At FIT Franchise Brands, we believe that behind every successful franchise location is a team of passionate leaders who make a difference every single day. Among those standouts is Natalie Belford, our National Director of Sales, whose dedication and leadership over the past six years have left a profound impact across our MAX Fitness and Wellness Centers and Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping communities.
A Calling for People, Purpose, and Performance
Natalie’s journey into the fitness world wasn’t conventional. Belford studied nursing, real estate, and also worked at Town Sports Center International. Although these fields may seem different on the surface, they are all united by a shared purpose: making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Belford has worked in the fitness industry for over 33 years committing to the success of others.
Belford never initially sought out a career in the fitness industry—until someone invited her to consider it. Her natural inclination to help others found a new outlet in fitness. “As a nurse, I saw people losing themselves,” she shared. “Fitness became my way to help others regain their sense of self.”
Driving Sales, Building Trust, and Elevating Voices
Belford runs the Call Center, a service provided by Fit Franchise Brands, that is a powerful operation tool that supports our franchisee’s success. The Call Center is designed to act as an extension of franchise locations, doing what owners typically do not have the time to do. They connect with potential members quickly and meaningfully, answer questions, share the life changing benefits of our programs, and most importantly, help people take that first step to transform their health and enroll.
Her experience running the Call Center has underscored one essential truth: sales are foundational. A strong member base fuels everything else—from community impact to operational stability. But equally important is the time it gives back to franchisees. By supporting front-end sales operations, Belford and her team help owners invest in their teams, enhance member experience, and reconnect with their roles as the faces of their businesses.
Belford sees herself not just as a leader, but as an advocate—working hand-in-hand with franchisees to uncover root issues, implement solutions, and always revert back to the company’s core values. Belford explains, “I make myself available and put myself in their shoes. It’s about understanding, problem-solving, and delivering consistent value.”
Making an Impact That Matters
What drives Belford isn’t just performance metrics—it’s people. She finds joy in the relationships she’s cultivated with franchise owners, managers, and her corporate team members. The most rewarding part of her job is knowing she’s helped shift the trajectory of a business for the better.
“There’s no better feeling than seeing it click for someone,” she says. “When it all comes together and you see the relief on their faces—it never gets old.”
Consistency, Commitment, and Core Values
Natalie’s impact stems from more than just experience—it’s her consistency and unwavering commitment to FIT Franchise Brands’ core values that set her apart. Whether she’s strategizing with department heads, coaching Call Center agents, or connecting one-on-one with franchisees, her mission remains the same: help others to succeed.
As Belford puts it: “What you put in today, pays off tomorrow.” Her leadership reminds us that growth, like fitness, is a journey fueled by passion, discipline, and heart.
