Founded in 2015, Houston, TX-based Tumbles is a kid’s fitness gym and STEAM edutainment franchise. Known for its proven programs that encourage kids to get active, take calculated risks, explore things independently, and interact with their peers in a fun, safe, and clean environment, Tumbles grooms kids for the world that lies ahead. Based on developmental milestones, its programs are formulated to enable kids to fight childhood obesity, remain physically and mentally fit while positioning themselves for healthier and happier lives right from a young age.
“It’s our mission to shape the minds and bodies of the future through non-competitive programs that help kids get active, build confidence and interact with their peers in a fun, supportive, and impeccably clean environment,” affirms Manish Vakil, CEO, and Founder of Tumbles.
"It’s our mission to shape the minds and bodies of the future through non-competitive programs that help kids get active, build confidence and interact with their peers in a fun, supportive, and impeccably clean environment."
Enriching kids’ lives
Tumbles offers gym classes for kids in the age group of 4 months to 12 years and STEAM programs for kids in the age group of 4 years to 12 years. From the foundational building blocks of movement through introductory gymnastics, Tumbles gym classes help little ones develop fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility and sports preparation in non-competitive, skills-based and age-appropriate programs. The concept of STEAM is a unique approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as key access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. It embraces bodily-kinesthetic learning, where kids get to practically implement what they learned and witness the science themselves. “Kids learn about STEAM topics in the classroom, and then perform experiments in our gym, which allows them to FEEL and truly experience the science,” shares Manish. To derive the best results, this concept needs to be implemented effectively, and when it is done, it results in students who take risks mindfully, engage in pragmatic learning, and exhibit exemplary problem-solving skills. It’s a unified approach towards learning that encourages students to think more broadly about real-world problems.
Catering to kids ranging from 4 months to 12 years old, Tumbles gym and STEAM programs are developed to provide maximum cognitive benefits. Tumbles understands that kids lose interest in learning the moment it becomes monotonous. Hence to make it interesting and keep kids engaged, the programs are divided into weekly classes, independent play, parties, camps, and special events which make the otherwise boring learning process interesting, happening and fun to be a part of.
“While we do not require a franchisee to be an operator, we do need to see that they or their staff is upholding our mission and brand standards - a commitment to safety, maintaining a scrupulously clean facility, fostering self-esteem through positive reinforcement, and creating a warm, inviting, and fun environment.”
The vision behind Tumbles
Manish has always had an illustrious entrepreneurial career and has owned a variety of profitable kid-focused businesses, including multiple tutoring centers, kids’ gym, and children’s STEM education program before coming up with Tumbles. He has a B.S. degree in Finance from Rutgers University and comes with vast experience of 15 years in franchise sales, operations, marketing, price negotiation, and accounting. While the businesses were successful, Manish had to manage three separate companies – each with their own brand, location, operating cost, and staff. Manish started to think of ways to streamline his efforts with a franchise business that would combine several programs for kids all under one roof – and the idea for Tumbles was born. Having multiple programs in one location meant the entire space would be used – and making money – morning, noon, and night, seven days a week. In addition, it would offer convenience to busy families by providing fun programs for multiple kids all in one place. Best of all, Tumbles would only have to market to a family once, which would keep expenses low and revenue high. While building a profitable franchise business that maximized operational efficiencies was important to Manish, he also wanted to create something that made a difference in children’s lives. With a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, Manish understands the importance of developing healthy habits that could help prevent these ailments later in life. He knew that along with physical fitness, the kids also need a robust belief system that would enable them to go out and face the real world with passion, confidence, and conviction. “The future belongs to the ones who explore it and question it and not the ones who are afraid of it,” affirms Manish.
As a CEO, Manish believes in thinking big and wants every member of his team to think like a leader and not an employee. A strong leader himself, he has instilled a culture of leadership and oneness and wants everyone to be dedicated to Tumbles’ mission, fun, and family. With a childlike heart, Manish loves to play with kids and actively participates with his team in grooming the kids. When he isn’t busy working, you will find him unwinding himself by playing tennis, watching movies, or traveling the globe with his wife and twin boys.
Making a meaningful difference
As nearly 1 in 5 children and adolescents worldwide are overweight or obese the epidemic is gaining momentum speedily across the world. To offer a solution to the people affected and bring a meaningful change in their lives, there is no better opportunity than Tumbles. With a fun curriculum based on developmental milestones, Tumbles lets you become a part of this booming dynamic industry.
Training and support are the heart of every franchise business. With a collective experience of more than 60 years in business, franchise, and education, Tumbles has developed best practices and tools to guide its franchise towards exceptional success. Once someone becomes a franchisee, they receive access to up to two weeks of training at a U.S. Tumbles location (approximately eight weeks before the grand opening) followed by two to three days of training at their franchise location to help them make a smooth and steady take off. Beyond the initial training, the franchisee gains access to a whole suite of top-class tools. These tools include hundreds of online training videos, a secure cloud-based file sharing library, a productivity suite, and a robust communication system that allows franchisees to chat and collaborate with other franchisees, groups, and members of the corporate team instantly.
Becoming a Tumbles franchisee indeed is a privilege and has advantages of its own. However, to qualify as a franchisee successfully, one needs to fulfill certain criteria. The potential franchisee needs to possess strong business experience and a desire to build a profitable franchise business. Along with an entrepreneurial mindset, he or she must have the skill to effectively communicate with customers and staff. They should possess experience in hiring, managing, and motivating their team members with strong sales and marketing skills. Most importantly, they need to have a passion for helping kids achieve health and wellness. “While we do not require a franchisee to be an operator, we do need to see that they or their staff is upholding our mission and brand standards – a commitment to safety, maintaining a scrupulously clean facility, fostering self-esteem through positive reinforcement, and creating a warm, inviting, and fun environment,” adds Manish.
As a brand, Tumbles needs no introduction. Within just 5 years of its launch, it has established itself as a key player in the kid’s fitness vertical and is growing rapidly. Having paved its own way to success, Tumbles looks towards a future of further growth. “Our goal is to further the evolution of kids fitness and STEAM education programs by making them better and more accessible to all. It is imperative that parents see our service as a need for the health of their kids, rather than a want. As such, we are working with healthcare and technology companies to enhance our current curricula and develop medically-validated programming or evidenced-based curriculum,” says Manish.