.png)
Power Couples in Franchising: Love, Business, and Success
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to honor the occasion than by highlighting couples who share their lives and business ventures? In franchising, some couples take their partnerships beyond the home, successfully navigating the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship together. Today, we spotlight two remarkable couples—Adi and Magdalena Mata, and Mark and Melissa Overcash—who exemplify what it means to be a power couple in franchising.
Adi and Magdalena Mata: Building Family and Business Together
Married in 2012, Adi and Magdalena Mata embarked on their franchising journey in 2017 after Adi decided to leave the corporate world in search of something more fulfilling. As multi-unit owners of The Little Gym, they have built a thriving business while keeping family at the heart of their operations.
Their decision to invest in The Little Gym was deeply personal. They wanted a business that aligned with their family values, where they could bring their children and create a positive impact in their community. Magdalena recently left her career in education to focus on managing The Little Gym in Boerne, TX, while Adi oversees the North San Antonio location.
“With my background in education, I immediately saw how The Little Gym could make a real difference in children’s lives,” says Magdalena. “It was the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for youth development with entrepreneurship.”
With Magdalena’s extensive education background and certifications from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards—her transition into The Little Gym was seamless. Her expertise in youth development and passion for fostering growth made her a perfect fit for the franchise. Meanwhile, Adi’s experience in financial institutions equipped him with strong administrative and HR skills, making their business partnership well-rounded.
“Our advice to couples entering business together? Approach everything with grace and open communication,” Magdalena shares. “Learn to compartmentalize so your relationship remains strong and business discussions don’t dominate every moment together.”
Mark and Melissa Overcash: Navigating Challenges and Thriving Together
Mark and Melissa Overcash married in 2010 and opened their first business in 2017. Their initial focus was on the healthcare sector, but like many, they faced severe challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to adapt and pivot led them to franchise ownership, and today, they are successful multi-brand owners of Sylvan and Class 101.
Mark’s career has been diverse, spanning over twenty years in the military, serving as VP of Operations and Marketing and Director of Utilities for the City of Hurst. Melissa, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from WGU, brings a unique perspective as a mother of six. She has guided her children through various educational paths, and her experience helps students confidently navigate their academic futures.
“When we first started working together, we had a lot of strong opinions,” Melissa recalls with a laugh. “It took time to learn how to leverage our strengths instead of letting them clash.”
Mark and Melissa clashed when they started working together due to their strong leadership styles. However, they learned how to balance their strengths—Melissa’s administrative skills and Mark’s operational expertise—to create a successful business dynamic.
“Strong communication and clear role definition are key,” Mark advises. “Learn to split up authority, understand constructive criticism, and consciously compartmentalize business and personal life.”
The Power of Love and Business
The Mata’s and Overcash’s prove that love and business can go hand in hand. Their journeys showcase the power of teamwork, resilience, and shared vision. For couples looking to dive into franchising together, these power couples set an inspiring example of how to grow a thriving business while maintaining a strong personal relationship.
This Valentine's Day, we celebrate these incredible franchise owners' love, hard work, and success. Here’s to building dreams together—in business and life!
About Unleashed Brands
Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning, Snapology, XP League, Class 101, Premier Martial Arts and Water Wings Swim School. The platform was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable franchise brands that help kids learn, play, and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every child by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help them reach their full potential.