1851

After a decade in the Navy and a run in corporate America,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-umpa-pmp/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=navy-veteran-finds-new-form-of-service-helping-other-military-families-through-usa-ninja-challenge-2727401" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dan Umpa</a> decided to chart a new course. Having previously considered franchising with gym concepts and kids’ playspace brands, he came across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=navy-veteran-finds-new-form-of-service-helping-other-military-families-through-usa-ninja-challenge-2727401" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, 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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Umpa:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, 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:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Umpa:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Umpa:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Umpa:&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.

USA Ninja Challenge Franchise Grows in Stafford With Navy Veteran

1851 Franchise

Dan Umpa is opening a Ninja gym in the Stafford, Virginia, community to serve families in the area with a facility that resonates with veterans’ values and kids’ interests.

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

navy-veteran-finds-new-form-of-service-helping-other-military-families-through-usa-ninja-challenge

World Gym

World Gym - Overcoming Gym Plateaus Setbacks - 1851 Franchise

No Excuses: Overcoming Common Gym Plateaus and Setbacks

world-gym-overcoming-plateaus-setbacks

Right at Home

Ben Aydin on Building a Right at Home Franchise: Hard Work, Growth and Making an Impact

ben-aydin-on-building-a-right-at-home-franchise-hard-work-growth-and-making-an-impact

Why Strength-Focused Gyms Are on the Rise: The World Gym Difference

why-strength-focused-gyms-are-on-the-rise-the-world-gym-difference

The World Gym Mentality: How Strength Training Builds Confidence

the-world-gym-mentality-how-strength-training-builds-confidence

Griswold

Celebrating Women Franchisees: The Empowering Stories Behind Griswold’s Female Leaders

celebrating-women-franchisees-the-empowering-stories-behind-griswolds-female-leaders

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

tariff-tensions-threaten-us-restaurants-with-rising-costs-and-supply-chain-disruptions

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS