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Empires is a media platform for franchise owners, investors, and founders - that explores brick & mortar brands and operators.

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February 19, 2026

How Jon Smith Quit His Job and Built a Pilates Empire

In 2016, Jon left a secure family business to invest in a then-emerging boutique fitness concept: Club Pilates. Less than a decade later, he owns 48 studios across three states and recently partnered with private equity to scale toward 100 locations.

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