KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a> is on a mission — not just to help kids get stronger, but to help them grow into confident, capable humans. The concept, which blends physical, cognitive and character development for kids ages 1 to 9, is filling a major gap in the child enrichment space. And as more parents seek out meaningful, screen-free activities for their children, demand is only going up.For entrepreneurs who want to build a business with purpose and strong potential — top-performing centers report $1 million* in average annual revenue — KidStrong offers a rare opportunity. But with territory quickly selling out, the window to join is closing fast.“We’re not trying to be everything to everybody,” said co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lincoln-brown-13ba87?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lincoln Brown</a>. “But if you’re the right person, and you’re aligned with the mission, there’s nothing else like this.”<h2>The Brand That’s Redefining Child Development</h2>KidStrong started in the back of a crossfit gym in Kentucky. Founders&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-matt-and-megin-sharp-built-kidstrong-to-empower-kids-and-families-2728280">Matt and Megin Sharp</a> were simply trying to help their daughter Ella grow more confident. When they couldn’t find a program that did what they were looking for — a place that helped with everything from strength and coordination to social skills and confidence — they built it themselves.“We didn’t want a playdate,” Megin said. “We wanted something structured and impactful.”What started with 25 kids quickly grew into a thriving community. When Brown — a former tech entrepreneur — got involved, the team realized they had something bigger. Today, KidStrong serves more than 65,000 kids every week across 150+ locations, with more than 50 more centers on the way. “You can help kids develop faster, especially during those peak developmental years, one through nine,” Matt said. “That’s when 95% of your brain development happens. So if you can shape kids during that time, you can make a huge impact on their lives, their families and their futures. There’s a lot of science behind that — and still nothing else out there like what we’re doing.”And this isn’t just another kids’ fitness class. It’s a development program backed by real science. Coaches are trained to teach everything from goal setting to public speaking, all in a high-energy, fun environment that kids love.“You can’t serve all vegetables,” Brown said. “It has to be fun for kids to want to come back and learn. When you combine real child development with fun, that’s when the magic happens. It’s really hard for someone to replicate the science that’s gone into this. Matt, Megin and a few other people on the team are just geniuses when it comes to the product — what happens on the floor.”<h2>A Business That’s Built to Scale</h2>From day one, the team approached KidStrong like a tech company, not a traditional franchise. That meant building infrastructure before scaling, investing in software to simplify operations and hiring leaders with deep experience in both business and child development.“We make every decision now based on where we want to be in 2030 — not 2025,” Matt said. “That long-term mindset is what makes this brand different.” KidStrong combines cutting-edge technology, expert insight and custom design to deliver a truly unique experience for kids and franchise owners alike. The brand’s proprietary tech is woven into every class, making learning and movement more fun, interactive and engaging for children. Behind the scenes, a team of experts in occupational therapy, child development and sports performance continuously develops fresh, science-backed curriculum tailored to support kids during their most critical developmental years. Even the equipment is next-level — each center features patented, custom-designed equipment and obstacles created by KidStrong to bring the curriculum to life and deliver results in strength, confidence, and coordination.The business model is lean, Brown says, with centers ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and efficient staffing. And franchise owners — known as Area Developers — don’t need a background in education or fitness, but they do need strong leadership skills, an ability to execute and a real connection to the brand’s mission.&nbsp; That’s because KidStrong sets franchise owners up for success with hands-on support from day one. The team helps with lending, real estate, buildout and pre-opening marketing to ensure a strong start. After launch, franchise owners receive ongoing operational guidance, including KPI tracking, center reviews and process optimization. Local marketing is managed by KidStrong’s in-house experts, and the brand’s nationally recognized Coach Certification Program helps teams grow stronger, more effective and more engaged over time.The financials are compelling, too, with top-performing centers reporting $1 million* in average annual revenue with an investment range of $448,100 to $600,000, according to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document. New owners can open strong with the right team and follow-through. “If you open with 500 members, you’re crushing it,” Matt said.And it’s not just numbers on paper — owners are seeing real results.“Our KidStrong location has been successful because of the guidance that we have had throughout the process,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-gossett-4a7aa721/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-gossett-89a958328/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samantha Gossett</a>, owners of KidStrong Timonium. “From the beginning stages of deciding on a location to the presale marketing and communication, to working with our NCO team, each team has played a huge part in our success. We have never owned a franchise before so this entire process has been filled with new experiences, but the team that KidStrong provides is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We would not be where we are today without them.”<h2>Why Now</h2>KidStrong’s footprint is growing fast — and that means territory is going fast, too. After signing nearly 30 new area development agreements in the first half of the year — and averaging around 100 signed deals annually — the brand is on track to open approximately 50 to 60 new centers this year. That will bring the total to nearly 200 locations in operation by the end of the year.&nbsp;Primary growth targets include California, where the franchise remains underrepresented, along with Chicago and broader Illinois markets, North Arkansas, and the greater Midwest. Meanwhile, remaining pockets of opportunity on the East Coast are being carefully reserved to ensure market balance.&nbsp;While demand is high, this isn’t a race to sign anyone with a check. The team is hyper-selective about who joins. They’re looking for people who get the brand and are ready to go all-in.“You’ve got to be on mission to be here,” Sharp said. “If you’re not, it’s uncomfortable. But if you are, and you’re great at what you do, you’ll love it here.”And the market timing couldn’t be better. Parents are more tuned in than ever to their kids’ development —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594921/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">physically, emotionally and socially</a>. Post-COVID, many families are seeing real gaps and want to take action. That is why the childhood enrichment industry is currently valued at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-child-care-market?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$61 billion</a> and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.86% from 2024 to 2030. “We really believe we can become the Starbucks or Orangetheory of early childhood development. No one owns that category right now — and it’s the most critical time in a human’s life,” Matt said. “So to have the opportunity to impact kids at that stage? There’s almost nothing more fulfilling than that.”KidStrong is already being recommended by pediatricians and OTs. It’s not just a fun weekend or evening activity — it’s a program with measurable, meaningful impact.<h2>Who They’re Looking For</h2>Strong candidates come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are multi-unit fitness operators and some have credibility in their local market, like a pediatrician or athlete. Others are sales professionals or parents who fell in love with the program through their own kids. What they all share is a belief in the mission and a bias for action. “KidStrong offers children the skills to truly win in all areas of life,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-montoya-152078191/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bobby</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-montoya-lpcc-090659251/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jessica Montoya</a>, owners of KidStrong Westside in Albuquerque. “We are excited to be able to enrich our own children's lives and the entire community with this one-of-a-kind program!"You don’t need to be the face of the business, but you do need someone on your team who can lead. The brand offers flexibility for semi-absentee owners as long as there’s a strong regional manager in place.If you’re looking to open a single unit, it’s possible — but KidStrong encourages multi-unit deals. In fact, the average deal signed is 2.5 units. Why? Because if you don’t grab the territory, someone else will.“We’re not trying to sell thousands of units,” Matt said. “We’re building something that’s going to last — and we want the right people in the right places.”<h2>When Purpose Drives Performance</h2>This is one of those rare franchise opportunities that actually checks all the boxes: purpose-driven, community-focused, scalable and built on a rock-solid foundation. KidStrong is already changing the lives of tens of thousands of families — and it’s just getting started. “I am thrilled to bring KidStrong to my hometown,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thomas-a29ba1280?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paul Thomas</a>, owner of KidStrong Meridian. “As a new dad, I am excited to give my daughter and other kids in the community an opportunity to grow and discover their own superpowers through KidStrong.”So if you’re looking to invest in something meaningful, backed by strong systems and a team that knows how to win, there may never be a better time to jump in.“You can make money,” Matt said. “But more importantly, you can make an impact. That’s what this is really about. When you wake up and know you’re making a difference, everything changes. You’re more excited, more driven. You see the impact you’re having on kids and families. Now with KidStrong, we wake up and we’re building something we believe in.”For more information on franchising with KidStrong, visit:<a href="https://www.kidstrongfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://www.kidstrongfranchise.com</a>. *According to top quartile revenue range reported in KidStrong's Item 19 Financial performance representation in their 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document

KidStrong: A Franchise Transforming Child Development

KidStrong Franchise for Purpose-Driven Child Development

1851 Franchise

With science-backed programming, tech-enabled operations, and limited territory left, KidStrong is building more than businesses - it's building the next generation of confident kids.

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A 61-Unit Development Agreement Puts Joe Pedatella at the Top of KidStrong's Development Ranks

From Multi-Unit Fitness Portfolio to KidStrong Franchising: Manuel Torres’ Journey Across Seattle, Indianapolis and Texas

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In kids’ development, the real customer isn’t necessarily only the child. It’s mostly the parent.Parents are the ones making the purchasing decision, evaluating the value, deciding whether to stay and ultimately telling other families whether a program is worth it. Brands that win the child but lose the parent churn. Brands that win the parent build durable, recurring businesses.<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the fast-growing kids’ fitness franchise, has built its entire model around that reality.“Parents are the decision-makers, full stop,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “If you can earn their trust, show them real progress and make them feel like they’re part of the journey, everything else follows, including retention, referrals and long-term growth.”That parent-first philosophy is what separates&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> from traditional activity-based concepts, and it’s the foundation behind both its consumer loyalty and its franchise economics.<h2>A Program Based on Real Science</h2>At its core, KidStrong isn’t just another kids’ class.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/kidstrong-child-development-program-2729781">It’s a structured development program</a> designed to deliver measurable outcomes during the most critical years of a child’s growth.The curriculum is built around three pillars: physical development, cognitive development and character development. It's a combination designed by pediatric occupational therapists, child development experts and sports performance specialists. Each 45-minute class is led by expert coaches who are trained to teach everything from balance and coordination to goal setting and public speaking.“We’re not offering a one-dimensional experience,” Patrick said. “We’re helping kids build strength, confidence and life skills all at once. Parents recognize that immediately.”Each class blends movement with purpose. Kids are jumping, climbing and running, but they’re also learning goal setting, teamwork and problem-solving.&nbsp;<h2>Turning Parents Into Participants</h2>Most kids' programs ask parents to drop their kids off and wait. KidStrong does the opposite. Parents are intentionally brought into the experience. They watch the class, hear coach feedback and see their child’s progress unfold in real time.“That transparency is one of our biggest advantages,” Patrick said. “Parents don’t have to guess whether it’s working. They’re seeing it every single session.”For franchise owners,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-marketing-playbook-2731844#featured">that design is a retention engine</a>. When parents can visibly track progress, whether it’s improved coordination, increased confidence, or better social interaction, the program shifts from being a discretionary activity to something essential. That emotional connection drives longer memberships and deeper loyalty.<h2>A Purpose-Built Environment That Reinforces Trust</h2>Trust also extends to the physical environment. KidStrong centers are designed exclusively for kids. There’s no shared space with adult fitness users, no competing priorities and no compromise in how the facility operates. Every square foot is engineered around child development.From patented equipment to custom-designed obstacles, everything inside a KidStrong location is built to support the curriculum and create a safe, engaging experience.“When parents walk in, they immediately feel the difference,” Patrick said. “This isn’t an unused corner of an adult gym or a repurposed warehouse space. It is a custom-built KidStrong location.”<h2>The Business Impact of Winning the Parent</h2>For franchise owners, the payoff of this parent-first model is clear.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-opportunity-child-development-2729783">KidStrong operates on a recurring membership model</a>, which creates predictable revenue and strong lifetime value. But the real driver behind those numbers is retention, and retention is fueled by parent trust.“When you win the parent, you don’t just get one transaction,” Patrick said. “You get a long-term relationship.”That relationship extends beyond weekly classes. It opens the door to additional revenue streams like birthday parties, camps and special events.KidStrong is already seeing that parent loyalty shows up across the system. The brand serves more than 90,000 kids each week, with<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-kidstrong-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2727179"> top-performing centers reporting average annual sales around $1 million</a>. It is also targeting a franchise owner payback period of 28 months or less, adding a clear business case to the mission behind the model.“The unit economics work because the experience works,” Patrick said. “Everything ties back to delivering something parents trust and value.”<h2>Full Circle: When Parents Become Owners</h2>Perhaps the strongest validation of KidStrong’s model is what happens next.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600">Many of the brand’s franchise owners, for example, started as KidStrong parents</a>. They enrolled their children, saw the impact firsthand and decided they wanted to bring the concept to their own communities. Even if that meant they had to move somewhere else to open a location.&nbsp;“That’s one of the most powerful things we see,” Patrick said. “People experience KidStrong as members first, and then they raise their hand and say, ‘I want to be a bigger part of this.’”In a category where many concepts compete for short-term attention, KidStrong has taken a different approach by building a system designed for long-term relationships with families. By focusing on the true customer, backing the experience with real science and designing every touchpoint around trust and transparency, the brand has created something more durable than a typical kids’ activity.“For us, it all starts with the parent,” Patrick said. “If we get that right, everything else takes care of itself.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

KidStrong's science-based, parent-facing design turns unsure parents into loyal members, and sometimes even future franchise owners.

How KidStrong Wins Parents and Why That Makes It a Smart Bet for Franchise Owners

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As demand for structured youth fitness continues to grow,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> has entered 2026 with momentum that few children’s concepts can match. From strong system health to new revenue-driving programs, the brand has positioned itself for its next phase of expansion.&nbsp;Here are the five reasons prospective owners are choosing to invest now.<h2>1. A Healthy, Profitable Franchise System That Owners Are Doubling Down On</h2>One of the clearest indicators of franchise health is what existing owners do next. In KidStrong’s case, they are signing leases and buying more territory.“The fact that franchisees are signing leases tells me the entire system is very healthy,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Joshua Patrick,</a> senior vice president of franchise development. “They don’t sign leases if they’re not making money. If they’re not feeling supported, if they’re not happy with the franchisor, they will not sign additional leases.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> closed out 2025 with 148 licenses sold in the year, including 27 licenses purchased by franchisees who already own locations and chose to grow further within the system.<h2>2. Strong Retention Driven by Weekly Programming Innovation</h2>Retention is one of the biggest profit drivers in membership-based businesses, and KidStrong has made it a central focus. By updating its programming weekly, the brand was able to keep classes fresh for families without losing the repetition kids need to build skills.“We changed our programming weekly, but still gave kids the reps they need,” Patrick said. “Our churn almost immediately dropped by about two points, which had a huge financial impact for franchise partners.”Additional enhancements, including showcase weeks, milestone rewards and in-center leaderboards, have further strengthened engagement and encouraged consistent attendance.<h2>3. Built for Multi-Unit Ownership With Actionable Data</h2>KidStrong’s franchise base is largely made up of multi-unit developers, and the brand has invested heavily in tools that support scale. A centralized data warehouse allows owners to view KPIs across individual locations and entire portfolios.“One of the biggest points that gets easily missed in a franchise system is data,” Patrick said. “As a multi-unit operator, do I have a place where I can go in and see my reports and the KPIs I need on a portfolio basis and an individual basis? We pulled all of our data together so franchisees can drive action off the numbers that matter.”Franchisees can benchmark performance across the system, with field business coaches using the same data to support operations.<h2>4. Real Estate and Marketing Support That Removes Guesswork</h2>The brand works directly with franchisees on site selection and marketing, offering AI-supported real estate analysis and hands-on support from its real estate and construction team.“Franchisees can send an address to an email and within seven minutes they have a full custom KidStrong report,” Patrick said. “It’s not just a demographic report. It includes the leading things we look at because we don’t just look at kid counts and income.”On the marketing side, KidStrong runs digital campaigns at the corporate level using systemwide data to drive lead generation. Individual locations typically see hundreds of leads each month, while franchisees focus on local, grassroots efforts in their communities.<h2>5. New Growth Levers Expanding the Addressable Market</h2>Looking ahead, KidStrong is unlocking additional growth through format innovation and new programming. A smaller, one-floor prototype is being tested to reduce build-out costs and open the model to underserved markets.“If we’re successful, we could open up another 200 to 300 markets in the U.S. alone,” Patrick said.The rollout of BabyStrong adds a new membership option for pre-walking children, helping centers better use morning hours and easing families into the core KidStrong program.<h2>Why 2026 Is the Right Moment</h2>With franchisees reinvesting in the system, better retention and a focused real estate strategy, KidStrong is heading into 2026 with solid momentum. For entrepreneurs looking at youth fitness, the timing to enter the system is right.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong.</a>&nbsp;

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a KidStrong Franchise in 2026

KidStrong’s combination of franchisee reinvestment, retention gains and disciplined expansion strategy has positioned the brand for continued growth in 2026.

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In a youth fitness and enrichment category crowded with camps, classes and one-off programs,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> — the science-based youth enrichment franchise — prioritizes consistency and recurring revenue through a membership model, supported by centralized programming and systems that keep families engaged week after week.For franchise owners, that predictability matters. A membership model can smooth out seasonality, tighten cash-flow planning and create a clearer path to scaling, especially for operators building multi-unit portfolios.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> senior vice president of franchise development, says the brand’s unit-level revenue mix starts with a simple foundation.“The largest percentage of revenue is membership,” Patrick said. “Our customer is anywhere from walking to 11 years old. We don’t differentiate the membership based on age. It’s really one membership. You can sign a longer contract for a slightly reduced price, or a month-to-month contract at a higher price point, which allows for flexibility for the member.”KidStrong’s membership base is supported by additional revenue streams that can bring in new families before they are ready to sign up and add income beyond monthly dues. Patrick says camps tied to school breaks, weekend birthday parties and Parents Night Out give owners additional ways to monetize their space while turning first-time visitors into future members.Those extra revenue streams help, but the real test is whether families stay. KidStrong takes class planning off the owner’s plate, and the quality of the coaches is what keeps families coming back month after month. The system is structured so franchise owners can hire for personality and presence, not credentials, and focus on delivering a consistent experience that keeps families coming back.“We control the class programming,” Patrick said. “We have the TVs that are in every one of the locations that we feed content into, and the programming that changes every week. So, as a franchise partner, you don’t have to worry about what class you’re running. That’s all predetermined, which really enables you to hire your coaches and your staff based on how they handle the in-person experience. Retention is almost directly tied to the quality of the coaching.”Centralized delivery also supports brand consistency, a common weak point for youth programs that rely heavily on individual instructors to design sessions. With KidStrong, Patrick says the system can spot issues early, including coach turnover, and respond through certification, coaching standards and support to protect the member experience.The brand has also leaned into tools that keep families engaged outside class time. Patrick describes an SMS platform and AI chatbot that responds when staff are off the clock, helping members reschedule, get answers quickly and avoid the kind of delays that can erode satisfaction.“That AI bot can handle that right then and there,” Patrick said. “Class has moved and that’s been handled and now the customer is happy. They feel they’re getting their money’s worth because they didn’t miss class that week, and they’re less likely to churn. People and technology in our experience have been the best way to improve retention.”For multi-unit operators, the appeal of recurring revenue grows when performance is measurable and repeatable. Patrick says KidStrong has invested in reporting and benchmarking so franchise owners can track key metrics across a portfolio, compare performance and drive action faster.“We invested heavily in a dedicated data resource in early 2025 to really start pulling all of our data together and warehousing it so franchise owners can see, across their portfolio, how they’re doing on the numbers that matter,” Patrick said. “There are also leaderboards so they can benchmark against other owners in the system.”Many youth concepts depend on periodic enrollments, seasonal spikes or inconsistent attendance. KidStrong is positioning its membership-first approach as an operational advantage that can create steadier revenue, improve lifetime value per family and give franchise owners a clearer runway to scale.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

KidStrong Franchise - Recurring Revenue Model - 1851 Franchise

KidStrong’s membership model delivers steady revenue, stronger retention and clearer unit economics, giving franchise owners a durable edge in the youth fitness market.

Why KidStrong’s Recurring Revenue Model Gives Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge in the Youth Fitness Market

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When a new&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> center prepares to open, the marketing machine doesn’t wait for the doors to unlock. It starts months before the first class ever runs. For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneymoscovic">Courtney Moscovic</a>, Vice President of Marketing at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a>, that intentionality is everything. With more than a decade at Yum! Brands, supporting powerhouse concepts like Pizza Hut, agency experience and seven years as a KidStrong mom herself, Moscovic brings both franchise rigor and personal passion to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-recurring-revenue-model-2731506">the brand’s growth strategy</a>.1851 spoke with Moscovic to learn how that blend of enterprise-level strategy and mission-driven belief shows up in every phase of KidStrong’s marketing playbook.<h2>Building Momentum Before the Doors Open</h2>KidStrong’s presale window typically begins 10 to 14 weeks before opening, the moment a center is officially able to sell memberships. But the groundwork starts even earlier.“We start digital marketing - aggressive paid digital marketing - to generate leads to get the presale members,” Moscovic said. “We do that intentionally to set centers up for success early in their KidStrong journey. We want them to be profitable as soon as possible and the more members they open with, the more momentum they’ll have.”Before paid ads turn on, however, the team focuses on priming the market. “Prior to that, we have a team that leads you through brand awareness initiatives in the market, which includes a VIP list of early leads so that you have a strong starting point in your sales funnel,” she said. “And then we turn up the dial on paid advertising.”Digital is the primary engine, with social media, particularly Instagram, driving a significant portion of early leads. But KidStrong doesn’t rely on a single channel.“All throughout presale, we do digital marketing as well as on-the-ground events,” Moscovic said. “Digital will drive the majority of your lead volume, especially through social media, like Instagram. That’s where we see a majority of millennial moms spending their time, so we want to meet them where they’re at and that requires investment. The philosophy is simple: invest early, win early.”“We also do a series of events and in-market activities throughout presale,” she said. “Some cities have never heard of KidStrong so inviting them into our centers can make a huge difference. When you can see and feel the KidStrong difference, even before classes start, it can really ramp sales.” That layered approach - awareness, VIP list, paid acquisition and in-person events -&nbsp; is designed to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/top-5-reasons-to-buy-a-kidstrong-franchise-in-2026-2731525#featured">help centers open with meaningful membership volume</a> from day one.<h2>Turning Openings Into Community Moments</h2>Opening week at KidStrong is a multi-phase experience. After launch, Moscovic’s team encourages new centers to activate their space immediately.“After opening, we want you to run a few open houses, which have 15-minute mini classes,” she said. “You get all of those people who didn’t sign up during the presale phase out onto the floor to experience what KidStrong is.”Thirty days later, it’s time to celebrate bigger. “After about a month, we want you to have a big grand opening - have the mayor come, cut a ribbon, food trucks, all of the fun stuff you expect at a grand opening,” Moscovic said. “Take a deep breath and celebrate the opening and your new community.”While&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-recurring-revenue-model-2731506">KidStrong provides structure and proven tactics</a>, it also leaves room for local creativity. “We have a playbook for what we know works,” she said. “But with grassroots marketing, we let the local franchise owners choose their own adventure with how big they want to go.”<h2>Marketing That Never Turns Off</h2>For Moscovic, marketing isn’t just a launch-phase activity. It’s a permanent operating function.“Marketing does not have to be your first stop every day, but it should at least be your second,” she said. “The KidStrong marketing never turns off. You will always be losing members, which means you will always need new members, which means more leads, which means you need marketing. Love it or hate it, our marketing team will be by your side for the entirety of your KidStrong journey.”That ongoing engine includes always-on paid digital campaigns, camp and party promotions, triggered email and SMS automations, and structured organic content support. Centers are encouraged to amplify that messaging locally.“Franchise owners also have their own socials and we encourage them to post about their local centers,” she said. “We also provide a national marketing calendar that comes out quarterly so they can plan ahead.”While the systems are centralized, innovation doesn’t flow in just one direction. “The biggest thing that leads to success in franchise marketing is collaboration,” Moscovic said. “A good idea can come from anywhere. We have a lot of smart franchise owners in our system and they often come to us with ideas.”Rather than shutting down new concepts, her team leans into experimentation. “We don’t want to say no,” she said. “How can we treat this as a test and replicate it elsewhere? I always want franchise owners to bring ideas to us.”<h2>Hands-On Support From Day One</h2>Overall, Moscovic is clear that marketing at KidStrong is not passive support. “We are extra supportive and responsive with the franchise owners,” she said. “We are hands-on with every single center, all the time.”From presale launch plans to quarterly calendars to day-to-day campaign optimization, the marketing team acts as an extension of each franchise owner’s business. That hands-on structure, combined with aggressive early investment and always-on digital execution, is designed to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-manuel-torres-seattle-indianapolis-texas-2731544">create momentum that compounds over time</a>.For franchise owners, that means they’re not starting from scratch in a new market. They’re stepping into a tested system with national expertise, local flexibility and a team that treats marketing as a growth lever.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

Photo of child participating in KidStrong

From national brand campaigns and lead generation to local playbooks and hands-on coaching, KidStrong’s marketing team gives franchise owners a competitive edge from day one.

Inside KidStrong’s Playbook: The Marketing Engine Powering Franchise Success

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-pedatella-91845163/">Joe Pedatella</a>, who already operates 18&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> locations across New Jersey, Connecticut and New York, has signed a larger development agreement with the science-based youth enrichment franchise. He plans to open four new centers per year, making him the brand’s largest developer.“<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> is at an inflection point where brand awareness, consumer demand and operational maturity are aligning,” Pedatella said. “The concept has moved beyond early adoption into broader market validation, while still having significant whitespace for growth. From an operator standpoint, we now have the infrastructure, leadership bench and data to scale efficiently.”&nbsp;Before entering youth enrichment, Pedatella spent decades building a fitness business centered on families and community. He currently owns and operates Spa 23 Fitness and Lifestyle, a 40,000-square-foot, family-oriented health club in New Jersey offering everything from CrossFit and yoga to swim school, summer camp, massage and a dedicated kids zone. He began his career there in 1998 as a fitness department employee and worked his way up to ownership, steadily expanding the business into a collection of boutique offerings under one roof.That background helped set the stage for this development agreement. The confidence to expand at this scale comes from consistency across his existing portfolio.“We’ve seen repeatable unit economics driven by strong membership retention, stable lifetime value and improving operational margins as locations mature,” Pedatella said. “We now operate with standardized management roles, training systems and operational playbooks that allow performance to be replicated rather than reinvented. When outcomes become predictable across several units, expansion becomes a disciplined scaling decision rather than a risk-based one.”<h2>Scaling With Intent, Not Speed</h2>Even as his footprint grows, Pedatella said the goal has never been to chase unit count. For him, expansion starts with building the infrastructure to support what comes next — staffing, systems, leadership development and culture — before adding new locations.“We always look at it this way,” he said. “If we have five centers, we build it like we’re going to have 25. If we’re at 15, we build it like we’re going to have 100.”That approach shows up most clearly in how he hires and develops leaders. Pedatella prioritizes getting the right people in place early, then simplifying the operating rhythm with repeatable processes that can scale without adding chaos.“Organization comes first,” he said. “Then SOPs you can scale quickly. But none of it works if you don’t have the right people.”Rather than taking a top-down approach, Pedatella involves his leadership team in growth decisions and future planning, creating shared ownership in the expansion process.<h2>Why the Tri-State Region Works</h2>For Pedatella, the opportunity comes down to fit — the kind of suburban, family-heavy communities where parents are already investing in enrichment programs.“The tri-state region benefits from strong demographics aligned with KidStrong’s core customer: family-dense suburbs with high education engagement and parents prioritizing developmental enrichment for their children,” he said.&nbsp;Operationally, the close geography supports more efficient oversight through shared leadership, regional training, marketing efficiencies and cross-location staffing support. Concentrating openings in nearby markets also strengthens brand presence: each new location builds awareness and reduces customer-acquisition friction in surrounding areas.<h2>A Model Built for Scale</h2>Pedatella points to KidStrong’s centralized programming and operating model as one of the brand’s biggest advantages.“Because curriculum, training methodology and customer experience standards are developed centrally, operators can focus on execution rather than content creation,” he said. “This reduces operational variability and ensures consistency across locations.”As his unit count grows, he says complexity does not rise at the same pace. Instead, business becomes more efficient because every location runs on the same proven framework.<h2>The KPIs Behind Disciplined Expansion</h2>With a long-term roadmap in place, Pedatella doesn’t rush openings. Instead, the team watches how quickly membership builds, how well retention holds and how long each center takes to settle into steady performance before moving on to the next market.They also watch leading indicators that show whether a location is truly stable — presale conversion, trial-to-member conversion and whether staffing is in place early enough to deliver a consistent experience from day one.“The goal is disciplined growth, opening new units only when existing locations demonstrate predictable performance and leadership capacity is in place,” Pedatella said.With four new centers planned each year, he views the agreement as a long-term platform anchored in the same principle that has guided his career since 1998: build the people and systems first, and expansion follows.For more information about franchising with KidStrong, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/.">https://franchise.kidstrong.com/.</a>&nbsp;

With 18 locations operating - including 16 open and two in pre-sale - across NJ, CT and NY, Pedatella plans to reach 22 centers by year's end and continue opening at least four locations annually.

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanasuresoftware/">Ryan Roberts</a> moved from Philadelphia to Orange County two years ago, ready to build something of his own. After 20 years leading sales teams, he wanted to find a business that aligned with his values as a parent.&nbsp;“Prior to the move, I was working for a small boutique outsourced firm that provided human resources consulting. I was their first sales rep they hired and I built their sales function and sales team from scratch,” he said. “It really gave me a taste of entrepreneurship, being on the leadership team. It really gave me an interest in becoming an entrepreneur myself.”&nbsp;His search led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, a science-based kids training program focused on developing confidence, character and cognitive skills alongside physical strength.<h2>Finding the Right Fit Personally and Professionally</h2>Once in California, Roberts joined an entrepreneur organization in Orange County and began exploring franchise ownership. Child development quickly rose to the top of his list, largely because of his own son.“At that time, my own son had just turned three and, very similar to the founders of KidStrong’s story, he was a little shy and timid on the playground with things like climbing, physical activity and even social skills,” Roberts said.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> happened to have a location about 25 minutes away. So, he decided to try it out for himself. Roberts’ wife, a board-certified pediatrician and practicing neonatologist, has seen the impact early development can have on children’s futures. KidStrong stood out for its whole-child approach.&nbsp;“They’re working on cognitive development, character development, teamwork and real-life skills as a combination with that physical development,” Roberts said. “I knew from that first class that this is what I wanted to do.”Two months into the program, Roberts saw visible changes in his son’s confidence. That sealed the decision.<h2>A Different Approach to Kids’ Activities</h2>Roberts believes KidStrong stands apart from traditional youth sports and extracurriculars because the goal isn’t to master a single activity.“The goal is not to get good at KidStrong,” he said. “It’s to develop these skills, whether it’s physical development, confidence, how to publicly speak in front of people, how to shake someone’s hand and introduce yourself.”While sports like swimming or soccer focus primarily on skill development in that specific discipline, KidStrong trains children in transferable life skills such as public speaking, teamwork and resilience, which follow them into school, sports and beyond.“Those early years are so influential in a child’s brain development,” Roberts said.<h2>Strategic Growth Across Orange County</h2>Roberts currently operates one KidStrong location, with a second opening in May. As an area developer, he will open at least two more locations over the next two years, with a long-term goal of five in Southern California.Market planning across Orange County requires precision. Each community has its own traffic patterns, school systems and demographic nuances.“Southern California is a high-traffic area. So you have to take everything into account, from what else is surrounding the location that you're looking at,” Roberts said. “How easily accessible is it at the times when classes are going on? Is it in a super high-traffic area where parents are going to get frustrated and stuck in traffic? How many surrounding schools are there?”&nbsp;The operational model also dictates real estate decisions. KidStrong requires approximately 4,000 to 4,200 square feet of open space to accommodate its two training floors, proprietary equipment, and lobby space.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike traditional tutoring centers that may function in segmented office layouts, KidStrong needs an open, unobstructed environment to create the right experience for kids.<h2>Community as a Competitive Advantage</h2>Roberts credits much of his early traction to his already being embedded in the community he serves. Existing relationships with local schools, PTAs and business contacts have helped him build awareness and credibility as he grows KidStrong’s presence in Orange County. For area developers, he sees that kind of local connection as a practical advantage, especially during the pre-sale stage.“It is super beneficial and really important if you live in the area where you’re opening,” he said. “One of the reasons I’ve been able to hit the ground running is that I already had a connection to the community.”As he expands his footprint across Orange County, Roberts’ strategy is to choose high-potential family corridors, secure functional open-concept real estate and stay top of mind in the community.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.&nbsp;

After relocating from the East Coast, Ryan Roberts turned his passion for child development into a growing KidStrong footprint serving families throughout Southern California.

How This Former Sales Executive Is Building Confident Kids Across Orange County With KidStrong

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-hernandez-55608510a/">Ronnie Hernandez</a> has been working for himself since he was 22 years old. Now 63, he has spent decades building businesses and is known locally for owning and operating Orangetheory Fitness studios. Through his growing portfolio of&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> locations in South Florida, he is combining his experience in fitness and franchising to create opportunities for families, including his own, by allowing his two adult daughters to step into leadership roles and run day-to-day operations.&nbsp;“I really enjoy the franchise model,” Hernandez said. “I liked the fact that I didn’t have to continually reinvent something or be the one who always had the ideas. If I can follow instructions, I should be successful.”That mindset led him to Orangetheory more than a decade ago, where he built a successful multi-unit operation. His introduction to KidStrong came from seeing fellow Orangetheory operators get involved with the brand. Hernandez took a closer look at the brand and later traveled to Texas, where he met the KidStrong founders and made his decision.&nbsp;“We loved the concept from day one,” he said.<h2>A Model Designed for Today’s Kids</h2>Hernandez, who grew up in a time when kids spent most of their days outside, sees a clear gap in how children engage with physical activity and development today. That perspective, combined with his wife’s background in education, set KidStrong’s model apart.“We grew up in a different time. We were running around, we were entertaining ourselves,” he said. “A lot of that is missing today. So when we saw a child development center that focused on physical activity and building life skills, it really caught our attention.”KidStrong’s curriculum, which focuses on building confidence, character and physical ability through structured, coach-led classes, aligned with that belief. Hernandez saw that the model addresses a real need for families today.&nbsp;<h2>Early Momentum in Kendall and Doral</h2>That vision is now playing out in the communities his locations serve. With centers operating in Kendall and Doral and expansion continuing across the Miami market, Hernandez has seen how families are responding.“The response has been amazing,” Hernandez said. “When you see the parents and the children, how they progress, and the overall community that’s being formed, it’s rewarding. Not everything is monetary. It’s nice to see people thrive and excel.”That sense of impact extends beyond the centers' walls. As KidStrong’s presence grows, so does its visibility throughout the community. When Hernandez sees children wearing KidStrong shirts or families talking about the program in everyday settings, it sends signals that the brand is becoming part of the area's fabric.“It happens a lot now. There’s a buzz around town,” he said. “It’s a positive thing for the community.”&nbsp;<h2>Balancing Corporate Support with Local Expertise</h2>KidStrong’s corporate team has been providing meaningful support throughout the expansion process. From site selection to market analysis, the franchisor brings a strong understanding of different regions. At the same time, Hernandez appreciates that the brand values his local expertise and allows operators to weigh in with real-world knowledge.“They’ve been very helpful,” he said. “But there’s nothing like boots on the ground. I know Miami. I know the little pockets that might not look great on paper but are actually strong areas. They were receptive to that. It wasn’t just cut and dry based on data.”<h2>Building a Family Business with Community Impact</h2>With his daughters leading the day-to-day operations, KidStrong has taken on a different meaning for Hernandez. What started as an investment has become more personal, with his family directly involved in running and growing the business. He still checks in and stays connected, but much of what’s being built at the center level is driven by them.That has made the experience different. It’s not just about opening locations or expanding into new markets. It’s about being part of something families in the community are actually using and seeing the impact unfold over time.“It’s a win-win,” he said. “It’s a good investment, but it’s also a positive impact on the community. That’s what makes it special.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.&nbsp;

Ronnie Hernandez has spent years in the adult fitness franchise space. Now, hes using his expertise to build KidStrong in the Miami area with his daughters taking the lead.

Why This Orangetheory Operator Chose KidStrong As His Next Family-Business Venture in South Florida

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-torres-71129a/">Manuel Torres</a>, franchising has never been about chasing trends. It has been about finding systems that work, building strong teams and scaling with discipline.“I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” Torres said. “I looked at different businesses and, at some point, did a restaurant. I discovered that it’s very hard to do your own thing. When I found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-orangetheory-fitness-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721213">Orangetheory</a>, I saw that it was so much easier to follow the processes and the proven concept that, obviously, the franchisor has put together.”That lesson — trust the system, execute with consistency — became the foundation of his multi-unit approach. After building within Orangetheory Fitness, Torres began looking for his next scalable opportunity. He found it in&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, a children’s fitness and enrichment concept that blends physical activity with brain and character development.“I was very impressed with the purpose of it,” Torres said. “What resonated the most for me, similar to Orangetheory, is that it is a purposeful concept, meaning that it has substance, a benefit, a nice outcome that helps people.”The concept hit home personally. At the time, his children were squarely in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong’s</a> target age range.“The concept spoke to me loudly in terms of what it was intended to do,” he said. “Obviously, kids want physical activity, and there are other places they can do that. But I think combining the brain and character development component, I felt that was not only beneficial to an individual family, but truly — and this is not exaggerating — it’s beneficial for communities.”<h2>Scaling Across Markets</h2>Today, Torres operates KidStrong locations in Indianapolis and Seattle, with development underway in Texas. His expansion model mirrors his fitness playbook: leverage trusted leadership, empower operating partners and select markets with precision.One of his first KidStrong opportunities came in Indianapolis, where a longtime team member relocated to launch the brand. Soon after, he repeated the model in Seattle.“Similarly to Indianapolis, I had people who had worked with me for a long time who were from Seattle,” Torres said. “I made them the same deal, it worked, and they moved. Now we have three locations there, and those three locations are exploding.”Geography matters, but demographics matter more. Torres relies heavily on data and disciplined site selection.“With my experience in the other concepts, I know demographic information is the key,” he said. “You have to make sure it has the household income that would be conducive to spending the money that is needed for kids … and it has to be a location that has families with certain niche groups.”He also weighs growth patterns and future trends. “You want to see that young families are moving to the area and it’s not going to be something more for retirement,” he said.Real estate discipline remains central to his philosophy. “The most essential, important thing is to find the right location,” Torres said. “You want to grow, but it has to be the right location, not just open because you want more. You have to open because it’s the prime location.”<h2>Why Kids Fitness, Why Now</h2>Torres believes the children’s fitness category is positioned for long-term growth, driven by cultural shifts around screen time and structured development.“Nowadays, people are in electronics and not very active, with the sedentary aspect of our lives,” he said. “With electronics and how things are, it’s kind of coming back to the basics of physical activity — get active. People want that. It’s coming back full circle.”KidStrong’s structured programming fills a gap many parents feel but struggle to address on their own.“I think activity and development and learning outside of the household is indirectly in parents’ brains,” Torres said. “They’re thinking, ‘I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what my kid can do that is different.’”For Torres, the opportunity is both scalable and meaningful. As he continues to expand in Seattle and evaluate additional growth in Texas, his strategy remains clear: disciplined development, strong operators and a concept with purpose.“This concept, in my view, has been very rewarding,” he said. “I strongly believe it benefits communities, not just a few families.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

Photo of KidStrong franchisee Manuel Torres

An operating partner behind franchises like KidStrong and Orangetheory Fitness, Torres shares his expansion strategy and why children’s fitness is the next frontier for operators with scale.

KidStrong: A Franchise Transforming Child Development

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