When most people were clinging to job security during the 2009 recession, Katy Richardson quit her stable corporate role and started a business from scratch. With no fallback plan! In this episode of the Top Rated Gym Podcast, she shares how she grew Neighborhood Barre® into a 25-location franchise, joined a portfolio of powerhouse brands, and why taking bold, strategic risks was the only way forward.
Burn the Boats: Why Removing the Safety Net Helped Her Succeed
Katy didn’t just quit her job, she moved to a new city with no network and no plan B. That pressure to survive made her sharper, scrappier, and more committed. If she’d had a backup, she admits, she probably would’ve taken it. Instead, she bet on herself and made it work.
Be First. Be Local. Be Intentional.
Katy didn’t randomly choose her first studio location. She picked a city with no brand loyalty or awareness of barre fitness, intentionally entering the market before national players showed up. That head start helped her build a loyal customer base and educate the market her way.
Scaling Isn’t Easy. It’s Strategic.
Katy started small and expanded methodically, staying within a 300-mile radius to keep travel costs down. As demand grew, she shifted from doing everything herself to building a part-time support team. The real key to growth wasn’t promotion, it was putting the right systems in place.
Ask for Help Sooner (and Smarter)
One of Katy’s biggest regrets? Waiting too long to ask for help. She admits she used to believe that, as a founder, she needed to have all the answers. That mindset slowed her growth. Her advice: surround yourself with people who’ve done it before and don’t be afraid to reach out.
Build a Business That’s Scalable – Not Just Successful
Franchising sounds exciting, but it exposes everything. If your numbers aren’t replicable or your concept isn’t scalable, franchising will reveal the cracks. Katy urges future founders to ask hard questions, tighten their model, and know what makes their business unique before expanding.
