Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

Barb Volk never set out to become a multi-unit, multi-market franchise owner. When her longtime business partner Doug Birer first mentioned KidStrong, she had just welcomed her daughter into the world and was taking a step back from her leadership role in the Orangetheory system they had built together. The last thing she thought she needed was another business. But something about KidStrong stuck with her.

It wasn’t just the business model, although it mirrored the successful structure she’d seen work at Orangetheory. It was the mission. As a new mom with a background in sports and physiology, Volk felt an immediate connection to the concept: a science-based, high-energy training program designed to help kids build strength, confidence and character. A few months later, when she and her husband visited a KidStrong location with their daughter — then only 14 months old — she knew this was the next chapter. It felt right both personally and professionally.

Today, Volk and Birer are area developers for KidStrong in several major regions, including Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and parts of New York City. Their goal? To open several new locations each year while building a network of strong operators who share their commitment to families, fitness and long-term growth.

1851 Franchise spoke to Volk about her franchise journey and plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Barb Volk: I grew up in South Florida, in Plantation, where I was a swimmer and active in sports. I went to college in Chapel Hill and moved back after graduation. I studied exercise physiology but wasn’t sure what my next step would be, so I kept going with school and worked on my master’s in exercise science, hoping to figure things out.

During college and grad school, I started working as a personal trainer and fitness instructor in gyms. That’s when I got introduced to Orangetheory, when my now business partner, Doug, opened his first studio in Parkland, Florida. I started coaching there while finishing my degree, just to make some money, and that really kicked off my career with Orangetheory.

Doug hired me as the manager of his second studio in Plantation, my hometown. I became the head coach and studio manager there. Over the years, as Doug expanded, he offered me a small piece of the business, and we became partners. Eventually, we had the opportunity to develop the Charlotte market together, along with my father, Jay Thomas. 

I had my daughter, Mackenzie. Around then, Doug — who's always looking for the next opportunity — mentioned a new franchise called KidStrong. I remember our lunch like it was yesterday. I thought the idea of a new business sounded crazy. I had just had a child, was enjoying motherhood, and had already pulled back from Orangetheory. Still, the idea of KidStrong stuck with me. At that phase in life, as a new parent, I felt drawn to the concept.  I wanted to be the best parent I could be, and coming from an athletic background, it resonated with me. My husband and I visited a KidStrong location with our daughter when she was 14 months old, and the rest is history.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Volk: I started as a coach with Orangetheory, so I had no experience with the franchise model initially. But over time, I saw the value in it. Being able to follow a proven playbook while still owning your own business gives you the best of both worlds. If you stick to the system and hire great people, it sets you up for success. That structure makes it much easier to grow and scale.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Volk: That’s the easiest answer for me. It fits the place I’m at in life — being a parent and wanting to be involved in a program that’s a positive influence on our community and our youth. It aligned perfectly with my personal values.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Volk: Our goal is to open a couple of locations per year. We’re actively looking for real estate in our market, and we’re growing as fast — and as responsibly — as we can so we can bring KidStrong to more families and communities. 

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Volk: I think it’s worth mentioning that I have three kids, and more if you count all of my KidStrong “babies.” What makes this all doable for me is work-life integration. I don’t bring my kids to the center every day, but being involved in a business that’s centered around kids and families makes it all feel manageable and meaningful.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Volk: Find something you’re passionate about and truly believe in. Be willing to follow the playbook, and hire the right people.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.