Advice From a Multi-Unit Franchisee: Usman Rao, Sky Zone

Multi-Unit Franchisee: Usman Rao

Franchise: Sky Zone

In 2015, Usman Rao began franchising with Sky Zone, the world’s first “wall-to-wall” trampoline park concept. Since then, he has successfully scaled his portfolio to seven parks throughout the U.S., including his three most recent acquisitions in Arizona and California. He has also secured franchise agreements for future developments in California, which are slated to open next year.

“I was drawn in by the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in franchising — to build something on my own while benefiting from a network of resources,” said Rao. “Franchising, especially with Sky Zone, aligned perfectly with my passion for both business and family entertainment.” 

Rao, who spent years working in product management and corporate strategy before becoming an entrepreneur, credits this experience (along with Sky Zone’s amazing support system) for his success as a multi-unit franchise owner. 

“Scaling my portfolio to multiple units has been an exhilarating journey,” Rao said. “Leveraging my corporate strategy background and the unparalleled support from Sky Zone, I’ve managed to expand seamlessly.”

1851 Franchise spoke with Rao about his journey in franchising, his accomplishments in the industry and his advice for other entrepreneurs looking to become the next great multi-unit franchisees.

A transcript of the interview appears below. It has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.

1851 Franchise: Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Usman Rao: My background is as a tech executive turned entrepreneur. Prior to joining the Sky Zone family as a franchise owner in 2015, I worked in product management and corporate strategy at companies including CrowdStrike, Intel and McAfee. 

1851: What drew you to franchising?

Rao: For me, I was drawn in by the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in franchising — to build something of my own while benefiting from a network of resources. Franchising, especially with Sky Zone, aligned perfectly with my passion for both business and family entertainment. 

1851: What made you choose your first franchise brand? What did you like about it? 

Rao: I think it’s two-fold: One, when it came time to explore different avenues for franchising, like all entrepreneurs, I was searching for a well-established brand with a proven business model. And second, it was about values. I strongly believe in Sky Zone’s vision, their mission to provide the best active family entertainment facilities to local communities and the company’s focus on guest experience and innovation.

1851: How were you able to scale your portfolio to multiple units? What does your portfolio look like today?

Rao: Scaling my portfolio to multiple units has been an exhilarating journey. Leveraging my corporate strategy background and the unparalleled support from Sky Zone, I’ve managed to expand seamlessly. Today, I currently operate seven parks in key markets throughout the United States. Most recently I acquired three existing parks in Laveen, Arizona, and Palmdale and Vacaville, California, and I've secured franchise agreements for future development in Tracy and Milpitas, California, which are set to open in 2025. 

1851: What advice do you have for franchisees looking into new franchise opportunities or expanding to multiple locations? 

Rao: For franchisees exploring new opportunities or expanding to multiple locations, I have two pieces of advice. One, have confidence in the team you’ve assembled — their contributions are pivotal to your business’s success. And two, cultivate long-term relationships with a keen focus on superior guest experiences to ensure sustained growth. 

1851: How important is it to evaluate the brand's leadership, support and history before investing?

Rao: From my perspective, evaluating leadership, brand support and historical performance is crucial before investing. Research successful individuals at the company — in my case other franchisees: Are they still growing? What can you learn from their success? 

1851: What are your plans for the future?

Rao: I'm excited to continue to grow my portfolio with Sky Zone — I'm committed to providing exceptional family entertainment across the United States.

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