Ryan Debin

name of the game: excitement

It’s every child’s dream to make a career out of something ‘exciting’. For Ryan Debin, this is his reality. It’s quite literally in his job title — Chief Excitement Officer.

Despite the fun this position insinuates, it requires hard work, unique insight, and a valuable skillset, all of which Ryan has earned through years of experience. An entrepreneur since 21, Ryan bought a share of a real estate leasing company after graduating from Boston College. He began his career in banking at Anglo Irish Bank and Lone Star Funds.

Since 2012, Ryan has owned and operated multiple franchise companies. Ryan’s asset management company, Momentum Enterprises Inc., operates 18 businesses and employs more than 350 people. Momentum is currently the largest franchisee of Launch Entertainment Parks, with Massachusetts locations in Norwood, Framingham, Westborough, and Woburn.

Love For Launch entertainment

Ryan was initially drawn to Launch’s innovative approach and ability to stay ahead of the curve as consumer demands inevitably shift. This is one of many aspects that differentiated the franchise from other family entertainment centers he was looking into. Ryan sees the same core values within Launch that he sees within himself, making him a firm believer in the franchise’s success.

Equipped with a go-big-or-go-home mentality, Ryan always pictured himself owning multiple businesses. Ryan favors franchising, as it creates the potential for a business model to thrive.

“Owning a business is a grind and can be difficult, and it was especially so during COVID. However, at the end of the day, we’re doing good for the kids and their families. We’re bringing people together and creating jobs along with providing a service that gets people active,” says Ryan. “It gives me great honor to be a part of this community. I love putting smiles on people’s faces.”

overcoming challenges

Ryan’s ambition is second to none. He opened his first Launch in 2019, and like many other businesses, was forced to close for several months due to COVID-19. However, instead of slowing down, Launch did the opposite during the pandemic. This window of opportunity gave Ryan the time needed to undertake a $1.6 million renovation to his facility. This enhanced his location, making it bigger and better than ever.

After the million-dollar renovations, this location is now in the top five performing locations in the entire franchise system.

Last year, Ryan took a former Toys “R” Us location and transformed it into an incredible 30,000-square foot Launch Entertainment. It brings him great joy when he’s able to bring life and laughter to these massive spaces.

Recently, Ryan renovated a facility that was formerly a SkyZone. He and his team gutted the first-generation trampoline park, upgrading it to an evolved entertainment center with the latest features and amenities. Ryan maintains his excitement for Launch’s ability to take a cutting-edge approach that separates Launch from every other franchise out there.

“When faced with challenges, like the global pandemic, it can bring out the best and most creative side of a person, or in this case, a business,” Ryan said. “In our Norwood, Massachusetts location, we added birthday party rooms, laser tag, and a ninja warrior course, among many other amenities. We wanted to focus on making my first location the best version it could be for customers of all ages.”

Making an Impact

Ryan, a seasoned multi-unit franchise owner and franchise professional, has opened four Launch Entertainment locations. He prides himself in investing in brands that are fulfilling and fun, which he’s found in Launch.

“Launch is a thriving and advantageous franchise,” says Ryan. “Launch has an effective way of evolving to anticipate consumer demand. This is a franchise that creates new and exciting activities for all ages as consumers’ expectations change with the times.”

For Ryan, one of his biggest intentions when investing is what impact he can make on an individual’s life. Making an impact in the community is imperative to him, and the ultimate way for him to do that is to invest in places that aid in generating lifelong happy memories. “Between our four locations, we do thousands of birthday parties for children,” says Ryan. “A child’s birthday party is priceless. It is an exciting day for the whole family. Being a part of something special and bringing delight to families — there’s no better feeling than that.”

Aside from creating a memorable atmosphere for his customers, Ryan also enjoys helping fellow franchisees succeed. Recently Ryan led a panel discussion at the 2022 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, where he provided insight on the best strategies and tools to build customer loyalty. Ryan is eager to lend his expertise to aspiring business owners. He hopes his efforts will make an impact in the franchise community.

what’s in store for the Future?

Ryan shows no signs of slowing down with plans to open a total of seven locations in his state of Massachusetts. He plans to open three more in Worcester, North Shore, and South Shore.

“If you have something that you know works and feel in your heart works, why do one when you can do dozens more?” questions Ryan.

In his personal life, Ryan is an involved husband and father to four boys. He is passionate about his service to various civic and non-profit organizations. He’s on the Board of Directors for Horizons for Homeless Children and serves as a member of the Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Real Estate Committee. He’s also on the Board of Directors of Hope and Comfort, a non-profit based in Newton, Massachusetts, that supplies toiletries to those in need. As if that isn’t enough, he’s also the head coach for four different teams, including soccer and baseball.

Ryan lives by the philosophy of Matty Mullins: “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” With big plans for the future, Ryan is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the franchise world as he continuously outdoes his own accomplishments.