With Barb Volk & Doug Birer
In the latest episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast: Where Passion & Purpose Collide, Rebecca Monet welcomes Barb Volk and Doug Birer—long-time partners and proven franchise operators—whose journey blends heart, discipline, and smart growth strategy.
Barb and Doug’s story began years ago in the early days of OrangeTheory Fitness, where they learned firsthand how to scale a brand, develop leaders, and build trust within a franchise system. That experience laid the groundwork for their next chapter: KidStrong—a youth fitness and development concept focused on helping children build confidence, character, and resilience.
Mission First, Business Always
Doug is clear: KidStrong is a business. Profitability, systems, and disciplined execution matter. But what sets the brand apart is that the mission strengthens the business. Parents see real transformation in their children—from confident handshakes and eye contact to public speaking skills and perseverance—and that impact fuels retention, referrals, and long-term growth.
Barb brings the heart to the partnership, describing how KidStrong aligns perfectly with her values as a parent and leader. The program doesn’t just serve kids; it supports families and empowers team members who believe in the mission.
Trust as a Growth Strategy
One of the most compelling themes of the conversation is trust. Doug explains that scalable businesses require leaders who earn responsibility and rise to it. Barb embodies that philosophy today—running a multi-location operation with over 100 employees and thousands of children served weekly.
In turn, Barb now mentors her own leadership team, proving that sustainable growth depends on empowering people, not micromanaging them.
Work-Life Integration, Not Balance
Rather than chasing an unrealistic work-life balance, Barb reframes success as work-life integration. KidStrong allows her to lead, grow, and parent within the same mission-driven environment—modeling exactly what the brand stands for.
A Legacy That Multiplies
At its core, this episode is about legacy. Barb and Doug believe that changing the trajectory of even one child can ripple through families, communities, and future generations. By combining strong unit economics with intentional leadership development, they’re proving that franchising can be both profitable and profoundly meaningful.
This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in franchise growth, leadership development, and building businesses that truly matter.