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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-wade-18b732137/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=shaun-jordan-wade-kidstrong-georgia-2729918" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shaun</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-wade-25bb1521b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=shaun-jordan-wade-kidstrong-georgia-2729918" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jordan Wade</a> are getting ready to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.kidstrong.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=shaun-jordan-wade-kidstrong-georgia-2729918" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidStrong</a> to Georgia, starting with a location in Snellville in June 2026 and a second one to follow in Lawrenceville. The couple, who experienced the program firsthand with their son, knew it was something they wanted to bring to their own community.Jordan spent years competing at a high level in track and field. She was a heptathlete at the University of South Carolina and represented Team USA in the U18 championships. Since having their son, she’s focused on raising him full-time, but her passion for sports and child development never faded. When she saw what&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/kidstrong/info">KidStrong</a> did for her son’s confidence, she knew it was time to take the next step.Shaun is currently in his fifth season in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears. He’s played the game most of his life and earned a full scholarship to Ohio State, where he became one of the top defensive players in the country. Even with his demanding schedule, he’s stayed focused on being present for his family and setting an example for his son.Now, the Wades are using their experiences — as athletes, parents and leaders — to open a business that reflects their values. Jordan will lead the day-to-day operations and plans to be deeply involved at both locations.1851 Franchise spoke with the Wades about their franchising journey with KidStrong. 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?Jordan Wade:&nbsp;Ever since we had our son, Shiloh, who’s now three, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Before that, I worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS and studied clinical psychology with plans to go to pharmacy school. But as many parents know, priorities shift when you have kids, and I eventually decided to put that path aside.After three years at home, I told my husband I was ready to re-enter the workforce, but I wanted to do something meaningful. Sports have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up doing everything from track and basketball to dance and golf. Looking back, I realize my parents weren’t just raising an athlete; they were building the strong and confident woman that I am today. Those lessons stuck with me. I later went on to represent Team USA at the U18 Championships in 2015 and then received a full athletic scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where I competed in multiple SEC and NCAA DI championship meets in the high jump and heptathlon.&nbsp;It was actually my mom who first spotted a KidStrong center in our hometown of St. John’s, Florida, and encouraged me to check it out for our son. She knows how passionate I am about child development, performance, and building confidence early. When we moved to Georgia last year, we chose our location specifically to be close to the only open KidStrong center at the time in Johns Creek. We became members and immediately, it just clicked. We had tried other programs, but none of them were the right fit. KidStrong aligned with our values and what we want for our son, not just in sports, but in life. The confidence, character, and mindset he's building here will serve him way beyond the classroom or the field.Shaun Wade: Growing up in a military family, we moved around a lot, so I didn’t settle in one place until third or fourth grade. But sports were always something that stayed constant and something I could always turn to. I played football, basketball, even tried baseball, and track. For me, it was never about going pro. I played for the love of the game, the brotherhood, and the challenge. That passion led me to a full scholarship at The Ohio State University, where I had the honor of serving as a team captain and playing in the College Football Playoffs each year I was there. I’ve been blessed to be entering my fifth year playing in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and can’t wait to see what the season brings.Now, as a father, my priorities have slightly changed. When we had our son, I knew I wanted to be deeply involved in his development. Like my wife mentioned earlier, we have tried every other kids' program, but the first time we stepped into KidStrong, something stood out. When a coach walked up to my son and said, “Hi, what’s your name? Shake my hand. Look me in the eye.” That moment stuck with me — because that’s real life. That’s what kids need to learn. Especially as a young man, being able to carry yourself with confidence and respect is essential. Since that day, I’ve been all about KidStrong. Our son lights up every time we head to class, and when he comes home asking, “Dad, when are we going back to KidStrong?” It means the world to me.What I love most is KidStrong’s mission, “helping kids win at life.” The way they have implemented a science-based curriculum that not only makes movement fun and the kids engaged, but also builds real-life skills. It’s not just about physical development; it’s about developing confidence, social and emotional literacy, and leadership at an early age.One of my coaches used to say, “Being you is all you need. That’s enough.” That message has always stuck with me, and it’s something I see KidStrong reinforce every day.My wife and I are super excited to bring this program to families here in Georgia. We don’t see this as just a business but as a way to serve the community. We can’t wait to be able to use our shared athletic backgrounds and passion alongside my platform to support the brand and the community.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?Jordan:&nbsp;Before becoming a franchisee, I honestly thought franchising seemed slightly overwhelming, especially without a traditional business background. I’ve always had a passion for kids’ fitness and development and dreamed of starting something in that space, but building it all from scratch felt like too much.When my husband and I became KidStrong members, I thought, "Let’s just gather more information and learn what really goes on behind the scenes." That curiosity led me to attend Discovery Day and it completely shifted my mindset about franchising.Meeting the founder, Matt Sharp, and the rest of the amazing Kidstrong team at Headquarters was a turning point for me. Matt would say to me, “Jordan, just follow the playbook. We make it so easy, you could wake up from a coma and do it. We have the scripts and everything.” It made me laugh, but more importantly, it put me at ease. I had been very open with the team about my lack of business experience. But what I did bring was passion, and you can’t teach that. I knew the product because I’d lived it as a parent and a member and with my athletic background, I knew I was very coachable as well. Once they reviewed the resources provided for each franchisee to ensure support was provided, I knew right then that I could do this.What I want people to know now is that with the right franchise system, one that’s organized, proven, and supportive, you don’t have to do it alone. The KidStrong team has everything mapped out: the technology, the scripts, the marketing, the hiring process. It’s all there. If you have the drive and the heart, the rest can be learned.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Jordan:&nbsp;What I love most about KidStrong is how intentional they are about instilling core principles early on. Their mission —“to help kids win at life” — truly speaks to me. As a woman, I know the power that comes from feeling confident in who you are. When you feel physically and mentally strong, you feel brave. That’s why, when I learned about the story behind KidStrong and how the founders, Matt and Megin, started the company to help their daughter Ella build confidence, I knew this was a brand I believed in. It showed me that the people behind it genuinely care. And those KidStrong affirmations.&nbsp;“I am strong. I am brave. I can do this”, they’re not just for the kids. As a parent, I’ve realized we need those reminders too.I also want to mention the ‘Whole Child’ Philosophy that KidStrong uses to help develop the whole child: strong mind, strong body, strong character. I don’t take that lightly, especially coming from a background in clinical psychology. I understand the importance of early childhood development and how those foundational years shape confidence, identity, and resilience.We live in a world where, unfortunately, many kids are moving less. Childhood obesity rates are rising, and screen time is replacing real interaction. That impacts how kids see themselves and many don’t feel brave enough to speak up or even say their own name in a social setting. But what KidStrong does is meet that challenge head-on, in a way that’s engaging, uplifting, and empowering. It’s also not just about the kids; it’s about the parents, too. One of the most powerful things I’ve seen is how KidStrong helps condition the parents to be their child’s biggest cheerleader. That firsthand encouragement, the “You can do it! Good job!”,&nbsp; becomes part of the culture, and it’s awesome to watch it firsthand.That’s why we’re so passionate about bringing a KidStrong center to our local community. We believe in the mission, we’ve seen the impact firsthand as members, and we’re proud to be part of a team that’s helping families grow stronger together.Shaun: KidStrong teaches kids something that’s often overlooked and that’s how to win and lose. I remember the first time my son didn’t get an award. He wanted to cry, and I told him, “It’s okay. You won’t win everything, and you won’t lose everything. What matters is learning how to handle both.”It’s about more than individual achievement because it’s about learning to cheer others on, too. KidStrong helps kids build that mindset. There are no participation trophies just for showing up to class, and I appreciate that. Not everyone gets the ‘Coach’s Award’ or the ‘Parent-Strong’ award, even though my wife may think that she and Shioh kill it every week — and that’s okay. That’s life. And that’s definitely one of the reasons why I like this company so much.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Jordan:&nbsp;We really hope to transform the community, especially for kids from walking age to 11 years old. With our athletic backgrounds, we’re excited to complement the powerful foundation KidStrong has already built. Our mission is to create a tight-knit environment where families feel like our center is a second home, where they’re truly seen and supported. We understand that every child and family journey is different, but we believe in showing up and meeting families where they are. Our goal is to be a consistent, uplifting presence that helps every child grow into the best version of themselves.I’ll be very hands-on in the day-to-day operations. While Shaun will be present as often as he can during the offseason, this center is something I’m fully pouring myself into. I want families to know me, to understand our “why,” and to feel the passion and intention behind every decision we make.This journey is not about us,&nbsp; it’s about the families we serve. But we also want them to feel confident knowing exactly who’s leading the charge. We’ll be out wherever we can to make an impact in the community and to make the KidStrong brand presence known.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Shaun:&nbsp;We're high school sweethearts, married for two years now. She’s my biggest supporter, and I'm hers. We both love kids. I just want to be a blessing for these kids, especially with my background as an NFL player. Everybody dreams of making it in the NFL, or baseball, or whatever sport. So, just to have me in that building and be able to show them to work hard, smile, and enjoy the moment, enjoy where you are.Jordan:&nbsp;We’re a competitive family, and this is a big personal goal for me. Being a stay-at-home mom has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, but now I’m excited for my son to see me chase my dreams and to go after something I’m truly passionate about.Not every day will be easy, but I want to be a strong role model, not just for our son, but for other moms, too. It’s okay to take risks, to build something meaningful, and to go after something you love. I don’t have a traditional business background, but I’m proof that with the right mindset and drive, you can still make things happen. Nothing and no one can stop you when you're driven by purpose.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Jordan:&nbsp;Take a risk; do the thing you're scared to do. Do your research, sit down with yourself and consider what you're passionate about and what your strengths are. Then evaluate how your strengths can complement what the company already stands for. My husband and I sat down and wrote our own mission statement for our family prior to this new venture, and it perfectly aligned with KidStrong. Like I mentioned before, you can't coach or teach passion; it's already in you. The rest will follow and that's kind of how KidStrong was for us. You'll just ride by and be like, "Let me do some research and see what this company stands for." Then you'll realize, “Oh, that's perfect. All right, let's inquire and start the journey.”Shaun:&nbsp;We’re big on faith. We believe in praying, listening to God’s word, and trusting that He will place you exactly where you’re meant to be, at the right time.Give yourself grace. This journey won’t always be easy. There will be ups and downs, but it’s important to celebrate the small wins, do the hard things, and keep moving forward. God has a plan, and when you stay faithful and stay the course, He’ll guide you to exactly where you're supposed to be.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>.

image of franchisee jordan and shaun wade from kidstrong kids strength and conditioning franchise

Shaun and Jordan Wade Open Two KidStrong Locations in Georgia

1851 Franchise

The husband-and-wife team is bringing KidStrong to Snellville and Lawrenceville, with the first location opening in June of next year. 

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