As you walk or drive around San Diego, it’s nearly impossible to avoid encountering a Better Future brand. While the name of this private equity firm might not make sense, the impact of the brands it has nurtured is unmistakable.
And it’s all down to two San Diego locals, Shannon and Billy Canu, who have built a company renowned for reshaping small businesses and transforming communities. Through Better Future, the Canus’ vision is straightforward yet deeply impactful: to identify local companies brimming with heart, potential, and passion, and to assist them in scaling, growing, and thriving within their communities.
Since its inception, Better Future has been behind the creation and expansion of some of the most recognizable brands in Southern California. They include Renegade, a high-energy group fitness studio; Yoga Box, a beloved San Diego staple for yogis of all levels; Maverick’s Barbershop, a modern grooming experience; Fox and Jane Salon, a top-tier hair salon; Mellow Massage and Skin Habit, a leading facial studio. What sets Better Future apart is its ability to cultivate a sense of community and belonging in every concept it touches.
Their success story began in San Diego, where they opened the first Renegade in 2017. With just one location, their commitment to crafting exceptional member experiences helped them rapidly scale to multiple regional studios, while retaining core local community values.
The same story followed with Yoga Box, which quickly became a go-to destination for seasoned yogis and those new to the practice. These brands thrive in San Diego and have expanded into New York, Phoenix, Chicago, New Jersey, Denver and Toronto, reflecting Better Future’s adaptability and innovative business strategies.
Community:
In a World laden with corporate culture, a company’s mission seems to transcend mere business development!
It would seem the spaces are catalysts for personal transformations with one studio manager of Yoga Box noting; “It’s a regular occurrence to see members of our studios sharing heartfelt stories about how our brands have helped them on so many levels, whether we’re challenging you to grow or just to be there with you on your journey.” It speaks to more than just physical or aesthetic improvements; reflecting deep emotional and social growth. Which in my opinion, is something we’re all striving for!
“Our businesses are more than just places to work out or receive a service; they are diverse community hubs where lasting friendships are forged, and personal breakthroughs happen regularly,” Shannon Canu explains. “Hearing how our community has embraced these spaces as their own, finding within them the support and strength to transform their lives, truly encapsulates what we strive to build.”
Giving back:
Since 2017, Better Future has significantly enriched communities by creating thousands of jobs across the country, including getting involved in local events, donation drives and more.
“We believe in fostering spaces that are not just businesses but hubs for human connection,” Shannon Canu asserts. “Our goal is to leave the communities we serve better than we found them—whether by creating a dynamic fitness culture, offering a tranquil wellness retreat, or providing a stylish new haircut. Every venture we undertake is an extension of our belief that people thrive when equipped with the right tools, resources, and supportive environments.”
This spirit of community uplift is at the heart of Better Future’s mission, which transcends the boundaries of wellness, beauty, and fitness industries. The company’s ultimate ambition is deeply personal—transforming entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses and enduring legacies.
Building on a strong culture of giving back, Better Future remains dedicated to empowering other business owners by providing comprehensive mentorship, strategic financial investments, and hands-on operational guidance. “We didn’t get here alone,” Billy Canu reflects. “Our passion for collaboration is why we actively partner with entrepreneurs eager to elevate their businesses. We seek out not just innovative ideas, but passionate individuals determined to create something truly extraordinary.”
Looking to the future:
As Better Future sets its sights forward, the company is keenly focused on broadening its geographical footprint across the United States. With an ambitious goal to establish a location in every state, Better Future aims to bring its successful model of business revitalization and community development to new markets nationwide.
Billy Canu explains, “Our future is about presence and accessibility. By expanding into every state, we’re looking to make our services and community impact universally accessible. This isn’t just about growing our network—it’s about weaving our philosophy of empowerment and local engagement into the fabric of every community we touch.”
This strategic expansion is designed to replicate the success seen in cities like San Diego and New York, adapting a model to the unique needs and cultures of different regions. The ultimate goal is clear: to ensure that no matter where you are in the country, a Better Future location is part of your community, helping to turn local dreams into national legacies.
Commitment to Giving Back
Since 2017, Better Future has significantly enhanced communities by not only creating thousands of jobs nationwide but also by actively participating in local events and organizing donation drives. “We aim to leave the communities we serve better than we found them,” Shannon asserts, “whether it’s by fostering a dynamic fitness culture, providing a serene wellness retreat, or delivering a fresh, stylish haircut. Each venture we undertake is an extension of our belief in empowering individuals through proper tools, resources, and supportive environments.”
This ethos of community elevation is deeply embedded in Better Future’s DNA, influencing its engagements across the wellness, beauty, and fitness sectors. Their ultimate ambition is profoundly personal—turning entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses and lasting legacies.
What’s next? Everywhere.
As Better Future sets its sights forward, the company is keenly focused on broadening its geographical footprint across the United States. With an ambitious goal to establish a location in every state, Better Future aims to bring its successful model of business revitalization and community development to new markets nationwide.
Billy Canu explains, “Our future is about presence and accessibility. By expanding into every state, we’re looking to make our services and community impact universally accessible. This isn’t just about growing our network—it’s about weaving our philosophy of empowerment and local engagement into the fabric of every community we touch.”
This ambitious expansion seeks to replicate their proven model in diverse locales, tailored to meet the unique needs and cultures of various regions. The ultimate aim is straightforward: integrate a Better Future location into communities nationwide, turning local aspirations into national success stories.
