D1 Training franchisees plan NWA expansion

Tennessee-based D1 Training, a training program specializing in developing youth athletes, has signed a two-unit franchise agreement to bring new facilities to Bentonville and Fayetteville.

Will Bartholomew, a former University of Tennessee football player, started the company in 2001 and began franchising in 2017.

Franchisees Steve Snider and Todd Farnsworth, who own D1 Training locations in Little Rock and Rogers, are leading the Arkansas expansion. Snider opened D1 Training in Little Rock in 2008. It was one of the first five locations in company history.

“I’ve been a part of D1 Training for over a decade and had the time of my life being part of the franchise network. D1 cares about their franchisees and equips them with everything they need to ensure long-term success — investing in more locations was a no-brainer,” Snider said.

Farnsworth was a member of the Little Rock location. He joined the ownership team in 2014, and the two business partners opened a Rogers location in 2020.

While they are still early in the development process, the first location is tentatively slated to open in the next 12 months, with the second location planned to open 18 months after.

“Northwest Arkansas is a fast-growing community overflowing with young families and athletes that will benefit from D1 Training,” Farnsworth said. We’ve seen how our existing locations have impacted communities by creating a positive and encouraging space for people to build relationships and better themselves.”

D1 Training has over 50 locations, with an additional 165 in development, across 26 states.

The total investment cost for opening a D1 fitness franchise ranges from $192,450 to $634,777.