Few people understand how to build a successful business better than Gary Findley, the former president and COO of the phenomenally successful Curves International.  From 1996, when he took the helm at Curves, until he retired in 2005, the business grew from three locations to more than 8,000 franchises in 10 countries all over the globe.  Never before in the history of franchising has one concept model done so well—a concept model developed and implemented under Gary’s leadership.

But when Gary’s leadership at Curves progressed to the point that it was assured the franchise would continue to grow without his everyday input, he knew it was time for a new challenge.  He wanted to use his knowledge to put together an extraordinary team of professionals who could help people realize their dreams of having their own businesses.  The Findley Group was born from Gary’s love of business development and his desire to share with others the secrets to developing and sustaining business success. 

As the nation’s premier franchise consulting firm, the Findley Group specializes in franchise consulting and sales as it takes business concepts and develops them into complete franchise offerings.  The group then provides support and services of all kinds that help ensure success for business owners.

Gary grew up in a small rural town in Texas and graduated from Axtell High in a class of only 25 classmates.  He began working in the real world as soon as he graduated, and by the time he was 19 he was owner and manager of his first fitness center.  Within two years of graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Kim.

He eventually became the owner of four additional fitness centers, and it was through this experience that he discovered the tremendous potential for continued success that franchising offers.  He went on to serve as vice president of franchising at the Dwyer Group, a Waco, Texas-based franchise company that sells specialty services that provide high-quality residential and light commercial services internationally.  He remained with Dwyer until taking over as president of Curves.

Gary has served on numerous boards and in assorted ministries including Mission Waco, Carenet, the American Arthritis Foundation, the Waco Chamber of Commerce and the youth prison ministry, All Things Possible.  He currently serves as chairman for Legacy Outfitters, a men’s ministry, and is on the board of directors for the Waco Camp Fire organization.  He and Kim live in Waco and attend Highland Baptist Church where they were married.  They have three children: Zachary, 21; Whitney, 19; and Micah, 17.  Together, the Findleys formed the Findley Foundation to support various Christian ministries.  They also own Cross Gear, a Christian clothing company, and use 50 percent of the profits from the business to fund a number of ministries. 

When not working, Gary enjoys golf, hunting, horses and reading—textbooks, that is.  He is working on accomplishing his personal goal of obtaining a business degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor University, where he often speaks to classes about successful business practices.

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