From Delivering Pizza to Building a Vision
Ben Francis grew up in Bromsgrove, England, with a love for fitness and technology. While studying International Business at Aston University, he worked part-time delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut. During this time, he began experimenting with web development and running small online businesses, including an iPhone app and a fitness supplement site.
Launching Gymshark in His Parents’ Garage
In 2012, Francis co-founded Gymshark with a friend while still a teenager. They started out selling fitness supplements online but soon saw a bigger opportunity in gym clothing. Using his savings—around £1,000—he bought a sewing machine and screen printer. He taught himself how to design and make clothes, with help from his grandmother, and began creating fitted gym wear from his parents’ garage.
Going Viral After a Fitness Expo
In 2013, Gymshark showcased its gear at the BodyPower fitness expo in Birmingham. One of their new designs caught fire online. Within hours, they had generated tens of thousands of pounds in orders. That moment changed everything. Francis dropped out of university to focus on Gymshark full-time, and the brand quickly developed a strong identity in the online fitness world.
Growing With Influencer Marketing
Francis was an early adopter of influencer marketing. He sent Gymshark products to rising fitness personalities on YouTube and Instagram—long before this strategy became mainstream. These partnerships helped Gymshark build credibility, grow a loyal following, and scale quickly without spending heavily on traditional advertising.
Stepping Back, Then Stepping Up
In 2015, Francis stepped down as CEO to focus on the creative and operational side of the brand. He later returned to the CEO role in 2021, having spent years learning leadership and business strategy from within his own company. During that time, Gymshark continued to grow, expanding its headquarters and building a strong e-commerce infrastructure.
Building a Billion-Pound Business
By 2020, Gymshark had become one of the fastest-growing fitness brands in the world. The company received investment from a global equity firm, valuing it at over £1 billion. Francis, still a majority owner, became one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the UK. He was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to business and entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
Ben Francis didn’t start with funding or fashion experience. He started with discipline, creativity, and a willingness to learn. From a garage in the UK to leading a billion-pound fitness brand, his story is a clear example of how modern businesses can be built through authenticity, innovation, and persistence—one order, one design, and one customer at a time.
