Former PSL footballer Warren Bishop has shared the inspiring story of how he has developed into a business owner with a growing gym franchise post-retirement.
Known as a former defender at Wits University, University of Pretoria, AmaZulu, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Santos, Warren Bishop has also grown into a successful gym owner under the EFC brand since he retired from football in 2014.
Bishop now runs gyms in Sandton and Rosebank.
"Some of our former players don't get to save money so that is why they end up sinking into trouble past their playing days. Others just don't have a plan for past their playing days and so don't prepare at all," Bishop tells KickOff.
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"As a footballer, you have to learn to invest in what will make money when you stop playing. It can be property, restaurant, gym, or whatever suits your thinking.
"I got into this business space because I have always been a fitness fanatic and started out with a boxing gym after which the EFC guys came, and I rolled out as a franchise with me handling the gym. So, I rebranded my gym and then in 2020 opened another one in Rosebank though Covid-19 meant we opened and closed.
"I still have two gyms and still trying to rebuild again after doing well pre covid. I hope we don't have any stop-starts anymore.
"I now have trainers for fitness classes and salespeople and though we are not big we are getting there as the business expands. Now there are 10 people working and as the business grows, I would like to employ more people.
"In this business space, it is about selling the experience because there are the bigger brands such as Virgin Active and Planet Fitness which are the conventional gym. We are a smaller gym servicing those looking for something different. We are more hybrid because we also do boxing and control the environment in which you train with a trainer specifically for you to provide a personal touch," explains Bishop.