In the latest episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we had the pleasure of speaking with Curt Skallerup, a leader who’s made a remarkable leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, building an empire in the active entertainment space. With a rich history of leadership at Ryder and later founding Altitude Trampoline Parks—which grew to over 118 locations in eight countries—Curt’s latest venture is Larks Entertainment, a modular, customizable franchise concept. His story is one of adaptability, resilience, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun.
Here’s a deep dive into Curt’s journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the leadership philosophies he’s adopted that restaurant owners and entrepreneurs alike can apply to their own businesses.
1. From Corporate Boardrooms to Active Entertainment
Curt’s Corporate Background:
Not many entrepreneurs start their journey content in the corporate world, but that’s exactly how Curt Skallerup’s story began. For 30 years, Curt thrived at Ryder, a global logistics company, where he relished the high-energy boardroom environment. In his own words, he loved the “turmoil, the yelling, the screaming, and all that good stuff.”
But fate had other plans. What started as a friendly nudge from a neighbor turned into something far greater. That neighbor’s suggestion to check out trampoline parks planted a seed that would lead Curt to transition from the safety of corporate life to the wild world of entrepreneurship.
The Start of Altitude Trampoline Parks:
What was meant to be a small family venture—a few trampoline parks for fun—quickly snowballed. After the success of their first location, Curt and his family opened a second, then a third, and before long, the business had expanded to 118 parks in eight countries. Talk about a growth spurt!
For restaurant owners, Curt’s story is a reminder that sometimes, growth comes not from rigid planning but from seizing opportunities as they arise.
Key Takeaways:
- Opportunity can strike at any time: Curt’s business journey started with a conversation over dinner with a neighbor.
- Adaptability is key: His original plan was modest, but when the business took off, Curt adapted and scaled rapidly.
2. Key Lessons for Franchise Success
Picking the Right Partners:
One of Curt’s biggest takeaways from his franchising experience is the importance of choosing the right partners. In franchising, as in the restaurant business, your team is everything. Curt recalls how Altitude Trampoline Parks succeeded in maintaining a low failure rate largely due to his rigorous franchisee selection process. They spent “discovery days” with potential franchisees to ensure a mutual fit—both in terms of skills and values.
Restaurant owners, take note: Whether you’re expanding or just starting, the people you work with can make or break your business.
Relationship Building for Long-Term Success:
Even five years after selling Altitude Trampoline Parks, Curt still stays in touch with 75% of his franchisees. He didn’t just build a business; he built lasting relationships. That’s a lesson every restaurant owner should internalize: the value of long-term relationships far outweighs short-term gains.
Legal and Financial Savvy:
Navigating the legal side of franchising can be a minefield, and Curt emphasizes the importance of understanding this aspect before expanding. Too many business owners dive into growth without fully understanding their legal obligations, which can lead to costly mistakes down the road.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize the right partnerships: A bad fit can derail your business, but a great one can propel you to new heights.
- Long-term relationships matter: The best business connections are those that last long after the initial contract is signed.
- Understand the legal terrain: Don’t let a lack of legal knowledge be your downfall when expanding.
3. The Modular Approach: Scaling Through Customization
What is Modular Franchising?
Curt’s latest venture, Larks Entertainment, is built around the idea of modular franchising—a customizable model that adapts to different markets and budgets. This flexibility allows franchisees to invest in the size and concept that suits them, whether it’s a smaller venue or a full-fledged entertainment complex.
Imagine building your restaurant in a way that scales up or down depending on your market. That’s the power of modular franchising: it allows businesses to penetrate markets that were previously off-limits due to high costs or size requirements.
Affordability Meets Quality:
What makes Larks Entertainment stand out is its affordability. Curt has intentionally positioned it as an “affordable Dave & Buster’s” that offers a high-quality experience at a price point accessible to a broader audience. For restaurant owners, this is a key lesson—price doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. By focusing on value and experience, Larks appeals to families who want fun but don’t want to break the bank.
Key Takeaways:
- Customization is key: Tailor your concept to fit the market’s needs, whether it’s food, entertainment, or both.
- Affordable doesn’t mean cheap: Curt’s strategy shows that offering value for money is a powerful competitive advantage.
4. Leadership, Fun, and Longevity in Business
Keep Fun at the Core:
“Fun” isn’t just a buzzword for Curt—it’s a business philosophy. Running an entertainment franchise, he understands that the experience must be enjoyable not only for customers but for staff and management alike. The same goes for restaurants: if your team isn’t enjoying their work, your customers will feel it.
Leading by Example:
Curt emphasizes leading by energy and example. He believes in being “on” at all times, ensuring that his enthusiasm sets the tone for the entire team. He likens his role to a “Pied Piper,” guiding his team with positivity and a can-do attitude.
Handling Challenges with Humor and Grace:
From legal battles to managing high expectations, Curt’s leadership has always been grounded in resilience. He shares a critical piece of advice: “Laugh a little.” Even in tough times, maintaining perspective and a sense of humor is crucial for long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
- Fun isn’t optional—it’s essential. When your team enjoys their work, your customers feel it.
- Lead by example: Energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and they start with you.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously: Humor can be a powerful tool in maintaining perspective during tough times.
5. Balancing Business Growth with Personal Life
The Role of a Strong Partnership:
Curt credits much of his success to his wife, whom he’s been married to for over 35 years. He attributes his ability to work long hours to her unwavering support. For restaurant owners, having a strong personal support system can be the difference between burnout and longevity.
Finding Balance in a Demanding Industry:
Despite working up to 120 hours a week, Curt has managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing key moments—never missing a ball game and spending every Saturday night at the movies with his wife. For busy restaurant owners, this is a reminder that balance is possible, even in the most demanding industries.
Key Takeaways:
- A strong personal partnership can fuel professional success.
- Create non-negotiable moments for family and personal well-being.
6. The Future of Larks Entertainment
Scaling with Vision:
Curt’s vision for Larks Entertainment is ambitious: he plans to open 270 locations in the coming years, aiming to become a one-stop-shop for active entertainment. But Curt isn’t just expanding horizontally—he’s looking to acquire other entertainment businesses, aiming to turn Larks into an entertainment conglomerate.
Key Takeaway:
- Think big, but stay flexible: As Curt grows Larks Entertainment, he’s keeping an open mind about adding new concepts and acquisitions.
7. Curt’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Maintain Financial Discipline:
In a world where it’s easy to borrow money, Curt advises against over-leveraging. He encourages entrepreneurs to maintain a strong balance sheet and to only take on debt when it’s absolutely necessary.
Lead with Energy and Positivity:
Finally, Curt shares that being a great leader starts with energy. Whether it’s your employees or your customers, people feed off your enthusiasm. Be the leader who lifts others up with your passion and positivity.
8. Conclusion: Leadership Through Passion and Play
Curt Skallerup’s journey from corporate executive to active entertainment mogul offers valuable lessons for any restaurant owner or aspiring entrepreneur. His emphasis on the importance of partnerships, the power of fun, and the need for financial discipline can be applied across industries. At the heart of his success is a simple but profound lesson: don’t take yourself too seriously. Success comes not just from hard work, but from enjoying the ride along the way
FAQ
- What is modular franchising, and how does it benefit franchisees?
Modular franchising allows franchisees to customize their business based on their available investment and the local market. At Larks Entertainment, this means that franchisees can choose which attractions to include (e.g., shuffleboard, mini-golf) and adjust the size of their venue to suit their budget. It makes franchising more accessible and flexible, particularly for those entering smaller or underserved markets. - How does Curt Skallerup’s leadership philosophy impact the success of his ventures?
Curt emphasizes leading by example and maintaining high energy. He believes that when a leader is enthusiastic and “on,” it sets the tone for the entire team. His focus on building relationships and creating a fun, positive culture has contributed significantly to the success of both Altitude Trampoline - What lessons can restaurant owners take from Curt’s franchising experience?
Restaurant owners can learn the importance of selecting partners and staff who align with their values. Curt’s franchise success came from choosing franchisees who were a good cultural and operational fit. Additionally, understanding legal and financial frameworks is critical for growth, as is maintaining flexibility to adapt to market changes. - How does Curt maintain work-life balance while running a growing business?
Despite working long hours, Curt makes sure to prioritize time for family and personal activities. He ensures that key family moments, like his kids’ games, are non-negotiable and enjoys a weekly movie night with his wife. He also emphasizes the importance of health, working out regularly to maintain balance and energy. - What advice does Curt offer for maintaining financial discipline in business?
Curt advises against taking on excessive debt and encourages entrepreneurs to only borrow when absolutely necessary. Maintaining a healthy balance sheet is crucial for long-term success, especially when it comes time to sell a business. Curt’s philosophy is to keep debt manageable and ensure that any borrowing is strategic, rather than reactionary.
By learning from Curt Skallerup’s journey, restaurant owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can apply the principles of partnership, adaptability, and fun to their own ventures. With the right team, a clear vision, and a commitment to both business and personal well-being, success is not only possible—it can be a whole lot of fun.
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