KidStrong Franchising, LLC

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-uribe-san-diego/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gabe</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-uribe-687495b8/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Melissa Uribe</a> came to&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a>, the science-based kids training franchise, as parents focused on helping their kids. After driving 45 minutes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kidstrongcarlsbad/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong Carlsbad</a> starting in March 2024, they watched their son transform from a hesitant mover who’d needed physical therapy to walk at 18 months into one of the top runners at school. Their daughter jumped in soon after, and the family’s “this should exist near us” moment arrived. Now, the Uribes are bringing&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> to Rancho Bernardo, California, with a center expected to open in summer 2026 serving families in the area, including Carmel Mountain Ranch, Poway and surrounding North San Diego communities.What drew them in wasn’t just the physical support. It was KidStrong’s whole-child model: equal parts physical skills, confidence and character. The affirmations (“I am strong. I am brave. I can do this.”) followed them from the center to the playground to theme-park lines, and the results stuck. Unlike drop-off programs, KidStrong pulls parents into the process and builds a genuine community — exactly what the Uribes say North San Diego is hungry for.Backed by Gabe’s hospitality and tech operations background and Melissa’s 18-year accounting career, the Uribes plan to ultimately develop two to three centers in San Diego County. Their goal is long-term impact: help as many kids as possible grow stronger, braver and more resilient.Gabe and Melissa sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss how their family’s experience with KidStrong led them to franchise ownership. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Gabe Uribe:&nbsp;I grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos, just across the 15 freeway from where we’re opening. My professional background is in hospitality and tourism management, with a transition to property management, and more recently as a product manager for tech startups. The tech industry is rife with layoffs and uncertainty. That instability, combined with my desire for a more family-friendly schedule, made me look for alternatives. When we saw how much we loved KidStrong as parents, and realized there was a huge market opportunity since the only San Diego location was a 35 to 45-minute drive away, it just made perfect sense to bring this positive program to my old stomping grounds.Melissa Uribe:&nbsp;I’ve been a stable accountant with the same company for 18 years and am very risk-averse, so franchising was not something I was interested in at all. My husband had previously mentioned it, and I was negative about it. However, once we started taking our kids to KidStrong and saw the incredible physical and emotional improvement in them, it was clear: this program needs to be available to every kid. The decision to franchise only made sense because I got behind the actual KidStrong program itself, not just the business idea.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?Gabe:&nbsp;Prior to KidStrong, I had considered smaller, at-home franchise concepts like cold calling or sales after a layoff. The idea of opening a physical center was completely new until we saw this opportunity. What I want people to know now is: you better believe in the product. If you view it only as a way to make money and then be hands-off, you're going to struggle when things get rough. Your belief in the mission will be the only thing that keeps you going.Melissa: The idea of the risk involved with franchising was something I was completely against. What I want people to know now is that my entire perspective changed because of the KidStrong product itself. I got behind the brand because I saw the proof in the pudding with our own kids. It wasn't the franchise model that sold me; it was the undeniable value of the program.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Gabe:&nbsp;I'm excited by how much KidStrong speaks to the parents, the customer. Parents are going to spend money on their kids’ development, and KidStrong purposely addresses both character building and physical development. The high parent engagement that's built into the model, making it a community and not just a drop-off, makes us confident it's a recipe for success.Melissa:&nbsp;It was the only brand for us because it addresses the "whole child": equal parts physical, brain and character. Other concepts offer the physical aspect, but KidStrong teaches life skills like perseverance and grit. We use their affirmations ("I am strong, I am brave, I can do this") outside of class to encourage our son to try new things, like going on a new ride at Legoland.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Gabe:&nbsp;We want to take care of our people better than other companies I've worked for. We want to offer advancement opportunities for those with a passion for child development or fitness. Our growth plan is to open two to three successful centers in San Diego County, giving Melissa the opportunity to be as hands-on as possible.Melissa:&nbsp;My focus is literally how many kids we can help. As long as we can pay our bills and pay our people well, I want to serve as many families as possible, especially seeing so many children who are shy and lack confidence.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Gabe:&nbsp;Make sure you believe in the product. If you love chicken, you open a chicken franchise. Because when things get rough, and they will, your belief in the mission will be the only thing that keeps you going.Melissa:&nbsp;Agreed. You have to believe in the product you’re selling. We saw the direct impact of the program on our children, and that conviction is what makes the long process worthwhile.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Gabe:&nbsp;Our oldest son, Westley, also has epilepsy, which comes with emotional challenges. We were concerned about him being held back, but the progress we've seen in building his confidence through KidStrong, while nothing else changed, has been amazing. We now see him flying through the air and leaping, which is a big deal for a child who struggled to walk at 18 months.Melissa:&nbsp;My mom, the doting grandmother, was actually the one who introduced us to KidStrong after a coworker recommended it. Our son, Westley, was a late roller and needed physical therapy to learn to walk at 18 months. He struggled with basic motor skills and couldn't even run properly; he galloped. Now, because of KidStrong, he is one of the top runners in his school’s running club.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/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kidstrong-franchise-rancho-bernardo-gabe-melissa-uribe-2731600" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

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

KidStrong Franchise Coming to Rancho Bernardo: Uribes Open in Summer 2026

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Gabe and Melissa Uribe plan to open their KidStrong location in summer 2026, serving families across North San Diego County with a whole-child model built on movement, confidence and character.

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

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

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After years of working in finance and owning UPS franchises,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-sidhu-6791a473/">Neha Sidhu</a> is bringing&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based kids training program, to the Bay Area. After experiencing the program firsthand, she and her husband, Ajay, signed a five-unit deal with plans to bring the brand to communities including San Francisco, Corte Madera, Santa Rosa and Daly City. Their first location will open in Santa Rosa.“We went to a birthday party at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> locally when my daughter was around four-and-a-half, and I really liked the whole concept,” Sidhu said. “My daughter was a very late walker. She didn't start walking until she was 17 or 18 months old. She is not somebody who's very physically active or confident, and so when she went there, and I saw her running around and playing and competing, it was an eye-opener for me.”&nbsp;Neha grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and was exposed to business ownership at a young age. She graduated from San Jose State with a degree in business administration and worked in finance for five years afterward. Her husband bought his first UPS store in 2015 and the couple bought two more in 2019.&nbsp;Instead of starting with a single location, the Sidhus signed a five-unit deal off the bat because they believed strongly in the brand’s long-term potential. Sitting down with the founders and corporate team during Discovery Day also showed the passion behind the brand.&nbsp;“I already knew that this could be something that could change lives,” Neha said. “We're shaping kids. It's something that's going to produce future leaders.”<h2>Why KidStrong Stands Out From Other Franchises</h2>One of the reasons KidStrong stood out to the franchisees was its science-based approach. “It's not just for the pure entertainment of kids,” Neha said. “It’s creating a future for them. It's accelerating their physical growth and their mental growth, versus just putting a kid in a class for 30 minutes and just spending some time entertaining them.”&nbsp;It’s something that Neha wishes she had earlier for her daughter and herself. As the child of parents who immigrated to the United States from India, the skills children can develop with KidStrong weren’t always emphasized.&nbsp;“I know things have changed now, but my parents are from a different generation,” she said. “I think if they had a program that was so well-rounded to put me in, it would have helped me a lot more growing up with confidence, learning new things and being physically stronger. I think it would have made me a more well-rounded person.”&nbsp;<h2>The Long-Term Vision for KidStrong in the Bay Area</h2>The Sidhus’ experience in franchising gives them skills that will carry over into the new business.&nbsp;“I think managing employees will definitely transfer over,” Neha said. “I've been doing it for a long time. It's been almost 11 years. That's probably the strongest skill set that I'm going to take into KidStrong.”&nbsp;After Santa Rosa is up and running, the franchisees hope to open two more locations per year and plan to expand beyond the original five territories planned across the Bay Area.&nbsp;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;

UPS Franchisees Bring KidStrong to the Bay Area After Seeing It Spark Their Daughter’s Confidence

Starting in Santa Rosa, Ajay and Neha Sidhu plan to expand across Northern California with a program designed to help kids build confidence through movement and structured training.

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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 many prospective franchisees exploring youth enrichment concepts, summer raises an obvious question: What happens when families leave town? At&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, a child development franchise that blends physical activity with confidence-building and social-emotional learning, that concern has become one of the brand’s stronger talking points. Families may travel, shift routines or put memberships on hold for several weeks, but&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> has built programming around those realities instead of treating them as unavoidable slowdowns.<h2>Turning Summer Into a Revenue Opportunity</h2>“A lot of people getting into anything involving kids fear the summer,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development for KidStrong. “Traditional youth brands, or especially youth fitness brands, may see the summer as a time when they’re going to bleed profit. We’ve built our programs to ease that concern. In the early days, we were heavily focused on membership. As we saw, during the summer, people go on vacation and tend to put their membership on hold. So we said, ‘How can we have something that allows us to not only offset that revenue loss but also generate new members?’ That’s when we started offering camps.”&nbsp;KidStrong’s weeklong, full-day camps draw on the same core competencies used in its regular classes, giving families another way to experience the brand over the summer. For franchisees, they also help protect revenue when memberships are put on hold. The camps have become a strong first touchpoint for new families, too. Patrick said they see camps at about 50% members and 50% non-members, which gives the centers another opportunity for conversion. “The beauty of camp is that you do not have to be a KidStrong member,” Patrick said. “We do see a lot of our members enrolling in camp, but we also see a lot of nonmembers who maybe want to try out KidStrong. They get that week at camp, and then, for our franchise partners, they now have a list of new leads that, after camp, they can go after and get them to sign up for membership.”<h2>Making Better Use of Time</h2>KidStrong does not run classes all hours of every day, and Patrick said franchisees have to understand how to make the most of the hours when children and parents are actually available. Weekday mornings, after-school hours and weekends all serve different customer groups. The brand has also expanded its weekday morning opportunity with BabyStrong, a program for kids who are crawling.&nbsp;That same thinking applies to birthday parties, which can fill space during weekend hours when classes typically slow down. Patrick said birthday parties can account for about 5% to 6% of revenue, depending on how heavily a franchisee leans into them. For some operators, that can mean several parties on a weekend.“People want to do class on the weekends from the morning until about midday,” Patrick said. “After that, they’re usually busy with other stuff. A lot of centers may not have had class during that time, so we turn that into birthday party time just to fill that capacity. It’s a really unique experience. Again, it’s an insight into the class, but our birthday parties have very specific programming and we see non-members host their parties at KidStrong, too.”&nbsp;For parents, the party is a high-energy birthday experience. For franchisees, it is also an introduction to families who may not have been looking for an ongoing class. Patrick said the birthday child is positioned as “the superhero of the class,” while the rest of the kids stay active throughout the event.<h2>Planning Around the School Calendar</h2>Beyond summer, KidStrong has built programming around the calendar gaps that create stress for working parents. Teacher workdays, spring break and holiday breaks can become camp opportunities for our operators. The typical model is built around roughly 80 days of camp (including ~12 weeks of summer), but strong operators can add more days throughout the year.“We have a saying: ‘When School is Out, KidStrong Camp is in!’’” Patrick said. “It doesn’t have to be only in the windows we’ve identified. That’s been a big plus because, when you look at the total over a year, the more weeks of camp you can get, the more revenue you’re going to make. Then you start to be seen in the community as a place for parents whenever there is a holiday.”That community role becomes more valuable when franchisees get ahead of family planning habits. Patrick said summer camps often begin filling in the first quarter, with parents booking in January, February and March. For KidStrong operators, that means seasonal programming cannot be treated as a last-minute add-on.<h2>Investing in the Schedule</h2>While camps, parties and Parents Night Out can create meaningful non-recurring revenue, Patrick said the core business is still membership. About 82% of revenue comes from recurring memberships, while camps, birthday parties, and Parents Night Out can account for 10% to 15%. The goal is to make those offerings work together rather than compete for attention.That requires franchisees to think differently about efficiency. A class with only a few kids may look underused, but Patrick said those open slots are what give the sales team something to sell. Cutting too aggressively can make it harder to grow.“What I’ve learned with KidStrong is that it is about investing,” Patrick said. “When you first open your location, you are focused on investment. You’re investing to grow that membership. If you fail to invest during that time, you’re not going to grow at the pace you need to start getting into the really high-margin returns. You may open up a class and only have two or three kids in there, but that’s your inventory. That’s how your salespeople are able to sell and put kids in those classes.”The same principle applies to staffing. Patrick said strong coaches can drive a better experience and stronger returns, even if franchisees have to spend more to hire them. Camps may require a slightly different employee profile than regular classes because coaches are with children for much longer periods.<h2>Building a Model That Can Scale</h2>KidStrong’s approach to limited hours also plays into multi-unit growth. Because centers are not open around the clock, owners and general managers are not necessarily tied to the business seven days a week once the location is staffed and operating well. That gives strong operators room to grow into additional locations over time.“No doubt, when you first open and during the newer opening process, you’re going to be pouring a lot of time into the business,” Patrick said. “That’s why we don’t let franchisees do multiple units at a time. We want them focused on that one. Get that one open and profitable, and then move on to the next.”For KidStrong franchisees, the calendar is more than a schedule. It is part of how the business stays useful to families when routines change, whether that means a summer trip, a school closure or a weekend celebration.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>.

How KidStrong Solved the Seasonality Problem for Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

By building around parent demand during summer, school breaks and weekends, KidStrong gives franchisees more ways to drive revenue beyond recurring membership.

How KidStrong Solved the Seasonality Problem: Camps, Parties and Smarter Use of Time

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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

frequently-asked-questions-josh-patrick

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.

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

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