When longtime digital marketing professional and father of six Vladimir Fefer began searching for his next chapter, he knew he wanted to build something meaningful for families and he knew he wanted the structure and support of a proven franchise system. After discovering USA Ninja Challenge, the leading kid’s Ninja franchise, everything clicked. The brand’s focus on safety-first design and the joy it brings to kids offered exactly the kind of business he wanted to run. 

“We are turning kids into ninjas, one obstacle at a time! I am really focused on making sure each class the kids are having fun and developing some type of skill,” Fefer said. “That is really my ‘why’ for choosing this venture. Seeing their eyes light up after they swing on the third ring for the first time ever, or they’ve jumped six feet lengthwise on a long jump — that is my main motivating factor.”

1851 spoke with Fefer to learn more about his background, his decision to join USA Ninja Challenge and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Vladimir Fefer: My wife and I have six kids. We are the true target market. We knew there was a lot of interest in this in the Chicago area. We thought it’d be a great place for kids to have fun and develop their skills. I love working with kids.

1851: What did your career look like before franchising?

Fefer: I worked in a corporate setting for about 15 years and wanted to pivot to something else. I worked in digital marketing, mainly focusing on SEO. I worked with a bunch of companies, both agency and brand-side.

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?

Fefer: I always had an entrepreneurial bug. I had my own personal clients, even when working in-house. I’m happy to build someone’s website for them, for example. I always had that bend. Specifically, going through the franchise route versus starting from scratch, I knew I wanted to do something kid-focused and have more structure to it, versus a play place where kids can run in and out. When I found USA Ninja Challenge, I knew I wanted that franchise infrastructure. I didn’t want to design a whole giant indoor play place myself.

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

Fefer: The brand really checked all the boxes: kid-focused structure, weekly classes, and everything is designed with safety in mind. They work with insurers to ensure everything is designed with safety in mind. As a parent, that is the most important thing to me. And the kids have a lot of fun. I saw all the classes and all the kids having a blast when I went to HQ. The tech and curriculum are developed in-house. Being able to step into that role with the backing of support — that is what really drove me to them.

In terms of competitors, there are all types of things in Chicago, but I wanted to go with something that wasn’t 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, as that is much more expensive. But I also wanted a place that was viable for kids up to 18, not just little kids. That was a big factor. Seeing the way the brand and the team really want you to succeed and make money and have fun is really the vibe. That is everyone’s underlying mission.

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

Fefer: We hope to open a second location long-term. We are turning kids into ninjas, one obstacle at a time! I am really focused on making sure that in each class, the kids are having fun and developing some type of skill. That is really my “why” for choosing this venture. Seeing their eyes light up after they swing on the third ring for the first time ever, or they’ve jumped six feet lengthwise on a long jump — that is my main motivating factor.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Fefer: All of our kids will be becoming ninjas and going to the classes. The one that’s missing is the two-and-a-half-year-old!

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

Fefer: Don’t be afraid to connect with folks before getting more details. Of all the owners I have spoken to, 99% of them say that they love it and you should do it. They are also super happy to help. There are owners who have been around for five years or six months, and they are all willing to help and share tips.

ABOUT USA NINJA CHALLENGE

USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kid’s Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding over a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 50 gyms and more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance, and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses. Partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team, USA Ninja Challenge is raising awareness for Ninja's Olympic debut in 2028. With low initial investment, high margins, and rapid ROI, USA Ninja Challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to build profitable businesses while making a lasting impact on children's physical fitness and confidence. For more information on USA Ninja Challenge or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.usaninjachallenge.com.