Meet Outlaw FitCamp Franchisee Chris

We’d like to introduce you to Chris Novello, the first Outlaw FitCamp franchise owner outside of the state of Texas. Outlaw FitCamp is expanding rapidly and the first venture out of our home state will be Novello’s location in Indian land, South Carolina. It’s an exciting time for Outlaw FitCamp!

Chris was born and spent many of his childhood years in New Jersey, but his family eventually moved to South Carolina, where he has stayed. He lived in Charlotte for several years and just recently relocated to Indian land.

Chris says he’s always been a “gym rat” and he’s excited to become a part of the fitness industry. Chris is married with two children, a son and a daughter.

The Outlaw FitCamp Indian land location is beginning construction now, and Chris can’t wait for it to open.

Read on to learn more about the owner of Outlaw FitCamp’s first out-of-state location.

1. What do you love about Indian land?

Indian land is great. You’re still really close to Charlotte, so you’re close to a big city. But we’re also an up-and-coming town that still has that rural, close-knit feel. I think it’s the best of both worlds. I’m excited to be a part of this community as it grows.

2. Have you always been interested in fitness?

Yes. Fitness has always been my go-to. It’s the one thing I’ve always enjoyed doing.

3. Why did you choose Outlaw FitCamp as a franchise over other franchises?

Outlaw really embodies a lot of the principles that I think are important in a business. I like the way the members feel like they’re part of the community and welcomed. And Outlaw also takes care of and values their employees. They put a lot of those important principles into practice.

4.Tell us a little about your work background.

I’ve been a gym rat my entire life. I’ve always worked out. The majority of my career has been law enforcement though, so this will be a new business experience for me. I’ve been in law enforcement for around 13 years.

5. What made you decide to make a complete career change?

I’ve always wanted to do something in fitness. That’s where my passion really is. But things don’t always work out the way you planned. This opportunity came along, and it felt like the right time. I felt like it was now or never, and it was finally good timing.

6. Why did you choose the fitness industry?

This is where my passion has always been. I’ve always loved working out and it’s always been my escape, no matter what’s going on in life. I’m comfortable in this field.

7. What are you looking forward to achieving with your first Outlaw FitCamp location?

This location is the first one outside of Texas. No one in this area knows the Outlaw brand. I’m hoping to really get the name out there and get the Carolina people to become familiar with what Outlaw is and who we are. I want to build brand recognition and develop a good reputation for Outlaw.

8. What are your future goals with Outlaw FitCamp?

I really want to make this first location as successful as possible. After things are going well, I would like to continue the growth and possibly open some more Outlaw locations.

9. How are you putting together your team?

I’m going to be the owner/manager, so I’m actually going to have a huge role in the gym which I’m looking forward to. My wife is going to be a part of it too. We’ll be looking for the best possible fit to round out our team. But I’ll definitely be taking the majority of the responsibilities when we first open.

10. What support from Outlaw FitCamp has been most helpful to you?

I love knowing they want me to succeed as much as I want to succeed. They’re right there with me for the whole journey, and they’re always just a phone call away. It’s great knowing that they are so invested in my success—that’s really important to me.

11. What is your favorite thing about owning an Outlaw FitCamp franchise?

There’s always going to be something new. There will always be new members, new faces, new people to help. It’s never going to be the same thing every day.

12. What three words would you use to describe workouts at Outlaw FitCamp?

Challenging, engaging, fun.

13. What kind of resources from Outlaw FitCamp do you take advantage of? 

There are tons of resources. I have so much information available at my fingertips whenever I need it.

14. What advice would you give someone looking for a franchise opportunity?

Take the time and ask tons of questions. Find out as much as you possibly can. Especially if you’re brand new to the business world, the more questions you ask, the more prepared you are.

15. What are the most important benefits for you in owning an Outlaw FitCamp franchise?

The quality of life with the work/life balance. Outlaw gives me a better blend with my family life and work life. It makes for a better environment in both areas, both at work and at home.

16. How do you try to balance career and family?

I know running Outlaw is going to be busy and challenging. But I think the fact that I’m doing something that I’m really passionate about is going to help me balance things. When you leave work, even if it’s stressful, when you really enjoy what you’re doing it’s not going to interfere with family time. I’ll still be able to have quality time with my family.

17. What is your favorite workout music?

I guess I kind of go against the grain of your typical music workout. When I’m working out, I enjoy listening to podcasts or Christian music.

18. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’ve always liked to work out in my spare time. But now when I have free time, we always try to do something outside with the kids—like go to the park or take a short hike.

19. What is your favorite form of exercise personally?

I think that’s changing as I get older, but I’ve always been a typical “meathead” with using heavy weights. I like to incorporate all kinds of different training now though, so I add high intensity exercise to the weight training. But lifting heavy weights is still my favorite.

20. What inspires you or motivates you to wake up and go to work?

I’ve always been passionate about helping people reach their goals. I feel like I’m pretty good at motivating people. Just knowing that I’m in a position to be able to help other people makes me happy.

And I want to set an example for my kids. They’ll grow up seeing me do something I love, and then hopefully they’ll find something they really enjoy doing too.

I love a quote from Ray Kroc: “The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed.” I find if I follow that model, things generally work out for me.

If you think you may be interested in joining our Outlaw FitCamp family, learn more about becoming a franchise owner here. We’re growing quickly and you may be the perfect addition to our team! Contact us today to discuss the opportunity.