive.
Scale with Systems, Not Stress
To grow past 5 or 10 locations, you need more than ambition, you need systems. Modo’s fitness franchise growth model aims to be “a business in a box,” offering everything from KPIs to SEO support so owners can focus on culture and community.
Think Exit Early: Even If You’re Not Ready to Sell
Emily pushes owners to plan their exit years before they’re ready. That means clean books, transparent systems, and a mindset shift from “founder” to “future seller.” Even if you never sell, this clarity drives better decisions today.
For managing a multi-unit franchise, give this episode a listen.
Listen Now
Emily Drouillard isn’t just scaling a yoga brand. She’s redefining how purpose-driven businesses grow. If you’re serious about expansion, leadership, or getting investor-ready without compromising your culture, listen to the full episode.
