RockSalt Pilates taps franchise veteran Stephanie Knepp as COO

RockSalt Pilates has named Stephanie Knepp chief operating officer as the boutique fitness franchise pushes deeper into U.S. growth and prepares its first international expansion. The appointment comes as the brand targets six new studio openings by early 2027 and a development pipeline of 84 additional units.

Why it matters: - RockSalt Pilates is adding senior operating leadership at a moment when the franchise is scaling fast. - The new COO role is meant to strengthen systems, training and franchisee support as the brand grows beyond its current studio base. - The company is also preparing its first international move into the United Arab Emirates.

What happened: - RockSalt Pilates named Stephanie Knepp its new chief operating officer. - Knepp brings more than 20 years of experience in fitness, wellness, operations and franchising. - RockSalt said the hire supports the brand’s next stage of growth. - Founder Adrian Ramirez launched RockSalt Pilates in 2012. - RockSalt introduced its franchise opportunity in 2024.

The details: - RockSalt currently operates eight studios. - Six additional locations are expected to open by early 2027. - Another 84 units are in development. - The brand’s expected footprint includes Arizona, Northern California, Southern California, Nevada and the United Arab Emirates. - Knepp previously served as CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon. - Her prior franchise experience includes leadership roles with Zoom Room Franchising and WellBiz Brands. - Her background covers franchise operations, new-unit openings, training, franchisee support and multi-location growth systems. - As COO, Knepp will work on operational standards, franchisee communication, onboarding, training, new-studio openings and infrastructure for continued expansion. - Knepp will also help protect the brand’s culture, member experience and identity. - RockSalt classes combine Pilates with cardio, resistance, weights and choreography. - The workouts are set to music in brightly lit studios. - RockSalt positions the format as more athletic and energetic than a traditional quiet Pilates studio.

Between the lines: - RockSalt is signaling that growth alone is not the goal; the brand wants consistency across studios as the system expands. - Bringing in a franchise operator with multi-brand experience suggests the company is prioritizing execution over experimentation. - The international expansion plan raises the stakes for operational discipline and franchise support.

What's next: - Knepp is expected to help standardize operations as more studios come online. - RockSalt will continue moving toward six openings by early 2027 and the broader 84-unit pipeline. - The company will also begin translating its U.S. playbook for its first overseas market.

The bottom line: - RockSalt Pilates is betting that experienced franchise leadership will help it scale without diluting the brand that fueled its growth.

More information: RockSalt Pilates franchise opportunities