“Pilates Is Probably Just a Fad”: How M. Tomlin Went From Skeptic to Three JETSET
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FranCoach is proud to announce that M. Tomlin is opening three JETSET Pilates studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He made the move with FranCoach coach Steve Nilssen.
A Lifetime of Leadership
Tomlin lives in Keller, Texas, and is a Texas military veteran. He has about 40 years of IT and data center leadership behind him and has led teams since 2000. That includes Oracle and running AT&T data centers in Houston, where he led hurricane remediation. He’s also a former commercial multi-engine pilot and flight instructor.
He wanted control over the big decisions: strategy, roadmap and building teams his own way. He was also looking for an asset somewhat insulated from the economy that could provide steady income into retirement.
From Least Interested to All In
JETSET started as his fourth choice. Tomlin had almost no interest. “Pilates is probably just a fad,” he said, and he nearly cancelled the intro call.
He came away from that first call thrilled by the opportunity and the support behind the brand. His wife, who loves Pilates and will serve as business manager, made it a fit for the whole household. When his first-choice territory went to another candidate, he adjusted without missing a beat. He attended Confirmation Day in person in Miami and is already talking about adding more brands down the road.
“M. Tomlin told me Pilates was a fad and almost skipped the intro call. He bought three. I’ll be telling that story for years. That’s exactly why I push people to keep an open mind. Once he saw the economics and the support behind JETSET, he was all in.”
— Steve Nilssen, FranCoach
“I loved working with these two.”
— Amy Lipps, VP Franchise Development, Limitless Franchise Growth (JETSET Pilates)
About JETSET Pilates
Founded in Miami in 2010 by Tamara Galinsky, JETSET Pilates offers 50-minute reformer classes that blend strength, cardio and Pilates-inspired movement into a full-body workout. As of April 2026, the brand had sold more than 350 territories and opened more than 60 studios, with early international growth in the U.K. and Australia. Franchise development is supported by Limitless Franchise Growth.
Coach Spotlight: Steve Nilssen
Steve Nilssen has spent his career helping entrepreneurs make smart business ownership decisions, working with more than 1,000 of them along the way. He has seen franchising from both the franchisor and franchisee side, so he knows what separates owners who thrive.
Clients describe his style as supportive and candid. He helps people cut through the noise, get clear on their options and move forward with confidence, always matching the business to the life they want. Outside of work, Steve lived in China and Taiwan for three years, speaks Mandarin, has visited more countries than U.S. states, and is a lifelong Seattle SuperSonics fan.
About FranCoach
FranCoach is a franchise coaching firm that helps aspiring business owners find, evaluate and launch the right franchise for their goals. Its coaches guide candidates through every step: defining lifestyle and income goals, comparing brands, talking with current owners, and working through the legal steps. FranCoach is an IFA member, and its coaches bring decades of combined experience with first-time owners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
Think a brand isn’t for you? So did Tomlin. Keep an open mind and have one real conversation. Book a call with Steve.
