Sandlapper Capital Investments, LLC partners with 4Balance Fitness, makes expansion plans

Sandlapper Capital Investments, LLC (“Sandlapper”) has made a strategic investment in FitnessNinja, LLC, the parent company for 4Balance Fitness, an original CrossFit Affiliate and premier fitness facility in the Upstate.

“We are excited to make an investment into 4Balance and partner with Michael Cole,” states Sandlapper Capital Investments founder and CEO, Trevor Gordon. “Part of our overarching investment strategy has always been to look for premier operators in underserved markets or businesses and we believe 4Balance is just such an operation.”

“Perhaps lost in some degree to the high number of ‘gyms’ and ‘CrossFit’ facilities in the area, what sets 4Balance apart is the educational approach we take to fitness and nutrition,” states 4Balance owner Michael Cole. “When we describe 4Balance we identify more as a school than a gym. Our commitment to all our members is when you come in to work out with us you leave with the knowledge to improve your overall health and the tools to maintain your results.”

4Balance Fitness was founded in 2005 as Sonz Exercise, one of the first CrossFit affiliates in the state of South Carolina, and quickly built a solid following.  Cole, a personal trainer and professional wrestler, was one of the main draws for 4Balance due to his approach to “feed mind and body” with each training session or class rather than just “work people out.” In 2011 Cole acquired the assets and rights to 4Balance and relocated to Brookfield Oaks Drive in Greenville. “We may not have Main Street frontage, but it was important to locate our facility in an area where people live and work.  The Butler Road area with its proximity to downtown Mauldin, Woodruff Road area of Greenville, Simpsonville and 385 was a logical spot given the suburban sprawl intertwined with all of the business and industry in the area with the likes of Verizon, MetLife and Charter,” states Cole.

Gordon continues, “I learned a long time ago that there is greater value in ‘education’ over ‘sales’ and that was attractive when looking at the 4Balance model for investment.  We see tremendous opportunity in this partnership to open additional locations throughout the Upstate based on its core educational/community philosophy leading up to ultimately launching the greater potential in franchising opportunities throughout the state and hopefully nationwide.” Cole adds, “We have big dreams and aspirations, and having a partner in the business like Sandlapper and Trevor, who has clearly demonstrated an understanding of how to smartly grow businesses with sound business models, I think those dreams just became a little more attainable then they were yesterday.”

Sandlapper’s investment in the company will be used to re-capitalize operations and create the catalyst for future growth and expansion.  The company has already begun discussions with local leasing agents and are evaluating properties and demographics for site selection of the next location with an anticipated launch by the 3rd quarter of 2016.

ABOUT SANDLAPPER CAPITAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

Sandlapper Capital Investments, LLC (Sandlapper) is an award winning investment firm created to take advantage of opportunities brought about through the dynamic and ever-changing economic landscape, and one of the diverse divisions of the SANDLAPPER family of investment companies.

Sandlapper principals collectively have decades of experience across a broad range of industries and investment vehicles covering both the public and private markets including packaged product analysis, commercial real estate equity and debt, tax credits and shelter programs, oil and gas and related industries, equipment leasing, corporate and municipal debt as well as other debt obligations and portfolio management.  www.sandlappercapital.com

ABOUT 4BALANCE FITNESS

4Balance Fitness is located in Greenville, SC and was founded in 2004 on principles of fitness, community, accountability, and integrity. It is our mission to offer the best possible service aimed at helping people of all fitness levels improve their quality of life. Our community-based strength and conditioning fitness programs have been proven effective and deliver unparalleled results. www.4BalanceFitness.com