Butterfly Life is a women’s 30 minute fitness franchise chain that claims to be an improvement over Curves for Women. It was founded by Mark Golob, Tom Gergley, and, supposedly, Mark Mastrov. Golob & Gergley both have checkered pasts and a history of litigation in the health club industry.
Many franchisees were attracted by the highly respected Mastrov (of 24 Hour Fitness), whose involvement ceased after they joined. (Read Butterfly Life Franchisees Allege Bait & Switch… of Execs).
Complaints include: “Marketing was horrible” “…they couldn’t deliver what they promised. Nothing was ready on time.” “The name had no meaning to anyone” “…without brand building, it was very hard to get traffic into the clubs.” “There was no support” “They told me they “were not in the business of running clubs, just selling them”
In February, 2014 former Butterfly Life CEO filed a $35,000,000 lawsuit against UnhappyFranchisee.Com publisher Sean Kelly in an effort to force the deletion of negative posts and comments about his history of litigation and what Kelly called his “checkered past.”
With the help of franchise attorney Peter Lagarias, Kelly fired back with a Motion to Strike under California’s anti-SLAPP law. A California judge ruled in Kelly’s favor, striking down Golob’s lawsuit and ordering him to pay the UnhappyFranchisee.Com publisher’s attorney fees and costs.
2014
$35,000,000 Lawsuit Backfires on Health Club Franchisor May 27, 2014
Mark Golob v Sean Kelly (UnhappyFranchisee.Com) Lawsuit Documents
MARK GOLOB LAWSUIT: Why PA Needs Anti-SLAPP Senate Bill 1095 April 22, 2014
2009
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Franchisees Lose Arbitration? March 15, 2009
2008
Unhappy Butterfly Life Franchisee Interviews:
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Jeff Marks, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Carol King, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Linda McBride, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Julie Franco, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Lisle Head, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Michael Motes, Ex-Franchisee
BUTTERFLY LIFE: Interview With Franchisee Matt Wilson
WHAT DO YOU THINK? SHARE A COMMENT BELOW.
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These stories are sooooo sad and unfortunate, but I think this will start the ball rolling again with others who have the same sad stories about Butterfly Life. The government agencies know about these "legal" scammers but are unwilling to step up until they are publically challenged. As far as I'm concerned, these agencies are just as responsible for ruining so many lives as the franchisors! There should be a way to send these blogs to the CA Department of Corporations, the FTC in Washington, the Governor, Todd Spitzer our Assemblyman in Ca., the US Attorney General and anyone else who has anything to do with our laws that regulate business practices. We need to make it known that if they don't respond to these cries of outrage, they'll lose our votes......you say there's only a few of us........change starts with one! We have the internet at our disposal ...............let's put it to good use!
If someone from Butterfly life try to sell you a franchise you better run fast as you can If ou dont you will end up broke , faceing Bankrupcy and possible homeless when your landlord finish sueing you for all the rent that you owe after you signed that contract for that five year lease that you cannot make good . And not to mention bad health from hypertension at the stroke level. email me Do I have some stories to tell. Mark Golab and his crew made a lot of promises that they did not keep They stole my my life from me I had retired I had to go back to work to pay the landlord. .
No Money Made- Know that you are not alone. We all understand that does not make one feel better-nor does it pay the bills. I believe so many of us went into this hoping to make a living and someday be able to retire without worries. Now we have all the burdens, worries, stress, bills, debt, no money, no job and no light at the end of the tunnel. If you have a story to share, we want to hear it. If you do not want to disclose your name, that is ok too. Send Sean your email info and one of the trustee's for the Butterfly Life Chapter of the AAFD will get in contact with you. The more people that come forward and share their story-the more we hope it will turn up the heat! If you are down, beaten, lonely, depressed...whatever you are feeling...talk to someone. They have taken your money, but the only way they can take control of your life is if YOU let it happen. We are here to talk, share and learn from one another. NEVER GIVE UP.
Cynthia,
Please know that your passing has only turned up our fire.
We are going to fight the fignt in your honor girl!
You will always remain within our hearts and in our daily prayers.
I would like to send my regards and sympathy to Cynthia Holt's family. Death is never easy, but when one feels no other choice than to take her own life, it fills the hearts and souls of everyone with much sadness. To her friends, members and co-workers-never forget Cynthia. Always remember her with that "peachy" smile.
Rest in peace Cynthia Holt. May God have mercy on your troubled soul.
I would like to see the story of an area rep. for Butterfly Life on this blog.
You can remain anonymous - don't be shy . . .
Many of you also own or owned clubs - we want to hear your side too.
You probably have lost more money than others. Maybe Sean can
create a blog for area reps to tell their story anonymously?!
Anyone serious about a class action lawsuit??
ANOTHER digruntled (and bankrupt) Franchisee
Dennis have you told Sean to give your email address to a trustee?
That is your first step!
Dennis Cherry - the class action has already been filed. If you would like more information, please ask Sean to forward your email address to me and I would be happy to contact you. Where is your location?
I hadn’t read the blog below in a few months, Go there and read the “Luxej” post toward the end. This is some one who has worked at corporate Linda Evans and has seen the scammers at work.
http://www.franchisepick.com/butterfly-lifes-golob-failed-franchise-owners-should-blame-themselves/