KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-volk-0225b558/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025-2730085" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Barb Volk</a> never set out to become a multi-unit, multi-market franchise owner. When her longtime business partner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-birer-6b5b94b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025-2730085" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Doug Birer</a> first mentioned&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025-2730085" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a>, she had just welcomed her daughter into the world and was taking a step back from her leadership role in the Orangetheory system they had built together. The last thing she thought she needed was another business. But something about&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> stuck with her.It wasn’t just the business model, although it mirrored the successful structure she’d seen work at Orangetheory. It was the mission. As a new mom with a background in sports and physiology, Volk felt an immediate connection to the concept: a science-based, high-energy training program designed to help kids build strength, confidence and character. A few months later, when she and her husband visited a KidStrong location with their daughter — then only 14 months old — she knew this was the next chapter. It felt right both personally and professionally.Today, Volk and Birer are area developers for KidStrong in several major regions, including Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and parts of New York City. Their goal? To open several new locations each year while building a network of strong operators who share their commitment to families, fitness and long-term growth.1851 Franchise spoke to Volk about her franchise journey and plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Barb Volk:&nbsp;I grew up in South Florida, in Plantation, where I was a swimmer and active in sports. I went to college in Chapel Hill and moved back after graduation. I studied exercise physiology but wasn’t sure what my next step would be, so I kept going with school and worked on my master’s in exercise science, hoping to figure things out.During college and grad school, I started working as a personal trainer and fitness instructor in gyms. That’s when I got introduced to Orangetheory, when my now business partner, Doug, opened his first studio in Parkland, Florida. I started coaching there while finishing my degree, just to make some money, and that really kicked off my career with Orangetheory.Doug hired me as the manager of his second studio in Plantation, my hometown. I became the head coach and studio manager there. Over the years, as Doug expanded, he offered me a small piece of the business, and we became partners. Eventually, we had the opportunity to develop the Charlotte market together, along with my father, Jay Thomas.&nbsp;I had my daughter, Mackenzie. Around then, Doug — who's always looking for the next opportunity — mentioned a new franchise called KidStrong. I remember our lunch like it was yesterday. I thought the idea of a new business sounded crazy. I had just had a child, was enjoying motherhood, and had already pulled back from Orangetheory. Still, the idea of KidStrong stuck with me. At that phase in life, as a new parent, I felt drawn to the concept.&nbsp; I wanted to be the best parent I could be, and coming from an athletic background, it resonated with me. My husband and I visited a KidStrong location with our daughter when she was 14 months old, and the rest is history.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchise owner, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Volk:&nbsp;I started as a coach with Orangetheory, so I had no experience with the franchise model initially. But over time, I saw the value in it. Being able to follow a proven playbook while still owning your own business gives you the best of both worlds. If you stick to the system and hire great people, it sets you up for success. That structure makes it much easier to grow and scale.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Volk:&nbsp;That’s the easiest answer for me. It fits the place I’m at in life — being a parent and wanting to be involved in a program that’s a positive influence on our community and our youth. It aligned perfectly with my personal values.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Volk:&nbsp;Our goal is to open a couple of locations per year. We’re actively looking for real estate in our market, and we’re growing as fast — and as responsibly — as we can so we can bring KidStrong to more families and communities.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Volk:&nbsp;I think it’s worth mentioning that I have three kids, and more if you count all of my KidStrong “babies.” What makes this all doable for me is work-life integration. I don’t bring my kids to the center every day, but being involved in a business that’s centered around kids and families makes it all feel manageable and meaningful.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Volk:&nbsp;Find something you’re passionate about and truly believe in. Be willing to follow the playbook, and hire the right people.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Franchise Owner Bought a KidStrong 

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With a background in fitness and a growing family, Barb Volk has found the perfect blend of purpose and business ownership through franchising with KidStrong.

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

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

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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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<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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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Gabe & Melissa Uribe, KidStrong

After Seeing KidStrong’s Impact on Their Kids, the Uribes Are Bringing It to Rancho Bernardo, California

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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.

The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a KidStrong Franchise

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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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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.

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

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