Does Bft require the Designated Manager to complete the Pre-Opening Instructor Training before or after being approved?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In the event you are the owner of multiple Studios or otherwise wish to appoint a third-party individual to manage the day-to-day operations of your Studio, then that individual (a "Designated Manager") must (a) attend and complete at least the Designated Manager Training Module (and, if he/she wishes to provide the Approved Services, the Pre-Opening Instructor Training described below in this Item) to our satisfaction, and (b) otherwise be approved by us, before assuming any management responsibility at your Studio (Franchise Agreement, Sections 5.5 and 6.2).
We do not charge a tuition or training fee for you or your designated trainees (you or your Operating Principal and Designated Manager (if appropriate)) to attend the Initial Training Program, provided these individuals attend the Initial Training Program at the same time and otherwise complete such training prior to your Studio's Soft Opening. You will be responsible for the costs and expenses associated with these individuals attending our Initial Training Program (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.5). The Initial Training Program uses the Learning Management System and other written materials as training materials.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee intends to appoint a Designated Manager for their studio, that individual must attend and complete the Designated Manager Training Module, and if they wish to provide approved services, the Pre-Opening Instructor Training. This training must be completed to Bft's satisfaction and the Designated Manager must be approved by Bft before assuming any management responsibilities at the studio.
This means that the Designated Manager cannot begin managing the Bft studio until they have completed the required training modules and received approval from Bft. This ensures that all managers are properly trained and meet Bft's standards before they are allowed to oversee the operations of a franchise location.
Bft does not charge a tuition or training fee for the franchisee, their Operating Principal, and Designated Manager to attend the Initial Training Program, provided these individuals attend the Initial Training Program at the same time and complete such training prior to the studio's soft opening. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs and expenses associated with these individuals attending the Initial Training Program. The Initial Training Program uses the Learning Management System and other written materials as training materials.