INVEST IN STA b ILIT y WITH THESE k ID - CENTRIC FRANCHISES
b UILDING A b USINESS ON HAPPINESS , HUSTLE , AND HEART
why the baby industry is poised for staying power amid economic uncertainty
HOW k IDSTRONG IS
b UILDING CONFIDENT
k IDS AND A STRONG FRANCHISE S ySTEM
Selecting a brand among the 850,000+ here in the U.S. is nothing short of overwhelming. There are plenty of excellent companies that already have it all put together — the model, the branding, the build-out process, strong numbers — which means the decision often comes down to more than just the nitty-gritty of practicality. For your hands-on day-to-day franchisee, the choice is about aligning vocation to your passion.
If you find yourself gravitating toward products and services that are all about children, you’re on the right track. Kidfocused franchises are an excellent way to put your hard-earned investment dollars, while also seeing promising returns. Consider this: there are over 73 million children here in the United States. That’s your target market, with parents spending an average of $310,000 per child over the course of 18 years.
Now that we’ve seen the customers are there and the willingness to spend is evident, let’s dive into some examples of brands that work well:
With busyness and a packed calendar following most parents these days, Style My Holidays offers a solution for capturing unforgettable moments for families.
Founded by a mom during the pandemic, the company operates as a pop-up model, making expertly styled photo sessions for everything from Back to School and
Valentine’s to Easter and Santa easily accessible at affordable rates.
Franchise partners step into a flexible model, perfect for those balancing carline drop-offs and busy weekends. The company aims to empower families to capture those cherished holiday moments within their packed calendars, tapping
into the $980 billion holiday economy while creating a blend of passion, purpose, and profit. This brand is especially wellsuited for those already connected to the community. More information can be found at https://franchisestylemyholidays. com.
Founded in 2022, The Candy Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for visitors — from ages 5 to 105 — to create edible masterpieces in a judgment-free creative space. The concept uses candy, fruits, and even veggies to inspire imagination through fun, hands-on workshops. More than just fun, The Candy Lab offers an enriching environment where participants can explore their creative side, develop fine motor skills, and even boost critical thinking.
For franchise partners, this translates into a low-competition experience that counterbalances the current landscape
of screens, devices, and electronics, all within a proven model. The Candy Lab offers a quick start-up time, and multiple revenue streams including workshops, birthday parties, camps and more. Learn more about this sweet franchise at https:// thecandylaboratory.com/franchising.
https://vikingcampsfranchise.com/
Longevity is proof of concept — and Viking Sports certainly makes the cut. The company has been around since 1993, offering sports programming, events, and activities for all ages and abilities. It’s a high-energy, fun-packed concept, doing everything from summer camps to field days.
Franchisees become a part of something that is more than just a business — a chance to boost healthy habits and promote active lifestyles for kids everywhere. Franchise partners receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a 20+ year established brand at their fingertips. Explore this fun-packed, sports themed franchise at https://vikingcampsfranchise. com.
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
If you’re like most people who look forward for Halloween and Christmas all year long, this next one may be for you. Christmas House Franchising, Inc. brings both holidays to life within two immersive pop-up experiences — Halloween House and Christmas House. Each walk-through experience transports guests to a world of magical detail, designed to be 100% family-friendly and perfect for pictures. This brand has been covered extensively throughout the years, seen on NBC, ABC, Prime, SYFY Network, and many others. The concept is seasonal, tapping into two massive industries. Franchise partners can also leverage sponsorships or private events as added profit drivers. Find
out more information about Christmas House and Halloween House at https:// christmasandhalloweenhousefranchising. com.
Kid-centric franchises offer more than just strong business models — they provide meaningful ways to impact families and communities while building a profitable future. From sports and seasonal experiences to creativity and celebrations, these brands prove that passion and purpose can align with smart investment.
If you’re exploring the right franchise opportunity, or considering franchising your own business, Franchise Marketing Systems can help guide the way.
To take the next step visit www.fmsfranchise.com
PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, is celebrating its latest campaign, PuroClean Cares®: Adopt A Classroom. The campaign kicked off in May and continues throughout the fall to celebrate and support educators across the country.
Franchise Owners across the PuroClean franchise network collected donations throughout the summer, culminating in a nationwide distribution of supplies in August, just in time for the start of a new school year. Donated classroom supplies included crucial materials such as binders, electric pencil sharpeners, dry-erase boards, markers, scissors, glue, paper, backpacks, monetary donations, and more. Many locations’ giveback initiatives will last for the entire school year.
According to a survey by the U.S. Department of Education, 94% of teachers pay for classroom necessities with money from their own pockets. Participants of the PuroClean Cares Adopt A Classroom campaign know that educators and students throughout the country deserve access to the tools and resources to help them be successful, and they are aiming to do their part to empower them.
“Teachers are the heart of our communities, shaping future generations every single day,” said Alex Pericchi, Vice President of Marketing and Online Learning at PuroClean. “Through this campaign, Franchise Owners in our network are coming together to let educators know that we see their dedication, and we value their contribution to our community.”
Standout Efforts across the country include:
• PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists (Warrenton, VA) – Donated $3K in school supplies to teachers in celebration of back-to-school season. Five teachers were selected to receive $600 to purchase classroom supplies and received help organizing and setting up their classrooms from PuroClean volunteers. The winners were announced live during Warrenton’s First Friday Festival on August 1st.
• PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists (Zephyrhills, FL) –Collected enough supplies for nearly 170 families and students to be set up for the school year.
• PuroClean of Elkton, MD – Hosted a summer-long series of events, game nights, and parties to raise money and donations, all leading up to a Donation Drop-off day where volunteers helped decorate classrooms for the new year.
• PuroClean of Redmond/Woodinville, WA – Partnered with Northshore Schools Foundation for a summer-long school supply drive to support their Pre-K Head Start programs at Sorsen Elementary and Kenmore Elementary.
• PuroClean of Poughkeepsie, NY and Kingston, NY – Repainted the classroom of a local educator.
• PuroClean of Macedonia, and Western Reserve, OH – Tabled at a golf outing for supplies and money for personal care products and supplies for high schoolers at Chardon High School.
• PuroClean of Morristown, NJ: Donated $3,000 in financial assistance and a starter tool package to help a local student pursue his dream of becoming an auto mechanic.
• PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists in Warrenton, VA: Donated $3000, shared between 5 teachers $3,000 in school supplies to purchase classroom supplies ahead of their new school year
• PuroClean Property Damage Experts (Cleveland, TN) – Worked with a teacher at Michigan Avenue Elementary
School in Cleveland coming back from an extended maternity leave, helped repaint her classroom, and stocked it with important materials.
• PuroClean Restoration Services (Hillsboro, OR) - Collected and donated backpacks for Youth Villages group.
• PuroClean of Lansdale and Plymouth Meeting (Schwenksville, PA) – In partnership with other local businesses, this location is donating essential furniture, fittings and other structural support items to their local schools, among other charity initiatives.
“Supporting our educators is more than a seasonal gesture; it’s a commitment to the success of our children and the strength of our communities,” said Steve White, President and COO of PuroClean. “At our core, PuroClean is a service organization, and as servant leaders, we are dedicated to supporting those who are uplifting our future; this is a responsibility we proudly embrace.”
PuroClean’s efforts to support its local communities are a year-round initiative, with every Franchise Owner having a part to play. During the holiday season, PuroClean has engaged throughout the years in a similar system-wide campaign, the PuroClean Cares Season of Giving, where locations partner with local businesses, charities, or non-profit organizations to bring toys or meals to families in need.
For more than 20 years, PuroClean has helped home and business owners with their restoration and remediation needs, serving communities across the United States and Canada with a network over 500 offices. PuroClean Cares is the brand’s commitment to community, creating avenues for franchises nationwide to extend their service beyond restoration by participating in nationally organized charitable givebacks and community support initiatives. v
t wo audie N ces, oN e braN d: the s ecret to s caliNG a c hildre N ’s s ervice FraN chise
When I first started in the children’s services space, I knew we were in the business of teaching kids a valuable skill. I also knew that to succeed, we had to master something even more complex: serving two very different audiences at the same time.
In this industry, parents are the customers, but kids are the end users. Parents make the decision, pay the bill, and evaluate
the value. Kids determine whether they are excited to come back. If either one is dissatisfied, you lose the family altogether. That is why every decision, from facility layout and curriculum to staff training and technology, must be made with both perspectives in mind.
Parents want safety, structure, and visible progress. Kids want fun, confidence, and connection. Winning in the children’s services space means delivering both, without compromise.
It is tempting for a brand to prioritize one group over the other. Parents control the purchase, so it might seem logical to focus all efforts there. The problem is that loyalty in this space comes from the whole family’s experience. If a child is not engaged and excited, the parent will soon look elsewhere. If the parent does not see progress or value, they will not renew, no matter how much their child enjoys the activity.
The key is recognizing that these two experiences are part of one emotional journey. When you serve both audiences equally well, you create a powerful flywheel. The kids are begging to return, and the parents feel they made a smart, meaningful investment.
For any children’s services franchise, whether it is a swim school, daycare center, tutoring program, or family entertainment concept, facility design and brand presentation should strike a balance between kid-friendly and parent-approved. Visually, spaces should engage children without overwhelming parents. Bright colors and playful touches appeal to
kids, but clean lines, organized layouts, and well-maintained equipment reassure parents. Both online and on-site, signage and communication should be warm and approachable for children, yet professional enough to inspire trust for parents.
Outside of the facilities, technology should also serve both audiences effectively. In a swim school, parents benefit from tools that track progress, manage scheduling, and reinforce safety standards. Kids respond well to recognition systems and interactive features that celebrate their achievements. This combination makes the brand feel credible to parents and exciting to kids.
Frontline staff in children’s franchises play a unique dual role as well. They are role models, coaches, and companions for kids, while also acting as trusted advisors and communicators for parents.
Staff training should prepare employees to adapt their tone, language style, and body language according to the audience they are engaging with. For example, while working with children, the emphasis should be on encouragement, empathy, and making the activity fun. When interacting with parents, the focus should shift to professionalism and clarity, all while building trust.
Scenario-based training, role-playing, and job shadowing help employees practice these transitions in real time. The most successful franchises make this skill set a standard part of onboarding and reinforce it through ongoing coaching.
Serving both parents and children should not just be the responsibility of frontline employees. It needs to be part of the company’s DNA. From marketing teams to corporate leadership, everyone should evaluate decisions through two lenses: how will this build trust with the parent, and how will it create joy for the child? At Big Blue, we think in twos – two audiences, two experiences, but all tied to the same brand standards.
Franchises that embed this thinking into their culture create consistency across all locations, delivering the same brand promise that resonates with both audiences.
Franchisors play a critical role in helping owners implement a dual-audience approach. This starts by explaining why the parents’ trust must be the foundation of the business, then providing tools and resources to deliver on that promise while keeping the child engaged.
Support can include communication templates, customer service scripts, facility design guidelines, and programming ideas that highlight progress. At the same time, franchisors should equip owners with kid-focused engagement strategies, from recognition programs and service rituals that make children feel seen and valued.
Franchisors should also implement regular coaching visits and operational check-ins. These visits can help assess how well each
location is delivering for both groups, reinforcing the importance of balance between the two.
In the child services industry, it’s important not to treat the parent and child experiences as separate tracks. They are connected, and the success of one depends on the other.
Build trust with the parents, but do not neglect the child’s perspective either, because their excitement fuels loyalty, retention, and word-of-mouth growth. The brands that scale successfully in the children’s services space are those that invest equally in both audiences. They design spaces, train teams, and build systems that speak to two very different sets of needs, all within a single, consistent brand experience.
By doing this well, you create a business that parents recommend, kids love, and communities rally behind. v
By: Cliff Kennedy, CEO of Frios Gourmet Pops, with Jennifer Rogers, Brand President
When I bought Frios Gourmet Pops, I was not just buying a business. I was taking the wheel of something that had already sparked joy for thousands of people.
My first taste of a Frios pop happened by chance, from a small cart outside a gas station while I was stuck in traffic. That one bite took me right back to my childhood, standing barefoot in the grass, summer sun on my face, savoring a frozen treat. I knew right then this was more than dessert. It was a moment of happiness worth sharing.
Today, Frios is one of the fastest-growing frozen novelty franchises in the United States with over 100 locations. Our success is not just about selling popsicles. It is about building a brand that makes people feel something. We call our franchisees “Happiness Hustlers” because that is exactly what they do. They hustle hard to deliver joy in every community they serve.
From the outside, it is easy to see Frios as a fun business, and it is. But under the bright colors and bold flavors is a rock-solid business model built for scalability and profitability.
Low Barrier to Entry: Our mobile-based franchise means no expensive retail buildouts. Franchisees operate from a “Sweet Ride” which is our fully wrapped, eye-catching truck, a “Happiness Hauler”, our lowest cost tie-dye trailer, or “Cool Carts” our mobile freezer carts, and can take their business directly to events, neighborhoods, and corporate clients.
Flexible Schedule and Market Reach: Our model allows owners to adapt to their market from catering weddings and festivals to corporate events, schools, and Pop Drop deliveries.
Product with Broad Appeal: We hand-pour premium pops made with real ingredients, offering options for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. There is something for everyone, from kids to health-conscious adults.
Support from Day One: We provide robust training, marketing resources, operational support, and a collaborative franchisee network that shares best practices daily.
However, what truly makes Frios stand out in a crowded franchise market is our culture, one rooted in giving back, going the extra mile, and making sure our business is a force for good.
A lot of brands talk about community engagement as if it is a checkbox on a marketing plan. For us, it is part of our DNA. Our franchisees are not just selling pops. They are showing up at school fundraisers, bringing treats to hospital staff, and sponsoring local events that make a difference.
In my experience, the best franchisees are the ones who understand that a business thrives when its community thrives. That is why we encourage and actively support giving back in creative, impactful ways.
One example close to my heart is our partnership with USA Health Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. We keep a freezer there stocked with Frios
pops year-round for patients and families. Thousands of pops are enjoyed every year with no questions asked, no fanfare, just a moment of comfort during tough times.
Our franchisees take this spirit and make it their own. In Florida, one of our owners used her Sweet Ride to deliver free pops to neighborhoods devastated by a hurricane. In Texas, a franchisee regularly surprises teachers with freezer drops to kick off the school year. These are not marketing stunts, but genuine acts of kindness that build loyalty far more than any paid advertisement ever could.
I have seen time and time again that the franchisees who give back the most also tend to grow the fastest. Why? Because people remember how you make them feel. When you are present at community events, when you show up for people on their best days and their hardest days, you stop being just a business and start becoming a trusted, valued part of their lives.
Going the extra mile is not just about generosity. It is smart business. It builds brand recognition, generates word of mouth referrals, and opens doors to opportunities you cannot buy. That is why at Frios, we do not just train our franchisees in sales and operations. We coach them in building authentic relationships in their markets.
If you are considering franchise ownership, ask yourself: Do you want to simply run a business, or do you want to create
something that brings joy, makes an impact, and becomes woven into the fabric of your community?
Frios is perfect for entrepreneurs who:
• Want a flexible, mobile-based business that is fun to operate
• Value relationships as much as revenue
• Are willing to hustle, get creative, and go all in on their community
• Believe that small moments of joy can make a big difference
Our happiest, most successful franchisees did not join Frios just to make a living. They joined to make a difference. And in doing so, they have built thriving businesses that they are proud to own.
“At Frios, we believe fun should be at the center of everything we do, but fun has more depth when it is paired with purpose. Our franchisees are more than operators. They are ambassadors of joy,” Rogers said. “We equip them not only with tools to grow their business but also with the inspiration and freedom to create moments that matter in their communities. That combination of business opportunity and heartfelt impact is what makes Frios truly special.”
In the end, a Frios pop may be a simple frozen treat, but it is also a smile waiting to happen. If you are ready to own a business where giving back is just as important as making sales, and where every day brings a chance to brighten someone’s day, then it might be time to grab the keys to your own Sweet Ride.
Here at Frios, we are not just selling pops. We are serving happiness. v
KidStrong has scaled into a fast-growing national franchise that blends science-based child development with a proven business model.
When we started KidStrong, we weren’t trying to build a national business. We were parents who wanted to help our daughter get stronger and more confident, but all we could find were generic children’s activities. We wanted a program based on science and led by strong coaches.
To fill this void, we began training our daughter at home, and after seeing her progression we eventually launched a small pilot class in the back of the gym that Matt and Lincoln owned. After seeing some amazing progress with the kids and the program, we partnered with Lincoln Brown to turn the idea into a scalable business. From that day one we have all worked together to help as many families as possible. What started as a small class in the back of a gym has grown into a franchise with more than 185 locations and thousands of families attending each week.
There are many programs for kids, but most of them focus on one area. Some emphasize fitness, while others focus on
play or academics. We wanted something more comprehensive. Our program combines physical activity, cognitive training and social-emotional development.
We designed KidStrong for children ages one through 11, which are some of the most important developmental years. Research shows that 95 percent of brain development happens during this stage. In KidStrong classes, kids practice balance, strength and coordination, as well as public speaking, teamwork and social skills.
We knew the program had to be fun. Children wouldn’t want to come back if the classes felt like school or like chores, so we made sure every class included competition
and recognition. The serious development is wrapped in play; parents see results and kids want to come back.
We saw how much demand there was for KidStrong, and we realized franchising could help us reach more families without jeopardizing quality. From the beginning, we built the company more like a technology business than a traditional franchise. We invested early in the right systems and people to help us grow, which gave us a strong foundation.
For example, we built technology to simplify operations and reduce administrative work for managers. Multiplied across hundreds of locations, even small time savings like this made a big difference not only in the experience we created for our members but in attracting top talent to come and work for our centers and for KidStrong HQ. These decisions allowed us to scale without losing focus on the product (our classes) or the families we serve.
We also learned the importance of protecting our culture. We only bring in franchisees who share our mission. If someone is only interested in numbers and not the impact on kids, they’re not a fit for our system.
The KidStrong model is built on recurring revenue, which allows franchisees to see strong performance from the day they open. Once parents see their kids’
growth, it encourages them to keep them enrolled, creating a predictable income for franchisees.
Retention is also high. Parents don’t view KidStrong as just another extracurricular activity. They see it as an investment in their kids’ future. That creates loyalty, referrals, booked birthday parties, full summer camps, and full classes.
We make it a priority to help new owners reach profitability quickly. Our goal is for each franchisee to break even and make back their investment in 28 months or less.
As we grow into key markets across the country, we are looking for operators who fit our vision. The best KidStrong owners are people who care deeply about helping kids but also have the skills to run a strong business. Some come from education or coaching backgrounds, while others have experience in business management. What matters most is a balance of mission and performance.
With KidStrong, you combine a kids-first mission with a serious business model. The owners who do well are those who understand both sides of that equation.
our outlook for the Future
KidStrong has grown faster than we ever imagined, but we are still early in our journey. We see a path to more than 1,000 locations in the US & Canada.
Our long-term vision is to be the global leader in child development and to help millions of kids. But no matter how big we get, our focus will stay the same: supporting families and franchise owners while protecting the culture that makes KidStrong special.
When we wake up each day, we know the work we are doing matters. Parents stop us to share stories of how their children have changed. We hear about shy kids who now lead on the playground or children who have gained confidence that carries over into school and sports. Those stories remind us why we started and why we continue to grow. v
Aldea Home & Baby, the boutique brand known for its curated selection of sustainable home and baby goods, has made waves in their franchise development plans with the opening of its first location outside California.
The brand has officially arrived in Washington State, opening its doors in Seattle earlier this summer. This newest location continues the brand’s overall mission of bringing community experiences that inspire customers to create the home of their dreams with curated and sustainable home & baby products.
For Johanna Bialkin, CEO and Founder of Aldea, opening Aldea Home & Baby in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood is a meaningful step in expanding her vision of building small “aldeas” (“villages” in Spanish) where families can find
thoughtfully curated, sustainable products and genuine community connection.
aldea home & Baby steps into seattle
This will be Aldea’s third brick-andmortar location, joining the flagship store in San Francisco and the Culver City, CA location, in addition to its online store at aldeahome.com. Just in time for the brand’s 20th anniversary, this new location marks a major milestone in Aldea’s national growth as the sustainable, curated home and baby brand increases its footprint in the U.S.
The Seattle store launched as a turnkey franchise opportunity. It is now actively positioned for resale to an aligned entrepreneur seeking to own and operate a community-driven boutique retailer under a nationally recognized brand. With corporate buildout complete and strong brand awareness in place, the location is ready for a seamless ownership transition into an already thriving store.
“Seattle’s rich history, strong local spirit, and family-friendly atmosphere align perfectly with our mission to support and inspire families in every stage through stylish, eco-conscious home and baby goods,” Bialkin said. “This expansion reflects not only our growth as a franchise but our deep commitment to fostering community, connection, and curation in every neighborhood we serve.”
Having already received an incredibly warm welcome from the Ballard neighborhood in which it calls home, Aldea Seattle features the brand’s signature offerings: a curated selection of over 700 sustainable and design-forward brands, expert-led registry services, and exclusive products from Aldea’s in-house brand. In keeping with the company’s commitment to local engagement and truly immersing itself into the communities it serves, the space is home to a custom mural by Seattle native artist Claire Shadomy.
a Prime Franchise opportunity in an uncertain economy
As the brand continues to grow, Bialkin stresses the importance of identifying future Aldea Home & Baby owners who share her commitment to community, design, and family. In an era where the economy is shifting daily, sometimes hourly, and the recent implementation of a new round of tariffs on August 1, Bialkin says the baby industry will see less drastic price hikes, as industry leaders in various U.S. states call for the industry to be exempt from extreme taxes. For example, Alabama recently signed a bill set to go into law on September 1 that would remove state sales tax on diapers, formula and maternity clothing.
On a national scale, nearly 50 members of
the US House of Representatives issued a statement opposing price increases on essential baby gear, asking Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work with the current administration on an exemption from tariffs.
With its unique blend of retail and community, positioned perfectly in a growing industry ripe with demand, Aldea is a one-of-kind Franchise opportunity. For those looking to start their own business during such uncertain times, the Aldea franchise model (one of the only baby product franchises) gives the flexibility to adapt quickly.
“By proactively managing inventory and partnering with over 700 diverse brands, we’re able to offer families a wide range of choices at various price points,” Bialkin said in Aldea’s website statement regarding
“ For Johanna Bialkin, CEO and Founder of Aldea, opening Aldea Home & Baby in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood is a meaningful step in expanding her vision of building small “aldeas” (“villages” in Spanish) where families can find thoughtfully curated, sustainable products and genuine community connection.
tariffs. “This flexibility not only helps us navigate supply chain uncertainties, but also ensures we continue to serve our communities with the quality and value they expect.”
a Diverse, Female-Led, and collaborative network
Aldea Home & Baby is fully womanowned and led, and embraces being a leader in the baby product franchise space as it flourishes. The home and baby industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by trends like increased awareness of baby health and safety, a shift towards sustainable and organic products, and the integration of technology. Aldea situates itself perfectly at the intersection of consumer preferences leaning towards high-quality, utility-driven, and premium baby products, and innovative, sustainable products with low environmental and health risks.
The global baby products market is estimated to reach USD 575.8 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2033. Furthermore, Marketing Retail states there is a growing trend of women (often mothers themselves) founding and leading baby-focused companies, bringing their personal experiences, concerns and insights to product development and innovation.
As the industry grows, Aldea Home & Baby is already establishing itself as the go-to baby goods and furniture franchise concept. With a franchise opportunity backed by 20 years of success in some of the most competitive markets, such as San Francisco and Culver City (and now San Jose in development), Aldea is poised to be the next big thing in curated, sustainable style for the whole family.