The CEO’s Guide to Multi-Unit Action Park Strategy

Overview:

Host Sondra Shannon sits down with Bron Launsby, CFE, CEO & Founder of Slick City Action Park to explore how bold concepts in the attractions industry scale into multi‑unit success. Their conversation blends innovation, culture, technology, and the realities of growth.

Insights from This Live

•  All‑ages appeal drives scale:
  Slick City designed ageless attractions, letting families— toddlers through grandparents—experience the park together, strengthening emotional connection and lifetime loyalty.
• Vertical integration accelerates innovation:
  In‑house manufacturing of slides, flooring, and modular towers creates a highly differentiated “park‑in‑a‑box” model that reduces cost and improves franchisee support.
• Adult‑only demand is real:
  Adult nights often sell out, revealing a significant yet underserved market segment eager for high‑thrill active entertainment.
• Systems improve profitability:
  A 12‑system operational playbook, combined with patented frictionless slide technology, enhances throughput, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
• Two‑market validation is essential:
  Before franchising, operators should launch a second location—preferably in a different market—to prove replicability and strengthen franchise value.

Notable Quotes

• “I really believe in hard work and creating that side hustle with something you’re passionate about — you just never know when that’s going to turn into something even bigger.”
  – Bron Launsby [32:18]
• “It’s a ‘we’ culture… it’s the manager walking around the park and picking up the piece of trash instead of asking somebody else to do it.”
  – Bron Launsby [26:37]
• “We are very much in an experiential economy today where people prefer spending time and money on experiences with their friends and family instead of buying another pair of shoes or collecting stuff.”
  – Bron Launsby [12:50]
• “Our best team leaders — their team members become family to them.”
  – Bron Launsby [26:18]
• “I wish I started my franchise journey sooner… franchising is being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”
  – Bron Launsby [30:37]

Slick City Approach

Slick City’s integrated manufacturing model keeps innovation fast and scalable. By producing their own slides, mats, and modular towers, the team ensures consistency, adaptability, and efficient deployment for franchisees. This approach creates a repeatable, high‑performing attractions industry concept with built‑in differentiation.

Bron’s Preferences and Technology

Bron favors frictionless slide technology that elevates the thrill without needing water, chemicals, or lengthy lines. The patented coating and custom polymer mats amplify guest excitement while keeping operations clean, safe, and low‑maintenance, proving that innovation can be both guest‑facing and operationally smart.

Improving Guest Experience

At Slick City, team culture comes first. Bron emphasizes that guest engagement will never exceed employee engagement, so the company focuses on building an environment that feels like a “second home.” This culture fosters consistent service, enthusiastic interactions, and memorable guest experiences.

Creating Memories and Guest‑Centric Culture

SLICK core values—Stand Tall Together, Love our community, Innovate always, Commit to fun, Keep the guest #1—help the brand stay guest‑centric. Bron highlights how toddlers, teens, adults, and grandparents can play together, creating cross‑generational memories and a belonging‑driven experience.

Gatemaster’s Guests’ Appreciation and Value

Gatemaster Technology brings powerful tools to attractions operators, from all‑in‑one ticketing to e‑commerce and POS systems that support smarter scaling. To keep learning and elevate operations, leaders can attend the GT Summit (details at gatemaster.info/gtsummit26), where theory becomes action.

Connecting with the Speakers