Why an Orangetheory Franchise Owner Chose KidStrong

Before joining KidStrong, Barb Volk was already involved in running Orangetheory Fitness studios. The addition felt natural, allowing her to build on what she already knew and create something that resonated with her as a parent.

“I wanted to be the best parent I could be, and coming from an athletic background, KidStrong resonated with me,” Volk said.

Volk grew up in Plantation, Florida, where she was an athlete and swimmer. She went on to study exercise physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later earned her master’s in exercise science. During that time, she worked as a fitness instructor and was introduced to Orangetheory Fitness through a friend and future business partner, Doug Birer.

What began as a part-time coaching job quickly turned into a full-time career. Volk helped open studios in Florida and North Carolina, eventually becoming a partner in several locations. After her daughter was born, she started stepping back from the day-to-day operations until Birer introduced her to a new concept called KidStrong.

“When Doug brought it up, my first reaction was that it sounded crazy. I had just had my daughter, was enjoying motherhood, and I had pulled back from Orangetheory,” Volk said. “As a new parent, the concept really resonated with me.”

Visiting a KidStrong center sealed the deal. The franchise’s focus on child development and physical activity was something that mattered to her as a parent, while the business side also made sense to her. With its membership-based model and focus on community, KidStrong shared many similarities with Orangetheory. It felt like a natural addition.

“Our experience with Orangetheory helped us avoid a lot of the growing pains that come with launching something new,” she said. “KidStrong fit into our systems really well.”

Based in Plantation, Florida, Volk is the Area Developer for Broward/Palm Beach, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She owns four KidStrong locations and is actively expanding under a 16-unit development agreement. She is currently focused on the pre-sale of her East 63rd Street location in Manhattan and the construction of a new center in Lake Worth, Florida. Volk and her team emphasize sustainable growth, aiming to open several new centers each year.

Running a family-focused business has also helped Volk strike a better balance between work and home life.

“I have three kids, and more if you count all the KidStrong ‘babies.’ What makes this all doable for me is work-life integration,” she said. “I don’t bring my kids to the center every day, but being involved in a business that’s centered around kids and families makes it all feel manageable and meaningful.”

For those considering franchising, Volk encourages them to choose a brand they truly believe in and surround themselves with the right staff. That mindset continues to drive her forward as a business owner and a mom.