Oliver Zissman: The Entrepreneurial Journey from Fitness to Consumer Goods
Oliver Zissman, a British entrepreneur, has made a significant mark in the business world with his ventures spanning multiple industries. From founding successful fitness and interior design companies to distributing leading consumer brands, Zissman’s entrepreneurial journey is inspiring. His ability to identify market opportunities, launch innovative businesses, and expand them globally has cemented his position as a dynamic figure in the UK’s business landscape. This article will delve into his career, highlighting his major achievements, business philosophy, and personal life, including his relationship with Luisa Zissman.
Early Beginnings: Total Fitness
Oliver Zissman’s entrepreneurial career took off at a young age. At 17, he co-founded Total Fitness, a fitness equipment rental company. His idea of providing gym equipment to individuals and businesses filled a gap in the market, and it was soon that the company grew into a multi-million-pound enterprise. With eight locations across the UK and Ireland, Total Fitness gained popularity due to its flexible and cost-effective solutions, catering to a wide range of clientele, including celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Glenn Close.
By 2007, the business had a turnover of £5.2 million a year, a remarkable feat for a company founded by two brothers with a clear vision. This success led to Zissman being named UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004, an honor presented by Sir Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green.
The Baker Shop and Bakers Toolkit
In 2009, Zissman co-founded The Baker Shop alongside his then-wife, Luisa Zissman. The business focused on selling cake decoration and home baking products, quickly becoming a go-to destination for bakers in the UK and beyond. The Baker Shop was one of the largest retailers of its kind, with international sales to 96 countries. The business’s success was driven by its multi-channel sales strategy, utilizing platforms like eBay and Amazon to reach customers worldwide.
The Baker Shop’s growth also led to the creation of Bakers Toolkit, a professional cake decorating and baking product aimed at making baking accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Under Zissman’s leadership, the company experienced rapid growth, with sales increasing by over 100% yearly during its first three years. By the time he stepped down from the business in 2014, it had become a major player in the home baking market.
Transition to Design and Beyond Living
In 2014, Oliver Zissman ventured into interior design by co-founding That Design Store, a contemporary design shop in St Albans. The store specializes in high-end lighting, furniture, and accessories, working with renowned brands like Tom Dixon and Aesop. Although this business was relatively short-lived, Zissman continued to build his reputation as an entrepreneur with a keen eye for emerging trends.
In 2015, Zissman founded Beyond Living, a business that distributes design-led consumer brands across various markets. From beauty and home fragrance products to lifestyle brands like Rivsalt and CandleHand, Beyond Living quickly expanded its reach, supplying over 2,500 stores in the UK and 85 countries worldwide. Zissman’s expertise in identifying innovative brands and launching them successfully in the UK market made Beyond Living a leader in the consumer goods industry.
Launching Leafy and Shifting Focus
In March 2021, Zissman launched Leafy, a healthy food business offering salads, smoothies, teas, and coffee in St Albans. Located near the historic Cathedral and Verulamium Park, Leafy quickly gained a loyal customer base. By expanding its menu to include hot food options, the business increased its average customer spend and saw sales grow by over 120% yearly.
However, in November 2023, Zissman decided to step back from entrepreneurship. After nearly three decades of starting and scaling businesses, he announced a career pivot, deciding to take an indefinite break from the fast-paced world of startups.
Luisa Zissman and Oliver Zissman: A Public Marriage and Divorce
Oliver Zissman’s personal life has also been a topic of public interest, particularly his marriage to Luisa Zissman, a British reality TV star known for her appearances on The Apprentice. The couple, who married in 2009, had a high-profile relationship that often made headlines. They co-founded The Baker Shop, combining their business acumen to build a successful enterprise.
However, their marriage eventually broke down, and they divorced in 2014. Luisa said their relationship had lost its spark, and they both agreed it was best to separate. Despite the personal challenges, the two maintained a professional relationship, ensuring the continued success of their business ventures.
Luisa Zissman’s Husband Oliver: Life After Divorce
Following his divorce from Luisa, Oliver Zissman remarried Johanna Zissman in 2016. The couple has since built a family together, raising their two sons, Arlo and Atlas, in St Albans. Oliver’s personal and professional life has stabilized after the tumult of his earlier years, and he now enjoys a quieter life away from the public eye, focusing on his family and community involvement.
While Luisa Zissman moved on to marry Irish businessman Andrew Collins, Oliver’s relationship with his ex-wife remains amicable. They continue co-parenting their daughter, Dixie, who splits her time between her biological parents and step-parents. The couple’s ability to maintain a positive relationship post-divorce is a testament to their shared commitment to their daughter’s well-being.
Oliver Zissman’s Legacy and Influence in the Business World
Oliver Zissman’s journey from fitness to consumer goods showcases his versatility as an entrepreneur. His ability to adapt to different industries, whether fitness, baking, interior design, or consumer goods, has allowed him to build successful businesses across various sectors. His track record of identifying and launching innovative brands has made him a trusted figure in the UK’s retail landscape.
In addition to his business ventures, Zissman’s philanthropist and community leader role should be noticed. He completed the 2013 London Marathon, raising over £5,000 for charity, and he continues to contribute to his local community in St Albans by sitting on the board of the St Albans BID and supporting local initiatives.
Conclusion
Oliver Zissman’s entrepreneurial career is a story of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. From launching a fitness equipment rental business at 17 to expanding consumer gift brands globally, Zissman’s ability to navigate diverse industries has earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur. His journey, marked by personal and professional challenges, demonstrates the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving long-term success.
Today, as he steps back from the entrepreneurial world, Zissman’s legacy continues to inspire those looking to build businesses that succeed financially and positively impact the world. Whether through his early ventures in fitness, his successful baking empire, or his role in distributing cutting-edge consumer brands, Oliver Zissman has left an indelible mark on the business landscape.
