From Chronic Pain to Franchise Success: How Hanh To Brought PVOLVE to Houston

Some entrepreneurial journeys begin with spreadsheets and market analysis. Others start more unexpectedly, with a personal problem searching for a solution.

For Houston entrepreneur Hanh To, that moment came through a podcast. As she listened to PVOLVE President Julie Cartwright describe a science-backed, low-impact fitness method designed to reduce pain and improve daily movement, something resonated. What began as curiosity quickly became clarity.

At the time, To was living an active lifestyle, but her body was pushing back. She woke up with stiffness, carried lingering pain after workouts, and struggled to find a method that truly supported long-term movement.

PVOLVE felt different.

“It was almost like a dream come true,” To said. “It merged my passion for fitness with my passion for entrepreneurship.”

What Sets PVOLVE Apart as a Franchise System

With more than two decades of franchising experience across brands like Massage Envy, The Joint Chiropractic, and European Wax Center, To knows what strong franchise systems look like, and where many fall short.

PVOLVE stood out immediately.

“They’ve invested in high-caliber leadership,” she said. “The team has deep experience in both fitness and business, and that shows in how the system is built.”

Support played a major role in her decision. From trainer hiring to onboarding and ongoing operations, the structure felt thoughtful and hands-on. Owners receive guidance throughout the process, including hiring support, training resources, and access to a dedicated franchise success consultant.

For To, that level of partnership mattered.

A Franchise Model Built for Flexibility and Community

What impressed her most was PVOLVE’s collaborative approach.

“With other franchises, you’re often told exactly what to do, whether it works for your market or not,” she explained. “PVOLVE gives you a roadmap, but they also listen. If something isn’t working, they want to know.”

That flexibility allowed her to build meaningful local partnerships across Houston, from Lululemon and restaurants to influencers and run clubs. In a competitive market, those relationships became a key differentiator.

“What really sets us apart isn’t just the method,” To said. “It’s the community.”

What Fitness Franchise Ownership Really Requires

Despite PVOLVE’s strong support system, To is candid about what franchise ownership in the fitness industry demands.

“People sometimes think they can keep a full-time job and run this on the side,” she said. “But success requires involvement. You have to care about the method, the members, and the community.”

For the right person — someone committed, engaged, and passionate about the product — she believes the opportunity speaks for itself.

“I’d say it’s a no-brainer.”

A Full-Circle Journey

For To, the path from chronic pain client to high-performing franchise owner is more than a career milestone. It’s proof that the most meaningful business ventures often start with a personal need.

Hanh is now the owner of two PVOLVE studios in Houston, Texas. Her story illustrates how the right franchise opportunity can align personal wellness goals with long-term business success. Her story shows why PVOLVE continues to attract entrepreneurs who want to make meaningful changes in their communities.

FAQ: Pvolve Franchise Ownership & Functional Fitness

What makes PVOLVE different from other fitness franchises?
PVOLVE offers a clinically backed, low-impact, functional movement method supported by a strong corporate team and flexible franchise model.

Is PVOLVE a good franchise opportunity for first-time owners?
Yes. Many owners come from non-fitness backgrounds but succeed because of PVOLVE’s support system and evidence-based method.

Why is functional fitness growing so quickly?
Consumers are shifting toward efficient, sustainable, joint-friendly training backed by science — a category in which PVOLVE excels.