From F45 to KidStrong: Why Tai Kyon Invested in Kids’ Fitness

KidStrong franchisee Tai Kyon’s introduction to franchising started with F45 in 2018. After his brother in Los Angeles introduced him to the workouts, Tai quickly became interested in the concept

“I was able to meet up with one of the existing owners and I just fell in love with what it stood for, but I also really enjoyed the workout,” Tai said. That early experience with other F45 owners gave him a strong foundation in operations, marketing and team leadership.

When it came to his next move, though, Tai wanted something with a deeper mission. He first came across KidStrong not as an investor, but as a parent.

“I have three children. My daughter has been a member at the KidStrong by our house for several years now,” he said. “It was always my wife’s and my dream to be able to pursue something that was mission-driven.” After waiting for territories to become available, the timing finally lined up for him to take a leap.

Kyon was drawn to KidStrong because of the brand’s clear focus on kids’ growth and its intentional approach to franchising. “I believe in what we do in terms of impacting kids’ lives and the programming is great,” Kyon said.

He also appreciated how KidStrong’s corporate team approached franchise growth. “From an HQ perspective, they were very helpful and intentional,” he said, “making sure they had the right people on board.”

Transitioning from adult fitness to children’s development came with new perspectives. “In adult fitness, you're really dealing with a more settled mindset,” Kyon said. “What I found is adults are more willing to spend on their kids than on themselves, even though the same conversations are being held in both facilities.”

His background as a multi-unit operator helped him adapt quickly. “I think being very process driven is super important, especially in franchising,” he said. “Making sure that you have support when needed, but knowing how to run the plays and executing it so that you are able to grow multiple locations.”

Founded in 2015, KidStrong has grown into one of the fastest-expanding child development franchises in North America. With over 160 locations open and more than 70,000 kids enrolled in weekly classes, the program blends physical fitness, social-emotional learning and cognitive skill-building to help kids grow stronger in every way.

Kyon sees his new role as part of this larger movement. “For the first location, we’re excited to really hone in on all the details that would make it super successful,” he said. “Finding out all the kinks, making sure that we understand as a team that this brand is growing rapidly and we want to be a part of that expansion and growth.”

His first center is opening in Long Island City, with plans to expand throughout Queens. For Kyon, the goal is clear: “Doing the first one well so that we can expand a little bit quicker going forward.”

KidStrong has built its brand by empowering families and giving kids the confidence and tools they need for lifelong success. For parents like Kyon, who turned his personal experience into a business opportunity, the mission is both professional and personal.

As he looks ahead, Kyon sees KidStrong not just as a franchise, but as a way to shape the next generation. And it all comes back to his simple reason for joining: “Helping kids with their life.”