Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise Opportunity

Own a High-ROI, Semi-Absentee 24/7 Fitness Franchise

Vanguard Key Clubs is a proven, unmanned gym model with dual revenue streams and low operational overhead - designed for remote ownership.

OUR BRAND

Built by Gym Owners, for Gym Owners

Founder Craig Annis built this model to eliminate the stress of staffing and management while maximizing profitability. With over three decades in the fitness industry and multiple successful clubs launched, Vanguard Key Clubs was designed to be scalable, efficient, and hands-off.
Person lifting dumbbell at gym, focusing on arm strength training

MEET OUR CEO/FOUNDER

Craig Annis founded Vanguard Key Clubs with a long-term vision for building a smarter, more sustainable fitness business. With over 3 decades of experience as an entrepreneur and gym  owner, Craig recognized early that traditional gym models were labor-intensive, costly, and difficult to scale. His focus on operational efficiency, financial discipline, and longevity helped shape Vanguard Key Clubs into a streamlined, 24/7 access model designed for stability and growth. Craig remains deeply involved in guiding the brand’s strategic direction, ensuring that each club is built to last—not just for today, but for generations to come.
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WHY VANGUARD KEY CLUBS?

Lifestyle-Driven Fitness Demand: Consumers expect flexible, tech-enabled, 24/7 fitness, while entrepreneurs seek ownership models that support balance and autonomy.
Unmanned, Scalable Model: Vanguard Key Clubs offers a 24/7, unmanned, semi-absentee fitness concept designed for convenience, affordability, and operational efficiency.
Simplicity Through Automation: No payroll, no on-site staffing, and centralized management tools create a streamlined, set-up-and-scale ownership model.
Freedom for Owners: Cloud-based systems enable remote, multi-location management, giving owners flexibility without sacrificing growth potential.
Built on Legacy: Backed by 30+ years of fitness operations experience, Vanguard provides a proven, replicable franchise system focused on long-term stability and community impact.
Person in gray workout clothes sitting on a bench holding a smartphone with health and fitness data graphics overlay.

INDUSTRY DATA

The global wellness market is expected to reach nearly $9 trillion by 2028, reflecting a strong, ongoing shift toward health and well-being.
The worldwide health and fitness club industry is projected to surpass $200 billion by 2030, signaling sustained growth across all fitness sectors.
Unmanned, tech-driven gyms are becoming a key innovation within the industry, offering lower overhead and greater member convenience.

Investment

How Much Does a Vanguard Key Clubs Franchise Cost?

Initial franchise fee:

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$40,000

Estimated initial investment:

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$207,800 - $527,500

Minimum liquid capital:

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$208K

Royalties:

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5% of gross revenue

Marketing Fund:

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2%

Brand Development Fund:

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2%
Woman in gray workout clothes doing a plank row exercise with dumbbells in a gym.

OUR SUPPORT

White barbell icon representing weightlifting or strength training

Site selection assistance

Abstract geometric design with concentric white and black circles

Club design + equipment procurement

Leg press exercise machine with weight stack in black and white

Software setup and training

Black and white layered cylindrical stack with concentric circular top

Onboarding and pre-launch marketing

White kettlebell silhouette on black background

Ongoing operations support

White silhouette of a dumbbell on a black background

National marketing tools and materials

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Don’t just take our word for it

Read what our clients have to say

Robert

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4.8

24 hrs access! Everything you need. Plenty of parking

Scott P

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4.8

Clean and well maintained

Heather T

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4.8

Love this inexpensive, 24/7 gym, they have multiple locations as well.

Samantha H

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4.8

Love this gym! Well maintained, always clean. Super friendly owner, janitorial staff, and trainers. Great place to work out!

Steven S

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4.8

24/7 access is great and there’s tons of equipment. Would recommend!

Bowen B

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4.8

The goat Quin stott goes here and I saw him hit his bench pr of 525 pounds

Christina M

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4.8

Clean,tons of equipment, not overly busy and no groups of underage kids running around

Clifford S

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4.8

Tons of equipment, fair pricing, and always clean. If you are looking for a no nonsense gym then this is it.

Aaron C

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4.8

Love it low key just go in get it done get out if your looking for tootsie rolls and a pat on the back go elsewhere all in all great old school gym

Jim L

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4.8

A real gym with real weights; not a social club like too many. You can work out on your schedule with like minded lifters. A key entry card lets you come and go 24 hours a day. Love Vanguard, great way to start your day.

Frank L

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4.8

I dig the new location, with plenty of parking ( I go mid mornings weekdays) Gym is always clean, very nice equipment, would love to see the rower fixed though

TotoMax

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4.8

Clean club. It's stocked well with equipment to hit all muscle groups. Was skeptical about how clean it / managed it would be due to the keyless access, but happy to say the current gym members care enough to keep things clean and organized throughout the day.

Step

Submit Your Inquiry Start by filling out the quick online form to let our franchise development team know you’re interested.

1

Step

Introductory Call We’ll connect with you for an initial conversation to discuss your goals, background, and the Vanguard model overview.

2

Step

Candidate Qualification Our team will learn more about your professional experience and financial readiness to determine next steps toward ownership.

3

Step

FDD Review You’ll receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines key details, investment requirements, and support available to every franchisee.

4

Step

Connect with Franchise Owners Speak with current Vanguard owners to gain real-world insight into operations, community engagement, and lifestyle balance.

5

Step

Discovery Day Visit an active Vanguard Key Club, meet with our leadership team, and see firsthand how our system works.

6

Step

Franchise Agreement Once both sides agree it’s the right fit, you’ll finalize your franchise agreement and officially join the Vanguard network.

7

Step

Launch Preparation With guidance from our onboarding and support team, you’ll move through site selection, club setup, and pre-opening training to prepare for your grand opening.

8

STEPS
TO
OWNERSHIP

Here’s how to begin your Vanguard journey:

Tap into the Power of Franchise Ownership with Vanguard Key Clubs

Low-Overhead, Unstaffed Model
True Lifestyle Flexibility
Comprehensive Turnkey Support

Download Our FREE Industry Outlook

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