How I Started The UK's Fastest Growing Company: My Gymshark Story | Ben Francis
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2024
- Gymshark has been my entire life since I started it as a teenager. After being awarded the UK's fastest growing company by the Fastrack 100 in the Times newspaper, I've decided to document my journey as the Gymshark owner & CEO.
My first video is a brief explanation of how Gymshark started, and the work we had to put in to get it to where it is today.
If anyone has any questions or anything they want to see in any future videos, please comment below!
Ps. Although I am a founder and am telling this story, there is a huge team of incredible people who have contributed, and continue to contribute to Gymshark every day. I hope to be able to show you more of what the team and I do in my future videos!
I hope you enjoy :)
Follow me on social media:
/ benfrancis
/ benfrancis1992
Gymshark has been my entire life since I started it as a teenager. After being awarded the UK's fastest growing company by the Fastrack 100 in the Times newspaper, I've decided to document my journey as the Gymshark CEO.
My first video is a brief explanation of how Gymshark started, and the work we had to put in to get it to where it is today.
If anyone has any questions or anything they want to see in any future videos, please comment below!
Ps. Although I am a founder and am telling this story, there is a huge team of incredible people who have contributed, and continue to contribute to Gymshark every day. I hope to be able to show you more of what the team and I do in my future videos!
I hope you enjoy :)
Ben Francis Lots of respect for what you have accomplished and very inspirational video! subbed :)
Ben Francis so inspired...subscribed 👌🏾
Been ordering your stuff for a while without realising the story behind the brand, massive respect. Keep up with the brilliant quality.
Going back to what you said about making websites and applications, how hard would you say it is learning code?
Ben Francis Impressive mate
They dropped their degrees to help you out with your business. Mate those are friends you should never, ever lose.
they dropped their degrees to come get rich fast cause they saw him succeeding.
@@lutherreigns5781 Just a madman would drop out of their degrees if they wouldn't see the grow potential of the company. LAZERNR might said it a bit harsh, but he's right and you're ignorant for not seeing it yourself.
@@Calvin19244 ofcoarse it had potential, but most of these businesses fail even after good initial success so it was still quite a risk to take.
@@lutherreigns5781 for every success story there are hubdreds of others who fail, they still took a risk
@@lutherreigns5781 You can get your point across without resorting to sounding like an angry 11 year old.
You can tell this guy is a hustler. Mad respect for all your work!
Hard worker
@@Youwork449 This is telling me an anonymous guy on TH-cam named "Tune In" who is just trying to put someone down because they are too fucking lazy to do what Ben has done to be where he is now - it's easier to talk shit than to do shit, you got my Amen on that one.
@@Youwork449 it is now, but he started it, and pushed it where it is today
People commenting acting as if someone who started a business just does nothing all day and collects a paycheck have no clue. Starting, running, and building a business is a 24/7 job. Instead of going out partying in college, this guy and his business partner hustled and put in the work and now they are where they are because they put in the time and effort for YEARS.
Holy crap! Gymshark was made by a 19 year old?! I love Gymshark products and had no idea they have only been around for a couple years and was created by a teenager. Dang that's inspirational!
@Kevin Schmidt a lot of people wear gym shark is day they're just as big
@Kevin Schmidt I've never worn them but I had a bf that worked out avidly and said it was super comfortable, light weight, breathable, etc
@Kevin Schmidt lol @ this negative nancy
@Kevin Schmidt it's the fastest growing company in the UK it's quite an accomplishment, definetly more than your job at burger king
Hey, morons, he needs explanation, grow up and explain to him why is this better. "fastest growing" is not an answer except if you proceed to tell us WHY is it the fastest growing and why is it a good material.
Idk why I thought gymshark would be owned by some middle agged man but you like my freaking age. Holy shit your killing this game and I support this brand even more than I did before!!
i like the fact he actually made the products, with a sewing machine, in his living room! Its not like he started Gymshark and had the products made in China or Taiwan and just slapped a logo on them. A true entrepreneur!
I agree. This part blew me away!
Logo peels off after a month or so on tops, bottoms are better as stiched, colours fade after a year which is not bad. However be aware though you might be sent returns as found letter from previous customer in track bottoms ordered.
@@kevinphilipsanders this the printing yes, but the sewing absolutely no way do I buy that
@@soniaedwards1083 not seen logo print on anything else other than tops which cracks after a few washes.
Definitely made in China now for its MQO.
This is the true meaning of Entepreneurship - not the glorified lifestyle and money. But that incredible feeling when you work incredibly hard at something and it finally starts to pay off.
There is no secret recipe - just hard work. This is what it truly takes and it's an incredible story.
Thanks for sharing this Ben. This makes more more determined to work hard and achieve something. Keep up the good work, you deserve everything you get - you've earnt it.
I get joy from creating things, particularly with those I love to be with. I'll always be motivated by creating with and for people. Always.
That's great to hear - keep it up!
Just hard work. That, and a massive loan from your dad.
@@NefariousPorpoise someone is mad
@@BenFrancisI’m inspired I hope one day we can meet
Is it me or does Ben seem like a super genuine bloke? Great to see the back story of Gymshark!
haha cheers Tim :)
I agree so humble
It's rare that a video gives me such chills and emotions. This is truly inspiring! You guys were the pioneers of this new era in the fitness industry. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Thank you!
Ben Francis Wow Such a cool story i Love gymshark even thoe i just have 2 items brw gymsharks quality id really good compared to better Bodies..
Aesthetics
merhaba
I’m 56 years of age and I’ve just started my own business selling women’s active wear, just watched this video and I have to say you are an absolute inspiration, thank you you’ve inspired me 👍
May I ask how it is going?
@@Aptix-yt i guess we'll never know
@@puffkcjztzu35 sad :(
lets go!
Hey buddy, how's your business going ?
The fact that you, yourself, used to hand-make and custom create and sew actual gym wear blows my freaking mind. I had no idea and that is so, so incredible! So much respect man! I love Gymshark and have been a big fan for about 2 years now! Forever will be a supporter of what you've created!
Most businesses started off like that. Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger used to make their own clothes and sell them on the street. Amancio Ortega used to sew his clothes in his living room before opening his first Zara store. Still an incredible feat that very few can achieve.
That is seriously impressive, I had absolutely no idea GS had such incredibly humble beginnings, probably because when I started lifting, it was already a huge thing in the fitness industry (bearing in mind I only started training in late 2013) I wish I had the drive/courage to do something so big when I was younger. I could barely decide what to have for tea when I was 19, never mind start a business.
Ben, the amount of work and time you put into Gymshark is astonishing. You are truly an inspiration and a great example of how passion, dedication, hard work, and patience can get you to the top!
Looking forward to your new videos,
Mike
I am shook, I love the brand but had no idea the back story. This just makes me love it more.
What do you love about it?
1 minute in and I already feel shit about my life and the absolute lack of effort iv put into stuff. I wish I had this kids attitude
Truth Hurts don’t wish just do !
lol I'm laughing but it's like a crying laugh because same
Life just happens, some got ideas that turn succesfull, others dont. Most companies start from a passion. Impossible for every one to have passion that grows into bizzness. Just do your thing and be happy,...
Truth Hurts 😂😂😂😂
This attitude is learned through discipline brother it's hard and tough work just like anything good
the fact that he handmade the products in the beginning is a whole other level of dedication and hard work that I haven't seen in a min
I believe that anyone can build a company , few can build one as successful as this , but what is truly amazing is how you built a family, a family that links all gym lovers no matter how far across the world we are. Thats what you have built here, its more than the uks fastest growing business, its the uks fastest growing family
Thank you :)
gay
Damn. Gymshark is definitely one of the best fitness clothing brands out there.
maybe because its actually made but people who wear fitness clothes for fitness lol
I think aesthetically its the best gym clothing. I can't think of any other company that competes with the aesthetic and trend of their clothing. Gymshark for life!
Anthony honestly I think pursue fitness is up there
Anthony Alphalete is on the come up though.
Not even close there's Nike, puma, adidas, reebok
Pizza Hut to million dollar business owner.
F&$kin awesome man. 👏🏼
Billion dollar now
I'm 24 and need to get my life together.
Thanks for the video!!! 😁
As a business owner this is so motivating to see how you started and then scaled your business. Well done guys!
i absolutely loved this! i am a huge nikki b fan so have liked gym shark for a long time but i had no idea how self made the business is! what you have done is amazing ben! so inspiring. keep up the amazing work, massive things will continue to come your way. you are a huge inspiration.
big love from australia 😊
p.s you rock robin and i am so glad you helped him get this up.
Me too!! I have loved Nikki B since forever and im in Australia too! Gymshark has so much love over here Ben! Wish you guys were going to be at the Arnold but i can wait until next year :D Great video though! Excited to see whats to come!!
Very inspirational, many failed attempts at business but stuck at it until you found a gap in the market, and then had so many people believe in your vision... that's why gymshark is a success. Hard work, dedication and belief in the products you are selling. So many people in the fitness industry are trying to follow in your footsteps but it doesn't feel as genuine and passionate as gymshark's story. This is why I buy from you.
You're honestly my inspiration in business Ben, when I've ever been asked about who's inspired me of recent to pursue the path of an entrepreneur its you. You've gone from being a wee boy with a dream to being a man competing with the likes of nike, when we spoke in Edinburgh it was clear that youre still just as determined as ever to be the best. Never change that and keep striving to improve. I can't wait for more content!
I see gymshark everywhere and I had NO idea that is was run by a british guy my age! That is so amazing, I can't wait to cop me some leggings!!
What you created is insane. Respect from Germany
Just came across this, didnt know Gymshark started like this. Always thought I would need to gain fame before trying to make a brand. Super inspiring!
I need to wake everyday to a video like this
Huge props to this kid. Humble and hugely successful.
all my time knowing about gym shark, i never knew it was a UK company
Neither. It's so popular in the US I would have never guessed
I think I did but wasn't totally sure . What an incredible story from such a young age to where they are now . Mad respect
Sheesh🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Me too G 😂😂
First time I saw or heard about gymshark was back in 2014-2015 on the hodge twins youtube video, they were working out and had gynshark t shirts and they were talking and joking about how the shirts fit tight and show their cuts and muscle separation and how it show their gains. I laughed so hard but at the same time thought they’re right.
It fits perfectly to show the shoulders and bicep and tight on the core for that V shape, so a week later I order one and loved how it fit.
The rest is history as it became more and more popular to the point we’re theres gymshark shirts and leggins on every gym i go now as if it was Nike
Pure motivation man! It sounds ridiculous but I never actually realised how much hard work was put into the early days of starting the brand. So happy for you - nice to see working hard towards something you love pays off
Mo Samuels Fitness ay remember dropshipping:)
Shit don’t come easy bro all rich people put in the hours and grind
Hn
Love the video Ben. Nice to hear it from your perspective. You can really hear the passion coming from you and it all comes together and makes sense why the brand has grown to be what it is today. It's crazy how it all starts as a vision and then it turns into a reality
Wow. I had no idea gymshark grew that fast. I remember watching matt's videos back in 2011-2012 and at some point he started wearing gymshark products. I loved how they fitted. My first purchase was a luxe tracksuit, I got 3 of them. I recently looked on my gymshark account and I've spent almost 500 pounds throughout the years and I must say although it seems like a fairly big amount for fitness clothing, I'd do it all over again. Had no idea I was actually part of what gymshark is today and I'm really happy. You guys have done something amazing. Congratulations!
This is the first video that really made me skip watching videos and actually do something instead of watching videos about doing something! THANK YOU!
Mad respect for this guy. He sets a great example.
ill be honest ben, prior to seeing this video i had no idea the amount of dedication and love and passion that went into creating this project. since gymshark is the biggest, i had always wrongfully categorized it as the
"sell out" fitness wear brand but i had no idea the means by which you acquired the status your brand now enjoys. definitely a converted fan thank you for documenting this
I have this warm feeling in my heart when I see young people become successful.
Your story is really motivational, to me it was a reminder that anything is possible as long as you work for it. I want to create my own company as well, my plan is to finish college, get a job& save money and eventually start something of my own.
I admire your work ethic and this is a great inspirational video for young people trying to make their way in the world. 💪🏼
BuzzKillBros wtf this is so random
Bro I will do it coz I m only 15 years of age 👍🏿😊
Absolutely incredible. Proof what can be achieved when you work hard, take risks and have a great friend circle around you. Well done mate.. very inspirational
I can’t imagine how many people have been inspired by this story and pursued their own dreams because of it.
Well done Ben! You’re an excellent role model for the next generation!
Made me understand why im paying so much for a shirt lol
fragy Fraginston it’s $30 dude
30$ is too much?? bro where can you find a high quality gym shirt for less than 30$
ibrahim abdo gymshark.com
Leo Ramos yea lol I was talking to the other dude, gym shark has the cheapest shirts lol
I don't think their products are expensive! Have you checked Nike, Adidas .........
The CEO and owner of GymShark is a teen?!?! 😳 Congratulations on your success bro!
Gipz huge investor nothing else
Gipz
No, he said he’s 24.
Born in 1992, so he’s 27 now.
So he’s 28 now
Insightful, inspirational, and personable. Solid video. Great job, Ben (and Robin 👋🏼)!
Ben Francis comes across as such a humble and gentle guy, with true business acumen and work ethic. Definitely someone to learn from.
That gymshark logo is the best logo i have ever seen. So genius.
Ben, this video was absolutely incredible. A met you back at the LA Fit Expo and you inspire the hell out of me. I really draw inspiration from all you've been able to accomplish at such a young age and I want to be able to recreate that success for myself. I'm so glad you made this video because it just continues to inspire me and so many other people. So keep it up bro, can't wait keep repping Gymshark 👍🏻🔥
Thanks bro, was great to meet you in LA! Hope to see you again when we're all back in LA later this year
Andrew Cantley op
DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THE SHOES DRAWING AND THEN HE QUICKLY COVERED IT UP???? GYMSHARK SHOES ?? Ahh p
eagle eyed. well played!
They looked like a silhouette of the adidas nmd runners (Pharell collab) . Adidas and gymshark collaboration in the works? Maybe this video was foreshadowing their introduction into mainstream clothing. Nike might have a wider range of athletic gear but does nike fitness really have a community in the gym?
Lol adidas will not collab with gymshark
Sarah Quinn could be an marketing strategic way to aquire the attention from the pp
He wouldn't have put it in the video if he didn't want us to see it lol.
This was so awesome man. 24 years old, unreal. You don't want to be one of their athletes, you want his position. Head and in charge.
Never heard of Gymshark until today, and holy crap I have an immense amount of respect for Ben and his brand.
I love stories like this! Young entrepreneurs hustling to deliver value!
Wow, I'm really glad you decided to make this video Ben. It really inspired me further to just hustle and limit any time-wasters in my life. Thank you. Also, you probably don't remember, but we met at the LA Fit Expo this past January. I talked to you a little about my dream to make a dent in the industry and I asked just to look out for me because I am currently putting in the work to "get lucky" one day in the future. I also appreciate the advice you gave me on what you guys look for in sponsorships. Uniqueness. Until we meet again. Cheers and God Bless.
I really respect you guys. Truly pioneers for the industry.
Thanks Michael!
How are they pioneers in any way?
I have not bought any gym shark yet but I have been obsessed with looking at it, it just seems like everything I would in a piece of clothing, well fitted, stylish and practical.
Logo peels off after a month or so on tops, bottoms are better as stiched, colours fade after a year which is not bad. However be aware though you might be sent returns as found letter from previous customer in track bottoms ordered.
Your story is inspiring, Ben! I appreciate you documenting so much of the journey and posting it for everyone. It’s very evident how much you care about quality. You’ve created a great brand.
I appreciate this video
This is exactly what I need as a motivation
@Ghie Miranda You're right, it's obvious a lot of people remain poor due to ignorance
It's better to take risk and make sacrifices than to remain poor
I recently got into forex trading and am already marveling over the profit am making
Obviously trading in bitcoin is very volatile and risky to trade that's the reason most traders trades with a company
Learning and trading under a guide I do same and I hardly make losses in the market
I'm new to bitcoin trading, how do I get started with a professional expert?
Amazing, well put together. It's crazy how a lot of people purchase gym shark apparel not knowing what goes on behind the scenes and especially the hard work and long hours that was put into creating the brand. Truly motivational, we need more videos like this on TH-cam!(:
This video was amazing.
It's great seeing someone do what they love and have it change their life forever.
I've subbed & liked! 😅
Hello. Would you like to come to my bungalow for dinner? I I I will make you a big bowl of steamed sea bugs. For desert I will treat you to a bowl of chicken feathers in warm milk . After we have dined I will play microm born for you and I will play my trombone . I do not shave my pubic hair . I also have flaky skin .
i remember buying from gymshark YEARS ago when you sold string tanks with sayings on them, and your logo was a flexing shark. happy to see how far you've grown!!
Speaking this into existence now - I will be a Gymshark Athlete 🙌🏾 I love your Story, this is absolutely inspiring! Your resilience is amazing 😊
Sounds like this kid was going to succeed in life no matter what damn
Incredibly inspiring for us all to watch. I'm happy to have spent hundreds on Gymshark clothing because the way I see it is I'm investing in someone like you. Keep going, I can't wait for a time where Nike are having to do everything they can to keep you away.
F**K yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!! This video 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 So glad Robin convinced you to share this story. Has made my Sunday night.... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Been a Gymshark customer for around 3 years.... And will continue to be... The reasons why you started the brand/company and the passion that drives you onwards to grow is what makes your company original. Buying from a company that started with raw intentions.. Best reasons ever...💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 #visionary
M'wahhhhhhh.... Xx
True inspiration man. Started at your parents house and sewing clothes for hours and still getting your workout in. And you created your own sites before and apps. You are amazing bro. I'm trying to follow your route at age 32. It isn't easy but it sure is possible. God's got me on this in his will.
Hey just checking on how it's going?
Im here in 2019 and I love that they brought there original logo into the newest legacy collection. So memorable love it !!!
You're living proof that with the right idea, commitment and desire success can be achieved whatever your age. Probably one of the only people's videos I've watched all the way through because you're so humble.
Starting a brand myself, I appreciate your transparency on this! Thank you!
good luck man, keep uploading!
Best of luck man, what’s the brand?
good luck !
How's it going ...??
The Swole Surfer same bro
this depresses me knowing someone near my age is so much more successful and just watching TH-cam and playing video games all day
Stop playing video games bro. It is bad
"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today" we all have to start somewhere.
Then again he has a shit physique and a golddigger girlfriend lmao
Be inspired
Hispanic! at the Disco ?
None of which you'll ever learn in school. Guys like this can teach you way more than your school teachers, tutors and lecturers.
Thanks for taking the time to post this video of your journey. You have really inspired me to really make that final push to get my fashion label up and running.
I just bought my first order from GymShark today & clicked on this video in the welcome email. I just want to say you are really inspiring and after watching this video made, it me really happy to stumble across your business and become part of the gym-shark family. V/sweet & thank you!
Huge respect. What an awesome story and great company. So good to see a young guy actually making something on his own and being positive. Great video
I remember being in the gym on my own, and every session I would see this fella work out on his own too in a brightly coloured stringer. I kept wanting to go over and ask where he got that stringer from. Turns out it was Dan Crane in the first batch of GymShark gear. It was like a ritual, he would always do cardio at the end of his workout in his green GymShark stringer.
I wish I'd gone over and spoken to him back then. That was the start of GymShark, Gym4all Nottingham, hope you see this Dan.
Yeah haha Craney went to university at Trent, that's so cool! I've sent him your comment so he sees
Hey! That's so crazy, such a small world. You should have came over whilst I was slaving over cardio haha. I dropped out of my final year at Trent to help Gymshark after the first BodyPower and it's been a rollercoaster ever since.
Brilliant stuff man, you can only applaud someone like you with these accomplishments. Shows that hard work pays off. Keep it going!
Your Mum must be so PROUD!! I hope our son is as motivated as you are! 💪🏼
After watching this video, I am so much more motivated to get my brand out there. Not a fitness clothing brand, but for bmx, skateboarding, and others.
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiration.
how is your brand doing my friend
Always jealous of talentless youngsters that make millions from doing something anyone could do but I'm actually happy for this guy. Intelligent, hardworking and determined. Good on him 👍
Not everybody could do this.
if its so easy why dont you do it
P Bone exactly
yeah, if those talentless youngsters could do it so easily, why don't you do it?
My Archive that was his point.. he’s saying this boy isn’t talentless and has actually worked ..
7:43 GymShark Shoes confirmed?
HA! you caught that too!
Wow this was truly inspiring. I have so much respect for you Ben Francis. This story is amazing! Especially you sowing your own product! I'm in aw
Thank you :)
sewing
Vanessa Blanco *awe
Get a room
Wowe*
Watching now 2024.
This is huge.
Wow first off wow. I’m really shocked and thrilled to see how a young entrepreneur can remain so humble to take the time to show us all how you got started! I actually hope to see a movie based on your life! How amazing would that be! Keep up the great work!
LOVE THIS, showing that it's possible to create a brand and to see it through BIG time. Giving me inspo for my brand!
May God bless you and your friends on this great journey. I recently ordered from Gymshark and I love it !
Please remake the iconic Gymshark Luxe tracksuit v1s again!
Those pants are probably the most durable, I have 2 and they're still going strong
They are thick and strong asf. It would be nice to get a thick pair on the market again as outdoor tyres etc are hard to survive with the new ones.
You deserve it Ben, you’re a clever young man. I hope I find something I get fascinated like you are.
I’m from the Caribbean and it’s so hard finding durable fitness leggings. I decided to invest in some gymshark leggings. BEST DECISION EVER! Really helping my in my fitness journey. The quality, the fit, everything I lovee. Although it is a bit pricey when you convert to the Caribbean Eastern Dollar it is so worth it. I will continue to invest. This is absolutely brilliant. Love your story. Bravo!
This is awesome good job Ben!
hey why you not start your own brand , reply me
AMAZING and congrats on your success! When will the NIKKIB X GYMSHARK Launch??? and please have enough so it doesn't sell out in a few minutes.
It launches end of this month in our New York pop up store! It will only launch in store to begin with and online sometime afterwards.
So exciting for your brand and Nikki ... wish I lived in NY but i'm in LA so i'll have to wait until it launches online. Thanks for the response.
Will there be any at Body power this year?
Dope journey man!! Respect everything in this video.
Never heard of gymshark until now but just watching the video made me feel inspired. He proud of yourself for what you've achieved because it's not easy.
I am starting an active wear brand but you guys worked your butts off and have reaped the rewards for it well done!
This is amazing!! I think a geeky "how to stay organized whilst trying to grow a business" would be a great video topic :-)
Honestly, I'm really not organised. I'm just good at making things I guess!
WoW! That's pretty insane.I really love gymshark it's one of my favourite brands and I hope that one day I'll be sponsored by you guys❤.
BTW what about something like "StreetShark" Clothes to wear on a daily bases at school and stuff like that,I'll definitely wear them all the time..just a suggestion.
Absolute inspiration! I couldn't imagine having the determination you guys showed! Kudos Ben, incredible
Product of success through PURE work.
The logo is the first and only thing that attracts the consumer. I'm astonished at how popular this brand is
Some people sell drugs at uni and some people build a multi million pound business from their room. He deserves all the success he got.
Mad respect, a true entrepreneur...
I've been watching Nikki B videos for a bit now, along w some of your other gym shark athletes, one of the reasons I know the name gymshark. Def love the new Nikki b line she just modeled. Keep up the good work.
Jenelle Beggs did you watch the video of her crying because of Christian?
So basically mate, you worked like an absolute machine and with a bit of luck all your hard work paid off, kudos dude what an inspiration!