Franchising Magazine USA x Cedric Gray Stretching Beyond the Military: A Veteran’s Path to Entrepreneurship
What was your background (personal, educational, commercial) before you invested in Stretch Zone?
I retired from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service. During that time, I developed leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills that carried over into my civilian career. After retiring, I became an entrepreneur, starting my own real estate brokerage. I’ve always been drawn to building businesses and mentoring people, which naturally led me to explore franchising.
Would you mind sharing a bit about your service — what branch you were in, where you served, and the years you served?
I served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years and 3 days. My time in service gave me invaluable experience in leadership, process improvement, staff management, accounting, and professional networking — along with plenty of patience. Those skills have been essential in both real estate and franchising.
When did you join Stretch Zone and what stage of your business journey are you at?
I first joined Stretch Zone about three years ago, opening my Hilton Head and Bluffton locations. More recently, I expanded into Tennessee with studios in Nashville, Bellevue, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro. At this point, I consider myself in a strong growth stage, transitioning from single-unit owner to multi-unit operator.
Did you consider any other franchises before investing in Stretch Zone and if so, what factors influenced you to choose this one over the others?
Honestly, my research was limited. I had a conversation with an existing owner, and the concept just made sense. I initially signed on as a silent partner, but once I saw the numbers and experienced the model, I decided to go all in. Stretch Zone stood out because it offered unlimited opportunities to connect with people and hone my leadership skills.
What is your view of Stretch Zone’s service? What competitive advantages and disadvantages does it have?
Stretch Zone offers something that resonates with people of all ages and fitness levels — assisted stretching that helps improve quality of life. Our competitive advantage is twofold: the strength of the brand’s system and my Marine Corps background, which gives me discipline and structure to run my locations effectively. The wellness industry is growing rapidly, and Stretch Zone is well-positioned to lead in this space.
What initial training and support did you receive? Was there anything that was missing from the initial training and onboarding experience?
The training and onboarding process was very solid. Corporate made sure I had the tools I needed to get started. Nothing stood out as missing — it was a seamless experience.
What is the ongoing support like? How easy is it to get in touch with the franchisor and head office team if there is a problem, challenge or issue?
Corporate support has been amazing. They’re quick to respond, proactive about lending a helping hand, and genuinely invested in the success of franchisees.
How easy or difficult have you found it to market Stretch Zone locally? How does the franchisor assist and support with marketing?
Marketing locally takes effort, but I’m naturally a networker, so I enjoy being involved in the community and building relationships. Corporate provides strong brand-level marketing, and locally, it’s about building trust and visibility.
How long was it before you saw a return on investment?
The business model is strong, and while every market is different, I saw a return within a reasonable timeframe. The key is commitment and having enough working capital to sustain your operations until the business gains traction.
Were there any unexpected costs?
Nothing significant beyond the normal expenses that come with running any business. The key is planning ahead and not trying to operate on a shoestring budget.
What have been your biggest challenges to date? How have you managed to overcome them? What help has Stretch Zone provided?
Every business comes with challenges. For me, it’s been about finding and retaining the right staff. Fortunately, I’ve been able to keep the same team for over two years by treating people with respect, showing them that they’re valued, and leading with care. Stretch Zone’s culture and support also play a big role in creating a positive environment.
What does your working day/week look like?
As a multi-unit owner, my weeks are full. I balance overseeing my studios, managing staff, networking in the community, and looking at ways to keep growing. I also enjoy having my daughter involved in the business as a Stretch Zone Practitioner — it makes the work personal and meaningful.
What is being part of the Stretch Zone network like? Do you have much communication with other franchisees and does Stretch Zone encourage this?
The network is collaborative. There’s a strong sense of community among franchisees, and Stretch Zone encourages communication and sharing best practices. It feels like being part of a larger family.
Has Stretch Zone met your needs and expectations, both financially and otherwise?
Financially, it’s been a solid investment, but beyond that, it’s fulfilling to be part of the health and wellness industry. Seeing clients improve their quality of life is a big motivator.
Is there anything that you would do differently so far in your business journey?
If I could go back, I might have done even more due diligence upfront. But at the same time, taking that leap of faith is what got me here, and I don’t regret it.
If you could start again, would you still buy this same franchise?
Stretch Zone has exceeded my expectations, and I would make the same choice again without hesitation.
