In The News
Business Insider August 2025
In 2011, Michael Browning Jr. opened one of the nation’s first trampoline parks in Fort Worth, Texas, after every bank and investor turned him down. Using $850,000 of personal savings and help from his father, he transformed the risky idea into a thriving business. Within eight months, they paid off the investment and began expanding, eventually launching 54 franchises in just 52 weeks. Browning later reinvented Urban Air into an indoor adventure park to stay ahead of copycats and changing trends. After the pandemic, he founded Unleashed Brands, acquiring family-focused companies like The Little Gym, now serving over 20 million kids annually. His journey is a story of grit, innovation, and the belief that setbacks can become billion-dollar opportunities.
Michael Browning Jr. Named Executive in Residence at the TCU Neeley School of Business.
Michael Browning’s journey has come full circle, from launching his first ventures at TCU to building Unleashed Brands into a national platform. He has been named an Executive in Residence at the TCU Neeley School of Business, where he will mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Learn why this role is both an honor and a chance for him to give back to the community that shaped him.
Franchising World Magazine
Franchising World Magazine
Today's parents are seeking more than just activities, they want meaningful experiences that help their kids grow emotionally, socially, and physically. In this article, Michael Browning Jr., CEO of Unleashed Brands, shares insights from a national parent survey that reveals what families truly value. From limiting screen time to prioritizing purpose-driven programs, the demand for enrichment that builds confidence and character has never been stronger. Discover how Unleashed Brands is partnering with parents to meet these needs and shape a brighter future for the next generation.
Urban Air Founding Story
Axios: The Unicorn Moment
This 2011 Fort Worth Star-Telegram article announces the opening of the first Urban Air Trampoline Park in Southlake, Texas. Founded by Michael Browning Jr. and his father, Mike Browning, the 25,000-square-foot indoor park featured 80 connected trampolines, foam pits, and arenas for dodgeball and volleyball. The park aimed to create a safe, energetic space for kids, teens, and adults, marking the beginning of what would become a national youth enrichment movement.
Axios: The Unicorn Moment
Axios: The Unicorn Moment
Unleashed Brands, a platform for experiential brands that foster
youth development, sold a majority stake to PE firm Seidler Equity
Partners, the valuation multiple was close to the estimated range he gave
Axios last May. implying a deal worth around $1 billion or more.
Foundation Pledges $1 million To Fight Childhood Cancer
We’re proud to partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and commit $1 million to childhood cancer research over the next five years!
The Unleashed Brands Foundation is committed to Give for More Life—and more dreams! Together, we can transform treatment and care for kids with #bloodcancer.
How Michael Browning Built a Billion-Dollar Enterprise Around Youth-Focused Brands
How Michael Browning Built a Billion-Dollar Enterprise Around Youth-Focused Brands
D Magazine discusses how a political science major at TCU, but Michael Browning could not shake the entrepreneurial bug. With 1,200 locations across the country, the serial entrepreneur behind Urban Air is on a mission to corner the market on commercial youth-serving companies.
How To Start A Business In Texas
How Michael Browning Built a Billion-Dollar Enterprise Around Youth-Focused Brands
‘Imagine a world where … ’: Urban Air Adventure Park is inventing new ways to play
Was honored to be included in this helpful article by CNN on how to start a business in Texas. #Entrepreneurship is a passion of mine, and contributing to a piece aimed at helping others get started on the best footing possible is something I truly enjoyed. A big thank you to the authors for this opportunity!
‘Imagine a world where … ’: Urban Air Adventure Park is inventing new ways to play
How Michael Browning Built a Billion-Dollar Enterprise Around Youth-Focused Brands
‘Imagine a world where … ’: Urban Air Adventure Park is inventing new ways to play
Once upon a time, that whole, happy scene existed only on a young boy’s computer screen, all part of a simulation game called Rollercoaster Tycoon that had stirred Browning’s imagination. To keep his digital patrons happy, his virtual rides had to be thrilling, his snacks plentiful, his lines short.
How Data Transformed Urban Air From A Trampoline Park To Adventure Park
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
When Michael Browning started Urban Air, the business was a trampoline park for kids like many others in the industry. But with a background in data science and analytics, Browning was able to see the opportunity to create a more innovative model that was centered around the needs of parents and kids both.
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
Michael Browning, 36, started a company designing websites while still in high school. In 2011, he started Urban Air, an indoor-adventure-park franchise.
This is how he grew it and branched out in the pandemic, as told to Chris Stokel-Walker.
Urban Air CEO: Retail success is all about loving the customer
I opened a trampoline park 10 years ago and grew it to 1,300 franchises and $800 million in revenue
Urban Air CEO: Retail success is all about loving the customer
Michael Browning, founder and CEO of Urban Air Adventure Park, shared his brand’s secrets to success during a keynote talk at this week's annual ICX Summit/Connect: The Mobile CX Summit.
Urban Air gets a jump on the growing trampoline park trend
Urban Air gets a jump on the growing trampoline park trend
Urban Air CEO: Retail success is all about loving the customer
For its part, Urban Air Adventure Parks is going full speed to keep things… well, bouncing along. As the company expands, it is finding new ways to not only excite customers, but to add spring to the business itself.
Michael Browning, CEO of Urban Air, actually finds the “trampoline” label to not be the ideal description anymore.
Global Franchise
Urban Air gets a jump on the growing trampoline park trend
The Franchising Magazine USA
Honored to be featured in Global Franchise, sharing a bit of my journey. But while this piece might have my name on it, the real accolades go to the incredible team at Unleashed Brands. It’s their dedication to our #vision and #mission that’s truly making an impact.
The Franchising Magazine USA
Urban Air gets a jump on the growing trampoline park trend
The Franchising Magazine USA
A big thank you to Franchising Magazine USA for capturing the essence of what drives us at Unleashed Brands. From our humble beginnings with Urban Air Adventure Parks to becoming a leading force in youth enrichment, our mission has always been about empowering children and their families through innovative, engaging experiences.