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Gymshark founder and fitness influencer Ben Francis has officially become the United Kingdom’s youngest billionaire, with a net worth of $1.3 billion USD in 2023, according to Forbes.
The fitness apparel company he started from his mother’s garage has become a global phenomenon, with a loyal following of 390k fitness enthusiasts and athletes on Instagram.
Today, at 30, he’s managed to achieve more than most people twice his age, proving that hard work and dedication really do pay off. Meanwhile, the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to get our lives together before our next Tinder date. But hey, at least we can all look stylish at the gym thanks to Gymshark’s trendy workout clothes.
From Garage to Gold
Francis started the company in 2012 as a teenager, selling screen-printed T-shirts and sports supplements to his friends. The company quickly gained popularity among the fitness community, and in just a few short years, it grew into a global brand with millions of followers and customers worldwide.
The success of Gymshark can be attributed to Francis’ innovative approach to marketing and his ability to connect with customers on a personal level. Ben’s secret to building a billion-dollar business lies in his influencer marketing that he leveraged using social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to build a loyal following and create a sense of community among its customers.
He started off by providing free apparel to social media weightlifting influencers before launching a guerilla marketing campaign that involved paying fitness celebrities with large online followings to wear Gymshark clothing in their videos. This strategy resulted in a huge increase in sales.
Top Gymshark Influencers
Nikki Blackketter – 1.5M
Evelina – 503k
Lex Griffin – 415k
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gymshark continued to thrive, with the company reporting revenue of £176 million ($246 million USD) in 2020. The company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of athletic wear, including leggings, sports bras, and workout shorts.
In October 2022, Gymshark opened its first flagship store on a key 18,000 sq ft location on London’s Regent Street.
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