KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-reyes-866ba6/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-michael-reyes-2730511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael Reyes</a> spent years climbing the corporate ladder at a major insurance company, overseeing a territory that generated millions in annual revenue. Despite the recognition, he felt he had reached a ceiling.“I knew my ability to grow was going to be stifled, and I had more to offer,” Reyes said. “There was too much politics. I learned a lot, built great relationships, and had success, but it was time to make the leap. I was confident in my ability.”That became even clearer in 2022 when he took a corporate leadership role. “That experience showed me my comfort zone was running, owning, and growing my own businesses,” he said. “It was the best move to leave corporate and dive back into entrepreneurship.”Having spent 15 of his 20 years as a 1099 contractor, Reyes said he was “wired to be an owner.” He had already built a real estate portfolio and co-owned multiple Orangetheory Fitness locations, so ownership wasn’t new — but&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-michael-reyes-2730511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a> offered a fresh opportunity.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> is a science-based youth enrichment franchise focused on helping children build confidence, strength, and character. For Reyes, it represented a chance to build a business that combined strong unit economics with meaningful community impact.<h3>Comparing Two Franchise Systems</h3>Reyes’s time as an Orangetheory franchisee gave him perspective on how great systems operate. “Being an Orangetheory franchisee for the last 10 years gave me perspective on how strong systems work,” he said. “It also let me compare both brands and share best practices with other operators. The franchisor–franchisee relationship is critical. Both Orangetheory and KidStrong provide tremendous support — and if you’re aligned and scaling successfully, they reward you with more opportunities.”He also stressed the importance of financial discipline. “The four-wall unit economics are strong, but only if you follow the operating system,” Reyes said.<h3>Doing the Homework</h3>When it came time to choose his next move, Reyes went beyond surface-level research. “You can look at FDDs all day long, but I go deeper,” he said. “Franchisor calls are helpful, but they’re high-level. You’ve got to know your numbers and talk to the right people.”Reyes spoke with operators across the entire spectrum of the KidStrong franchise system. “I wanted to understand why some were winning and others were still climbing. That’s the only way to connect the dots,” he said.He focused on fundamentals: profitability, break-even timelines, and performance in the field. “Anybody can sell licenses,” he said. “The real question is, how many centers are thriving and how quickly can they ramp?”Another key factor was territory selection. “Site selection and strong demographics are critical,” Reyes said. “You want to be where families live, where kids are, and where there’s a long runway for growth.”He also warns new franchisees not to overlook lease alignment. “If your franchise renewal and lease don’t line up, you could face a tough decision.”And patience is essential. “Too many people think the day you open is the day you’re profitable,” he said. “It takes time. Plan properly, know your numbers, and execute consistently.”<h3>Leveraging a Sales Background</h3>Reyes believes his background in enterprise sales gave him a clear advantage in franchising. “Our sales process is consultative because the product is powerful,” he said. “When parents see how our programming supports their child’s development, there isn’t much ‘selling.’ We’re showing families an experience that delivers results.”Before KidStrong, he had already led large teams. “In insurance, I hired and developed thousands of 1099 associates and leaders,” Reyes said. “That taught me one of the biggest lessons in franchising — hiring the right people can make or break you.”Those skills, paired with KidStrong’s playbook, allowed him to build momentum quickly. “If you follow the playbook and then add your strengths — in my case, sales and leadership — you’ll scale faster,” he said.<h3>All In on KidStrong</h3>“I left a lucrative career in sales for KidStrong,” Reyes said. “I was on a strong track, but it was eating me up inside. Once I made the decision, there was no looking back.”His mindset was simple: ownership couldn’t be a side project. “I’m either all in or all out. Once I bought into the vision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsharp321go/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-michael-reyes-2730511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matt</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/megin-sharp-a5b3bb13a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-michael-reyes-2730511" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Megin Sharp</a> created, I committed fully,” he said.That commitment fueled rapid growth. In a short time, Reyes scaled from one center to 12, with plans for up to 30. He attributes the expansion to starting from the ground up. “I immersed myself — sold memberships, cleaned floors, followed SOPs, hired. Then I replicated it through managers,” he said.He also follows what he calls the “I, We, They” model of leadership. “I had to do it first. Then we had to do it together. Now they are doing it with success,” Reyes said. “That’s how you build a team that can scale.”To keep his team accountable, he poses a challenge: “If your name was on the front and it didn’t say KidStrong — it said John Strong — how would you think about the business?”<h3>Lessons Learned</h3>After scaling quickly, Reyes said a few lessons stood out as critical for any new franchisee. These are the points he emphasizes most when others ask about his journey.<ul><li>Nail pre-sales. “You get one chance at pre-sales. Hire someone who owns sales and marketing and is willing to put in the effort.”</li><li>Follow the system. “KidStrong’s development, marketing, and opening teams kept us on track. Their support was key.”</li><li>Match lease and franchise terms. “If your lease runs past your franchise term, you could get stuck. Line those dates up.”</li><li>Pick the right territory. “Strong demographics and the right location set the foundation for long-term success.”</li><li>Go deeper than the FDD.&nbsp;“Don’t just stop at averages on paper. Talk to operators and learn the business behind the business.”</li><li>Plan for ramp-up. “Profitability doesn’t happen overnight. Execute consistently, and it will come.”</li></ul><h3>Fulfillment Beyond Corporate Life</h3>Reyes admits the shift hasn’t been easy, but it has given him more flexibility and fulfillment than corporate life ever did. “My success has always come from work ethic and persistence,” he said. “That’s what drives growth in franchising — not shortcuts, just consistent execution.”The transition also reshaped his lifestyle. “Working from home, visiting stores, and being present with my family has created flexibility,” Reyes said. “But you carry the business with you everywhere. You have to learn to compartmentalize.”Despite the risk, Reyes says he has no regrets. “People said I was crazy. But they’re not writing the book of my life. I believe in myself, I believe in my team, and KidStrong gave me the chance to own my future.”<h3>The Story So Far — And the Value Reyes Is Building</h3>Looking back, Reyes says his journey has been about more than just opening centers. “Our story so far is really about building a community,” he said. “Every family that walks through our doors becomes part of something bigger. We’re helping kids win at life, but we’re also creating a place where parents connect, coaches grow, and communities thrive.”For Reyes, that’s the real value behind his platform. “It’s not only about unit economics or scaling locations. It’s about impact,” he said. “The more centers we open, the more lives we touch — and that’s the measure of success that matters most to me.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info.">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info.</a>&nbsp;

Michael Reyes - From Sales to KidStrong Franchise Owner

1851 Franchise

After years with a major insurance company, Reyes left corporate sales to pursue entrepreneurship, building a fast-growing portfolio of KidStrong centers across multiple markets.

This brand page has been paid for by KIDSTRONG FRANCHISING, LLC. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Michael Reyes Left Sales Career to Build KidStrong Centers

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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

Why a KidStrong Franchise Fits This Family’s Next Chapter

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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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<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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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.

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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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Choosing a franchise is a major decision, and candidates need more than a polished brochure to move forward. In the fast-growing world of youth enrichment,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> stands out by offering a science-based development program for kids that focuses on brain, physical and character milestones.&nbsp;Prospective franchise owners need to know exactly what happens when the doors to the new business open, how the money moves and what is expected of them as leaders within a brand that’s scaling toward more than 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a>, spends his days in the trenches with these candidates. From initial discovery calls to the final stages of validation, he hears the same questions surface repeatedly. Here are 10 that come up most often for candidates considering KidStrong.<h2>1. How Does the Business Actually Make Money?</h2>At its core, KidStrong is built around developmental milestones and physical fitness. The financial engine, however, is actually built on a mostly recurring model. Membership dues account for a substantial share of overall revenues and provide owners with a more predictable base. But there’s more in play than just the weekly class schedule."For us, that’s camps when school is out, birthday parties, parents’ night out and apparel," Patrick said. "Those non-membership items are also a strong lead engine because you don’t have to be a member to participate."<h2>2. Can I Keep My Day Job While Running a KidStrong?</h2>This is one of the most critical points in the discovery process. KidStrong is not designed to be a passive investment or a side hustle. The brand requires an owner who is present and focused on the growth of each KidStrong location."If you plan to keep your job, do not do KidStrong," Patrick said. "You will struggle. And you will be upset because you’re splitting between two worlds you probably can’t handle."<h2>3. How Do I Find the Right Location?</h2>Real estate is a primary concern for just about every franchise ownership candidate. KidStrong relies on parents being able to easily access the center during busy afternoon and weekend windows. So, the site selection process is rigorous out of necessity. The corporate team, however, provides data-driven analysis to help candidates navigate leases and identify the specific demographics that drive success, easing the process.<h2>4. What Should I Be Doing During the Construction Phase?</h2>Sales. Sales. Sales. Strong candidates don’t spend the construction phase waiting for the business to open. The most successful owners treat the pre-open phase as a critical window for initial marketing. Corporate HQ handles digital lead generation. But franchise owners at the local level are ultimately responsible for building brand loyalty. Building a VIP list and showing up at local community events can help a new franchise owner gain traction quickly. That is all in addition to the general pre-sale to open centers with a strong number of members.&nbsp;<h2>5. What Does the Ideal Staff Look Like?</h2>Staffing is the heartbeat of the operation. While some fitness concepts look for drill instructors, KidStrong looks for mentors. Because the curriculum is handled at the headquarters level, owners can focus more on finding coaches who connect well with kids."Member retention is almost directly tied to coaching quality," Patrick said. "We control the program and in-center content from HQ, which lets owners hire coaches based on personality and engagement, not just fitness backgrounds."<h2>6. How Important Is the General Manager Role?</h2>Building a great team fast is difficult but crucial. The general manager is a particularly pivotal hire and is a separate position from ownership. KidStrong maintains a high standard for the position and requires each to complete a formal certification process. If a candidate doesn’t meet brand benchmarks, they won’t be stepping into the role.<h2>7. What Are the Expectations for ROI and Breaking Even?</h2>Financial transparency is key as potential candidates near a final decision. KidStrong utilizes a minimum member opening requirement to protect each franchise owner. And, by ensuring a specific number of members are signed up prior to opening, the brand aims to have centers operating at a break-even point from opening. This strategy prevents owners from burning capital or making panicked operational decisions during the early months of the new business.<h2>8. How Does KidStrong Stay Ahead of the Competition?</h2>The youth enrichment space is crowded. And savvy investors want to know the brand isn’t just standing still. The company functions more like a nimble tech firm than a slow-moving corporation. "This is not a gigantic cruise ship that takes years to turn," Patrick said. "When we make a decision, we go. That requires franchisees to be nimble and adjust quickly."That mindset also shapes who the brand wants to bring into the system. KidStrong, for example, offers VetFran candidates a 15% discount on the franchise fee.<h2>9. Is the Model Repeatable for Multi-Unit Ownership?</h2>For franchisees who want to grow beyond a single location, the focus shifts. They want room to expand, reliable support and clear visibility into how each center is performing day to day.<h2>10. What Is the Hidden Key to Success?</h2>When asked what he wishes candidates would ask earlier, Patrick pointed directly to the human element. Success in this franchise is about a lot more than simply enjoying fitness. It’s about the ability to recruit and manage high-performing teams."If you don’t have experience hiring, or you’re not comfortable interviewing and assessing talent, KidStrong is probably not the right franchise for you," Patrick said. "You have to get those reps and get very good at it."<h2>The Takeaway</h2>KidStrong is a high-energy commitment. The brand provides a rewarding ownership opportunity. But it requires early immersion at the local level. While the financial model and corporate support provide the framework, true success still rests on the franchise owner's ability to build a great team. And for those willing to put in the required effort and focus early, KidStrong offers a clear path to professional growth while making a significant impact on the next generation.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>About KidStrongKidStrong was founded in 2015 by Matt and Megin Sharp because they wanted a program focused on developing strength and confidence for their daughter Ella and other kids like her. Together, they partnered in 2017 with Matt's best friend and co-founder Lincoln Brown to help grow the program. Later, Megan Stein joined as a co-founder. Together they developed KidStrong, a science-based kids’ training program focused on brain, physical and character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals to help accelerate milestone development and promote social and emotional strength. Today, KidStrong has grown exponentially, with more than 500 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015. Over the next five years, KidStrong plans to have more than 500 open centers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

KidStrong’s SVP of Franchise Development answers the most common questions prospective franchisees ask — from investment expectations to operational support and long-term growth potential.

Michael Reyes Left Sales Career to Build KidStrong Centers

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