The Little Gym: Building More than a Business

From Lawyer to The Little Gym, one Franchisee tells her story of building a career and a community

After graduating from New York Law School, Danielle Sporcic, driven and ambitious, began a career in the securities regulation industry. However, after becoming pregnant and giving birth to her son, her perspective on her future drastically shifted. During her maternity leave, she realized she no longer wanted to return to a job that would keep her away from her family for long hours each day.

Meanwhile, she attended a Mommy and Me class with her infant and had an epiphany. She thought to herself, “I can do this better.”

She went on to sign her son up for multiple children’s fitness and activities events to check them out, and the idea took hold. She wanted to bring something to her community that would help children learn, move, express themselves and become well-rounded individuals.

Having been a competitive cheerleader most of her life, she remembered that a teammate’s parents were Little Gym owners. She reached out and the communication with them sealed the deal.

“They are such a great example of what The Little Gym is – a business filled with love and families and community. As a new mom, I knew I wanted to be a part of that, and the Little Gym eventually became my village.”

She signed a franchise agreement in 2018 to open a location in Jersey City, New Jersey, and would come to realize that beyond nurturing children, she’d also be providing meaningful work and ‘adventures’ for her team and joining a vast and supportive network of business owners – the Little Gym Family – who would always be there for her.

Why The Little Gym?

When asked why she chose The Little Gym versus other franchise opportunities, Sporcic says there was never really a decision to be made after trying the other options.

“There was a huge difference to me between The Little Gym experience and all the others,” she said. “As someone who did competitive sports, I wanted to work within an environment where kids are free to express themselves and learn through movement, interaction and play. That’s the magic of The Little Gym.”

Upon opening in the Spring of 2019, the business quickly became profitable and the location was on track to become the fastest-growing franchise at that time. And then COVID hit.

“I felt devastated, but the corporate office was amazing, and the franchisees came together and we pivoted and we got through it by implementing creative ways of doing things,” she said. “I can’t imagine starting a new business and not having that support, and the pure professionalism in how it was handled.”

Another reason Sporcic chose The Little Gym and what sets it apart is the diversity in programming.

“Beyond the classes, The Little Gym offers camps, Birthday parties, monthly themes, story times and more,” she said. “It allows us to get creative as a team and find fun ways to make memorable moments for our community. On the business side, it’s also an opportunity to create more revenue streams.”

Now, with six years under her belt and a second child, Sporcic says that The Little Gym franchise ownership has ultimately given her the freedom to be with her family and kids more.

“I have the flexibility to volunteer at the kid’s school, attend events and so forth,” she said. “Beyond that, my kids love The Little Gym and it’s an amazing environment for them to grow up in.”

Doubling Down

If actions speak louder than words, Sporcic’s prove that she’s happy being a franchise owner, as she’s about to open her second location with a partner who is a long-time Director of another Little Gym location in New Jersey.

“My family eventually moved to Floham Park and I realized there is nothing in the area  for children like The Little Gym,” said Sporcic. “So starting one there became a no-brainer.”

The new space features two gyms versus one and Sporcic sees great opportunity in this.

“I can maximize the weekends and run multiple types of programming at once,” she said.

She also says the partnership serves to underscore The Little Gym culture.

“My partner in this venture has worked with The Little Gym for a long time and has a lot of love for the brand, as most team members and me,” she said. “The fact that she has developed the desire to own a franchise after being a long-time employee speaks volumes and I’m thrilled to have this unique opportunity to build something great together.”

When asked what advice she has for those looking to develop a children’s gym business, she responds with three things.

“First you have to love kids and want to be a part of this magical thing that allows you to help children master physical, emotional and life skills,” she says.

“Next, this is a relationships business and you need to build a community and also team culture, she goes on to say. “I taught classes for the first nine months and was working full-time developing the business for a year. Now I have been able to take a step back a bit.”

“And lastly, have fun,” she says. “Make it a home away from home for the kids and the team and the community. I’ve had kids ask if the staff sleeps here, which makes me giggle and warms my heart to know that we provide such a comfortable space.”

What’s been the most rewarding aspect for her? Beyond the growth of the business, it’s the kid’s growth.

“It really is amazing to see kids growing over the years and building their confidence in our classes,” she said. “Becoming independent and not afraid to take risks and learn new things. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their development benefit so much from our classes.”

In the end, Sporcic says what has made the biggest impact on her life is the huge family she’s gained as a Little Gym Franchisee.

“It’s hard to put into words just how supportive this network is,” she says. “It’s what makes the business so successful, and also ultimately makes my life more meaningful.”

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