When COVID-19 hit, it forced us to slow down and reevaluate many things in our lives both personally and professionally, and that’s definitely true for Carlo Novak. The former Infantry Soldier turned Paramedic became passionate about Pilates after discovering the benefits first hand, after he was recommended Pilates as part of his rehabilitation for injuries sustained on his tour of duty.
Having thought about it for a while, it was the forced slow down during the pandemic that cemented Carlos’ decision to open Tasmania’s first Studio Pilates franchise in Bellerive Hobart, after watching on as the co-founder and CEO Jade Winter continued to adapt and pivot the overarching strategy to ensure the business didn’t just survive but thrive despite challenges faced by the entire fitness industry.
We’re thrilled to welcome Carlo to the Studio Pilates community, and wanted to find out a little bit more about his story ahead of his studio launch on June 3, 2022.
What was your professional history prior to purchasing a Studio Pilates studio?
I was a full time infantry soldier for 9 years before leaving to pursue a career as a Paramedic which I did for 7 years.
Who referred you to Studio Pilates initially/ how did you find out about it?
A friend told me about it when I started exploring the idea of opening my own pilates studio because of my love for pilates and what it had done for me in rehabilitation.
What was the catalyst that inspired you to buy your first franchise?
I was exploring going through the whole process with Studio Pilates in mid to late 2019 to see if it was the right fit for me and vice versa, then Covid struck and put everything on the back burner. The way Jade and the team continued to thrive and adapt to the ever changing environment and the fact that they waited patiently whilst I considered all the factors; really showed through action that they’re there for you and willing to support you on your journey in becoming part of the growing global Studio Pilates family.
Had you been a business owner before?
Yes, I owned the Silk Laser Clinics Tasmania franchise for a couple of years.
Why did you choose Studio Pilates? Why did it stand out to you against other franchise businesses?
I love the overarching ethos of Studio Pilates, it’s truly a beautiful community who genuinely care about their staff and their clients and this is reflected in action everyday and yes, front of house looks good, but it’s the solid processes and practices in place behind the scenes that gave me confidence to take the leap.
What do you think it will bring to Tasmania?
I know that Studio Pilates Bellerive will fill a need here in Tasmania for a clinically backed and proven reformer pilates workout with a genuine community vibe. I’m looking forward to journeying alongside our clients, along with our amazing Studio Pilates team down here as they embark on their health and fitness journey, celebrating the wins with them along the way.
Would you open more studios?
I’d love to and that is the plan moving forward, but I’m just stoked to be getting this one off the ground at present haha!
Do you have a passion for Pilates or was this something you saw more as an investment opportunity?
I have a passion for pilates, due to the fact it changed my life. During my time in the military I sustained a lot of physical injuries during my tours of duty.
I was at a point when I would get back and neck flare ups that would sideline me for weeks at a time, that I was actually considering getting a walking stick to use on my ‘bad days’.
Pilates was introduced when it was recommended as part of my rehabilitation and after doing it 3 times a week for 3 months, the rest is history and I honestly can laugh these days thinking I was about to get a walking stick!
What is your day to day involvement like with Studio Pilates?
I’m still working towards our grand opening of 3rd June 2022 so at present I’m in the midst of local area marketing and following up all the leads of people that have reached out to get amongst Studio Pilayes when we open, we’ve had an amazing response.
I’ve also been checking in intermittently with the crew that are scheduled to undertake their platinum instructors training course.
I’ve also been undertaking lots of training on a weekly basis from our amazing HQ crew who have been so understanding and patient as I get my head around things I’ve never done before.
What do you love the most about Studio Pilates?
The genuine community vibe, everyone is so helpful to one another, it’s a real community of paying it forward and helping one another out.
What would you say to anyone who is on the fence about buying a Studio Pilates studio?
Stop procrastinating and just do it, get amongst an amazing team. If not now, when…
For more information on franchising opportunities with Studio Pilates International, please contact John L Scott, Franchising Director joinus@studiopilates.com.