Couple Plunges into Franchising Space, Becoming Pause Studio’s First Franchisees

David and Carter Trent are a father-son duo and the two are joined by Carter’s wife, Mercedes. David has been an entrepreneur his entire professional career and is currently managing principal at a private equity firm. His son, Carter, has a strong financial background, and Mercedes is a teacher and golf coach. The three were excited and ready to take everything they have learned in business to build out their portfolio of franchise businesses. Once they started exploring the Pause Studio franchise opportunity, they quickly realized its low employee model, phenomenal returns, and beautiful aesthetics made it a perfect fit.

Q: As the first franchisee in the system, why did you choose to partner with Pause Studio?

Carter: I’m big into the health and wellness space. I do cryotherapy and cold plunge, so the concept really intrigued me. When we went to Discovery Day, we were a little skeptical because we didn’t know what to expect and no other franchisees had signed up. But, meeting the management team is what really sold us. They are great people and really passionate about their business. 

Mercedes: For me, it was Pause Studio’s aesthetic. We’ve been to many Cryo, IV, and Cold Plunge places, and nothing has that aesthetic. Meeting the Pause Studio CEO, John Klein, and President, Jeff Ono, at Discovery Day was huge for us; we felt like we were in really good hands. Also, there is no place in Dallas that has all the modalities under one roof.

Q: Have you always been interested in franchising?

Carter: No. When we were looking for small businesses to buy, we had to ask the right questions to get down to the nitty-gritty of how the business is run. A franchise is backed by a management team, it’s a proven concept, and you are part of a team that is going to help you out. The Pause Studio management team is very impressive and we are really excited to work with them.

Mercedes: Going to Discovery Day and having the full support of REP’M Group there was so helpful. Ever since we signed with Pause Studio, I still feel like REP’M Group is such a huge support for us. So, we are super thankful not only for the management team at Pause Studio but to have everyone at REP’M and Build’M supporting us. That is what has made us so thankful for going the franchise route.

Carter: Looking for real estate now, I realize you have to have a team helping you out. If we went through this process by ourselves, we would be lost. To have REP’M and all the teams helping us out has been huge.

Mercedes: Now we are so excited to be the first franchisees! If you have any interest in the Pause Studio franchising opportunity, I encourage you to go through the process, go to a Discovery Day, and you will get your answer.

The Trents will be working on and in the business, and as the first Pause Studio Franchise Partners, they are excited to bring three locations to the Dallas, Texas market!