Navy Veteran Finds New Form of Service, Helping Other Military Families Through USA Ninja Challenge

After a decade in the Navy and a run in corporate America, Dan Umpa decided to chart a new course. Having previously considered franchising with gym concepts and kids’ playspace brands, he came across USA Ninja Challenge, the 32-unit kids’ Ninja gym brand. The brand was a prime combination of the two business types, and he knew it would be a great fit.

Though he has plans to open additional units in the future, Umpa is currently focused on establishing a strong reputation with his first gym in the Stafford, Virginia, area, providing a fitness and entertainment opportunity that resonates well with the military families of the community.

Umpa took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he 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?

Dan Umpa: I graduated from the Naval Academy and spent 10 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot. After I left, I spent time in the corporate world as a project manager with a variety of companies. I was thinking of doing something else before I officially transitioned out, but I stuck with it to take on the challenge while I searched for the right franchise.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Umpa: My background had nothing to do with business management or anything of that sort, so I know I wanted to have something that had some structure. With a franchise, a lot of pressure is lifted. I didn’t have to worry about researching all of the equipment or creating the perfect curriculum.

People should know that the franchise fee might look expensive, but when you look at the knowledge that comes with it, it ends up being a great deal. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve been able to ramp up as quickly as I have.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Umpa: Before COVID, I had looked into opening a gym. When the pandemic hit, that industry was decimated. Later, I looked into opening a playspace for kids. I have two young kids, so I could see the demand there.

When I found USA Ninja Challenge, it was the perfect blend. It’s kind of like a kids’ playspace, but it’s more structured. And it’s also like a gym!

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Umpa: I’m currently focused on my first location, but I’d also like to open in the Annapolis area. I live just outside of Annapolis, but I chose to open up here because I know there’s a strong military community here, and USA Ninja Challenge is something Marine families can likely relate to.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Umpa: I think the most unique thing about my story is that I’m a veteran. I specifically chose to come to the Quantico area because I’m excited to be able to serve other veterans and their families. In the Marines, they have obstacle courses that they periodically have to do. Children of Marines likely see their moms and dads doing these obstacle courses and think it’s so cool. USA Ninja Challenge is an outlet for them to do something similar in a safe and controlled environment.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Umpa: Remember that the skills are transferable. If you managed people in your previous role, you can manage people in your business.

It’s also important to consider the details of the support the franchisor will give you. If it’s a younger franchise, just two or three years old, there may not be as much expertise and tried-and-true practices behind the model as what you’d find in a 10-year-old franchise system.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge.