Chandler, AZ
Rich Iwanski and Barbara Deppisch, 3rd and 4th
from the right rear in red, franchised Great Play
in Chandler, AZ. Appearing on Fox 10 Phoenix.
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Interview with Rich Iwanski & Barbara Deppisch
Rich franchised Great Play in Chandler, AZ with his wife Barbara in 2009 and opened in 2010.
Q. What got you interested in the kids' gym business?
A. We both have degrees in education. I've had an interest in working with children and finally decided to pursue it more passionately full-time; and we have a passion for health and fitness and seeing children get a good start and build healthy habits from a young age… I want to get children moving in order to develop their core muscles and make it fun so they keep moving as they get older.
Q. What made you pick Great Play in particular to franchise over other alternatives in the category?
A. I had checked out some other kids' gyms over the years but never felt there was much very special about them, but just from reading the Great Play website I knew there was something special about Great Play. I could sense it had a positive energy and was really tuned in to not only making fitness educational but also lots of fun…And I knew my sons and many other kids would love the Interactive Arena.
Also, I have a lot of faith in the principal owners of Great Play. They are all extremely bright individuals and all with extensive experience. We owned a franchise previously and the franchisor was disorganized and gave us little support. Great Play is committed to doing things the right way and they have thought of every detail and planned for every detail.
Q. How was the training from Great Play?
There was no comparison between Great Play and our other business in terms of training and ongoing support. The Great Play training was excellent. Especially the training our coaches received. I received many comments from customers during our grand opening week about how they couldn't believe we just opened since everything was so organized and the classes ran so smoothly. It really did look like we had been open for months. Also, as a educator what really attracted me to Great Play was the in depth and rich curriculum that is based on science and the developmental needs of children.
Q. What made you want to franchise a business in general (as opposed to just doing it on your own for instance; and as opposed to just getting a corporate job)?
A. I've been my own boss for 14 years and don't want to sit in an office working for someone else. I like the variety and flexibility you get when owning your own business. I've had ideas for a kids fitness business, but never felt like I could keep it fun for an extended period of time, but I feel that Great Play has both the education and fun figured out. And the flexibility for updates to curriculum and technology to keep it fresh.
Q. How have customers reacted?
In the younger programs: We've had former teachers that really notice the difference with our fresh curriculum and engaging instructors. We've had parents surprised and amazed when their children love Great Play because "they've tried all the other places and the child hates it...he/she is bored, shy, etc. at other places but now loves Great Play."
In the older programs: Kids are just loving Phys Ed class. They come out for a water break all sweaty and thirsty and then can't wait to get back in the gym for more. Regarding sports, we just had a Dad thank [coach] Jason after a baseball throwing class because he didn't realize his 6 year old son could progress and do so well so quickly.
Also, parents really think the technology is awesome and our parties a blast.
Q. Anything else?
A. Typing these last couple sections about kids having success at Great Play where they haven't before fills me with emotion and a sense of satisfaction that we're having a positive effect on these children and (potentially) changing the course of their lives for the better.
Press Coverage from Opening
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April 16, 2010 - Fox 10 Phoenix - VIDEO - Cory's Corner
Cory's Corner features Great Play's newest site in Chandler, AZ. "You guys have constructed something really fun here at Great Play." "These kids are really having a lot of fun" "They are totally jazzed up!" "What a blast!" |
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April 3, 2010 - Chandler Republic
Chandler, AZ opening. "'Coaches at Great Play guide children in structgured play that develops specific skills and fitness intended to boost confidence and foster a healthy, active life,' said Rich Iwanski." |
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August 3, 2010 - Good Morning Arizona
Chandler location - motor skill class. "It's been so fantastic... it helps them with all of their motor development... I've seen a vast improvement with some of the things they've been doing. They love it! Every week they look forward to it" |
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