Comments on: Butterfly Life Franchisees Allege Bait & Switch… of Execs

By: BUTTERFLY LIFE: Linda McBride, Former Franchise Owner | Unhappy Franchisee

BUTTERFLY LIFE: Linda McBride, Former Franchise Owner | Unhappy Franchisee — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:03:30 +0000

[...] Lossick contacted me by phone. I have my original notes and one of the first things I wrote is Mark Mastroff as [...]

By: BUTTERFLY LIFE: Interview with Former Franchisee Jeff Marks

BUTTERFLY LIFE: Interview with Former Franchisee Jeff Marks — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:20:12 +0000

[...] Butterfly Life is a women’s 30 minute fitness franchise chain that claims to be an improvement over Curves for Women. It was founded by Mark Golob, Tom Gergley, and, supposedly, Mark Mastrov. Golob & Gergley both have checkered pasts and a history of litigation in the health club industry. Many franchisees were attracted by the highly respected Mastrov (of 24 Hour Fitness), whose involvement ceased after they joined. (Read Butterfly Life Franchisees Allege Bait & Switch… of Execs) [...]

By: BUTTERFLY LIFE FRANCHISE DISCUSSION | Unhappy Franchisee

BUTTERFLY LIFE FRANCHISE DISCUSSION | Unhappy Franchisee — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:58:55 +0000

By: Vice Versa

Vice Versa — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:39:22 +0000

Sean – Forgot one thing….Several of us registered and blogged on the India website several months ago, but it appears our comments were not posted.

By: Vice Versa

Vice Versa — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:36:34 +0000

So many different BFL blogs……Sorry Sean, but I just read this. Probably forgot to check the followup comments box when I sent my blog. Nevertheless, months ago BFL had India and Australia posted on their site in addition to Japan and Canada they have posted currently. India and Australia have since been removed. Rumor has it that BFL sold their rights to Japan several years ago for a song and a dance. One of the franchisees in this country supposedly knows the people who bought the rights in Japan. I realize you were working on this in April, but if you are still interested in doing a follow-up, I can put you in touch with the franchise contact who can give you more info. Quick update – The BFL franchise association is hoping to go head to head soon with them in arbitration as soon as they quit stalling and get their act together. The DOC (Dept. of Corp. in CA) will be letting us know this week if they will continue with their investigation based on the allegations we filed. FYI…..13 more locations closed in the last two months. There are approx. 78 operating at this point. All the franchisees (current and/or closing)I have spoken with in the last several months, including those who paid franchise fees and never opened, have not heard a word from BFL after many attempts to contact them……what a surprise!!!

By: sean

sean — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:51:47 +0000

Vice Versa:
Is BL actively looking to expand into India?
Is there a link you can give to a press release or article to that effect?
I am writing some pieces specifically about troubled franchisors exporting their franchises abroad (and specifically India) and am looking for examples. I see that Contours has a franchisee there.

By: Vice Versa

Vice Versa — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:34:26 +0000

Here is an interesting blog from India. I hear BFL is trying to sell in India, Japan, Australia and Canada. Sounds like India got an ear full. We need to blog them around the world if necessary. Many franchisors leave the country when things get heated up in the US. Especially when everyone knows their MO. At this moment, they are at the International Franchise Expo in DC. Hope you all will be able to read this.
http://blog.fai.co.in/2007/07/20/before-you-start-franchising/#comment-142

By: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Small Business Failure

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Small Business Failure — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:40:23 +0000

[...] Butterfly Life Franchisees Allege Bait & Switch… of Execs [...]

By: Jason Rager

Jason Rager — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:19:58 +0000

Finding a good franchise is a difficult, but if done right, rewarding process.