Hey KIDO, Let’s Play

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Hey KIDO, Let’s Play!

By Beverly Perkins

Almost three decades ago, Kidokinetics was created by Weston resident Terri Braun to get children of all ages engaged in fun activities and to keep their bodies moving. The teacher, athlete, wife, and mother of three had an intense passion at a very early age to teach kids to become competent at all sports while learning to be physically fit. The physical education sports and fitness program has traveled to schools, early childhood and daycare centers, houses of worship, homeschool groups, community centers, and parks. Just last month, Braun was thrilled to announce the grand opening of their new headquarters facility in Davie.

The Kidokinetics’ brand has become so successful that it attracted the interest of Franchise CEO Dave Pazgan and other franchise leaders who also wish to support its mission to empower and educate kids through physical activity. Minority investments from the Co-Founders of College HUNKS Hauling Junk aim to help the emerging franchise brand establish itself as a leader in sports and physical education enrichment programs while creating nationwide franchise opportunities.

“Our new state-of-the-art headquarters gives us a great location to train our new franchisees. Now more than ever, kids need physical education enrichment programs to support their overall development as well as mental and physical wellness," explained Braun. " There is such a powerful need for a program like this and that’s what makes it easier to franchise, we are mission-driven. We are so grateful to have the support from franchise executives at College

TERRI BRAUN

Kidokinetics Founder HUNKS. This will help us expand our franchise program to reach way more children across the country and beyond.”

Even during a pandemic, Braun found the demand larger than ever. In a time with video games and smartphones, kids have become rather sedentary, and parents have found it challenging to limit screen time and get their children excited to be active. Kidokinetics offers a solution to get these kids moving again in a fun yet structured environment. Physical activity is of utmost importance in the era we all are living in.

The sports and physical education brand operates 19 franchises nationwide and hopes to add another 100 in the next two years. With a focus on developing successful franchise owners and providing much-needed benefits to youth physical activity enrichment, Kidokinetics is well-positioned to continue growing exponentially.

Terri Braun, Kidokinetics Founder recently took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about herself and her sports program.

How did Kidokinetics come about?

My background of teaching kids from an early age allowed me to see the need for a program that was non-competitive and introduces all sports. Children essentially never did and some still do not have somewhere they can be physically active learning sports and not worry about teams and competition, just be active. We, as adults go to the gym and work out as a stress release, and kids do not have that. I was training, teaching, and competing in karate from a young age and knew not every child would want to do karate and that’s what lead me to develop a program where kids can learn different sports and still focus on coordination, concentration, discipline and get so much out of what they are doing. I want them to build their confidence and empower them to believe they can do anything.

What are the core values of Kidokinetics?

We like to PLAY! (Pass the ball, Leadership on levels, Attitude of gratitude, and Yes, you can!) If you aren’t having fun, you are not doing it right.

What is your vision for your company?

My vision is to build this company into a large franchise system with 100 units and get 1 million kids moving.

Please share your views on franchising an industry such as yours.

Franchising is the best way to grow our program while also allowing us to keep to brand guidelines and make sure the program is being replicated appropriately.

Tell us more about your new headquarters.

We've created a great facility with office space, a meeting area, and a training area for our franchisees. We also have an indoor pickleball court! Yes, a pickleball court is a unique element of the office where the Kidokinetics team can take an activity break and have fun while working. Our entire corporate culture is about creating fun physical activity programs for children, so why not add some fun activity to our workdays, too? The court is also available to rent for private games.

As a female business owner, what is your advice to other aspiring businesswomen?

Its sounds so cliché to say never give up if you have a dream because you can achieve it; But you must work hard to get it. Nothing is handed to you and if you have no money and an idea run with it because you can make anything possible if you have passion, loyalty, resilience, and a great work ethic. Do not ever let anyone tell you, you are not good enough. It will happen but that should make you stand taller and stronger.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

We recently enjoyed our grand opening celebration last month and we invite anyone interested to come tour our facility and learn more.

▸Kidokinetics Headquarters is located at 10428 West State Road 84, Unit 1, Davie, 33324. For more information about the

Kidokinetics program or franchising, visit www.Kidokinetics.com, call 954-385-8511, or email terri@kidokinetics.com.