Kidokinetics: Empowering Children Through Sports with Dave Pazgan

Kidokinetics: Empowering Children Through Sports with Dave Pazgan
Welcome to another insightful episode of Emerging Franchise Brands. Today, we sit down with Dave Pazgan, the CEO of Kidokinetics. Dave shares the inspiring story of how Kidokinetics is making a significant impact in children’s lives by introducing them to various sports and physical activities.

The Origin of Kidokinetics
Kidokinetics was founded by Terry, originally from South Africa, who had a background in the karate industry. After moving to the US, Terry saw an opportunity to start a business that would introduce children to sports, particularly those who might not naturally gravitate towards athletic activities. She began by teaching physical education programs in South Florida and soon realized the demand for her services. This realization came after an article about her company led to 80 kids showing up at a local park event. From there, Kidokinetics began to grow, offering parent-paid enrichment programs and contracted PE work at private schools.

Meeting the Needs of Today’s Children
Kidokinetics focuses on teaching fundamental sports skills to children, helping them develop physically, emotionally, and socially. With the increasing concern over children’s physical activity levels and rising obesity rates, Kidokinetics addresses a critical need. The program is designed to be inclusive, making sports accessible to all children, not just those who are naturally inclined towards athletics.

The Partnership that Transformed Kidokinetics
Dave Pazgan met Terry in February 2020, introduced by a mutual friend, Frank Milner, president of Tutor Doctor. Recognizing the potential of Kidokinetics and sharing common values, Dave decided to partner with Terry to help scale the business. With a background in franchising, having previously built and sold a successful franchise, 101 Mobility, Dave brought the expertise needed to grow Kidokinetics from three franchises to over 60 in just a few years.

Building a Community-Centered Franchise
A key to Kidokinetics’ success is its community-focused approach. Franchise owners are encouraged to engage with their local communities, building relationships with childcare centers, schools, and parents. This grassroots approach has helped create a strong, recurring revenue model with minimal marketing expenses. Dave emphasizes the importance of building a high-performance coaching team and creating a positive culture within the franchise system.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
While Kidokinetics has seen rapid growth, it hasn’t been without challenges. Building the necessary infrastructure, securing capital, and developing a robust business management system were crucial steps in preparing for scale. Despite these challenges, the company’s focus on strong fundamentals and community engagement has set it on a path for continued success.

The Future of Kidokinetics
Dave envisions Kidokinetics impacting millions of children worldwide. With plans for international expansion and a goal of reaching one million children annually, the future looks bright. The company’s commitment to providing high-quality, fun, and educational sports programs ensures that it will continue to make a positive impact on children’s lives for years to come.