Fitstop founder Peter Hull reveals how he created an empire from his parents’ Brisbane garage
A man has revealed how he turned a small fitness studio in his parents’ garage into a global empire that he claims makes more than $1m a week.
The founder of a gym franchise that started his fitness empire in his parent’s garage in Brisbane before going global has revealed the staggering amount the company is earning from membership fees a week.
Functional group fitness gym franchise Fitstop had humble beginnings, with co-founder and chief executive Peter Hull launching it from his parent’s garage before opening a fitness studio at Morningside with just 30 members 2017.
After a $1.9m investment, the franchise grew to have 25 outlets across Queensland by 2020, with over 3000 members.
In 2025, Fitstop has expanded to over 160 locations spread across four countries across the globe.
The functional group fitness classes model has proven popular in the health sector, with the gym franchise earning $1 million in a single month at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, in an interview with GetAhead, Mr Hull has revealed that the global gym franchise is now earning more than $1 million a week.
“I’ll talk about network revenue right now, from total collective membership revenue around $1.2 million a week,” Mr Hull said.
In the interview, Mr Hull explained the hurdles he had to overcome to launch the business, which included him having to sell his wife’s car.
“Starting my first business, going from a contractor, personal trainer, paying rent every week to leasing a building,” he said.
“(I) actually sold my wife’s car, the Toyota Corolla, got the business open within a few weeks and opened the gym with 30 members.
“Week one revenue was about $1000 and I had to learn real quick how to make money, how to build a business, and how to grow it.”
For those wanting to make it in the industry, Mr Hull said it was crucial to find out what works for you and to make use of your network.
“Just learn, test and trial, find something that works, and then the next one is just network,” he said.
“There’s so many people out there that have been there and done it, I’m constantly learning off those people.”
HISTORY OF FITSTOP
2013: Humble beginnings in Brisbane
Peter Hull, a former motocross athlete, founded Fitstop in Brisbane, Queensland.
Starting in his parents’ garage, Hull offered functional strength and conditioning training to a small client base.
With support from his wife, Rebecca, who sold her car to fund the venture, Fitstop quickly grew from 20 to 130 members within six months.
2014–2016: Establishing a physical presence
Fitstop secured its first lease for a brick-and-mortar gym, transitioning from a garage setup to a formal fitness facility.
2017: Launch of franchising model
Recognising the potential for broader impact, Fitstop began franchising its business model.
The brand emphasized functional strength and conditioning training in a team-based environment, fostering a sense of community among members.
2020: Brand reinvigoration
Fitstop undertook a comprehensive rebranding initiative to align its visual identity with its mission and values.
The rebrand aimed to position Fitstop as a premium boutique fitness brand with a consistent and high-quality image across all platforms.
2022: National media exposure
Fitstop aired its first television commercial during Australia’s Super Bowl broadcast, marking a significant milestone in its marketing efforts.
This exposure helped increase brand awareness and attract new members nationwide.
2023–2024: International expansion
Fitstop expanded beyond Australia, opening locations in New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States.
The brand’s international growth was supported by strategic partnerships and a dedicated leadership team.
2025: Global presence and future aspirations
By 2025 Fitstop had grown to over 160 locations across four countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States.
The company continues to focus on global expansion, aiming to establish 150 new locations in the next five years, particularly in regions like New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and key international markets.
Originally published as Fitstop founder Peter Hull reveals how he created an empire from his parents’ Brisbane garage
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