Lewis Morgan, 28, and his friend Ben Francis, both from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, set up Gymshark when they were 19 and studying at University Entrepreneur sold his stake in the company. [5] He attended South Bromsgrove High School. Ben founded Gymshark when he was 19 years old, while still a student at Aston University. Since it was started by 29-year-old Mr Francis and his friend, Lewis Morgan, in 2012 its trajectory has been skywards. 1. At the time, I was studying business at University of Worcester and had two jobs - a pot washer and a retail assistant at Burton. A Division of NBC Universal, He built a billion dollar fitnesswear brand in his 20s, People said her business idea wouldnt work but its now a blooming beauty empire, 46-year-old used this 4-part strategy to quit her job and start her own business, CEO's mistake burned through $700,000he fixed it to build a $4 billion startup, How this 28-year-old went from earning $72,000 to $186,000 in 5 years, 3 red flags that prove it might be time to quit your job. [9] Both aged 20, they set up the brand while studying at university. Alongside his business partner and best friendBen, the pair set up Gymshark when they couldn't get their hands on certain gymwear and equipment in the UK. Here are three important lessons we can take from this story: Gymshark emerged at the right time to take advantage of the rise in popularity of direct-to-consumer online stores. At this moment, Francis knew hed created something special. Francis, 27, held his hands up and said: I made a stupid mistake that I massively regret.. Now valued at more than 1 billion, Ben Francis and I started the business as teenagers, working out of our parents' garages. The founder of online athleisure juggernaut Gymshark has revealed how he stepped back from the billion pound empire he started aged 19 - as 'money isn't everything' and 'he wanted time with loved ones'. We were super busy and it was super exciting. Line Manager: No10 business guru caught on video snorting cocaine, Ben Francis collecting an award from Richard Branson. At the same time, Francis had also developed an interest in fitness. [8], Francis started going to the gym as a teenager. So, Francis began designing his own range of fitness apparel. Gymshark has also nearly doubled its number of employees in the last 12 months alone, up to over 800 members of staff. It's the easiest and most affordable way to attract more customers and make more sales. After a few months of dropshipping, Francis bought a screen printer and sewing machine with the help of his brothers and friends. Francis Morgan. [4], Francis was born as Benjamin David Francis on 4 June 1992 and grew up in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Morgan Lewis. Ben Francis, is a 29 year old British businessman who is known for being the founder and chief executive officer and majority shareholder of Gymshark, one of the biggest fitness brands in the world which is located in Solhull, England and rapidly expanding across the world with the US becoming its main focus of expansion. Ben Shapiro is being mocked online after predicting that Princess Elsa from Frozen will come out as a lesbian and lead to the collapse of Disney. When it comes to his love life, this young man is not yet married but he is currently dating and his girlfriend is named Robin Callant. Francis sold a 21% stake to private equity firm General Atlantic in August 2020, in a deal that valued the company at $1.45 billion; he owns 70%. Morgan Lewis, Francis' son, was an active participant in the Revolutionary War and later in the War of 1812. Above all, I would still be seeking out young entrepreneurs to invest in as helping others to achieve their dreams is my real passion. Its hard for me to say the exact reasons without getting solicitors on my door tomorrow.. Fitness supplements seemed like the obvious choice, but he couldnt afford the minimum orders with his Pizza Hut paycheck. Gymshark is a global 'athleisure' brand (clothing worn for sport and other activities). [2] Ben Francis Net Worth 2022, Age, Wife, Children, Height, Family "We learnt to be curious and always ask questions. Looking to the future, Gymshark is developing its first physical store in Regent Street, London. "But that's not saying that the U.K. is where it starts and ends for us, we also want to be a truly global brand.". The footage emerged after a meteoric rise in the business world by Francis. [27], Francis was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to the business sector. Im not her to disrespect anyone or say anything but I want my part to be known Im not having Ben going on peoples podcasts telling people that I left in 2014 because its not true.. Still to this day, the once entrepreneurial duo, dont even follow each other on Instagram anymore with a seemingly icy pull of the plug on friendship. [2], In August 2021, he returned to the role of the company's CEO. [citation needed], Member of the Order of the British Empire, "GymShark Annual Return (free information from Companies House)", "Entrepreneur behind Gymshark worth 700m after blockbuster deal", "From Bodybuilder To Billionaire: How Gymshark Founder Ben Francis Built A Sportswear Unicorn", "Gymshark founded by ex pizza delivery boy valued at over 1billion", "Former South Bromsgrove High pupil Ben inspires class of 2019 on Gymshark visit", "The 27-year-old from Bromsgrove who's already worth well over 100 million", "Ben Francis: fitness fanatic builds Gymshark into a 1bn business", "Former student's sportswear business is booming", "The 26-year-old with a 100m sportswear brand", "Ex-pizza delivery boy's gym firm worth over 1bn", "Gymshark founder Ben Francis's tips for success", "Gymshark Entrepreneur Ready to Take on the U.S.", "How Gymshark Became A $1.3 Billion Brand, And What We Can Learn", "How Gymshark founder Ben Francis created his sportswear empire", "Gymshark: Ex-pizza delivery boy's fitness wear brand valued at over 1bn", "Interview: Gymshark boss Steve Hewitt on his 'field of dreams', "How to make the most of your dataand empower your workforce", "Gymshark founder reveals reasons behind stepping down as CEO", "Gymshark expands head office base in Solihull", "Clothing brand Gymshark becomes UK's newest 1bn start-up", "Gymshark co-founder Ben Francis returns to CEO role", "30 Under 30 Europe 2018: Retail & Ecommerce", "Bidders circle 1bn Gymshark as sports brand shrugs off virus", "Small Business, Scale ups and Entrepreneurs Business Council: 10 July 2019", "Gymshark founder named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 UK winner", "Owner of Gymshark Ben Francis announces he's having twins! We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Ben Francis MBE - Chief Executive Officer - Gymshark | LinkedIn Ben Francis MBE CEO & Founder of Gymshark. Biographies of Francis Lewis and Morgan Lewis - Archive He's 29 and a member of the Cotswolds Set - but what now for 700 Basically, Ben Francis made the garments in his house's garage. Gain access to exclusive interviews with industry creative, think pieces, trend forecasts, Im interested in the Sales Agency business model and would like to know more. "Then it just dawned on me that I was a loser. Gymshark Net Worth 2023: How much Gymshark actually worth? He said he liked how different countries have their own big-name sportswear brands, such as Lululemon in Canada, Nike and Under Armour in the U.S., as well as Adidas and Puma in Germany. After selling his shares for a hundred million, no one knew the reason behind the entrepreneur walking away from such a high valued company. Last year Mr Francis sold a 21 per cent share to an American private. To support themselves, they worked part-time after. "We were 16, 17, but we'd be talking business strategies, bouncing. Francis developed his ideas by hand at his parents house. A fascinating story - Two young university graduates, Ben Francis and "CEO was not the right role for me when I wasin my early twenties," the founder, now 29, told CNBC Make It, a week after he returned to the role in August. "We were two kids running a multi-million pound business and, somehow, doing it well. $2.5 billion, according to our most recent tally. 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In 2012, at the age of 19, Lewis Morgan and Ben Francis founded the Gymshark Company. The pair were just acquaintances at school, Morgan says, until they were seated next to each other in. Gymshark began in 2012 when Ben, along with. Ben Francis Birthday & Fun Facts | Kidadl Something went wrong, please try again later. To support themselves, they worked part-time after school. Francis had voiced several times that Morgan had left the company in 2014 due to the pair having different visions which tells a contrasting story to what Morgan had to say. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. How Did Gymshark Start? Some official U.S. government agencies, and a plethora of news organizations have lost their verified status. Ben Francis is the founder and CEO of Solihull, England-based sportswear brand Gymshark. When Apple started, it was adopted by architects, creatives and other sorts of cool kids, Francis says. Stay up to date with SOCCER player news, rumors, updates, analysis, social feeds, and more at FOX Sports. Ben Francis net worth 2022. [20], In 2018, Gymshark opened a new 5 million headquarters in Solihull, West Midlands. A Conversation with Ben Francis, Founder of Gymshark. To help the company grow even further, Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan spent all their time focused on making Gymshark a success. "We used her house as a printing room and a stock room, and that's the same for Ben's family. Height. Fast forward a few years, and Lewis and Francis built one of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK. After attending, he knew that if he wanted Gymshark to be known in the fitness industry, hed have to exhibit there. It meant he didnt have to buy stock and risk his own cash running his business. In August 2020, a year after Gymshark hit $214 million in revenues and $18 million in net income, General Atlantic purchased its stake, just as the Covid-19 pandemic shut down gyms around the world. This weeks Current Climate, which every Saturday brings you the latest news about the business of sustainability. Vault Verdict Associate Reviews Why Work Here DE&I Getting Hired Here Summer Program. Brother of Ann (Lewis) Robertson and Francis Lewis Jr. Son of Francis Lewis Esq. Friends called Saturday evening at the funeral home. Ben launched Gymshark in his parent's garage in 2012 at the age of 19 with school friend Lewis Morgan. The three-floor, 18,000 sq. could have been apprenticed. As a group, we will remain focused on women's fitness but expand beyond clothing. Ross Dickerson said: The video was four years ago. In the year leading up to the expo, Francis would see Gymshark grow big enough to place his first order from a manufacturer. "You get to a point where money isn't everything. He currently serves as the founder and CEO of Gymshark. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. . Sales exploded once again, growing at an average of 62% each year since 2018. The power of community: how Gymshark is killing it in the gym About Lewis Morgan. [11], In 2013, he exhibited Gymshark's products at the BodyPower fitness trade show in Birmingham. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. are ben francis and lewis morgan still friends Posted by July 3, 2022 keto crab rangoon with mozzarella cheese on are ben francis and lewis morgan still friends You get to a point where money isn't everything. Now he's back at the helm, and spoke to CNBC about why he feels his original decision to step back was best for the company. Benny Lewis Morgan Sr. (1934-2010) - Find a Grave Memorial Ben Francis was born in the West Midlands, England. I am very proud to be in the position I am. How Gymshark Founder Built a Billion Dollar Company (+ 3 Lessons We Can I am very proud to be in the position I am. Summer Program: Learn More. He married Gertrude Livingston, the daughter of Robert Livingston of Clermont, and took her to Philadelphia to meet his mother a few days before she died. Experience the easiest way to grow your business. This valued the company at over 1 billion. Crew storefront on London's Regent Street, the prime shopping destination in the heart of the British capital. Hes nowhere near as rich as he boasts, nor as poor as his critics claim. All this has helped Gymsharks turnover grow to 400 million in 2021, a tenfold increase over the last four years. How A Former Pizza Hut Delivery Guy Used TikTok And Instagram To Build Gymshark Into A Billion-Dollar Sportswear Brand, New Billionaires 2023: Jimmy Buffett, LeBron James And 148 Others Join The Ranks This Year, Kanye West, Sam Bankman-Fried, Yvon Chouinard: Here's Who Fell Off Forbes' 2023 Billionaires List, The World's Richest Female Billionaires 2023, Here Are The Biggest Gainers On The 2023 Billionaires List, Forbes 37th Annual Worlds Billionaires List: Facts And Figures 2023, Trumps Net Worth Plunges $700 Million As Truth Social Flops. But the thing he's most proud of? At the time, both were 20-year-old university students. Sporting a trim, black workout jacket of his own design, Francis had an announcement to make: Gymshark, the sportswear brand he founded, was going to open its first-ever brick-and-mortar store. , updated EXCLUSIVE: Gymshark boss Ben Francis has visited Downing Street after making 73million by the age of 26 - but has now been caught on camera snorting cocaine. That a company of that size and scale can keep innovating at the speed and regularity it does, is truly exceptional. I noticed Ben and Lewis don't follow each other on social media and they're never together while they have mutual friends who started the company with them. However, in 2013, the company made its first apparel. Lewis Morgan was a retail assistant at a menswear store and a pot washer at a local hotel. We saw more than 30,000 in sales in 30 minutes and the rest, as they say, is history. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ben_Francis&oldid=1151168304, This page was last edited on 22 April 2023, at 10:00. Gymshark was founded by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan in 2012. Drop shipping is when a business takes customer orders, but doesn't actually keep the products in stock. Gymshark is a global 'athleisure' brand (clothing worn for sport and other activities). He is the owner, founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Gymshark. Check out: 32-year-old founders of multimillion-dollar app share their No. No 10 business guru worth 73m caught on video snorting cocaine with Francis appeared on the 2019 Sunday Times Young Rich List, ranked above pop stars Little Mix and world heavyweight boxing champ Anthony Joshua. Who is Ben Francis' wife Robin? | The US Sun How I Made It: Gymshark's Lewis Morgan on growing a brand and investing Lewis Morgan, 28, and his friend Ben Francis, from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, set up Gymshark when they were at university, working from their parents' houses. We had saved enough money to take recognised athletes with a large social media following, all dressed in our clothing, to the Bodypower fitness expo where we had an open stand. That community was Baptist, and the. It was here that Morgan met Ben Francis, who would later become his business partner. Ben Francis is the co-founder of sportswear brand Gymshark. And there have been some headwinds: A mulled IPO on the London Stock Exchange last year never materialized, and Gymshark shut down most of its U.S. operations in March. 401K Followers, 770 Posts - Gymshark CEO & Founder Patron of Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital Charity NEW YT VIDEO CLICK HERE I cover the world's richest people and how they made their billions. "I know that they're a British brand and they're from just over the road from where I grew up, but it's so cool when you're abroad that you see their vehicles being driven around," he said. Orders started flooding in, and within 30 minutes, theyd sold out of everything. Lewis also explained how the pair's success wouldn't have been possible without the support of his and Ben's families. (Morgan sold his stake in Gymshark for about $130 million in 2020 as part of the General Atlantic deal. Im always learning from them and Ill try to continue to do so.. I sit down with him to discuss his origins and the early years of his career. Ben Francis age, height, weight, net worth 2023, wife, kids, gay The reorganisation saw Francis. "You're not going to order from two kids from Bromesgrove", he explains. [26] Francis currently owns more than 70% of the company, which is worth 700 million. This was more than theyd sold in their entire history. 3. He also saved enough money to upgrade his space at the expo and bring YouTube fitness athletes along with them. Instead, Gymsharks focusing on expanding in the United States, having recently opened an office in Colorado. To put that into perspective, Ben and I had achieved half that in the same time at Gymshark. In 2016, Lewis took a step back from the company but remained a shareholder, and sold his remaining stakes for 100million in August. But Lewis knows their success wouldn't have been possible without the support of his and Ben's families, who have been there every step of the way. Bridie Pearson-jones For Mailonline Ben Francis is a British businessman and entrepreneur, born on June 4, 1992. Its success led to Francis being invited to join then-PM Theresa Mays Small Business, Scale-Ups and Entrepreneurs Business Council. They used the money earned from dropshipping, as well as what Francis had earned working as a deliveryman for Pizza Hut, to buy a sewing machine and screen printer to start making their own fitnesswear. [25], In August 2020, Gymshark sold a 21% stake to US private equity firm General Atlantic in a deal which valued the company in excess of 1 billion. Francis then embarked on a guerrilla marketing campaign that relied on paying small amounts to fitness stars with intense online followings, handing out as little as $500 a month to influencers who would flaunt Gymshark clothes in their videos. In the second of our new How I Made It series on BusinessLive, we catch up with the 29-year-old to learn about his history and what the future holds. Francis was a member of the UK Government's Business Council for Entrepreneurs in 2019. I would tell myself to focus on the idea of building a brand sooner. Gymshark founder Ben Francis: We don't worry about larger brands - CNBC So how did Ben Francis get Gymshark off the ground? From Bodybuilder To Billionaire: How Gymshark Founder Ben Francis Built Lewis Morgan (1672 - 1734) - Genealogy Questions lead to answers, which lead to learning things.". It also focused on making its social media channels interesting. Benjamin David Francis MBE (born 4 June 1992 [1]) is a British billionaire entrepreneur who is the co-founder, CEO and majority owner of Gymshark, a fitness apparel and accessories manufacturer and retailer founded by him and his friend Lewis Morgan in 2012. He had launched a few fitness apps and websites by this time, but he wanted to take the next step and sell actual products online. ', The comments below have not been moderated, By The Gymshark offices now consist of a campus, complete with its own lifting club and gym for employees. Written by Julia Melt We were inundated with people who wanted to meet the athletes, wanted to see the productand [we] sold out at the event, says Francis. BGSU Commencement Spring 2023 - Saturday, April 29, 3 p.m. - Facebook For me, AYBL offered an exceptional investment and personal growth opportunity, having seen turnover grow to 10 million in just three years. [3] In April 2023, he made his debut on Forbes' annual World's Billionaires list as the 2259th richest person in the world. It was in 2011, as a 19-year-old student at Birmingham's Aston University, that Francis then created the first version of the Gymshark website. He still retained a 21% stake in the company. Despite the fact Morgan left as a director in 2016 and not as a shareholder, Francis allegedly continued to rarely include his ex co-founder in any articles or the website. From a pizza delivery boys idea to combine his passion for fitness with online retail, to a pivot into athletic wear because he couldnt find the styles he wanted to wear himself, this brands story is certainly inspiring. Lewis has achieved an incredible amount in just a few years, They were just teenagers when they started out, Lewis and Ben started the business in their first year at university, They have no regrets about missing out on student boozing. The co-partners initial idea was to essentially create a community through fitness which they evidently achieved by having a substantial revenue throughout the years. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Ben Francis, CEO and Founder of Gymshark. In summer 2012, a young Lewis Morgan co-founded Gymshark with his school friend Ben Francis and embarked on a journey of rapid growth, taking the fitness clothing and equipment brand from their family homes in Worcestershire to a global audience. These included Lex Griffin and Nikki Blackketter. [11] Unable to afford to buy stock or secure distribution deals with supplement suppliers, he began dropshipping supplies from other vendors and it took him six weeks to make his first sale. Ben Francis is the Founder and ambitious entrepreneur behind leading global fitness brand, Gymshark. Ben Francis - Wikipedia Francis, 29, set up the athleisure brand Gymshark after dropping out of university and working as a Pizza Hut delivery boy. 1 tip for starting a business, Get Make It newsletters delivered to your inbox, Learn more about the world of CNBC Make It, 2023 CNBC LLC. But its completely fake. Ill continue to dedicate myself to learning from the people around me and work towards becoming the best version of myself.. Whilst still there, and with cash in the bank from skimming margins, Ben and Lewis were able to stock all the gym wear they could get their hands on. Gymshark was founded by school friends Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan in 2012. My teenage years were different. In a recent interview with CEO Cast, the podcast platform, Morgan expresses the truth about the motive he had to leave. That came in June 2013 when we launched our first tracksuit called 'Luxe'. Keen to work in the fitness industry, the pair initially used the Gymshark website to "dropship" fitness supplements.
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