Author: Allison Beardsley, Founder of Red Light Method
When I started Red Light Method, my goal was simple: to combine the best of spa and fitness with cutting-edge technology. Red Light Method is a hybrid boutique spa and fitness concept that blends Red Light Therapy body contouring treatments with Pilates, Power Plate, and sauna sessions. In our first six months, we’ve signed 26 territories—a feat I’m incredibly proud of. But reaching this point wasn’t luck. We partnered with Buxton to ensure our franchise company had the data it needed to thrive.
This isn’t my first time in the franchise world. I founded Club Pilates, and during those early years, I quickly learned the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Why Data is Essential for Franchise Success
At the heart of any successful franchise company’s growth is consumer analytics. In the early stages, it’s critical to use consumer analytics to know where to place your first few locations as making the wrong choice can make or break your business. With Buxton, we’ve been able to dive deep into the numbers to ensure we’re choosing the best real estate and understanding who our members are. For example, the drive-time differences between locations in Michigan and Florida can be significant—33 minutes in Michigan compared to just 13 minutes in Naples, Florida. Knowing how far people are willing to travel is crucial when planning territory divisions, and Buxton helps us gather that data with ease.
Franchising is all about scaling smart, and Buxton’s data gives us a clear roadmap for growth. Whether it’s determining if the population in an area can support a Red Light Method franchise or dividing up territories for franchisees, we rely on Buxton to guide us. It’s this precision that makes Buxton’s solutions so invaluable.
The Power of Personalized Support
One of the things I love most about working with Buxton is the personalized support. My account executive has been a tremendous resource for us. When one of our franchisees expressed interest in the Dallas territory, I had questions about mapping the area. My Buxton account executive was available the very next day with options to meet. The Buxton team is always willing to dive into complex questions about ZIP codes, area codes, or how to divide territories by highways or landmarks. The software itself is intuitive, but when I do need support, it’s incredibly easy to get the help I need.
This level of support is a game-changer for any emerging franchise. When you're working with a company like Buxton, you’re not just getting data; you’re getting a team that’s invested in your success.
Why Buxton Stands Out
Having worked with other analytics platforms in the past, I can confidently say that Buxton blows the competition out of the water. Their solutions are more intuitive, comprehensive, and tailored to our needs.
In the world of franchising, it’s not enough to just trust your gut. As my industry mentor always said and W. Edwards Deming originally stated, "in God we trust, but show me the data." And when it comes to data, Buxton truly rocks.
