CURVES FOR WOMEN: Business Broker Slams Curves Franchise and Franchisor
Franchise Pick features the sad story of the demise and closing of the Curves for Women franchise in Kailu, HI despite the franchise owner’s valiant struggle.
(Read: CURVES FOR WOMEN: Paradise Lost as Hawaiian Curves Franchise Closes)
Franchise owner Robbi Ugini closed the Curves for Women franchise location in Kailua earlier this month, leaving some 270 members in the lurch and her 5 employees suddenly jobless.
According to Honolulu Star Bulletin reporter Nina Woo, “A corporate spokeswoman for Curves did not return calls by press time…” Reporter Woo was able to get a reaction from a local business broker who has been trying to help struggling franchise owners for the past several years.
In Woo’s article, the broker reportedly categorizes the Curves franchise as a fad whose time has passed, and the Curves International franchisor as insensitive and uncaring to the plight of its failing franchise owners:
Mark Heilbron, a business broker at VR Mergers & Acquisitions, categorized Curves as a trendy kind of business.
Heilbron said he sold two Curves franchises over the last three years, but had several listed this last year that never sold.
“It’s a faddish type of business,” he said. “They made a lot of money and then when the trend went out, people who were still in them lost a lot of money.”
While buyers are more cautious in these economic times, Heilbron said they are still out there, with money they’d rather invest in a business than in the volatile stock market.
“Most people get talked into buying a franchise, and you’ve got to realize, depending on who the franchisor is, that most don’t care whether the franchisee makes it or not,” he said.
The story raises many disturbing questions.
Why was Woo allowed to sign 2-year lease for what is assumedly a 10-year franchise?
What assistance did the franchisor provide to keep her from failing?
Will CCI charge Robbi Ugini the $10,000 “failure fee” for prematurely closing her franchise?
If so, will that money be used to repay members who might be due refunds?
Is the Curves website accurate in stating “With a Curves franchise, you’ll be in business for yourself, not by yourself…”?
Read more about Curves at: FranchisePick.Com
WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
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Don’t sign anything. Give it to your attorney. Have your attorney send a letter about why you won’t sign those documents. Talk to Robert Lay first. Email Sean at unhappyfranchisee@gmail.com and give him your phone number to give to Robert. Let Robert tell you what to do and what is going with the lawsuit against Curves.
We all got those documents with the 2 day window. We never sent them back. My husband and I are in the middle of bankruptcy. Curves called my attorney once. My attorney called them back and she never heard from them again as of yet.
There are so many Curves closing that they are just trying to bully you.
Ginger’s email is posted here:
http://www.bizzia.com/franchisepick/curves-international-you-failed-pay-up/
Comments invited
Ginger, I posted a question about the paperwork due in TWO DAYS on March 18, 2009. Since that time I have talked to several owners and have gotten differing answers. If you would like to call me at my Oklahoma City club the number is 405-378-7667, ask for Rhonda or leave me your email or phone number. We all need as much support as possible.
Gary Heavin is an honest man!!! I’ve known him since 1996 and he has don’t nothing but told the truth as far as I can tell. Franchisees/potential franchisees should have done their due diligence before they bought or opened a Curves! I knew before I ever bought a Curves that the life expectance was 2-5 years if your lucky! Don’t blame Gary for your poor judgement into getting into a business.
Howie Heavin is the most unethical, immoral, cheet and lier we have ever met. Just read all the post on all these treads and you will obviously agree. By the way the April 16th guest should keep in mind that you can go to hell for telling a lie the same as you do for stealing and by calling him an honnest man you sir are a lier………… So i’m sure you two will be seeing a lot of each other when you die as you will both be there togeather moron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
unhappy guest on 4-16 @ 11:50 – you need to go to anger managment.
I knew before I ever bought a Curves that the life expectance was 2-5 years if your lucky! Don’t blame Gary for your poor judgement into getting into a business.
DID GARY EVER SHARE THAT TIDBIT THAT YOU WERE SO AWARE OF WITH HIS FRANCHISE OWNERS?
To guest,
You certainly have a right to give an opinion here on this board but you really need to provide some facts to substance ate your opinion which you haven’t done so far. If you read all the posts here you will see why we make the statement that Howie is an unethical, immoral, cheat and liar. We have the facts to prove it by the way he has treated his franchisee and the result of, them is the over 800 clubs that closed last year. This year could be the last year for Curves if they continue to close at the alarming rate that they have since the first of the year. Give us some facts on why you think this disgusting man is honest. When you are done trying to come up with one thing do a google search and see his past and then read all the posts here and I’ll bet you will change your mind .
Gary didn’t have to tell me this info. Hell I don’t think he had “Really” background in the industry before starting Curves. My knowledge comes from common sense and having been in the fitness industry prior to my time in Curves in regards to knowing what the typical shelf life is of a particular industry. It’s just common knowledge that people get bored with fitness after a while.
I understand how angry you all are; however, you are not only going to hurt Curves International but all of us who have kept our franchises open and profitable! I bought a club that was completely in the toilet financially and worked hard to bring it up. I have fought against a previous bad rep and I have done A LOT of damage control I have focused on keeping the members I have instead of just getting new ones and it has paid off big time! This is a BUSINESS and you have to run it as such. There is no “get rich quick” scheme here, just honest hard work. What CI has done is what ALL other franchise corporations do. His religion does not mean he should lay down all the governing rules and let everyone walk all over him. Have your pity party, but leave the rest out of it!!!
Thank you, “Leave Us Out Of It”. I have been with Curves for 7 years. I successful club and 1 not. Never blamed Curves Int. for anything. I will close the slow club next year. I started with Curves to strengthen women and not to make easy money. I quit our local co-op because I was simply tired of the wining and blaming of Curves Intl. and no one taking responsibility. I too, have sleepless nights, trying to think of the best thing to do to keep afloat, but that is the risk I signed on for. I have always been in business for myself (and usually by myself) and some have failed utterly and left me with nothing but major debt. I learned and strengthened myself. I once said to Gary Heavin: “When people succeed thay want all the credit and when they don’t, they blame Curves International.” When you bought a territory and opened your club near another, did it “bother” you to transfer their members to your new club? I think not. Yes, it’s hard on the “original” owners and the strong will survive.
To leave us out of it on April 21st, 2009 3:07 pm ‘
You are in denile and need to seek out help before you have a heart attack. Howie has led you down the golden brick road which he has quickly turned into quicksand. Furthermore Howie doesn’t have a religious bone in his entire body. No Christian would condone the contiunuious lies nor the greed that this man has repeatedly shown in his business dealings.
This board and discussion is not about a pitty party but to let everyone know what a dishonest person the Curves Franchise owners have to put up if they are considering buying one. It’s not our fault that the franchisee are worth nothing and can’t be sold. Many owners are happy to just give them away to get out of the headaces caused by Howie Heavin greed. This board is all about owners who have been cheated out of their life saving and how many are fed up. Instead of turning away and letting this man continue to rip people off they have decided to ban togeather and stop this man from hurting anymore owners by all legal means available.
Ever since 03 this company has been on a down hill road with no brakes on. Get real and get a life. Many of the owners here are not ex owners but our current owners who for years tried to get Howie to change his evel ways but to no advail. He alone has caused us to use this forum and lawyers which will eventually bring Heavin down. I don’t see anyone here having a pity party. As a matter of fack it is just the opposite. Most of the owners here are getting real happy as the trials are just about to begin and it is very doubtful that Howie will even have a chance to win and it doesn’t appear that any of the owners invloved are going to settle out of court..
Gee caif owner youve been a n owner for seven years. Well i have you beat cus iv’e been an owner for 12 years and for one I’m tired of all the lies Gary Howard heavin has spread just to make himself money. Did you buy the curves smart? I hope not as its not new technology as howie said it was. IT IS OVER TEN YEAR OLD AND NEVER WORKED THEN AND DOES’T WORK NOW …….hOW ABOUT THE CLOSING FEE WHEN YOU CLOSE OR IS YOUR 5 YEAR CONTRACT UP NEXT YEAR. iT REALLY TOO BAD THAT YOU THINK ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE AS WHEN hEAVIN GO TITS UP AND FILES BANKRUPTCY WERE WILL YOU BE.. It is all such a shame but I know why don’t you and the other guest get togeather and have a pity party and complan about all the owners who have decided to fight back at the dishonesty, illigal, immoral,and corrrupt business practices of Curves International.
#1 How can I be in denial if my club is successful…doing what CORPORATE suggested. And Curves Smart works great, you just need a little bit of common sense and learn how to use it before you put it out! BTW, try spell check next time…
Who are you trying to kid? Curves smart has never worked. It doesn’t even produce the correct amount of calories burned and if you actually had curves smart you would know that. Explain why less than 40 percent of the clubs have curves smart? Explain why 90 percent of the clubs are losing money? Explain why over 900 clubs closed last year in the US? Explain why this board has become one of the most popular sites about Curves? Now tell the truth your name is Howie. Ya right another plant!!!!!!! Sorry but the truth hurts and we alll know the truth about Howie and how immoral and dishonest he is and you can’t change that by just saying so. Give us examples of his honesty and christain beliefs.
Again, i’ve had nothing but an excellent experience with Gary Heaven in my 14 years of knowing him.
Below I’ve attached the e-mail I’ve received from Curves… We’ve negotiated closing costs down to $3,000. I can not afford to pay that. I’ve already sunk over 30K into this failing business. My question is should I pay the 3K or press my luck and let it go to the legal dept. in hopes that I can negotiate the amount to something that I can afford.
Hi, Casey,
It has been a month since my last email to you and I haven’t heard anything back from you. The only requirements missing from the closing procedures are the equipment form (attached) and the settlement fee of $3,000. Please have both these requirements to me by April 30, 2009 to avoid the closing being turned over to our legal department. Thanks.
The path of truth always takes us in the right direction.
Chelley Breemes
Resale Specialist
Curves International
In my defense, they did hear from me. I wrote them back and said that I could not afford to pay 3K. It’s been a month since I’ve heard from them.
Next thing … what’s going on with what I pasted below? That sounds really scary. I have 3 small children, I can’t just head off to Waco if they summon me to court for not paying the 3K.
unhappy on February 19th, 2009 2:26 am Prima
As has been explained on many of the other sites associated with this site many of the owners who have closed since Aug who refused to pay the closing fee and sign the release not to sue Curves International are being sent certified letters of termination of franchise agreement and demand for 49,900 for a 10 year contract and around 29, 00 to 33,000 for a 5 year contract. Once receiving this letter you have 10 days to respond and if you don’t than you will be taken to court in Waco TX. And the next thing you will receive from them is a summons by either a constable, sheriff or a process server. You have 20 days to respond or Curves International will get a judgment in their favor automatically. This whole process use to take 5 to seven 7 weeks but because of the huge number of franchises closing they are way behind on filing and even sending out the certified letter. The closing fee that CI started to charge in Feb-Mar of 08 of 10,000 dollars seems to be intended to force the owners into signing a release so that the owner could not sue Curves International. Up until Aug they would negotiate the fee down to zero as long as you signed the release form but since than they are now going down to around 3000 dollars and forcing you to sign a release so that you can’t sue. It appears that this has been done because to join the group action law suit you must pay a retainer of 4000 to the lawyers and if you don’t join the lawsuit it will cost a 3000 dollar retainer to fight the summons in Waco TX to prevent them from getting a judgment. If you happen to get the summons get a hold of me by contacting Sean at this site and ask him to forward your e-mail to me. This is against the TX laws and you will have a big lawsuit against them that you are sure to win. You can go through the different posts on the following sites http://www.unhappyfranchisee.com/curves-overview/ and read about all the other owners who have closed and have had the above mentioned experiences.
To Guest,
Give us facts not your opinion. By the way are you sleping with Howie or just in bed with with?
Casey,
Send an e-mail to sean asap and he will forward it to me and I will get ahold of you to help give you the options you have in dealing with this.
I’m sorry, I hate to ask stupid questions, but I’ve quickly scanned the above posts a few times and didn’t see Sean’s e-mail address. I would spend more time looking, but I am short on time and thought it would be quicker.
seans e-mail Sean Kelly
Sean Kelly
unhappyfranchisee.com
Sorry I’m not with it this morning it’s unhappyfranchisee@gmail.com
Of course I have Curves Smart, and it DOES work correctly if you KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING! NO I am not Gary, go ahead and take YOUR mask off “unhappy”! Oh and to explain your questions, people who are buying these failing franchises are not business people and don’t understand risk, or more specifically- how to get the truth on a franchise prior to handing over a check. Mine is not failing, but growing. I can not tell you why every other club out there isn’t, all I can say is I brought my club from not breaking even to doing rather well. One last thing, your insults and jabs discredit you professionaly. This is my final post, have your “last word”…
Well, Well, Well She couldn’t even come up with one not one example of how Howie was trustworthy. Why not? Does that give us inclination about her and her trustworthyness? I would think so. Look at all the owners who have posted with their horror stories. They are filled with fact . With truth comes power and the owners who are going after CI and Howie in court have power beyoun belief. Oh well, another of the chosen ones who like to drink Howies colored tea has run off and left us. Give her say 6 to 8 months before she is in the same shape as all the other owners and looking to join the lawsuits. As my poppy always said you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make thim drink. But sooner or later they always do.
why hasnt these stories hit news media yet? One owner in my area acually commited arson and burned his club to the ground last sunday because he was so desperate. what a shame, he got caught and probly going to prison. This was on the news.CI needs to wake up and see they are at fault for charging all those fees and giving no help to breath life into its own brand. And yes curvessmart does not work properly calories are way off, and the members see that everytime they use it. what a scam to get more money from franchisees, like we havent given them enough money already, except they have cooked their own goose, they have made it unafforable and too scarry to stay in this business, another that will close soon. I have spent so much of my money on this club I am embarressed to tell anyone what that dollar amount really is. This was a very expensive mistake, I need more info on lawsuit so I can join in, nothing left to lose.
angry,
please send Sean an e-mail requesting him top pass or send it on to me and I will inform you about all the lawsuits. Unhappy
Wanted to let you guys know this. My club has been closed since Feb 7, 2009. The Curves Wellness Department is still drafting my former clients insurance companies, taking that money, taking their share, and depositing wellness monies into our checking account. HELLO? OUR CLUB HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR TWO MONTHS! THAT IS ILLEGAL! My attorney has to get involved now. I sent an email as well to wellness@curves.com – Are they really that stupid? Can they really draft wellness members for a club that is not even open anymore? Unbelievable.
My husband and I are so glad to be out of curves. Everything that corporation is has shady written all over it.
This is a follow up to my club closing on April 6th. I received the demand for $10,000 closing fee via e-mail withing 48 hours of my club closing its doors. On Wed. the 29th I received the UPS two page document demanding the $49,900 since I’m on a 10 year francshise agreement.
Fortunately, I had already been in contact with Robert so I knew to expect this. Knowing what CI is doing to everyone step by step has been helpful in dealing with this issue. Knowing what to expect next from you guys and Robert is invaluable help.
I know that there are many successful Club owners that don’t think this is happening or some how we are all to blame for bringing this on ourselves. They have their heads in the sand. But, the day will come when they will have to consider closing their doors and will turn to this group for help. I hope that you will forgive them their attitudes and help them.
Hi Ginger,
You are absolutly right. Many owners do blame the owners same as Howie Heavin does but the truth is that wile we must shoulder some of the blame most of it is Curves International and Howies fault. The lack of leadership, dishonesty, immoral, unethical and dishonest business practices of Curves International has led to the down fall of Curves.
As true christains we will of course forgive them and offer them help as their time will surly come. What a crying shame to see much less have to live through.
I still say Curves should be opened up to men, not only in theory but in actuality. Here’s a fact from another Gym Owner’s newsletter:
The market for fitness gyms and such is doing poorly along with the whole economy, but Planet Fitness recently offered new members a $1 down $10 per month deal, and guess what! They brought in thousands of new members.
Now, at the right rates, there is indeed enough to go around for everybody, unhappy with the franchiser or not.
You don’t think men would like to go through the 30 minute circuit, or whatever it is, and get back on the street, to their jobs, families, etc.?
Yes, try it…but again, not in theory, as one owner noted…let the men know they are welcome and can join at reasonable rates…thousands will join, and all you will have a piece of the pie.
I’m a potential member, not an owner. I love working out and have always wondered about the viability of specialty gyms, whether for women, for boxing, for whatever demographic group, but these days, to make it go, you need to INVITE the whole demography, that means men, and income will go up.
Again, if you want to segregate the genders, there could be different workout hours.
Try it, you’ll like it.
Another obvious point: location, location, location. And competition. There are unserved markets and there are crowded markets, we all know that.
I got home today and had an envelope from Curves wedged under my door.
I told them last week that after sinking every bit of my teacher’s retirement and my entire savings plus a large sum out of my already small teachers salary into Curves that I didn’t have $3,000 more to sink in to Curves. At that point they said they were turning it over to legal. Legal sent me a letter that says that I now owe them $19,080 for future royalty fees and $9,480 for future ad royalty fees. Very scary. I don’t have 3K, much less 30K. They have lost their minds. I am just glad that I found this website and that Robert told me what to do and what to expect when this happens. Still scary, but I’m really glad I’m not by myself in this.
You all sound pathetic and bitter. You took a chance and gambled at a business opportunity and lost the bet. Lesson learned. I have lost everything because of these Curves, but I saw it coming. It was my dumb fault for not taking action sooner. The company may have made some bad choices, but they didn’t force us to sign anything. We made that choice. You can blame them all you want, but it won’t change anything, it just makes you bitter and old. Maybe franchises in general are just bad ideas. They always benefit the franchising company, not the franchisee!
I wish you all luck in your future endeavors!
angry curves owner wrote …One owner in my area acually commited arson and burned his club to the ground last sunday because he was so desperate. what a shame, he got caught and probly going to prison. This was on the news….
http://fdphotos.net/?c=125&a=1243
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-lifire2112674946apr20,0,4313753.story?track=rss
Do you have a link to a story that says the franchisee was arrested?
Sad that somebody’s dream literally has gone up in smoke.
owner from Pa,
I can not believe your comments. You are totally out of line to place blame on the owners. Certainly we must all accept some responsibility for our failure but to leave the impression that Curves International and Howie Heavin have no responsiblities in any of this is nuts to put it mildly. Reread all the posts and this time listen to what the opwners are complaining about and what caused them to close. Most of the horror stories have to deal with the population size of the territory that curves sold them. In the rural areas they sold areas with as little as 1200 people for a poulation base. Heavin knew that these would never be profitable centers and it was greed that motivated the sale. While the owners certainly have some responsiblility it was Howie who was the “expert in fitness” and he knew full well what he was doing. There is recourse for this type of behavior and of course that’s the courts and many of the owners are turning to that option. Have a good day owner in Pa but I hope you will think about you rude comments about the owners who have lost everything because of the lies, dishonest, unetnical, and immoral business practices of Howie and his rat pack friends of lawyers.
Tonight I filed complaints against Curves International with the BBB, The TX State Attorney General and the TN Division of Consomer Advocates. I’m asking for my franchise and equipment purchase price and all royalties paid to them to be refunded on the basis of lack of support to the franchisees and for selling supplements that were going out of date and over selling franchises. I’m asking that all demands for money from CI cease.
Tonight I filed complaints against Curves International with the BBB, The TX State Attorney General and the TN Division of Consumer Advocates. I’m asking for my franchise and equipment purchase price and all royalties paid to them to be refunded on the basis of lack of support to the franchisees and for selling supplements that were going out of date and over selling franchises. I’m asking that all demands for money from CI cease.
Owner from PA, join us. You lost everything. WE lost everything. You blame yourself. WE blame Curves for selling far too many franchises. Contract Zarco and Einhorn law offices in Miami Beach and join the rebellion!
Ginger,
We are proud of you for taking the corecct steps against Curves International. All owners need to stand up and put a stop to this greed by howie. If we don’t speak up he will turn around and sell these closed area to other unsuspecting buyers thus continuing the rip off. we all understand what a hard decission it was but you have taken the right steps and we are all proud of you.
Karin,
I have read all the past comments on closing a fitness franchise. I myself have a Curves franchise and have found Curves International of no help at all. I sent numerous emails to the resale department and got no reply.. Im at my witts end now . My family life is failing also.We been my husband and myself have put our lives into this club but it has failed miserably since this recession has started . Firstly members try to reassure you that they wont drop off but you can see the struggle in them . My members are dedicated and have been with the club for over 6 years , but now are starting to drop off .We dont have the membership to keep the club opened . Financially we just cant deal with it .
My question to you is , if i decided to close my doors what happens to the equipment, where does it go , who does it belong to . do i have to wait for another person to purchase the franchise, my landlady doesnt know where she stands can she rent the floor out again or does she have to wait for us to have dealt with all the paper work . We as young owners dont ahve the money to be wasting now especially with a new baby coming in August . We have moved from a mortgaged home to a rental in order to keep the club afloat. We now know we cant do this anymore . Im so afraid I really dont know what is going to happen to me .
My nights are restless and my days are long trying to sort out this mess . Everyday my life is full of anxiousness not knowing what is going to happen to me ! This is the type of stress I dont need ..
I have read a few articles on the closures of others club and have just felt awful for those owners who had to go through all that on their own ,now im in exactly the same boat as they were and dont know who to turn to as Curves International have been slated by almost every Franchisee. I can understand why though ! No reply to emails , Everyone is impossible to contact but im sure they wont forget to put you under the pressure when you need to pay up to get out ! I dont have the money for all this .. what am i to do nobody t turn to in anyway.. nobody to let me know that there is help at the end of all this …
Belinda,
Email resales and CC your area director and tell them you are shutting down. Give them a specific date. Don’t ask them if you can shut down. Tell them you are. Tell them you have documented emails you sent to them and that you received no reply. Tell them you are contacting your attorney. Print the letters and send them to your attorney.
After you do this, you will receive the Curves BS letter of having to pay them 10, 000 to shut down and then they try and bill you for back fees. DON’T give them any money. Get in touch with Robert Lay. Email unhappyfranchisee@gmail.com and give Sean your phone number to give to Robert. He will contact you.
My husband and I shut our Curves down Feb. 7, 2009 and filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you go the bankruptcy route, Curves CANNOT force you to pay any money and they CANNOT put a judgement against you. We have been in your shoes and now we have been free and clear of CURVES for 3.5 months and it feels great to be able to get on with life.
In terms of the equipment, they will tell you to donate it to a women’s prision, send it back at your expense, or try and sell it to another club. We left everything in the place we rented from. tell your landlord to do as she pleases with it.
If you ask anyone on this board, women’s prisions do not want the equipment.
You are more than likely going to have to involve your attorney. As I stated in the beginning, email resales and CC your area director and tell them you are closing down. Don’t ask for help cause you wont get it. They dont want to hear you dont have any money. They dont care. Clubs are closing down like wildfire. After you email resales and your area director, have your attorney draft a letter to resales and legal.
Rid yourself of this albatross as fast as you can. After you email Curves and give them an exact closing date, change all your phone numbers including your cell phone so they don’t harass you. That’s the last thing you need with a baby on the way. Any documents you get in the mail, ignore them. You can either join the group lawsuit or file bankruptcy. We chose bankruptcy and now are free and clear of debt and Curves.
Hope this was of help.
Belinda.
You are not alone and yes we can help you get through this. Please send an e-mail to sean kelly at unhappyfranchisee@gmail.com asking him to forward it to me with your phone number and e-mail address. I will call you asap once I recieve that.. Take a deep breath and calm down, Everything will be ok and remember it is not your fault . You were behind the 8 ball so to speak from the beginning. Untill I hear form you take care and give that new baby a big kiss for us .
We Closed our doors a couple months back…took care of all our Members (stayed open and extra Month with no Drafts) and are still working with other area Clubs on Transfers. Resale sent us the Letter with Closure instructions, wanting the $10,000, telling us what we had to do with “My Equipement theta I paid for”. I ingnored the letter and they sent out another via e-mail stating if we did not fill out the closure packet, send the $10,000.00 with in 10 days, they would be forced to send to Legal Department. I responded to the e-mail “why wait 10 days” have at it…Now I have just recieved Legals demand for $29000.00 plus Ad fees, demanding equipment, all documention, so on. LOL…I have sold every piece of equipment so that we could pay off venders, rent, utilties, etc…Yes Bankruptcy Lawyer has been retained. It’s a terrible thing for all the owners that are going through this as well as the fantastic folks that supported the Clubs while they where finacially sound.
i cant say im surprised that curves peoples are getting screwed
character has always been an issue with the heavins
oh yes i remember gary and his brother david when they went out of business in the late 1980s in south texas
they sold memberships at the womens world of fitness clubs up until the day they closed the doors
they moved out in the middle of the night
i was pretty pissed and all efforts to get a refund were met wtih no response at all
i egged garys car and house until i found out it was his poor xwife and kids home (i felt bad about that)
anyway lawsuits were filed in the us court in brownsville. if i remember correct, all the business was in the name of david, william david heavin and womens world of fitness. no one ever got their money back and they hid all the assets from the banks in a giant warehouse
they had to agree when it was settled to never open another health club or something like that. gary opened curves in harlintgen in his wifes maiden name
to get around that and thats the real reason he don’t own any curves himself.
amazing how crooks never change their spots really
like i said character has always been an issue
good evening nobody,
I say that in jest because you are abviously someone who I would like to rub shoulders with. thank you very much for filling us in on some of the howies past wich we didn’t know about. I will get on that info tomarrow to find out more and what is in public records. thanks again nobody who really is somebody that we all should be proud of.
north jersey curves owner,
hey there i would like to thank both you and another lady called karin for your speedy answer to my question. knowing that their are other people out there in exactly the same boat and dealing with all the same BS is a little bit comforting .reading everyones emails really has opened up my eyes to these people . i never knew anything of garys old ways ( well to be honest he seems to not have changed at all).
i never realised that we an get information about things like that. I THOUGHT CURVES WAS GOING TO BE MY LIFE . I mean i loved working here first and seeing my efforts of helping someone reach their goal . i felt so good about myself , but since all of this started to happen my heart and soul have sunk to a level that i never thought i would ever in my life . im so wtihdrawn, full of anxiety,and i now know im not doing the job i love anymore . i loath coming to the club, and passing my day not knowing what is to happen to me !
i would like again to thank you for your help and please wait for my email to come so i can learn more of what to do …
thanks again guys so appreciate it xx
Check out the Curves franchise ads when they appear.