By Lauren Humfrey

Andrew Holder (BCom ’13) founded Revo Fitness in 2012 at the age of 21. Setting a searing pace, the business offered a unique advantage of not binding members with long and complicated contracts. Fast forward to a decade later, Revo Fitness has become one of the largest privately owned fitness operators in Australia. 

With many accomplishments so far, Mr Holder instils a sense of pride and admiration for his formative time at UWA where he gained so much. 

“Calling UWA my home during my university years did, and continues to, provide me with a sense of pride that I worked and studied incredibly hard to have the chance to be accepted at such an illustrious university.”

Meeting his wife Elise in a UWA tutorial, changed his life in the best way possible, with the couple now also having two daughters.

“Having the ability to meet likeminded people, build relationships and challenge the status quo was hugely important looking back.”

It was during this time that Mr Holder discovered the unique opportunity to found Revo Fitness. 

Listening to his instincts, he had a desire to train in a space that had all the equipment he needed without the complicated contracts ubiquitous of the fitness industry.

“I noticed that other young people felt the same way, and when I had the chance to open my own gym and deliver an offering that suited market demands, I jumped at the opportunity,” Mr Holder said.

“I opened the first Revo Fitness in a 200 square metre warehouse in Shenton Park, Western Australia. 

“As a university student at the time, affordability was also a major factor for both myself and my peers when it came to choosing a gym.”

A decade later, Revo Fitness has 32 gyms across the country, located in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with goals of hitting 50 clubs in the next year. 

The business innovated the high-value low-cost segment of the WA market and has become the market leader, operating in the extremely competitive gyms and fitness centres industry. 

“It is amazing to have now helped 250,000+ Australians on their health and fitness journey over 11 years,” Mr Holder said.

“I am extremely proud to have grown from a one-person company, to employing over 250 people, creating great clubs that 200+ personal trainers now call home to their own businesses.” 

A recipient of many career highlights, in 2022 Mr Holder won a Business News 40 under 40 award and the Murdoch University People’s Choice Award. 

“The award was voted by the general community in recognition of what Revo Fitness and I have been able to provide to the community and people in Australia,” he said. 

“Although it was an award I accepted personally, it is a testament to Revo Fitness’ positive impact on the community, serving as a reminder that our efforts are appreciated and our offering resonates in the market.”

Though it has not all been an easy path, Revo Fitness has had to pivot and morph to sail the challenges and market complexities like any innovative business that emerges as the market leader.

“With all the successes, there have been multiple setbacks along the way, where we had to pivot and think outside the square,” Mr Holder said.

The largest business setback being the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in March 2020.  

“The risk of consumer confidence coming back to gyms, the change of consumer behaviour to online, and the general public investment into home equipment made navigating through that period uncertain,” Mr Holder said.

Operationally, Revo Fitness needed to look after their members, mitigate risk and pivot to different revenue streams to make it through. 

A core business focus was maintaining brand loyalty. Galvanising the business’ strength and commitment to prioritise member needs.

“Clear and honest communication with staff, halting membership payments and being front of mind to our members was our priority,” Mr Holder said.

The pandemic brought all Revo Fitness clubs to a close and all their members locked down at home, but they quickly pivoted and launched the HIITFIT program online so members could still work out on demand whenever they wanted from home.

The hard work and lessons along the way paid off for Mr Holder and Revo Fitness, as he looks forward to continuously developing innovative new offerings for members and prospective new members.

To stay grounded and steadfast amid the success, Mr Holder explains his greatest achievement and highlight is his family.

“I am the husband to the most supportive and loving person in Elise and father to my beautiful daughters. Being called Dad is the best title I could ever have and I am grateful for the love and support they give me every day,” he said. 

“It makes the journey so much more rewarding sharing experiences and the moments with my family.”

Watch Mr Holder’s graduation address speech here.

Find out more about Revo Fitness and their offering here.