Originally posted on Franchisingmagazineusa.com
Urban Air: Where Adventure Takes Flight and Families Unite
At the heart of Unleashed Brands is a mission driven by one man’s unwavering dedication to creating enriching experiences for children and their families. Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, embarked on this journey, motivated by his desire to provide the best opportunities for his own children. What began as a quest to find top-tier dance, theater, music, and sports programs soon revealed a significant gap in the market—one that Browning, with his entrepreneurial acumen, was determined to fill.
In 2011, at just 26 years old, Browning founded Urban Air Adventure Park, a cutting-edge indoor adventure park concept that redefined family entertainment. Urban Air is now a popular place for children and families alike, offering attractions like Go-Karting, Ninja Warrior courses, and trampolines, which have captivated guests and spurred rapid growth, expanding its reach to hundreds of locations across the nation.
Unleashed Brands: Crafting a Unified World of Youth Excellence
Browning’s ambition didn’t stop with Urban Air. As a father, he recognized the need for a more comprehensive solution—a single, consolidated platform where families could find the best in children’s activities. This realization culminated in the founding of Unleashed Brands in 2021, a platform company that now includes the world’s best youth enrichment brands: Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Center, Snapology, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, and XP League.
During the pandemic, when many businesses were scaling back, Browning doubled down on his vision, creating the world’s first youth enrichment platform. Unleashed Brands rapidly become the fastest-growing children’s platform company, boasting over 1,300 open locations. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Unleashed Brands now serves over 25 million children annually, providing them with opportunities to develop critical life skills, explore new interests, and build lasting memories.
Building a Youth Empowerment Ecosystem
Each brand under the Unleashed umbrella serves a distinct purpose, yet together they form a cohesive ecosystem that supports holistic child development. For example, Urban Air provides physical activity and entertainment, while Snapology focuses on STEAM education through hands-on learning experiences. Premier Martial Arts instills discipline and confidence, and The Little Gym fosters early childhood development through movement-based learning. Class 101 helps high school students prepare for college, and XP League offers an avenue for competitive gaming and team-building skills.
The platform’s most recent acquisition of Sylvan Learning, a leader in personalized tutoring and supplemental education, further solidifies Unleashed Brands’ commitment to educational excellence. This acquisition expands Unleashed’s reach into the academic realm, adding a robust “Learn” pillar to its portfolio and enabling cross-brand synergies that enhance the overall value proposition for families.
Innovating Tomorrow: Unleashed Brands’ Journey to the Cutting Edge
Innovation continues to drive Unleashed Brands forward. In the first half of 2024 alone, the company has seen significant achievements, including the launch of WingmanAI, an advanced artificial intelligence tool designed to enhance business interactions across all platform brands. This technology enables franchisees and staff to streamline operations, improve communication, and ultimately deliver better experiences to customers.
Additionally, Unleashed Brands has rolled out new initiatives across its portfolio, such as Urban Air’s new Adventure Slides, Snapology’s integration of STEAM classes within Sylvan Learning centers, and The Little Gym’s partnership with DreamWorks to offer Trolls-themed birthday parties. These innovations keep the brands fresh and exciting and demonstrate Unleashed Brands’ commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the evolving needs of families.
Beyond Business: Unleashed Brands Foundation’s Life-Changing Impact
In 2023, Unleashed Brands took its commitment to youth enrichment a step further by establishing the Unleashed Brands Foundation. Although the company has been supporting youth and youth-focused charities since 2011, the creation of this foundation marked a significant milestone in their mission to empower at-risk youth. The foundation focuses on providing resources necessary for children to transition successfully into adulthood, offering educational support, financial assistance, and volunteerism.
One of the foundation’s most heartwarming initiatives occurred in June 2024, when they partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to grant a week-long trip to Samuel, a young leukemia fighter, and his family. Samuel’s adventure, which included visits to iconic San Diego attractions and a special 1-on-1 experience with the San Diego Padres, exemplified the foundation’s dedication to creating joy and lasting memories for children facing significant health challenges.
A Bright Horizon: The Unleashed Brands Legacy and What Lies Ahead
As Unleashed Brands looks to the future, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With ongoing franchise growth, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless focus on innovation, Browning’s vision for a comprehensive youth enrichment platform continues to materialize. Unleashed Brands is more than just a collection of franchises; it’s a movement that is redefining what it means to support children’s development in a holistic and meaningful way.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, franchisees, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, Unleashed Brands offers a unique and compelling opportunity. With Michael Browning at the helm, the future of youth enrichment—and the future of franchising—looks brighter than ever.