Daniel Stein, founder of Special Strong, joined Emerging Franchise Brands to discuss his journey from personal struggle to launching a fitness franchise dedicated to adaptive needs. Diagnosed with a learning disability in childhood, Daniel discovered the transformative power of fitness, which helped him overcome social challenges and regain a sense of purpose. Special Strong, launched in 2016 in McKinney, Texas, offers adaptive fitness for individuals with disabilities, serving clients from age six to 92. The brand’s approach tailors traditional fitness exercises for clients with diverse needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries.
Special Strong’s innovative model has no brick-and-mortar requirement, allowing franchisees to operate from various partner gyms. This flexibility has made the franchise both accessible and scalable, enabling it to reach more clients without the high overhead of a fixed facility. As demand surged, Daniel turned to franchising to expand the reach of Special Strong’s services. Today, the brand has grown to ten locations, with more openings planned across the U.S.
When selecting franchisees, Daniel emphasizes the “calling factor”—a genuine passion for working with the adaptive needs community. Franchisees also receive robust support, from lead generation to a detailed, multi-year growth plan. For Daniel, his mission is clear: to empower individuals through adaptive fitness while creating meaningful, purpose-driven business opportunities. Special Strong stands as a unique, rewarding option in the franchising landscape, poised to become a leader in adaptive fitness across the nation.
January 26, 2025
