From the Reporters
Carole Matthews

Contours Express Makes 2004 Inc. 500

 

Contours Express
Location: Nicholasville, Ky.
Total Growth: 1,418%
2003 Revenue: $4.6 million
Employees: 5

Daren Carter started this women's fitness center franchise chain with $10,000 of his personal savings and no outside funding. The inspiration for the business came from his mother's dislike of the intimidating machines and environment at a local gym. Carter commissioned the design of smaller equipment and a special 29-minute workout, and then opened his own club for women. Today, he has more than 350 franchises in 32 states and has been opening new franchises at a rate of one every other day.


Click here to see more 2004 Inc. 500 Countdown profiles.