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Without a Sweat Starting a fitness franchise gave a 19-year professional the motivation to whip his life into shape.

When Dirk Buikema opened his CATZ-Competitive Athlete Training Zone franchise in January 2006, he changed the course of his life in more ways than one. Not only did he leave behind a 19-year career with Motorola, but he moved toward a healthier lifestyle. "In the two years before [I opened the franchise], I [was traveling] almost every month," says Buikema. "I got up to 210 pounds. Now I'm down to 185. I love the workout. I feel great. I feel like I did when I was in college."

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