KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Parents today have more options than ever when it comes to kids’ activities, from youth sports leagues and gymnastics programs to open-play spaces and tutoring or enrichment classes. Yet many of these programs were designed for a different era, one where unstructured play, seasonal participation or narrow skill-building were considered enough.&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-makes-a-kidstrong-franchise-different-from-other-childrens-programming-2731281" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise, was created to fill a growing gap in that landscape.&nbsp;Rather than functioning as a gym, sports-specific program or drop-in activity,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> positions itself as a comprehensive child development system, one built around structure, progression and confidence during the most critical developmental years.<h2>Skill-Based Development vs. Indoor Playground</h2>Traditional kids’ gyms and drop in&nbsp; programs often emphasize movement without intention. Children run, jump, climb and explore, but progress is incidental rather than designed. While play is important, open environments rarely provide clear milestones or a framework for long-term growth.KidStrong takes a different approach. Its programming is built on a structured, skill-based curriculum that follows a clear progression. Children move through defined developmental stages, learning foundational motor skills, coordination, balance and strength in a way that builds intentionally from one class to the next. Growth is not left to chance. It is designed, measured and reinforced.This structure allows parents to see tangible progress over time, rather than simply knowing their child was active for 45 minutes.<h2>A Whole-Child Approach to Development</h2>Traditional kids' programs often focus on one area: specific sports, general fitness or academics. While helpful, childhood development isn't single-focused.Children build confidence through movement, communication, problem-solving and social interaction at the same time. When programs only address one area, other skills are often overlooked. KidStrong was designed to reflect how kids actually grow by combining physical challenges with mental engagement and social interaction within each class. Strength, focus, communication and confidence are developed together rather than treated as isolated outcomes.This integrated approach helps children carry what they learn beyond the program itself, showing up more capable not only during activities but in everyday situations.<h2>Confidence as the Primary Outcome</h2>In many kids’ programs, success is easy to spot. A child scores a goal, finishes a routine or keeps up with the group. Those moments can be exciting, but they do not work the same way for every child. Some kids thrive in performance-driven environments. Others shut down when comparison becomes part of the experience.That confidence shows up outside the program. Parents often notice changes in everyday situations, such as children speaking up more easily or participating without prompting.&nbsp;<h2>Designed for Today’s Parents</h2>Modern parents face challenges that previous generations did not. Increased screen time, reduced physical activity, shorter attention spans and lingering social effects from the post-pandemic years have reshaped childhood.&nbsp;KidStrong was designed with those concerns in mind. Classes provide routine and structure without rigidity. Activities are engaging without relying on screens. Skills taught are practical, transferable and relevant to daily life. Parents are also integrated into the experience, with visibility into their child’s progress and a clear understanding of what each class is designed to accomplish.This intentionality resonates with families who want more than another extracurricular. They want a program that supports their child’s growth in a measurable, thoughtful way.<h2>Filling the Gap That Traditional Programs Leave Behind</h2>Youth sports, gyms and play spaces still have a role in childhood. But they often leave critical gaps unaddressed, particularly for younger children who need structure, repetition and confidence-building more than competition or specialization.KidStrong fills that gap by operating in a category of its own. It is a child development program built around science-based principles, delivered through a consistent system and focused on outcomes that matter long after childhood.As parents continue to seek intentional, research-informed solutions for their kids, KidStrong’s approach reflects a broader shift in how families define success. It’s a shift away from trophies and performance and toward confidence, capability and readiness for life.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;

What Makes a KidStrong Franchise Different From Other Children’s Programming

What Makes KidStrong Different From Traditional Kids’ Programs

1851 Franchise

KidStrong’s structured, confidence-first approach is redefining kids’ development beyond sports prep or indoor playgrounds

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As&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger, smarter and more confident, continues its rapid national expansion, one market stands out as a prime opportunity for growth: San Diego, California.&nbsp;“California in itself is just an economic powerhouse,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at KidStrong. “You have some of the most densely populated areas with active families. The median age of San Diego is around 35 years old, which is our target customer.”&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">KidStrong</a> already operates six locations across California, with eight more in development throughout 2026. In San Diego County, the brand’s Carlsbad center has proven there’s a significant appetite for its unique blend of physical, social and cognitive training.“We have a location on the northern side of San Diego that does very well,” Patrick said. “We’re in the market and we see that potential.”&nbsp;<h2>A Strong Market Fit for KidStrong’s Mission</h2>The brand estimates up to 10 potential locations across the greater San Diego area, stretching from Oceanside down through Mission Valley, including target neighborhoods such as Encinitas, Santee and Carmel Mountain Ranch, where a new center is already under development.“The families here are health-conscious and always looking for things to do with their kids,” Patrick said. “That’s exactly where KidStrong fits in — we offer something fun, impactful and science-based .”Patrick noted that the Carmel Mountain Ranch location, led by existing franchisees and former members Gabe and Melissa Urib, is expected to open next year. The couple had previously driven 45 minutes each way to attend classes in Carlsbad — a strong validation of the program’s value and the regional demand.<h2>Growing the KidStrong Footprint in California</h2>KidStrong’s momentum in California reflects the brand’s broader national success. The brand has experienced record-breaking growth, including&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/kidstrong-q3-growth-2025-2730649#featured">45 new franchise licenses sold in Q3 alone and 114 year-to-date</a>.&nbsp;From its roots in Kentucky to more than 170 open locations and 75,000 kids coming to class weekly, KidStrong has redefined what it means to invest in child development. The program combines physical training, character building and cognitive skill development for kids aged 1–9, led by certified coaches using a research-backed curriculum and patented equipment.“San Diego is exactly the type of market where KidStrong thrives,” Patrick said. “It’s full of engaged parents who want to help their kids develop confidence, leadership and resilience. Our centers become a hub for families who want to do something meaningful together.”<h2>A Scalable, Purpose-Driven Franchise Model</h2>With investment levels ranging from&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/franchise-deep-dive-kidstrong-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2727179">$448,100 to $600,000 and average annual revenues exceeding $1 million for top-performing centers</a>, KidStrong offers franchise partners a purpose-driven business with strong ROI potential. The brand’s efficient 3,000–4,000 square-foot model, proprietary curriculum and franchise-owner-first culture make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking both impact and income.“We could develop eight to ten locations in San Diego County,” Patrick said. “We’ve already seen proof of concept here, and the data tells us this market is ready for expansion.”As KidStrong continues to grow across North America, San Diego represents one of the most promising frontiers for the brand — a place where fitness, education and family values converge to create lasting impact for the next generation.For more information about franchising with KidStrong, visit<a href="https://www.kidstrongfranchise.com">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">https://franchise.kidstrong.com/</a>&nbsp;

Why KidStrong is Targeting San Diego for Franchise Growth 

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FRISCO, Texas —&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger, smarter and more confident, announced another record-breaking quarter marked by major expansion, record attendance and continued franchise momentum.“It was a big quarter,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “We’ve traditionally been a suburban brand, but now we’re starting to enter more urban markets. We opened our first location in Manhattan. The center is already growing quickly, and we have two more locations coming soon to that area. It’s a really exciting step forward for us.”In total, KidStrong opened 10 new locations in Q3 across the United States and Canada, including strong growth in the Southeast. The brand also signed 10 new franchise partners and saw four existing franchise owners acquire additional territories, bringing the total to 45 franchise licenses sold this quarter alone.“We’ve seen great traction in key markets like Atlanta,” Patrick said. “It was a really strong quarter for us overall — a mix of new franchise partners joining the system and existing ones doubling down. That tells you a lot about confidence in the brand.”Year-to-date, KidStrong has sold 114 franchise licenses and signed 37 new franchise partners, with 12 existing franchise owners expanding into additional territories.As KidStrong grows, so does the impact of its programming. The brand saw its highest attendance records in company history during Q3.“For all of our members attending classes, participation is at its highest it’s ever been,” Patrick said. “It shows that what they’re getting from the program is valuable. We’re seeing that reflected in our net promoter scores as well. The experience is resonating, and parents are seeing real results.”KidStrong’s curriculum combines physical, cognitive and character development for kids ages 1 to 11. Backed by a team of experts in child development, occupational therapy and sports performance, the program helps children build strength, confidence and leadership skills during their most critical developmental years.Looking ahead, Patrick says the brand is focused on continuing its nationwide expansion with a clear long-term vision.“We should end the year with about 177 open locations, which will mean roughly 43 new centers opened in 2025,” Patrick said. “Next year, we expect to open 60 units, and it’s really shaping up to be a great year. 2026 should be our best year yet, and we’re building the infrastructure to handle 15 to 20 openings per quarter. Q4 is setting the pace for what’s ahead.”From its roots in a Kentucky gym to more than 150 open locations and 65,000 kids served weekly, KidStrong’s growth story continues to accelerate. With a lean, scalable model and purpose-driven mission, the brand is redefining what it means to invest in youth enrichment — and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.For more information on franchising with KidStrong, visit<a href="https://www.kidstrongfranchise.com"> www.kidstrongfranchise.com</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 kid's 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 400 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015. Over the next five years, KidStrong plans to have 500 open centers nationwide. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

KidStrong Opens Manhattan With 45 New Franchises in Q3

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FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a>, the science-based child development franchise helping kids grow stronger and more confident, has been named to Entrepreneur’s prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Franchise 500® ranking for 2026</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> earned the No. 96 spot overall and was recognized as the No. 1 franchise in Children’s Fitness (Misc) for the second year in a row, underscoring the brand’s momentum, stability and long-term potential.The ranking caps a milestone year for KidStrong, which opened 40 new locations in 2025, bringing its science-based program to dozens of additional communities. The brand also recently signed its 500th franchise agreement, a significant business benchmark that reflects both franchise owner demand and confidence in KidStrong’s model.“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer/">Jason Feifer</a>, Entrepreneur’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchise owner success.”For KidStrong co-founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsharp321go/">Matt Sharp</a>, the recognition is deeply personal.“When we started KidStrong, we weren’t trying to build a national business,” Sharp said. “We were parents who wanted to help our daughter become stronger and more confident. What began as a small class in the back of a gym has become a movement that’s now reaching families across the country. Being recognized by Entrepreneur affirms that we’ve built something that delivers both real impact for kids and a meaningful opportunity for business owners.”KidStrong was designed for children walking through 11, which are some of the most important developmental years. Its proprietary curriculum blends physical training with cognitive and social-emotional development, helping kids build balance, strength and coordination alongside public speaking, teamwork and confidence. Every class is rooted in science and wrapped in play, creating an experience both kids and parents love.That differentiation has fueled success for franchise owners. KidStrong’s membership-based model drives recurring revenue and strong retention, as parents don’t view KidStrong as “just another activity.” They see it as an investment in their child’s future. That mindset creates predictable, durable businesses for franchise owners, along with packed classes, birthday parties, seasonal and summer camps. The brand’s focus on systems, technology and culture enables franchise owners to scale quickly without sacrificing quality.“KidStrong has been built like a modern growth company,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-patrick-49576a90/">Josh Patrick</a>, senior vice president of franchise development. “We’ve invested early in the infrastructure, training and support that allow our owners to open strong and reach profitability quickly. Hitting our 500th franchise agreement is a powerful signal that entrepreneurs see both the mission and the business case behind this brand.”As KidStrong continues its expansion across the United States and Canada, the company is focused on partnering with operators who share its dual commitment to purpose and performance.“The best owners care deeply about kids and know how to run a great business,” Sharp said. “When those two things come together, the results are extraordinary—for families, for communities and for our franchise owners.”With a clear path to more than 500 locations, KidStrong remains early in its growth journey. What will not change is its focus: protecting the culture, supporting franchise owners and helping millions of kids discover what they’re capable of.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 US &amp; Canada. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">&nbsp;www.kidstrong.com</a>.

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KidStrong Named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Ranks No. 1 in Children’s Fitness (Misc) and Celebrates 500th Franchise Agreement

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Franchising for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghia-steve-do-9a080a70/">Nghia “Steve” Do</a> and Sabrina Du is less about spreadsheets and more about family. After a decade of long-distance marriage split between Asia and the United States, they chose a path that would bring them under one roof and let them build something together. As Steve put it when he moved stateside after their second son, Jarvis, was born, “Let’s pause my track and find something we can do together.”That commitment snapped into focus during&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong’s</a> discovery process. When a last-minute opening came up, Sabrina booked Steve’s flight and hotel while caring for their newborn so he could be in the room the next day. They ultimately chose&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> — a science-based youth enrichment franchise — because its structured, curriculum-driven model mirrors their values around child development, fitness, and community in their Tampa neighborhood.They’re opening close to home so they can be present for parents and kids — and for their own children. Steve says the business is ultimately about creating space for their family to thrive. “We want a business where both kids can grow and benefit,” he said.Sabrina’s push toward entrepreneurship set the plan in motion years ago — and still guides their decisions today. With KidStrong, they believe they’ve found the right vehicle — one that aligns with their purpose, supports their lifestyle and turns a long-distance story into a local, hands-on future.Steve and Sabrina sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss their life before franchising, their journey with KidStrong and their plans to grow the brand in the Tampa Bay area. Here’s what they had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Steve Do: We’re first-generation immigrants. We met in grad school at Temple University in Philadelphia, got engaged a month or two after we met and then got married. I built my career in Asia for the past 10 years while Sabrina returned to the U.S. to earn her doctorate and start teaching. We lived long-distance for a decade. Our first son, Dennis, bounced between Asia and the U.S. as we traded caregiving. Our second son, Jarvis, was born this year, and we decided that was enough long distance. I want to be next to Dennis to guide him through his teenage years and, together with Sabrina, ensure that Jarvis will grow within the presence of love from both mom and dad.&nbsp;We chose to base in Tampa Florida not only because Sabrina changed her job to the University of South Florida, but also because of the kid and family friendly environment. We live in Westchase, about 10 minutes from our first location.Sabrina Du: Our story is “unordinary and crazy” in some ways. We got engaged before some classmates even knew each other, then lived apart for 10 years, and now we have two kids. Focusing on kids is really what brought us together, and we want to bring that same “unordinary” commitment to running KidStrong now.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Steve: We’ve been living an American dream – we received an amazing U.S. education and became so-called high achievers — I worked for Citibank, McKinsey &amp; Co. and now Visa Inc.&nbsp; — all are great U.S. companies — while based in Asia. Sabrina became a well-respected professor in risk management and finance.&nbsp;Earlier this year, during my 14-week parental leave for our second son, Sabrina and I had a very deep discussion: What’s next for our future,? Are we going to continue pursuing our “personal success” or “happiness”? I guess the answer is clear, I have been doing very well in corporate, but I started to realize that my happiness is fading away. I wanted to be closer to my family, to be able to spend the moment with them every day. Then I said, “Let’s pause my track and find something we can do together.”We weighed between building something from scratch versus buying a franchise. To our surprise, franchising is not only about burgers and pizza. We love fitness and we want to combine that with the love and care we have for kids, and that’s how KidStrong fits in perfectly. We love the product, the support system and a strong demand for this service.&nbsp;Sabrina: A couple of years ago I told Steve, “We should start a business.” In my culture, building business runs in our blood. He was skeptical about the risk and always has a belief that he is a “corporate” guy. This year, something just clicked and we finally made our move.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?Steve: We assumed franchising meant food and beverage — McDonald’s, Five Guys. Up until June, we still thought we’d flip burgers. I reached out to some chains and found that either they were out of licenses in our area or not expanding there.&nbsp;I felt like I was walking in the dark. Somehow, I stumbled onto a franchise broker site, started calls and realized there’s so much you don’t know and so many industries to choose from.Passing 100 stores is a signal that the product and system can scale; only a small percentage get there. When you see what’s out there, you can pick what resonates with your values instead of defaulting to burgers. If you pick franchising, you can “cut the corner” by three to five years. You pay a franchise fee and royalties. The question is whether those fees justify the value and time saved. The more I learned about KidStrong’s team, the more I felt, “I can run with this — proven product and strong support.”Sabrina: We chose franchising because of the established system — well developed curriculum, tech systems and personal support. With KidStrong, the curriculum is the most important product. I teach and I know how hard it is to develop a curriculum weekly; franchising gives you exactly that — leveraging a well-proven product to scale. The learning curve is still very steep as there are so many things to do — registering for your business, contract dealing for real estate leasing, funding options and so on — but we definitely love the process.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Steve: We mystery-shopped a KidStrong in South Tampa and let our son try a class. We realized KidStrong isn’t just an activity; it’s a program. The curriculum is structured. There’s a 45-minute class with a full system behind it. They show the curriculum on the TV in a well-developed way and gamify it so kids understand what they’re doing, and why.&nbsp;We believe that those are proprietary assets and will be hard to copy. That sets KidStrong apart from other similar kid businesses and makes us feel protected.Sabrina: KidStrong engages parents, too. I mean, this could be a double-edged sword. It could be both the challenge and the beauty of it. Many parents look for a place where they can drop off their kids and run errands, not realizing how much their children long for someone to witness their little victories, even the tiniest milestones. That’s why parent participation is such an essential part of any child enrichment program. The atmosphere KidStrong creates is one where kids burn off energy while having fun, and parents stay connected and involved. We believe that a truly successful “kid business” should inspire not just the children, but also capture the hearts and interest of their parents.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Steve: We bought three territories in the Tampa Bay area — Citrus Park/Westchase first, then Clearwater and St. Petersburg. We’re taking it one at a time. We hope to open the first by April to catch summer camp. Our goal is financial freedom eight years from now. For us, that means not worrying about money, living comfortably in Tampa and having time for each other and our kids. With each center at steady state, the path is solid.&nbsp;Sabrina: Steve is bursting with excitement about the new center and has countless ideas for engaging kids and their parents. I truly believe in the power of community, so I‘ve been brainstorming ways to add those little touches to make every family feel genuinely welcome and cared for. We chose locations close to home so we can be present, stay involved and truly get to know our families.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Sabrina: Steve wants his title to be “Iron Man.”Steve: I train for the Ironman triathlon and did my first Ironman in Australia last year. Fitness matters to me. That’s also why our second son is Jarvis — like Iron Man’s AI — a fun family fact.When I did the final talk with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjschuler/">AJ [Schuler]</a>, the director of sales, he said the next Discovery Day was next month. I asked for something sooner. He said, “Not unless you can fly in tomorrow.” I called Sabrina. Jarvis was sick, and I needed to be out for two days. She said, “You go. I’ll book the ticket and hotel.” That was a profound moment — if we support each other, we can go far. I picked up Dennis and told him I was flying to Texas because we were close to buying the franchise. I told him, “If Mom and I do this, it’s for you and for Jarvis.” We want a business where both kids can grow and benefit. Dennis is 10 and can help in the center; Jarvis can join the program. Money matters, but our kids come first.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Sabrina: Don’t rely too much on AI and always check. Do validation calls with existing franchise owners. Visit. Talk to people who have skin in the game. There’s a lot you don’t know until you start exploring.Steve: Don’t do it alone. A good franchise broker can help a lot — and the franchisor pays them. The deeper you go, the more you realize you don’t know, so having a companion in the process helps. Also, make sure your spouse is supported and on board. You need a strong support system.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 kid's 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 400 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015. Over the next five years, KidStrong plans to have 500 open centers nationwide. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidstrong.com">www.kidstrong.com</a>.

KidStrong Franchise - Sabrina Du - Steve Do - Tampa - 1851 Franchise

Why a KidStrong Franchise Fits This Family’s Next Chapter

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-macfarland-95802263/">Ryan MacFarland</a> spent nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy learning how to lead under pressure, care for his people and keep missions on course. Now, as an owner and area developer for the science-based youth enrichment franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/">KidStrong</a> in Hampton Roads, Virginia, he is channeling that experience into a business built on discipline, mentorship and measurable impact on families.<h2>A Navy Career That Forged a People-First Leader</h2>MacFarland enlisted right out of high school and served across Washington state, Hawaii and Virginia, with deployments to Japan, South Korea and the Middle East. “Early on in my career I was able to find good leaders to gravitate toward,” he said.Promoted from aircraft mechanic to crew lead, he discovered a style that put people first. “This time was pivotal in developing my leadership style and truly focusing on taking care of my people,” he said. “This led to building a team that wanted to work together and would push through tough days or difficult tasks as one unit with one mission.”<h2>Why KidStrong: Purpose That Matches the Mission</h2>In 2016, MacFarland and his wife, Jessica started to plan a civilian path alongside his service which led a husband-and-wife real estate team in Virginia’s Hampton Roads while also mentoring fellow sailors into second careers. During the COVID-19 shutdown he began exploring franchising. A friend introduced him to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a>, and it clicked. “This was the first time a business model really caught me,” MacFarland said. He traced the fit back to a moment years earlier: “Around 2012, while on a mission trip to Costa Rica, I really felt my purpose was in building relationships and helping children.”KidStrong’s mission — help kids “win at life” — felt familiar to a veteran who had led diverse teams toward a shared objective. “We create a community that starts within our four walls but doesn’t end at the door,” he said. “In the military, you see groups come together from all over the world and all different backgrounds; KidStrong builds that same community.” For MacFarland, the daily standard echoes a squadron’s cadence: “Our purpose is simple: lead one another to be a better version of yourself than yesterday. Focus on getting even 1 percent better each and every day and bring others up with you.”<h2>Turning Military Discipline Into Daily Operations</h2>Operationally, he runs his centers like a mission-critical environment — structured, flexible, accountable. “The military has taught me to be ‘Semper Gumby,’ as we would say, or always flexible,” MacFarland said. “There are always new and unforeseen challenges from staffing, equipment readiness, rapid timelines and mission-critical objectives that arise. You have to be able to stay emotionally balanced and adjust to meet the mission.” He rejects top-down posturing in favor of shoulder-to-shoulder leadership: “A true team doesn’t have a ‘boss,’ only leaders that are right there in the trenches with the team doing whatever needs to be done to meet the mission.”<h2>Navigating Challenges With a Calm, Consistent Standard</h2>That stance has helped him navigate the everyday turbulence of small business. “We have encountered difficulties from contractor issues, hiring challenges and membership seasonality,” MacFarland said. “The focus remains the same: don’t settle. Do the small things well and the big things fall into place.” The result is a culture where standards are clear and buy-in is real. “Focus on the right people to build the right team,” he said. “The team has to have a collective buy-in, and that is only done when each person trusts one another enough to lean on them.”<h2>Impact Beyond the Four Walls</h2>KidStrong gives MacFarland a platform to pursue impact that goes beyond monthly metrics. “The ability to watch lives transform, the confidence grow and to hear the success stories is unparalleled,” he said. “Jessica and I also get to impact our parents’ lives, not only by building a bond with their child but by doing life with them.” That relational focus shows up internally, too, in how he recruits and develops coaches. “We like to get to know all of our coaches — what they enjoy outside of work, what their goals are and how we can help them achieve them,” MacFarland said. “We give feedback and challenges for growth little by little until the old them is unrecognizable.”<h2>The Veteran Advantage — and the Road Ahead</h2>When it comes to youth- and family-focused concepts, MacFarland says veterans make steady, service-first coaches and mentors. “I believe veterans bring a certain mental toughness and a sense of calm in the chaos,” he said. “I also think that the veteran mindset of putting others before themselves and constant desire to mentor others to bring them up helps with the whole child development.”Looking ahead, MacFarland sees scale anchored in a shared ethos. “We plan to develop centers all throughout the Hampton Roads area and possibly beyond,” he said. “I would love to curate military ownership groups across the country with one mission, one mind.” The vision is both operational and cultural: consistent standards, local roots and leaders trained to lift others. “The veteran drive, I believe, would push for franchise success while building others up beyond limits they didn’t know they could reach,” he said.<h2>Advice to Veterans Considering KidStrong</h2>His guidance reads like a pre-mission brief. “If you have a desire to help others succeed and constantly push for others around you to be better, KidStrong is the right place for you,” MacFarland said. The work is demanding, but purpose keeps the team aligned. “Not every day will be easy, but every day will be worth it,” he said. “Prepare for creating a team environment, a great community presence and a sturdy mentality to overcome challenges.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong">https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong</a>.

KidStrong Franchise - Ryan MacFarland - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

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