The new COO brings more than 20 years of fitness, wellness and franchise experience as RockSalt Pilates prepares for its next stage of U.S. and international growth.
- Stephanie Knepp appointed as RockSalt Pilates' COO.
- Rocksalt combines Pilates fundamentals with dynamic elements.
- Rocksalt's franchise opportunity launched in 2024.
- The company plans international expansion to the UAE by 2027.
- New expansion led by franchise veteran Knepp.
RockSalt Pilates is putting experienced franchise leadership behind its next stage of growth. The boutique fitness brand has named Stephanie Knepp Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience across fitness, wellness, operations and franchising to a company preparing to expand its studio network.
Founded by Adrian Ramirez in 2012, RockSalt blends Pilates fundamentals with cardio, resistance training, weights and choreography set to music. The format has helped the brand develop a distinct identity within boutique fitness, with eight studios currently operating and six additional locations expected to open by early 2027. Another 84 units are in development, with the planned footprint extending across Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Nevada and the United Arab Emirates.
Knepp’s role will center on making that growth easier to support across the network. As COO, she will strengthen operational standards, improve franchisee communication, refine onboarding and training, and help streamline new-studio opening processes. Her previous experience includes serving as CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon and holding franchise leadership roles with Zoom Room Franchising and WellBiz Brands.
For a growing franchise system, keeping operational information organized becomes increasingly important as new locations and franchisees enter the network. Gorilla Dash offers a Resource Library feature that can help centralize guides, reference materials and other resources, giving franchise teams a structured way to access information as operations expand.
Knepp said her focus will be giving franchisees the training, communication and operational support needed to succeed while preserving the qualities that define RockSalt. That balance will become increasingly important as the brand moves toward its planned openings and prepares to bring its music-driven Pilates model to its first international market.
Key Facts:
| New COO Appointment | Stephanie Knepp has been named as the Chief Operating Officer of RockSalt Pilates. |
|---|---|
| Franchise Expansion | RockSalt launched its franchise opportunity in 2024, with plans to expand to the UAE by 2027. |
| Company Background | Founded by Adrian Ramirez, the company integrates Pilates with cardio, resistance, and choreography. |
| Studio Growth | Currently operates eight studios with six additional locations to open by early 2027. |
| International Foray | Plans include expansion to Arizona, California, Nevada, and the UAE. |
| Operational Strengthening | Knepp to enhance operational systems and franchisee support within RockSalt. |
| Leadership Remarks | Peter Belesis remarked on the operational leadership brought in by Knepp. |
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