Get To Know: Cliff Forster

Fitness Cartel Mackay Co-Franchisee Owner

Cliff Forster is the man behind Fitness Cartel Mackay, a world-class gym and wellness centre that has quickly become a staple in the region. His journey into fitness entrepreneurship is as dynamic as the man himself.

“I joined the Royal Australia Navy at 16 years of age and stayed there for 5.5 years. Following this I operated numerous businesses including Danceparty Production companies, Café and Nightclubs and then moved on to be a Business Broker eventually opening my own brokerage firm 16 years ago,” Cliff explains.

His brokerage represented the sale of hundreds of businesses across all industries, and seven years ago he began specialising in gyms and fitness businesses.

“I became the largest seller of Gyms right across the country which led me to open Fitness Cartel Mackay.”

Balancing multiple ventures is no problem for Cliff, who currently operates three businesses: his brokerage firms, a Day Spa in Sydney, and Fitness Cartel Mackay.

“I work 7 days a week and don’t mind.”

“I love operating our club at Mackay and have formed some great friendships with many locals.”

Outside of work, he enjoys HIIT and Spin classes, utilising the wellness facilities most days, and dining out at nice restaurants.

Bringing Fitness Cartel to Mackay was a natural next step. Cliff had already become the largest seller of gyms in Australia and built a global network in the industry. Recognising Fitness Cartel as the leading gym brand in the world, and with a prime site available in Mackay, he and his team seized the opportunity, creating a world-class fitness and wellness experience for the region.

The core purpose of Fitness Cartel Mackay, he says, is “servicing our members for the best member experience possible.”

Cliff works alongside business partner Micheal James, whose extensive experience complements his own, making Fitness Cartel the top-performing fitness and wellness business in North Queensland.

While leadership often comes with challenges, Cliff says it’s the team behind a leader that drives the greatest success.

“We have approximately 70 staff at Fitness Cartel Mackay as we are one of the biggest gyms in the country.

“We have a great management team and wonderful team of employees which make life a lot easier.”

“I love what I do so I don’t call it work… even though I’m always super busy.”

For Cliff, building a team with strong values and a positive, helpful culture is non-negotiable.

“Each day we endeavour to do better than the day prior.

“We plan to build many clubs right across Australia that have 7-star wellness facilities in every one of them. Mackay has jumped onto wellness brilliantly and the community is loving it.

“Again, we will only build them bigger and better with every new build.”

Advice for those investing in their health? “Don’t leave it till tomorrow, take the leap to a healthier life and come do it is style in the biggest and best facility at Fitness Cartel Mackay.

P: 0422 486 277
cliff@fitnesscartel.com.au
www.fitnesscartel.com.au/clubs/mackay/

‍