10 FAQs About Owning a KidStrong Franchise

Choosing a franchise is a major decision, and candidates need more than a polished brochure to move forward. In the fast-growing world of youth enrichment, KidStrong stands out by offering a science-based development program for kids that focuses on brain, physical and character milestones.

Prospective franchise owners need to know exactly what happens when the doors to the new business open, how the money moves and what is expected of them as leaders within a brand that’s scaling toward more than 1,000 locations across the United States and Canada.

Josh Patrick, senior vice president of franchise development for KidStrong, spends his days in the trenches with these candidates. From initial discovery calls to the final stages of validation, he hears the same questions surface repeatedly. Here are 10 that come up most often for candidates considering KidStrong.

At its core, KidStrong is built around developmental milestones and physical fitness. The financial engine, however, is actually built on a mostly recurring model. Membership dues account for a substantial share of overall revenues and provide owners with a more predictable base. But there’s more in play than just the weekly class schedule.

"For us, that’s camps when school is out, birthday parties, parents’ night out and apparel," Patrick said. "Those non-membership items are also a strong lead engine because you don’t have to be a member to participate."

This is one of the most critical points in the discovery process. KidStrong is not designed to be a passive investment or a side hustle. The brand requires an owner who is present and focused on the growth of each KidStrong location.

"If you plan to keep your job, do not do KidStrong," Patrick said. "You will struggle. And you will be upset because you’re splitting between two worlds you probably can’t handle."

Real estate is a primary concern for just about every franchise ownership candidate. KidStrong relies on parents being able to easily access the center during busy afternoon and weekend windows. So, the site selection process is rigorous out of necessity. The corporate team, however, provides data-driven analysis to help candidates navigate leases and identify the specific demographics that drive success, easing the process.

Sales. Sales. Sales. Strong candidates don’t spend the construction phase waiting for the business to open. The most successful owners treat the pre-open phase as a critical window for initial marketing. Corporate HQ handles digital lead generation. But franchise owners at the local level are ultimately responsible for building brand loyalty. Building a VIP list and showing up at local community events can help a new franchise owner gain traction quickly. That is all in addition to the general pre-sale to open centers with a strong number of members.

Staffing is the heartbeat of the operation. While some fitness concepts look for drill instructors, KidStrong looks for mentors. Because the curriculum is handled at the headquarters level, owners can focus more on finding coaches who connect well with kids.

"Member retention is almost directly tied to coaching quality," Patrick said. "We control the program and in-center content from HQ, which lets owners hire coaches based on personality and engagement, not just fitness backgrounds."

Building a great team fast is difficult but crucial. The general manager is a particularly pivotal hire and is a separate position from ownership. KidStrong maintains a high standard for the position and requires each to complete a formal certification process. If a candidate doesn’t meet brand benchmarks, they won’t be stepping into the role.

Financial transparency is key as potential candidates near a final decision. KidStrong utilizes a minimum member opening requirement to protect each franchise owner. And, by ensuring a specific number of members are signed up prior to opening, the brand aims to have centers operating at a break-even point from opening. This strategy prevents owners from burning capital or making panicked operational decisions during the early months of the new business.

The youth enrichment space is crowded. And savvy investors want to know the brand isn’t just standing still. The company functions more like a nimble tech firm than a slow-moving corporation. "This is not a gigantic cruise ship that takes years to turn," Patrick said. "When we make a decision, we go. That requires franchisees to be nimble and adjust quickly."

That mindset also shapes who the brand wants to bring into the system. KidStrong, for example, offers VetFran candidates a 15% discount on the franchise fee.

For franchisees who want to grow beyond a single location, the focus shifts. They want room to expand, reliable support and clear visibility into how each center is performing day to day.

When asked what he wishes candidates would ask earlier, Patrick pointed directly to the human element. Success in this franchise is about a lot more than simply enjoying fitness. It’s about the ability to recruit and manage high-performing teams.

"If you don’t have experience hiring, or you’re not comfortable interviewing and assessing talent, KidStrong is probably not the right franchise for you," Patrick said. "You have to get those reps and get very good at it."

KidStrong is a high-energy commitment. The brand provides a rewarding ownership opportunity. But it requires early immersion at the local level. While the financial model and corporate support provide the framework, true success still rests on the franchise owner's ability to build a great team. And for those willing to put in the required effort and focus early, KidStrong offers a clear path to professional growth while making a significant impact on the next generation.

KidStrong was founded in 2015 by Matt and Megin Sharp because they wanted a program focused on developing strength and confidence for their daughter Ella and other kids like her. Together, they partnered in 2017 with Matt's best friend and co-founder Lincoln Brown to help grow the program. Later, Megan Stein joined as a co-founder.

Together they developed KidStrong, a science-based kids’ training program focused on brain, physical and character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals to help accelerate milestone development and promote social and emotional strength. Today, KidStrong has grown exponentially, with more than 500 franchises sold to date since the company opened its first center in 2015.