Erin Arnold, a visionary serial entrepreneur, is renowned for her relentless pursuit of groundbreaking ideas. In her latest endeavor, she has meticulously crafted an extraordinary concept that promises to revolutionize the family entertainment industry. Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable journey of Erin Arnold and her brainchild, Launch.

The genesis of Launch sprouted during an unforgettable family vacation to Disney World in 2011. However, unexpected rain thwarted their plans to explore the enchanting parks. Determined to salvage their family time, Erin and her husband embarked on a quest to find an exhilarating indoor activity that would captivate their two young children. In a serendipitous turn of events, they chanced upon a local trampoline park—a novel concept at the time—and decided to seize the opportunity. It took mere moments for Erin to realize the immense potential of this captivating experience as she turned to her husband and exclaimed, “We absolutely have to open something like this!”

The mere idea of creating a thrilling haven for families became a cherished dream for Erin. Driven by her passion to share this exceptional experience with people far and wide, she made it her mission to establish a brand that would leave an indelible mark on the local community and beyond.

Initially, Erin and her husband pondered the possibility of becoming franchisees, as a handful of popular brands had already made their mark in the industry. However, after conducting painstaking research and immersing themselves in the industry’s dynamics, they discovered that none of the existing models aligned with their grand vision. Each fell short in crucial aspects that Erin deemed paramount—mission, safety measures, innovative attractions, exceptional guest experiences, and the cultivation of a distinctive culture. Refusing to compromise on their unwavering vision, they resolved to create their own brand, setting the stage for an unprecedented revolution.

The fledgling Launch parks initially revolved around the magic of trampolines, captivating visitors with boundless joy and exhilaration. However, Erin’s entrepreneurial spirit and unyielding drive for innovation swiftly propelled Launch into uncharted territory. It rapidly transformed into a captivating family entertainment center, offering a plethora of exhilarating activities that transcend the boundaries of imagination. In addition to the gravity-defying trampolines, they introduced a multifaceted ensemble of attractions, including bowling, ninja courses, laser tag, arcade games, and even cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Sensing the cravings of their discerning patrons, Erin and her team introduced Krave, a delectable kitchen that tantalizes taste buds with mouthwatering meals crafted from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. And to cater to the discerning adults, Launch has embraced the concept of an alluring full bar, satisfying even the most refined palates.

Driven by Erin’s unrelenting vision and indomitable determination, Launch has transcended the limitations of existing franchise models. This one-of-a-kind family entertainment experience stands as a testament to the resolute spirit of innovation, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the industry. Embark on a remarkable journey with Erin Arnold and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Launch—a testament to the power of unwavering vision and the pursuit of excellence in redefining the family entertainment landscape.

A Family’s Unconventional Journey

During the early stages of Launch Franchising, many people were unaware that the company was actually a family-owned business. Despite its significant size, many assumed it was backed by a large corporation, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. When Erin and her husband opened the first Launch park, they had a 2-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son, and a mere $82 in their bank account. They invested everything they had to turn their dream into a reality. Achieving work-life balance was nearly impossible in those early years. They practically lived at the park, pouring their hearts and souls into the business. Their children grew up amidst the trampolines, spending countless hours jumping and witnessing the growth of the business from a single park to over thirty nationwide. It was an unconventional journey, but they did whatever it took to make it work, and it did. Reflecting on it now, Erin realizes the incredible experience of building a business together with her family, and she recognizes the invaluable life skills her children acquired through this non-traditional upbringing.

One of the major challenges they faced when scaling the business was expanding their team. Ironically, it seemed easier for their small group to wear multiple hats and never take a day off than to rely on others to fully grasp the vision and execute tasks as they wanted. However, it quickly became evident that they wouldn’t be able to grow the business to the desired scale unless they invested resources into finding the right people to join their team. They recruited world class talent from a variety of franchise companies, and other best in class individuals from the entertainment industry to complement their passionate and dedicated “startup team.” As a result, they assembled the best franchise development, support, operations, and sales & marketing teams in the industry.

Transparent and Supportive Franchise Development Process

Launch takes pride in offering prospective investors a clear and informative pathway to becoming a franchisee. The franchise development process begins with a comprehensive concept overview, where the team discusses Launch’s position in the family entertainment industry. They highlight the support provided to franchisees and delve into the unique profitability of Launch’s model.

After thoroughly reviewing the business model, the focus shifts to selecting a development territory that aligns with the prospective franchisee’s geographic preference and availability. This is followed by a review of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and the establishment of a Letter of Intent (LOI). Prospective franchisees are then invited to an Investor Overview day at Launch’s headquarters in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Once an investor signs a Development Agreement with Launch, the real estate team initiates the search for potential locations. Thanks to strong relationships with landlords in the shopping center community, Launch gains immediate access to actionable deals, significantly expediting the park opening process.

Upon finalizing a lease or purchase agreement, Launch’s new unit growth and construction teams collaborate to create an optimal schematic design. They also provide franchisees with best practices throughout the coordination of civil and architectural aspects. Once permits and city approvals are obtained, Launch can deliver a turnkey park in as little as 16 weeks. Franchisees typically work with a general contractor to execute the construction phase. Meanwhile, the marketing, operations, and training teams work together to generate public awareness, build excitement, and ensure the park is staffed with enthusiastic and professional employees. After months of dedicated effort, the grand opening takes place, marking an exciting milestone.

Importantly, Launch’s support doesn’t end there. Ongoing operations support is a crucial element of their commitment to ensuring franchisees achieve high profitability and success in their businesses.

A New Addition in the Board

The recent addition of Craig Erlich as CEO of Launch marks an exciting change for the organization. Erlich brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership in various industries. Before joining Launch Entertainment, he served as CEO of Friendly’s from 2020 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s strategic direction and operations.

Erlich’s leadership journey extends beyond his tenure at Friendly’s. He served as CEO of Brix Holdings from 2013 to 2021, where he demonstrated his ability to drive growth and innovation in the restaurant and franchise sector. Prior to that, he held positions of increasing responsibility, including region manager at CVS Pharmacy from 2004 to 2011, district manager at Jo-Ann stores from 2000 to 2004, and senior district manager at KB Toys from 1988 to 2000. 

With his extensive leadership experience, Erlich is poised to bring fresh insights and strategic direction to Launch Entertainment, contributing to the organization’s continued growth and success. His background in diverse industries and leadership roles makes him a valuable addition to the team. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue evolving this leading family entertainment concept,” Erlich said. “While the brand has successfully expanded its footprint amid an aggressive franchise growth plan, there is still significant new location whitespace, and I plan to continue fanning the development flames throughout the next few years and beyond. I am also looking forward to working closely with the strong team at Launch as well as the current and future franchisees,” says Erlich.

Safety First

The Launch brand is renowned for its commitment to premium quality and safety. In fact, insurance companies have consistently ranked Launch’s safety processes and platform at the forefront of the industry. Launch parks go above and beyond to not only meet but exceed the ASTM standards that govern the attractions and entertainment industry.

To ensure the highest level of safety, Launch employs state-of-the-art technology to conduct rigorous inspections on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis for all equipment. This proactive approach helps identify and address any potential issues promptly. In addition, Launch conducts on-site corporate audits at all park locations at least twice a year. These audits serve as comprehensive evaluations to ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices.

By prioritizing safety through comprehensive inspections, adherence to industry standards, and regular audits, Launch maintains its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for guests to enjoy their entertainment experience with peace of mind.

Pursuit of Passionate Franchisees and Strong Team Building

Erin and her team actively seek out individuals who are passionate and motivated to become franchisees, as they aim to expand the Launch brand nationwide. Previous experience with multi-unit operations is considered advantageous. The most successful franchisees within the Launch system are those with a high financial and business acumen and who possess a strong sense of culture and have the ability to build a reliable team.

To achieve this, franchisees must demonstrate strong leadership skills and foster a culture that attracts and retains talented individuals. Creating an environment that people want to be a part of is key to building a dependable team. Once the foundation of a strong culture is established, franchisees can rely on the proven system that Launch has developed. Following this system ensures consistency and allows franchisees to maximize their chances of success. 

Driving Growth and Success

One exemplary individual who exemplifies the qualities mentioned by Erin is Ryan Debin, a multi-unit operator based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan joined Launch as a franchisee in 2018, bringing with him a track record of success as an operator of Abbott’s and My Gym brands under Momentum Enterprises. As the CEO of Momentum Enterprises, Ryan oversees an asset management company supported by Arena Capital, with a strong focus on community, families, and children.

Momentum Enterprises currently operates over 20 businesses across New England and New York, including Launch Entertainment, My Gym, Club Elevate, Retro Fitness, The Newport Venture, Wimbledon109 Tennis Club, and Abbott’s. Ryan’s leadership and collaboration with Launch Corporate have resulted in the successful opening and operation of five Launch Parks in Massachusetts, establishing him as the largest multi-unit operator within the Launch system.

Ryan and his team continue to expand their footprint within the Launch franchise network. Working closely with Launch Corporate, they are actively pursuing the acquisition of two additional sites, bringing his location count to 7. Through Ryan’s dedication, strategic vision, and partnership with Launch, his endeavors contribute significantly to the growth and success of the Launch brand in the Boston area and beyond.

Unleashing Innovation

• Launch Entertainment is a dynamic company that embraces change and constantly evolves to provide exciting and engaging experiences for its guests. Innovation is at the core of the company’s philosophy, with ongoing exploration of new attractions, ideas, and processes. Erin emphasizes that the only constant in the industry is change, and Launch is always on the lookout for the next big thing. 
• The process of innovation at Launch involves various sources of inspiration. Ideas can come from franchisees, industry trends, the internal team, or even customers themselves. Whenever there is a new attraction, product, or process to be introduced, it undergoes a trial phase in Launch’s corporate parks. This approach allows for firsthand evaluation of what works well and what may require adjustments before being implemented across the franchise network. Launch places great importance on thoroughly vetting new elements to ensure they meet the company’s standards before becoming an approved part of the Launch system. 
• Furthermore, Launch actively encourages franchise owners to contribute to the innovation process. Franchisees have the opportunity to submit their own ideas for new attractions, products, or processes to the corporate office. These ideas can then be trialed in their respective parks, enabling franchisees to play a role in shaping and enhancing the Launch experience. 

By fostering a culture of innovation and actively involving franchisees, Launch Entertainment continues to push boundaries and provide exceptional entertainment experiences for its guests. 

Advice for Aspiring Franchise Owners

• Erin’s most valuable advice for aspiring franchise business owners is for them to do their research on the company they’re partnering up with. It’s important to be knowledgeable about the support the franchisor will offer throughout each stage of the process. Erin notes that a lot of franchise companies care about selling the initial unit or territory and then disappear, not caring what happens next. At Launch, Erin and her team take each franchisee’s investment personally. They care about the sustainability and growth of each franchise park and its owners, not just the initial sale. Trust between franchisee and franchisor is very important.  
• It’s also vital that any potential franchisee ensures that they and their franchisor are aligned in their core values. Erin values innovation and collaboration and believes that the collective input and diverse experiences of many will always surpass the ideas of a single individual. She encourages franchisees to actively share their ideas and experiences to contribute to the overall success of the business. At Launch, they emphasize the importance of being receptive to new ideas and learning from franchisees and other professionals, acknowledging that humility and setting ego aside can lead to valuable insights and foster faster and stronger growth. 

Erin’s final piece of advice for aspiring franchise owners is to follow the system they are buying into. Sometimes franchisees have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and want to create their own ways of doing things. Ultimately, this weakens the brand. Erin believes that franchises are so successful for a reason and that there must be a strong sense of consistency across all locations. Franchisees should try to remember why they became part of a franchise system in the first place and focus their energies on increasing EBITDA rather than creating a new graphic to post on social media.

• By partnering with the right concept and team, as well as having an aligned and consistent strategy with their franchisor, franchisees can navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise, ultimately achieving long-term success in their franchise business. 

Expanding Horizons 

Launch Entertainment is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Erin’s goal is to open the 100th domestic franchise location by 2026, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its reach and presence. To achieve this, Launch will continue to assemble a team of exceptional leaders from the franchising, service, and hospitality industries. 

By attracting and nurturing world-class talent, Launch Franchising aims to provide unparalleled support to its franchisees. The company is dedicated to ensuring that its support staff is the best in the world, equipped with the expertise and experience to assist franchisees in every aspect of their business. This commitment to top-tier support reflects Launch’s commitment to the success and profitability of its franchisees. 

As Launch Entertainment looks ahead, its focus remains on growth, quality, and providing an exceptional experience for franchisees and guests alike.