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Tony Zaccario Of Stretch Zone: Navigating Growth Challenges And Upholding Company Values

Serving as President and CEO since 2019, Tony has led Stretch Zone on its incredible growth trajectory. Currently opening an average 2-3 studios per week, with 370 open locations and zero closures to date, Stretch Zone remains at the top of the professional stretching vertical.

Starting in the role of General Manager and swiftly rising to Vice President of Operations, then CEO, Tony has hands on experience in almost every aspect of the business. Under his tenure, Stretch Zone quickly established itself as a brand that clients love, one that makes a difference in people’s lives daily, and one that franchisees want to be a part of.

An alumnus of the University of Florida and proud Gator fan, Tony lives with his family in South Florida and works out of the corporate office in Ft. Lauderdale.

Company: Stretch Zone

We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Tony Zaccario: I’m Tony Zaccario, President and CEO of Stretch Zone. I’ve been with the company since its early days—starting as a General Manager, then moving into Vice President of Operations, and eventually into the CEO role in 2019. That journey gave me hands-on experience across nearly every part of the business, which has been invaluable in leading Stretch Zone through a period of tremendous growth.
Today, we’re opening studios weekly, with nearly 400 locations open and not a single closure to date. Stretch Zone is proud to be the leader in the professional stretching space, offering a service that truly improves quality of life. Our proprietary practitioner-assisted stretching method is not only loved by clients but is also a highly attractive and rewarding model for franchisees.
As an alumnus of the University of Florida and a lifelong Gator fan, I live in South Florida with my family and work out of our corporate office in Ft. Lauderdale. At the end of the day, I’m passionate about building a brand that empowers people to move better, feel better, and live better.

What were the most significant challenges you faced during the scaling process, and how did you overcome them?
Tony Zaccario: One of the biggest challenges during our rapid expansion was ensuring operational consistency across every location. When you’re opening two to three studios per week, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks if you don’t have the right systems in place. We knew early on that we had to scale smart, not just fast. That meant building out a strong infrastructure—everything from robust training systems to a centralized support team that could guide franchisees through every phase of their development. We also prioritized hiring experienced leadership who understood franchising and could help us grow in a way that protected the integrity of the brand. It wasn’t easy, but our hands-on, proactive approach made the difference.

How did you ensure that your company culture remained intact as your business expanded?
Tony Zaccario: Culture is one of the few things you can’t fake—and one of the easiest things to lose during rapid growth. At Stretch Zone, our culture centers on making a real difference in people’s lives, supporting franchisees like true partners, and constantly improving the way we operate. We’ve been intentional about embedding that culture into everything we do, from onboarding to ongoing franchisee training. We also make a point to connect with our franchise network regularly through leadership summits and regional meetings. Culture doesn’t just happen—it has to be cultivated, and we’ve treated it like any other core business system.

What strategies did you employ to maintain quality and customer satisfaction while scaling rapidly?
Tony Zaccario: Maintaining quality has always been non-negotiable for us. That’s why we developed a proprietary certification program for all Stretch Zone practitioners to ensure every client receives the same high-level experience, no matter which studio they walk into. Our field teams work closely with franchisees to maintain service standards, and we use data to track performance and identify areas for improvement. It’s a mix of people, process, and technology—and it’s helped us preserve what makes Stretch Zone special as we grow.

Can you share a specific turning point that was crucial for your business’s successful scaling?
Tony Zaccario: A major turning point came when we committed to franchising and expanding Stretch Zone outside of our original footprint in Florida. That decision changed everything. But what really solidified our growth trajectory was investing in a leadership team that could build the systems and support needed for long-term scale. Another big moment was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses were contracting, we kept moving forward—safely opening new locations and seeing strong consumer demand for wellness services. That period validated our model and our mission and helped us come out stronger on the other side.

How did you manage the financial aspects of scaling, particularly in securing funding and maintaining cash flow?
Tony Zaccario: It really just comes down to the core value: we’re successful when our franchisees are successful. We’ve always been laser focused on unit level economics and have stayed disciplined— opening in the right markets, with the right partners, rather than growing just for the sake of it.