Prepare to be blown away by the unstoppable duo, Erin and Wes Dunaway—owners of the F45 Training South End in North Carolina, and soon-to-open F45 Training Fort Mill in South Carolina. Believe it or not, they’ve never owned a business before, but Erin’s sales experience and Wes’ MBA from Duke University set the stage for their F45 Training takeover.
Now, spill the beans! Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hailing from the vibrant town of Gastonia, NC, just a hop away from Charlotte, Erin comes from an industrial sales background, with a recent stint at Honeywell before venturing into the realm of F45 South End. Her obsession with fitness and mad love for F45 propelled them on this exhilarating journey. As for Wes, he rocks the role of Vice President of Pre-construction for a regional contractor. But you know what really gets his heart pumping? Coaching and connecting with members, which is why you’ll find him hitting the gym bright and early at 5 am. What a trooper!
Okay, now it’s time for the juicier stuff. What gets these entrepreneurs out of bed every morning?
The fuel that fires up Erin and Wes is their incredible community of members. They live for creating a tight-knit family within the gym walls, inspiring everyone to level up each day. They’re all about that warm, welcoming vibe at the front door, meeting members right where they are on their fitness journey—and then they turn up the heat. Setting goals, smashing them like bosses, and cheering on their members is what keeps their gym fam thriving. Their trainers forge deep connections that go beyond the studio, and their commitment to being 1% better daily is more than just a slogan—it’s their way of life.
Now, onto the sweat sessions! What F45 workouts get their hearts racing?
Erin can’t get enough of the Saturday specials—those hour-long burners and the hybrid approach bring her all the joy and endorphins. Meanwhile, Wes is all about Renegade and the Joker, mainly for the core-crushing goodness!
Let’s talk about the incredible community you’ve built. Spill the secrets!
Oh boy, their community is off the charts! They’ve witnessed folks who’ve left the gym coming back to join in the Challenge and anniversary parties because the bond they’ve formed is unbreakable. These peeps push each other to new heights during workouts, form friendships that extend beyond the studio walls, and welcome strangers into their tribe with open arms. It’s all about bringing out the best in one another.
Last but not least, what’s the icing on the F45 cake for Erin and Wes?
Owning an F45 studio is their ultimate professional adventure. It’s a non-stop thrill ride that forces them to strategize, plan, and maybe even let go a little (which ain’t easy when you care so much). Being hands-on at the gym, having a blast during workouts, and witnessing the growth of their incredible members—it’s a rewarding journey that makes every ounce of effort worth it.
Hey, if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of North or South Carolina, don’t forget to check out Erin and Wes’ epic studios:
F45 Training Fort Mill (opening June 2023)
