When veterans transition from military service to civilian life, they often seek new missions and opportunities that leverage their training and instilled values. USA Ninja Challenge has become an ideal fit for many, blending physical fitness and mentorship with the structure and support that veterans know well. Veterans — with their backgrounds in adaptability, perseverance and teamwork — make exceptional franchisees.
For Brandon and Erin Andersen, physical fitness has been a lifelong priority. “We were both in the Marine Corps,” Erin said. “During that time, training and staying physically fit is emphasized. We’ve done five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After we got out, we had kids and started to notice a lot more screen time — even in schools. Brandon started looking for a business that would help kids get off the screens and become more physically fit, and we came into USA Ninja Challenge.”
Their military background fostered a culture of strength, endurance and resilience, values they now instill in the children they mentor at USA Ninja Challenge.
Both during and after their service, the Andersens completed numerous physical feats, from 5Ks to half marathons, emphasizing the importance of physical preparation. Now, as franchise owners, they find fulfillment in promoting fitness among children. While the physical fitness aspect of USA Ninja Challenge ownership is a fulfilling piece on its own, the impact owners make on children in the community is much deeper.
“It’s not just about fitness,” Brandon said. “There’s a lot of mental strength and toughness that comes into it too. Kids look at an obstacle and see something intimidating, and we help them realize that by taking the first step, they can achieve more than they thought.”
Many veterans understand the importance of developing resilience and character, traits central to both military service and successful business ownership. Having seen the positive impacts of these traits in their own lives, the Andersens are happy to develop them in their students at USA Ninja Challenge.
“For example, our son felt he had to do well the first time and would get really discouraged if things didn’t go his way,” Erin said. “We’re teaching kids that you have to keep trying. It’s okay to fail at first. These obstacles require persistence, and it’s amazing to see kids grow braver with each try. The kids begin to see results, and they understand they’re capable of overcoming big challenges — not only physically, but mentally.”
Beyond physical and mental growth, veterans also bring a deep sense of community to their franchises. For Sam Robins, a USA Ninja Challenge franchisee and Army veteran, his time instilled a commitment to connection and service.
"Service didn’t stop for me when I left the military," he said. "Working with kids in the community allows me to use what I learned in the Army — integrity, teamwork and respect — to make a positive impact."
Sam also embraces this dedication within the four walls of his gym. Having been a part of the Special Forces, he has navigated very high-stakes situations and knows how to focus on the health and safety of the team.
“Leading a team of USA Ninja Challenge employees may seem like lower stakes than some of the missions I completed during my time in the Army, but that’s not necessarily the case for the team members,” Sam said. “This is their career and livelihood. This business supports them and their families. One of the biggest things I learned in the Army was how to take care of the team, and that’s exactly what I’m doing here.”
While children of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome at USA Ninja Challenge, some veterans find a unique sense of fulfillment in serving other military families. Dan Umpa, who recently opened his Ninja gym in Stafford, Virginia, chose the market for this exact reason.
“A lot of these kids see their moms and dads doing these obstacle courses and think it’s so cool,” said Dan. “USA Ninja Challenge is an outlet for them to do something similar in a safe and controlled environment. As a veteran myself, I’m proud to know that I’m helping other service members with meaningful opportunities for their kids”
Ultimately, owning a franchise is both a business and a continuation of service.
“If veterans are interested in franchising, know that you’re not alone,” Brandon said. “You have a support system. There’s a level of commitment, but it’s rewarding to see the impact you’re making. With USA Ninja Challenge, we’re not only promoting fitness but building the next generation’s resilience and community spirit.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge.
USA Ninja Challenge
SPONSORED
The kids Ninja gym franchise offers a great opportunity for community-minded, fitness-focused entrepreneurs and has proven to align quite well with shared values between service members.
When veterans transition from military service to civilian life, they often seek new missions and opportunities that leverage their training and instilled values. USA Ninja Challenge has become an ideal fit for many, blending physical fitness and mentorship with the structure and support that veterans know well. Veterans — with their backgrounds in adaptability, perseverance and teamwork — make exceptional franchisees.
For Brandon and Erin Andersen, physical fitness has been a lifelong priority. “We were both in the Marine Corps,” Erin said. “During that time, training and staying physically fit is emphasized. We’ve done five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After we got out, we had kids and started to notice a lot more screen time — even in schools. Brandon started looking for a business that would help kids get off the screens and become more physically fit, and we came into USA Ninja Challenge.”
Their military background fostered a culture of strength, endurance and resilience, values they now instill in the children they mentor at USA Ninja Challenge.
Both during and after their service, the Andersens completed numerous physical feats, from 5Ks to half marathons, emphasizing the importance of physical preparation. Now, as franchise owners, they find fulfillment in promoting fitness among children. While the physical fitness aspect of USA Ninja Challenge ownership is a fulfilling piece on its own, the impact owners make on children in the community is much deeper.
“It’s not just about fitness,” Brandon said. “There’s a lot of mental strength and toughness that comes into it too. Kids look at an obstacle and see something intimidating, and we help them realize that by taking the first step, they can achieve more than they thought.”
Many veterans understand the importance of developing resilience and character, traits central to both military service and successful business ownership. Having seen the positive impacts of these traits in their own lives, the Andersens are happy to develop them in their students at USA Ninja Challenge.
“For example, our son felt he had to do well the first time and would get really discouraged if things didn’t go his way,” Erin said. “We’re teaching kids that you have to keep trying. It’s okay to fail at first. These obstacles require persistence, and it’s amazing to see kids grow braver with each try. The kids begin to see results, and they understand they’re capable of overcoming big challenges — not only physically, but mentally.”
Beyond physical and mental growth, veterans also bring a deep sense of community to their franchises. For Sam Robins, a USA Ninja Challenge franchisee and Army veteran, his time instilled a commitment to connection and service.
"Service didn’t stop for me when I left the military," he said. "Working with kids in the community allows me to use what I learned in the Army — integrity, teamwork and respect — to make a positive impact."
Sam also embraces this dedication within the four walls of his gym. Having been a part of the Special Forces, he has navigated very high-stakes situations and knows how to focus on the health and safety of the team.
“Leading a team of USA Ninja Challenge employees may seem like lower stakes than some of the missions I completed during my time in the Army, but that’s not necessarily the case for the team members,” Sam said. “This is their career and livelihood. This business supports them and their families. One of the biggest things I learned in the Army was how to take care of the team, and that’s exactly what I’m doing here.”
While children of all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome at USA Ninja Challenge, some veterans find a unique sense of fulfillment in serving other military families. Dan Umpa, who recently opened his Ninja gym in Stafford, Virginia, chose the market for this exact reason.
“A lot of these kids see their moms and dads doing these obstacle courses and think it’s so cool,” said Dan. “USA Ninja Challenge is an outlet for them to do something similar in a safe and controlled environment. As a veteran myself, I’m proud to know that I’m helping other service members with meaningful opportunities for their kids”
Ultimately, owning a franchise is both a business and a continuation of service.
“If veterans are interested in franchising, know that you’re not alone,” Brandon said. “You have a support system. There’s a level of commitment, but it’s rewarding to see the impact you’re making. With USA Ninja Challenge, we’re not only promoting fitness but building the next generation’s resilience and community spirit.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge.
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