Franchising proven Fun Fieldz concept will be next step for local entrepreneurs

EAST NORRITON » In 2013, the year that uniquely American invention Wiffle Ball turned 60, a few enterprising local guys transformed the homespun game into a backyard phenomenon they christened Fun Fieldz.

It all started as a way of getting their own kids off the couch, co-owner Jonathan Retano noted at the time, adding, “It’s the physical act of play, but more importantly, it’s that you’re playing with your children and that you’re part of game. There are other companies out there doing birthday parties for kids, but while the kids are together, adults are on their phones talking. We really believe the core of the value we bring is bringing the children and adults playing together.”

As funfieldz.com explains, the men “bring the ball game to you,” with a range of miniature, authentic sports fields at your location to replicate a big league experience for birthday parties, corporate events and fundraisers.

The novel idea of setting up mobile, attractive and wind-resistant equipment so families could grab a little exercise together in the fresh air and sunshine away from the electronics moved inside two years later.

“It’s all part of the Fun Fieldz umbrella, which is delivering fun to children and adults,” said Retano, who along with his partner Aaron Keller, has found a new way to deliver the fun, via the franchise route.

“Even when we first started people kept mentioning to us that we should franchise it,” Retano recalled. “And then we went to the Philadelphia Franchise Expo in Oaks and met Steve Beagleman from SMB Franchise Advisors and we’ve been talking about it for the last four years. Finally, last summer Aaron and I decided that after thinking about it forever and forever we would move forward and offer Fun Fieldz as a seasonal/part time income opportunity to own your own business.”

The first step was obtaining an all-important “franchise disclosure” prepared by a law firm, Retano explained.

“We got that going last month and have been working with the SMB group and looking for our first franchisee in the Fun Fieldz concept,” said the East Norriton resident, whose confidence in the franchise idea was continually confirmed by the experts. “The SMB group wouldn’t take anybody on if they didn’t think the concept was valid. They took us through the initial process and they’ve been with us every

SUBMITTED PHOTO After four years of success, Aaron Keller, left, and Jonathan Retano are franchising their Fun Fieldz concept.