Childrens Product and Services Feature

september 2024

exploring the growing market for child and family family focused franchises pioneering youth enrichment:

how unleashed brands is expanding the power of play

whats new! latest news in children’s franchises

Louisville Kumon Center Empowers Under-Served Students in Grant Program Franchising MAGAZINE USA 31

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Get the App COVER STORY: Doner Shack that kebabs aren’t the only thing on offer.

A delicious selection of sliders, buttermilk chicken tenders, wraps, loaded fries, milkshakes and breakfast mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The need for innovation Co-founders of Doner Shack, Laura Bruce and Sanjeev Sanghera, have identified a growing interest in the American market for diverse food options. Their research suggests that Americans are increasingly eager to explore a variety of food options looking beyond traditional favorites like pizza and burgers, giving rise to a confidence that Doner Shack will be a leader in this new market.

Laura said, “We've always considered the US a key market for our brand, and we believe the potential here is huge. We're confident that kebabs are set to become the next major global food trend. Our commitment in the US market is so strong that we're planning to relocate our head office to the US, transitioning into an American company in the near future.”

Doner Shack bringS europe’S favorite faSt fooD to the uS As one of the UK’s leading kebab franchises, Doner Shack’s next step in their global expansion strategy will see the brand bringing its delicious QSR franchise to the American market, opening restaurants in 2025.

It’s thanks to the extreme popularity of kebabs internationally that the Doner Shack team see significant potential in the US market, backed by over 200 prospective franchisee enquiries they have received in the past year.

As Europe’s favorite fast-food option, kebabs outsell the top 5 fast-food brands combined in the region 5 to 1, demonstrating the massive popularity of the product on an international basis.

The predicted ‘kebab boom’ in the USA is a fantastic opportunity for prospective franchisees to get on board early and be at the forefront of this phenomenon. As the kebab is currently relatively unknown in America, with the right marketing, top-quality ingredients and Doner Shack’s tasty recipes, the product is set to become a staple across the US. For those who desire a range of food choice, Doner Shack’s varied menu means

10 Franchising MagaZinE Usa

Innovation at the brand headquarters comes as second nature. Doner Shack is a highly systemized, simple and easily scalable business model, delivering consistency, low wastage and with no requirement for skilled chefs. As a result, they serve guests at a lightning-quick speed.

second. That’s why ease of access and flexibility are covered in the range of Doner Shack store designs. With an option to fit into any location or space where the team deem the demographics a winner for the brand, franchisees can tap into one of five store models. Two Stand-Alone models include one with the all-important Drive Thru, a Kiosk for travel hubs, food courts and sports arenas, an End Cap design for shopping centers and retail strips with easy access parking, and In-Line restaurants within retail environments.

The American Dream

“It’s due to our robust operational systems, Doner Shack’s primary long-term goal has authentic recipes, targeted marketing been to expand into America and strategies, a strong financial model and COVERalways stORy with the QSR market size expected to rise a long-term growth strategy that our to 662.53 billion USD by 2029, the timing franchisees can build their own highly has never been better. There is a huge successful and profitable businesses. It’sbrings europe’s gap in the fast market for European-inspired made even more attractive because they’re favorite foods and the frequent dining and low-cost simple, scalable and efficient, whether food to the us spending habits of young adults in America you’re looking to operate single or multiple perfectly aligns with the franchise’s 18-34 restaurants,” explained Sanjeev. franchising feature target demographic.

Doner Shack is the first kebab brand

doner shack

children’s products & services

internationally to introduce robotics Following two years of planning and and advanced operating procedures to negotiations, Sanjeev and Laura have built prepare the food in its kitchens. Constantly strong relationships with US suppliers driving toward greater efficiency in their and prospective franchisees, assembling restaurants, they ensure speed of service is the support network at a steady pace with best in class, as well as creating a safe and people that have the hunger to build a simple place to work for their staff. announcements franchise restaurant brand. It’s essential for from them the industry that the franchisees get the support And whilst delivering good food is Doner they need in taking those first steps and Shack’s number one objective, ensuring any additional help along the way. convenience is maintained is a close

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“Our ultimate goal is to become the number one kebab franchise in the world.

We believe America is the route to achieve this – by focusing on not just each state, but each city and each individual franchisee developing in that area,” added Laura.

VOL 12, ISSUE 9, SEptEmbEr 2024

Franchise Expo South

The largest franchise expo in the south of the USA, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was chosen by Laura and Sanjeev as the perfect location for its first even on US soil. Their impressive new stand-build is great for potential investors to gain some insight into the opportunity, its menu and technology.

Sanjeev concluded, “The team’s first expo in Florida is the kick-off point for our US expansion strategy. As the largest franchise expo in the south, the opportunity to showcase our brand here is a great starting point. After this, we plan to utilize the connections we’ve made in the US and begin opening restaurants in 2025.”

Further afield Doner Shack is also finalizing master franchise deals in the Middle East and Asia, further extending their global expansion strategy. Although America is the brand’s priority, other parts of the world can expect to see Doner Shack locations popping up within the next 12 months and will be well served from a base in the US. v Franchising MagaZinE Usa 11

overcoming high turnover:

the case for workforce education in franchises Franchising MagaZinE Usa 1 The magazine for franchisees • WWW.franchisingmagazineUsa.com

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conte nts

children’s Produc ts & services

42 What’s New 34 Franchising News

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Announcements from the Industry

Franchisee in Action 36 Kumon: Louisville Kumon Center Empowers Under-Served Students in Grant Program

Franchisor in Depth 42 Urban Air: Pioneering Youth Enrichment: How Unleashed Brands is Expanding the Power of Play

Have Your Say

38

44 Code Ninjas: Cracking the Code to Reinvigorating a Brand

Expert Advice 38 Chris Conner: Exploring the Growing Market for Child and Family-Focused Franchises

Women in Franchising

44

36 Brooklyn Robot Foundry: Doubles down on Commitment to Diversity in STEAM Education as They Prepare to Open New Franchise Locations Across New York Franchising MAGAZINE USA 33

The Goddard School Introduces Innovative Wonder of Learning Education Program The Goddard School®, the nation’s leading premium early childhood education provider, recently introduced its exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning™.

Backed by expert knowledge, data-driven insight and unwavering compassion for growing minds, this innovative program embraces how children learn best - through their innate curiosity.

Operating a Goddard School enables franchisees to provide a vital resource for their communities and support the development and well-being of young children through Wonder of Learning.

The program’s cutting-edge curriculum is unique to the market, focusing on building age-appropriate academic, social and emotional skills through curiosity, collaboration, and discovery.

With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions.

“Wonder of Learning is an integrated program that meaningfully

impacts everyone in the Goddard ecosystem,” said Dennis R. Maple, chairman and CEO of Goddard Systems, LLC. “It provides a world-class education for children and enhanced communication and reporting for families, while also offering exceptional training for teachers and a point of difference for our franchisees.”

To encourage all families to practice inquiry-based learning at home, The Goddard School published a children’s book, “Curious Blueberry the Carousel Horse,” written by award-winning author Steve Metzger and illustrated by Bruno Robert. This interactive story explores the power of curiosity and offers tips and activities for caregivers to foster a lifelong love of learning in their children.

For more information about Wonder of Learning, visit GoddardSchool.com/Wonder-of-Learning, and to learn about franchise opportunities, go to GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.

Tierra Encantada Appoints Jeremy Alinder as Chief Financial Officer and Lauren Halgerson as Chief Operating Officer Tierra Encantada, the leader in Spanish Immersion early education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Alinder as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Lauren Halgerson as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Jeremy Alinder, who joins Tierra Encantada with over 25 years of financial leadership experience, will spearhead the company’s financial strategy during this pivotal period of expansion. Mr. Alinder previously led finance at Goodier as the Managing Director of Blue Ops Partners where he facilitated expanding operating margins.

As the Chief Financial Officer at Ulteig, he strengthened the employee ownership culture and significantly increased their enterprise value. His impressive career includes executing growth and acquisition strategies through executive roles at Fluence Corporation, Pentair and various Private Equity firms. “My mission this year 34 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

has been to build a world-class leadership team, and Jeremy is an exceptional financial leader that has proven experience fostering positive culture while driving transformational results,” Denzer shared.

Lauren Halgerson brings a wealth of expertise to Tierra Encantada, having driven innovation and operational excellence at some of the nation’s largest and fastest growing brands. Her impressive career includes developing and launching a new restaurant venture, private label product development and expansion to 5k+ locations, and creating the operational infrastructure to scale an emerging franchisor from 11 locations in 4 states to 47 locations in 20+ states in less than 3 years. “Lauren’s profound expertise, drive, and enthusiasm will be an asset for Tierra as we enter this next stage of growth, and I’m thrilled to welcome such a high caliber leader to our team,” said Denzer.

Want to stay on top of the latest news and whats happening at the forefront of franchising?

Subscribe to Franchising USA’s newsletter and receive after all the latest franchising news delivered straight to your inbox, every week!

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franchisee in action: Kumon

Louisville Kumon Center Empowers Under-Served Students in Grant Program When Ayisha Hayes-Taylor opened her Kumon of Louisville-Wellington Center a year ago, it was students like Jaylin, Cameron and Muhammed she wanted to help most.

While they faced challenges both in and out of the classroom, she knew they had the ability to excel academically if given a chance with individualized instruction. It’s why she opened her own Kumon Center and sought a partnership with the Louisville Urban League to fund Kumon services for under-served students from urban areas. She wanted to reduce the education gap that continues to plague education systems throughout the U.S. and Canada.

That partnership has been a booming success for students across Louisville. In her center alone, she has more than 300 students enrolled in both math and reading services.

“This is making a difference in my community,” she said. “What’s great about Kumon is that it can teach to any child, whether they are behind, on grade level or just want enrichment. People don’t find systems like that. That’s why I wanted to open my center here.”

Student Growth When Hayes-Taylor met Jaylin at the end of his sixth-grade year, she knew he was a likable kid, but he faced several challenges.

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He attended an all-boys middle school for under-served communities, had a severe ADHD diagnosis, many outside activities, transportation issues and school disruptions.

“We worked with his mom to find the perfect seat in the center, the best time for him to attend Kumon, timers and rewards for homework completion,” Hayes-Taylor said. “It turned out the perfect seat for him had to constantly change.”

It took some time, but Hayes-Taylor relied on her faith in the Kumon Method to see positive results emerge from Jaylin’s hard work.

“After two months, he was able to settle in and his results have been tremendous,” she said. “And after eight months, he had grown seven levels in math. He’s not at 7th grade level yet but he’s building on what he’s learned and making the right strides.”

Hayes-Taylor has had the same success with other students, too.

Two other students, Muhammed and Cameron, have both excelled in her Kumon Center and been beneficiaries of the Urban League’s grant program.

his work, complete his homework and attend the in-person sessions each week.

“If he missed a day, it was because he was sick,” she said. “He keeps moving up and it’s great to see.”

In eight months, Cameron mastered five levels in math, which is six months above his grade level.

“Now, as they are both heading into the summer, we have Kumon Connect and they are able to keep up with their work while they travel,” she said. “A lot of our students are starting to use that now.”

The Program Hayes-Taylor knows her location differs from the traditional Kumon business model. But she’s OK with that because it’s helping her community and isn’t exclusive to her location.

“Any families who meet the Urban League’s requirements can go to any Kumon Center in Louisville,” she said. “This is not just here.”

Muhammed was heading into fourth grade behind in math. After he took a placement exam, Hayes-Taylor began working with him on skills to build his confidence – starting with one- and two-digit horizontal addition.

When her center opened, it was closest to an urban area, she said.

There were bus lines that came by her location, which would run closer to some of the urban neighborhoods. The location made it easier for parents to access.

He also faced challenges. He was from a different culture, and at the time, his mother was pregnant and spoke little English. His father had been deployed with the military and he had to become the primary communicator. But in eight months, he grew six levels in math – the equivalent of being six months ahead of his grade level.

She had to teach parents what Kumon is and what it isn’t.

For Cameron, who is autistic, the results were just as positive and drastic. He was heading into first grade, but his skills were still at the preschool level. He had not yet mastered counting and filling in missing numbers in a sequence. He had an ADHD diagnosis, coparenting situation and had a school IEP for time consideration.

“When he came to us, he moved fairly quickly through reading and math,” Hayes-Taylor said.

She said Cameron and his father made it a point to stay on top of

“Probably 60% to 70% who have come through the grant never had interaction with Kumon before,” she said.

As the grant program grew over the course of the year, HayesTaylor also conducted a pilot program in one of the schools in the Jefferson County School district to bring worksheet learning into traditional classrooms. She has plans to expand that program into more Louisville classrooms in the coming school year.

“A year later and we are still going great, the partnership with the Urban League is continuing, and we have been able to fund students and search for and get grants that fit under the umbrella of what the partnership serves,” she said. “I want to serve my families, to give them what I could and give them Kumon, which is the right atmosphere and right environment.”

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EXPERT ADVICE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems

Exploring the Growing Market for Child and Family-Focused Franchises The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for services and products that enhance the lives of young people and their families. This conversation will explore why this market segment is flourishing, provide examples of successful franchise brands in this space, and discuss the data supporting this trend.

The Expanding Market for Child- and FamilyFocused Services In recent years, the child- and family-focused market has seen robust expansion. Several factors contribute to this growth, including rising disposable income, greater awareness of the importance of early childhood education and development, and the desire among parents to provide enriching experiences for their children. As parents continue to seek out high-quality products and services for their children, businesses that meet these needs are thriving.

One of the key drivers of this market is the increasing emphasis on early childhood education. Studies have shown that early learning experiences significantly impact a child’s cognitive and social development. As a result, parents are investing more in educational services that promise to give their children a head start. This trend has spurred the growth of franchises that offer educational programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities.

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Chris Conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion.

Visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

Another factor contributing to the growth of this market is the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for children. With concerns about childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles on the rise, parents are more motivated than ever to enroll their children in sports programs, fitness classes, and other activities that promote physical health.

Moreover, the demand for convenience and time-saving services is also driving growth in this segment. Busy parents are seeking out businesses that provide reliable, high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs while also fitting into their hectic schedules. This demand has led to the expansion of franchises that offer childcare, after-school programs, and other family-oriented services.

The bottom line is that more and more families are spending more and more money on their kids. Many of these dollars are discretionary, but a large portion of the influx of spending is also required spending, like daycare services. This statistic through

the IFA is pretty astounding, “A Harvard Business Review report found that 57 percent of working families in the U.S. spend over

$10,000 on daycare annually.” (read more: https://www.franchise. org/franchise-information/franchising-world/industry-spotlightchildren-services)

Successful Franchise Brands in the Child- and Family-Focused Market Several franchise brands have capitalized on the growing demand for child- and family-focused services and have experienced

remarkable success. These brands offer a variety of products and

Both options utilize a single and multi-sport model, Lil Athletes gives children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, including Soccer, Baseball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Football, and Hockey. Teaching robust skills in each sport helps children decide where their personal sports journey will take them. Because young children thrive on repetition and routine, the Lil Athletes program is structured to allow for maximum benefit. Additionally, we offer birthday parties and holiday/summer camps. This provides an opportunity for children of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy exposure to athletic activities, while generating multiple revenue streams.

services that cater to different aspects of children’s lives, from education and entertainment to health and wellness.

1. Lil Athletes The Lil Athletes franchise is a prime example of a franchise that has found success in the child-focused market by offering a unique program that offers young children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports at a young age. Our classes teach children sports specific skills, fitness concepts, and provide structure in a fun group setting. Young children get to interact with their peers, learning how to follow directions and routines while developing their social and cognitive functions. There are 2 different franchise options with Lil Athletes: Option #1: Flagship Store + Off-Site Lil Athletes offers weekly single and multi-sport class options at our flagship store in East Northport, NY as well as off-site programs at various schools, libraries, and other recreational facilities. Our hybrid business model allows our program to empower thousands of children in our local market.

Option #2: Mobile Off-Site that gives financial flexibility while growing your company without the monthly storefront lease cost. Franchisees would build off-site awareness by teaching in daycares, libraries, fitness/sports facilities. This option is recommended for future franchisees that want to scale their business on their own time, with a very low upfront start-up cost.

2. Kumon Kumon is another franchise that has achieved significant success by focusing on education and tutoring services for children.

Founded in Japan in 1958, Kumon has expanded to over 50 countries, with thousands of locations worldwide. The franchise offers math and reading programs designed to help children develop strong foundational skills and foster a love for learning.

Kumon’s success is driven by its proven methodology, which emphasizes self-learning and individualized instruction. The franchise’s approach allows children to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they master each concept before moving on to the next. As parents continue to prioritize education and seek out effective tutoring services, Kumon has positioned itself as a leader in the supplemental education market.

The demand for educational services, particularly tutoring, is supported by data. The global private tutoring market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research.

This growth is fueled by increasing competition for academic success and the desire among parents to provide their children with additional educational support.

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EXPERT ADVICE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems

3. Four Seasons Preschool Franchise Through a laser focus on customer service while streamlining operations, Four Seasons Preschool brings simplicity and value to the early childhood education industry, without compromising quality. The franchise model is opened in smaller, converted homes or commercial buildings making the cost to open one much less than similar franchise systems like Primrose.

Through years of industry experience, the Four Seasons Preschool management team has developed a highly successful operational model. Leveraging that expertise, we provide a platform for profitability and ease of operation via superior training and support.

Four Seasons Preschool is successful because Karen, Tracey and their team have been aggressive and consistent in refining their operational model, striving for industry excellence, and serving their customers with dedication.

The number one quality for a successful Four Seasons Preschool franchisee is commitment to early childhood education, and the ability to recognize and hire staff that exhibit this dedication as well. Aside from previous education, childcare, or administrative experience, our ideal candidate will exhibit the following qualities: empathy, consistency, a love for children, a passion for education.

4. Soccer Shots Soccer Shots is a franchise that has gained traction by offering soccer programs specifically designed for young children. Founded in 1999, Soccer Shots has grown to over 200 franchises across North America. The franchise offers age-appropriate soccer classes that focus on skill development, teamwork, and positive character building for children aged 2 to 8.

The success of Soccer Shots is driven by its focus on providing a fun, engaging, and non-competitive environment for young 40 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

children to learn soccer. The franchise’s emphasis on character development and physical activity resonates with parents who want their children to develop both athletic skills and positive values.

As interest in youth sports continues to grow, Soccer Shots has positioned itself as a leader in the market for children’s sports programs.

The growth of youth sports is supported by data from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, which reports that participation in organized sports among children aged 6 to 12 has increased in recent years. This trend reflects the growing demand for youth sports programs that prioritize skill development, teamwork, and character building.

5. Christmas House / Halloween House Christmas House and Halloween House are everything kids love about the holidays wrapped into a great, fun and incredible experience. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House/Halloween House! Almost a dozen unique experiences including the first ever Snow Room, the North Pole Movie Theater, the Indoor Light Show, and many more. Locations are in high traffic mall locations with low rent and operated in the right markets. The business model creates an Unforgettable Experience with an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. A wondrous 45+ minute walkthrough of all things Christmas and Halloween!

Christmas House Franchising, Inc. has created two unique, immersive walk-through experiences for all ages that harness the power of these profitable industries in the U.S. — Christmas and Halloween. The business model first launched in 2020, with Halloween House soon to follow the next year. Due to overwhelming demand and success, we expanded to 12 fully indoor attractions covering three states in 2022. By 2023, we beat out more than 3,000 companies to make the top 60 in Pepperdine’s Most Fundable Companies competition.

The Christmas House/Halloween House founding team, which includes Michael Dessart who hails from decades of experience with HBO, has worked our magic to create some serious fun

on their children’s education, activities, and overall well-being.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 in the United States is approximately $233,610. This figure includes expenses for housing, food, education, and extracurricular activities, highlighting the significant financial commitment that parents make to their children’s development.

Growing Focus on Education and Development Education and development are top priorities for many parents, which has led to increased spending on educational services and enrichment programs. A report by Technavio predicts that the global education market will grow by $3.08 trillion from 2020 to 2024, driven by factors such as the rising demand for early childhood education, the increasing adoption of e-learning, and the growing popularity of STEM education.

Read more on the growing market for children’s services and products: https://franchisingmagazineusa.com/expert_advice/ unlocking-the-world-of-childrens-products-and-servicesfranchises-a-path-to-entrepreneurial-success-through-franchising/ within a lucrative business model! It’s easy to see why our 3 unique concepts make sense for ownership: Strong Profit-Driven Markets: Did you know that Christmas spending reached upwards of $7 trillion dollars in 2022?

Halloween spending topped over $12 billion in 2023, while general entertainment-related spending has reached $681.19 billion globally.

There’s Nothing Like It: Our concepts are simply one-of-a-kind.

We reach a massive audience of all ages and give families an experience not found anywhere else! Unlike our competitors, our visitors return again and again thanks to the value we offer. Our model has been proven to work in all population sizes.

Standout Profit Margins: Low upfront costs, seasonal demand, high volume, and quick ROI make for a fantastic investment! Once your location is set up, you can begin earning revenue fast. As an added profit driver, we offer our locations for private events and ample sponsorship opportunities!

Seasonal Flexibility: Experience the work-life balance you have always dreamed of. Christmas House and Halloween House are seasonal pop-up events, so you have the rest of the year for everything else.

Data Supporting the Growth of Child- and Family-Focused Franchises The success of franchise brands like The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas is supported by broader market trends and data that indicate growing demand for child- and family-focused services.

Demand for Convenience and Quality Busy parents are seeking out convenient and high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs. Franchises that offer reliable and well-regarded services, such as childcare, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, are well-positioned to capture this demand. According to a report by IBISWorld, the child care industry in the United States is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 3.9% from 2021 to 2026, driven by rising employment rates among parents and increased spending on childcare services.

The Future of Child- and Family-Focused Franchises The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing parental spending, a growing focus on education and development, and the demand for convenient and high-quality services.

Franchise brands that have successfully tapped into this market, such as The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas, offer compelling examples of how businesses can thrive by meeting the needs of children and their families.

As this market continues to expand, new opportunities will arise for entrepreneurs and franchisees who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Whether through education, physical activity, or technology, child- and familyfocused franchises have the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of the next generation.

Increasing Parental Spending

For more information on how to franchise your children’s business, contact Chris Conner with Franchise Marketing Systems: Chris.Conner@FMSFranchise.com or visit the FMS Franchise Site: www.FMSFranchise.com

One of the key factors driving the growth of this market is the increasing amount of money that parents are willing to spend

For more information on how to find a children’s Franchise, visit Franchise Conduit: www.FranchiseConduit.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 41

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FRANCHISOR IN DEPTH: Urban Air

Pioneering Youth Enrichment:

How Unleashed Brands is Expanding the Power of Play Urban Air: Where Adventure Takes Flight and Families Unite At the heart of Unleashed Brands is a mission driven by one man’s unwavering dedication to creating enriching experiences for children and their families.

Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, embarked on this journey, motivated by his desire to provide the best opportunities for his own children. What began as a quest to find top-tier dance, theater, music, and sports programs soon revealed a significant gap in the market—one that Browning, with his entrepreneurial acumen, was determined to fill.

In 2011, at just 26 years old, Browning founded Urban Air Adventure Park, a cutting-edge indoor adventure park concept that redefined family entertainment. Urban Air is now a popular place for children and families alike, offering attractions like 42 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Go-Karting, Ninja Warrior courses, and trampolines, which have captivated guests and spurred rapid growth, expanding its reach to hundreds of locations across the nation.

Unleashed Brands: Crafting a Unified World of Youth Excellence Browning’s ambition didn’t stop with Urban Air. As a father, he recognized the need for a more comprehensive solution—a single, consolidated platform where families could find the best in children’s activities. This realization culminated in the founding of Unleashed Brands in 2021, a platform company that now includes the world’s best youth enrichment brands: Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Center, Snapology, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, and XP League.

During the pandemic, when many businesses were scaling back, Browning doubled down on his vision, creating the

world’s first youth enrichment platform.

Unleashed Brands rapidly become the fastest-growing children’s platform company, boasting over 1,300 open locations. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Unleashed Brands now serves over 25 million children annually, providing them with opportunities to develop critical life skills, explore new interests, and build lasting memories.

Building a Youth Empowerment Ecosystem Each brand under the Unleashed umbrella serves a distinct purpose, yet together they form a cohesive ecosystem that supports holistic child development. For example, Urban Air provides physical activity and entertainment, while Snapology focuses on STEAM education through hands-on learning experiences. Premier Martial Arts instills discipline and confidence, and The Little Gym fosters early childhood

Beyond Business: Unleashed Brands Foundation’s LifeChanging Impact In 2023, Unleashed Brands took its

commitment to youth enrichment a step further by establishing the Unleashed

Brands Foundation. Although the company has been supporting youth and youth-

focused charities since 2011, the creation of this foundation marked a significant milestone in their mission to empower

at-risk youth. The foundation focuses on

providing resources necessary for children to transition successfully into adulthood, offering educational support, financial assistance, and volunteerism.

One of the foundation’s most heartwarming initiatives occurred in June 2024, when they partnered with The Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society (LLS) to grant a weeklong trip to Samuel, a young leukemia

fighter, and his family. Samuel’s adventure, which included visits to iconic San Diego

attractions and a special 1-on-1 experience with the San Diego Padres, exemplified

the foundation’s dedication to creating joy and lasting memories for children facing significant health challenges.

development through movement-based learning. Class 101 helps high school students prepare for college, and XP League offers an avenue for competitive gaming and team-building skills.

The platform’s most recent acquisition of Sylvan Learning, a leader in personalized tutoring and supplemental education, further solidifies Unleashed Brands’ commitment to educational excellence.

This acquisition expands Unleashed’s reach into the academic realm, adding a robust “Learn” pillar to its portfolio and enabling cross-brand synergies that enhance the overall value proposition for families.

Innovating Tomorrow: Unleashed Brands’ Journey to the Cutting Edge Innovation continues to drive Unleashed Brands forward. In the first half of 2024 alone, the company has seen

significant achievements, including the launch of WingmanAI, an advanced artificial intelligence tool designed to enhance business interactions across all platform brands. This technology enables franchisees and staff to streamline operations, improve communication, and ultimately deliver better experiences to customers.

Additionally, Unleashed Brands has rolled out new initiatives across its portfolio, such as Urban Air’s new Adventure Slides, Snapology’s integration of STEAM classes within Sylvan Learning centers, and The Little Gym’s partnership with DreamWorks to offer Trolls-themed birthday parties.

These innovations keep the brands fresh and exciting and demonstrate Unleashed Brands’ commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the evolving needs of families.

A Bright Horizon: The Unleashed Brands Legacy and What Lies Ahead As Unleashed Brands looks to the future, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With ongoing franchise growth,

strategic acquisitions, and a relentless focus on innovation, Browning’s vision for a

comprehensive youth enrichment platform

continues to materialize. Unleashed Brands is more than just a collection of franchises; it’s a movement that is redefining what it

means to support children’s development in a holistic and meaningful way.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, franchisees, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of children,

Unleashed Brands offers a unique and

compelling opportunity. With Michael Browning at the helm, the future of

youth enrichment—and the future of

franchising—looks brighter than ever. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 43

f ra n c h isi n g f eat u re

have your say: Code Ninjas

Cracking the Code to Reinvigorating a Brand

CEO of Code Ninjas Weighs in on Leadership Amid Brand Evolution that I truly believe in, from the brand ethos to the business model.

The goal coming in was to trickle that belief down to the rest of the system to lead all franchisees toward success while expanding our footprint. As a brand, Code Ninjas cannot be successful without our franchisees being ‘all in’ on the brand.

We have the opportunity to introduce kids to STEM and prepare them for their future, and it is incredibly gratifying and something I take seriously.

My career path has spanned three continents, many big brand names and, along the way, has provided me with learning experiences that have helped me grow as a person and a leader.

I stepped into my first leadership role in 2000 as the Director of Operations for Domino’s Pizza in the European market, then moved to Starbucks where I worked my way up to Regional Director of Licensed Stores, followed by leadership positions at Office Depot and C2. Most recently, I was the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks India then Tim Hortons in India.

While each experience has been vastly different, they have each guided me to my current role as Chief Executive Officer of Code Ninjas. Stepping into this new role has provided a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the team from franchisees up to the leadership level. I am thrilled to be a part of a brand 44 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Everything I have learned throughout my career fuels the ability to take the necessary steps to lead Code Ninjas to its full potential as a leader in children’s education. Here’s how we’re cracking the code and finding success:

Teamwork As I took on the CEO role, my first step was to make sure we had the right team in place to guide Code Ninjas to its next era of growth and strong performance. It is imperative that the people on board have the same, unified vision for the future of the brand. As the CEO, it is not necessarily my job to be an expert in the domain of coding, but rather, understand what our team is up against and how to put the right people in place to face any impending challenges while embracing endless opportunities.

We also moved our headquarters to Atlanta so we could all be in the office together.

We’ve seen that being together creates a strong sense of teamwork and openness as we build those relationships to strengthen productivity for us as a leadership team. This has resulted in tremendous collaboration, unlocking immense creativity to guide us into the future.

Strategize My next step was to build the strategy with my team. It was important, as a leadership team, to ensure we were all on the same page. If a brand’s leaders are not on the same page, then it is not reasonable to expect the franchisees to know how to move forward.

Additionally, an unclear strategy represents dysfunction and confusion for a brand, ultimately not yielding positive results.

With a clear direction in place of where we want to see Code Ninjas go, I was able to take the next step in reinvigorating the brand from the top down, making it exceptionally clear that everyone – regardless of position – had a crucial and unique role in actualizing our brand goals.

Listen From there I put boots on the ground, visited the dojos and spoke face-to-face to the franchisees to truly learn and understand what they think and feel about the brand in its current state. This is an important step to help guide the direction

of Code Ninjas, or any brand. It shows that the C-level executives care and that franchisees have full support in their entrepreneurial journey.

We added regular conference calls and town halls for the franchisees, making our team approachable through frequent and open communication. We also created a newsletter to keep our franchisees informed of what is happening internally at the brand.

I have a very participative leadership style

where everyone’s opinion matters in terms of how our company operates. It helps remind franchisees that my door is open and that they are valued as stakeholders in the growing Code Ninjas. Those opinions lead to us making the most informed decisions possible.

At the end of the day, the franchisees are the ones who are involved on a daily basis with the consumers, and have the most passion for the business and the kids. They understand what we need to have in place

to generate long-term success so it is important to have their uninhibited insights.

Action With the right team and strategy in place, after hearing the input from the franchisees, the final step is to take action. It was my job to bring all the feedback to the rest of the team and see how we can effectively put the words into actions as we set our franchisees up for success to become fabrics within their communities.

The various leadership roles have taught me that being decisive and learning how to embrace change and innovation when leading a company is essential.

These steps have led to a positive response from the franchisees as many have raised their hands to expand the footprint of Code Ninjas to new kids to help push the brand’s growth forward.

Despite being early on in my tenure with Code Ninjas, the fresh energy throughout the system has truly reinvigorated the company and put us on a track for continued success. v Franchising MAGAZINE USA 45

f ra n c h isi n g f eat u re

women in franchising: Brooklyn Robot Foundry

These new additions mark a significant milestone towards the brand’s overarching mission of bringing accessible and inspiring robot-building programs to children of all backgrounds.

Brooklyn Robot Foundry Doubles Down on Commitment to Diversity in STEAM Education as They Prepare to Open New Franchise Locations Across New York As we continue to see the conversation around the importance of STEAM education grow, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, an inclusive STEAM education brand dedicated to prioritizing diversity and empowerment, is thrilled to expand their offerings to new students as they announce the addition of three new franchisees in New York this year.

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Brooklyn Robot Foundry already has two successful franchises in New York (Rochester and Manhattan East) in addition to their corporate location in Brooklyn. They also have franchisees in Fairfield County, CT and Philadelphia, PA. The new New York locations, all owned and operated by women, underscore the Foundry’s commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality in the tech and education spaces. The importance of representation is not lost on the brand, having been created by and led by an almost all-woman team, they have truly embodied their dedication to creating a more equitable STEAM environment, starting with their franchisees who are all minorities and/or women themselves. The Foundry’s expansion is a testament to its goal of ensuring every child, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, feels valued, inspired, and empowered to explore the world of robotics and STEAM. Starting this Fall, Caroline Crilly will lead the charge in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Maspeth, Bed-Stuy, Oceanhill, Glendale, Ridgewood, Middle Village, and Elmhurst.

Living in New York for the last 15 years, she has a personal connection to the community as a parent and is eager to bring Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s programs to locals.

“It's important that students have access to programs like The Foundry, so that they get exposed to STEAM concepts through joyful play experiences,” Crilly said. Reflecting on her own childhood, she added, “Growing up, I was very curious about math, science, and engineering, but because I was a girl, it wasn’t as fully embraced as it might have been if I was a boy. I hope to provide the space for little girls to explore STEAM in a way that I didn’t.”

Alison Khalaf launched her franchise in Brownstone Brooklyn, covering areas like Park Slope, Greenwood, and DUMBO this summer. Khalaf, whose son had attended Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s camps and birthday parties, is bringing years of experience managing an early childhood center to her new role as a franchisee.

“I love working with kids, and I feel like running the childcare center definitely prepared me for my first foray into franchising,” Khalaf said. “Robots and AI are here to stay, so kids might as

well get comfortable with them and learn how they work from an early age. I’m excited to combine the fun of robots with inspiring creativity and learning how to build out of everyday objects.”

This Fall, Carmen Tsang will open the doors to her Brooklyn Robot Foundry franchise in Downtown Manhattan. With over 20 years of corporate experience and a deep-rooted connection to her community, Tsang is excited to make an impact locally.

Carmen spoke on her entrepreneurial dreams with The Foundry, “I hope to bring my community jobs, a sense of purpose, and most importantly, something for the kids to learn and have fun with.

Downtown Manhattan is a great market with high-value audiences searching for an educational program like Brooklyn Robot Foundry. One day, I hope to bring The Foundry international, but for now, I’m happy to be making a difference in the community I’ve known and loved for 15 years.”

Caroline Crilly

With the addition of these three new franchises, Brooklyn Robot Foundry is well on its way to achieving its goal of operating 12 franchises by the end of 2024. The brand is eager to continue expanding, introducing the power of STEAM to more children across the country, starting with their home-state, New York.

“Not only is there a huge need for access to this kind of education and tech on a community-wide level, but there is a huge need for intersectionality in these spaces as it relates to women and minority-owned businesses in robotics and engineering in general,” said Jenny Young, CEO and founder of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. “Alison, Caroline, and Carmen have vastly different life experiences and career paths, all of which will serve them well in providing crucial, hands-on STEAM experiences to local students.

These women will serve as examples to the students and show them that they can accomplish and be anything they want to be.”

The urgency of Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s mission is underscored by findings from the State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2022 report, which revealed a lack of improvement in math scores from 2007 to 2019 in New York. Despite the state’s status as one of the most educated in the nation, this lack of progress in math proficiency highlights the ongoing need to prioritize comprehensive STEAM education. Brooklyn Robot Foundry is dedicated to equipping students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Founded by Jenny Young, a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, Brooklyn Robot Foundry has been offering creative robot-building programs for children and adults in New York City since 2011. The brand launched its franchise opportunities in late 2022 and currently operates one corporate-owned location in Brooklyn, NY, and five franchise locations across Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Foundry is committed to doing their part to ensure that children throughout the country have the representation in STEAM classes that inspire and encourage them to pursue their passions. The addition of Carmen, Alison and Caroline to the Brooklyn Robot Foundry team are invaluable assets as the brand fights to create a more equitable and diverse STEAM space.

Alison Khalaf

Carmen Tsang

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