After Explosive Growth, the CEO of Orangetheory Explains How He's Moving So Fast

There’s a lot of money in the . The U.S. market is worth $28 billion, and franchise brands are the hottest, fastest-­growing part of it. So how does one of the hottest brands thrive in one of the hottest markets? Ask Dave Long, CEO of the fitness company and workout craze , which offers some actual fun alongside its members’ healthy pursuit. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., Orangetheory’s 823 franchise studios have one-hour, trainer-led group classes featuring wrist- or chest-worn heart-rate monitors. Classes aim to help members achieve an “afterburn” effect -- a metabolic sweet spot that sheds calories long after the gym session ends. But Long says that the company’s explosive -- including a solid 137 percent increase in revenue over the past three years -- isn’t just about good timing.