Kristen, how did you get into the industry?
I started a landscaping company back in 2000 as we grew my clients started asking us to install backyard playgrounds, we then said there were playgrounds everywhere and decided to grow the business into a turnkey parks and recreation company, offering turnkey product and service solutions to both residential and commercial clients across the US.
What’s New in the Innovative Sport Surfacing Business or in the Franchise Model?
We are awaiting a major decision on a national government purchasing program worth $100 million that would set up immediate success for each franchise across over 30 states.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
I only see opportunities there are no challenges these products and services are required and needed nationwide per federal and state regulations each and every playground has to be in compliance, safe, clean, etc. and that’s just a small portion of what these products can be used for. Our products can be used with Residential Clients, Schools K-8, Daycares, CDC’s, Head start Facilities, Government Facilities – Domestic and Foreign Experience – Military, Homeland Security, SSA, Residential Clients, Hotels & Resorts, Fitness Centers & Gyms, Universities & Colleges, Local , Municipal And State Organizations, National Parks and Recreation, General Contractors, Golf Courses, Amusement Parks, Water parks, Children’s Museums, Administration of Children Services, National Housing Authority Administration, Campgrounds, Fitness & Obstacle Courses – Children & Adult, McDonalds, Burger King and Chick-Fila Indoor play areas, Homeowners Associations, Apartment Communities, Condominium Communities, Assisted Living Facilities, Dog parks, Agility Training & Boarding Facilities, Equestrian Facilities, Non Profit Organizations such as Make A Wish Foundation & Miracle League Fields ADA Rubber Baseball Fields, Churches, Sotheby’s & Other Mansion Home Realtors and Caretakers, Property Management, and Landscape Architects.
What is your Goal for the Innovative Sport Surfacing Business Moving Forward?
Innovative Sport Surfacing will be a turnkey nationwide provider & installer of playground equipment, shade structures, pavilions, basketball/tennis courts, splash pads, all safety surfacing options and custom equipment construction services working with Residential Clients, Schools K-8, Daycares, CDC’s, Head start Facilities, Government Facilities – Domestic and Foreign Experience – Military, Homeland Security, SSA, Residential Clients, Hotels & Resorts, Fitness Centers & Gyms, Universities & Colleges, Local , Municipal And State Organizations, National Parks and Recreation, General Contractors, Golf Courses, Amusement Parks, Water parks, Children’s Museums, Administration of Children Services, National Housing Authority Administration, Campgrounds, Fitness & Obstacle Courses – Children & Adult, McDonalds, Burger King and Chick-Fila Indoor play areas, Homeowners Associations, Apartment Communities, Condominium Communities, Assisted Living Facilities, Dog parks, Agility Training & Boarding Facilities, Equestrian Facilities, Non Profit Organizations such as Make A Wish Foundation & Miracle League Fields ADA Rubber Baseball Fields, Churches, Sotheby’s & Other Mansion Home Realtors and Caretakers, Property Management, and Landscape Architects.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
I would like to have a couple of days at their home office and a day at our home office and then a full media based on-site training where we introduce the new company, choose a non-profit organization in the area and we install new surfacing and equipment to actually show the new crew how o build hands-on and we do a ribbon cutting, etc.
Your most difficult moment in the Franchise Business?
I would say understanding the bidding / estimating process however we will have some basic guidelines in place to assist with this.
What is a Day in the life of a Franchisee?
Creating relationships with every GC in the city, parks and rec dept, schools, churches, daycares, municipalities, etc. selling products and services, scheduling installs, ordering materials, sending crews to job sites. This is a territory-based franchise model, you are out in the field every day, meeting, greeting and developing relationships with your referral sources and customers. You need to be high-energy, but if you enjoy interacting with people, the business is loads of fun.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
Sell, sell, sell, sell, sell then install, install, install, install, and make that $$$$$$$! It’s a fun business and people work with us because they WANT to, not because they HAVE TO. It’s a lot of fun and people are so appreciative of what we do for them and deliver.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
Someone in the construction field or who has a construction background will take this to the next level and be very successful.
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
To become the number 1 parks and recreation company worldwide offering the highest quality products and best pricing while offering a turnkey solution eliminating the need for multiple contractors.
For more information on the Innovative Sport Surfacing Franchise system, visit the corporate site: https://innovativesportsurfacing.com/