Our Franchisee Testimonials
	Stretch-n-grow has been a great addition to my life for many reasons.  I love the freedom it allows me with my own schedule and I enjoy the challenge of “making it work” because my family depends on it as part of an income.   I have always enjoyed working out, playing sports and staying fit but SNG has definitely given me the opportunity to learn new ways of enjoying exercise.  My absolute favorite thing about this business is the feedback I get from directors, parents and kids.  I thrive off of feedback whether it a suggestion or a pat on the back.  Asking for the feedback really allows others to feel comfortable and helps my business grow too!!  The best feedback comes from parents who share stories about conversations with their kids about muscles and what they should and should not eat.  “Coach Megan” is a frequent conversation in some households I’m told.  I truly enjoy that the parents smile when they meet me, the teachers and directors ask frequent questions about their own fitness goals and that the kids greet me like I’m the best thing since big bird.  I’m spoiled with this business.  It is a high maintenance business but the more you put in the more you get out.  It is nice to feel overwhelmed about something you know is the greatest business ever created and to be a part of that makes even the busiest, most stressful days enjoyable.  What else could I ask for- I get paid to exercise and help children live a healthy life!! Megan Parks Omaha, NE Affiliate since June 2002
	The decision to become owners and operators of a Stretch-N-Grow franchise has been one of the best, and most positive actions either of us has ever made; professionally and personally. From other people’s perspective it seems to be a wild, and seemingly crazy leap into something radically different. Actually, we recognize that at an outward glance, redirecting a career from Reliability Engineering or Hotel Food and Beverage Management to being certified fitness professionals teaching children about health and fitness would be perceived that way. However, for us, there had to more to life than the hollow and mostly negative aspect that most jobs provide; with political infighting, superficial relations, and secretive company plans. Moreover, this type of programming transfers into the home and personal life and brings with it continued stresses. We suppose that is why most people are continually looking for the “something better” while carrying their current job. In Stretch-n-Grow we found our something better.  This is truly a legacy leaving activity. Everyday we are influencing and transforming the beliefs and habits of children that will have a quality-of-life improving impact. The value of the influence to my own daughter and our health alone is worth it. In Stretch-n-Grow, we have found an avocation in addition to a vocation. We can’t imagine having done this without the support of the affiliates group or Bob and Jill’s team at corporate. This is a positive group of people we have selected to work with in Stretch-n-Grow and we are surrounded by loving and excited kids every day. We knew it would be fun and legacy building, but we never expected it to be so quick and so much reward personally!!    Shannon and Rob Yontz Ventura, CA Affiliates since August 2003
	Waking up each morning, quickly getting dressed, rushing out the door only to sit in traffic and hours later arrive at a job that really doesn't mean very much to me or to others (i.e. in the long run).  That was my life a year ago.  Today I get up and rush out the door because I'm excited and enjoy what I do.  Bob and Jill Manly have taught me that you can have a job and LOVE it.  Working with children and teaching them the importance of living a healthy life couldn't be a better fit for me since fitness and eating right has been a part of my life for a long time.  And now I make a living teaching others how to make it an important part of their lives...and at a time in their lives when they need it the most! I feel fortunate to be a part of the Stretch-n-Grow family! Cherie & Dave Behrens Charlotte, NC Affiliates since July 2003
	I joined the Stretch-n-Grow team in March of 1994 and that was the start of an  "exerciting" ride that I am still enjoying today. Being a part of this company has rewarded me in so many ways over the years. I have learned how to run a successful business, I have touched the lives of hundreds of children, I have had the flexibility for my own family, I have gained a ton of confidence, and I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Each and every day is an adventure and it starts with lots of giggles and hugs from my "stars". There has not been a day, that I have regretted this decision to join this company. It has been a blessing in my life and as I always tell Jill, I will be doing it until I am 98!! Michelle Fisher Loveland, CO Affiliate since March 1994
	My story began with a prayer for something better and more meaningful.  I was working and traveling too much, and not spending enough family time.  I was driving home from work late one evening and had a very profound discussion with God;  I asked God to help me find a way to spend more time with my family, have a decent income and to touch and make a difference in other peoples lives.   Meanwhile, my two year old daughter was enrolled in a great program at her daycare called Stretch-n-Grow.  I got a notice that her tuition was late, which was impossible.  I contacted the lovely Beth Cannon and cleared up the tuition issue.  For some reason, I did not toss out the notice, I kept it.  Something (God) whispered Stretch-n-Grow in my ear.  A light went on and my family and I began the journey that has changed our lives for the better.  We have been blessed with more family time, more money and I touch the lives of little people every day (an added benefit is they also touch my life).  Stretch-n-Grow has been a blessing and a God send! Becky Darlington Grand Prairie, TX Affiliate since December 2001
	I truly believe that Stretch-n-Grow entered our life as a plan from God. It all happened as Mike and I had our third child. We both had very demanding careers in management and as buyers for a large drug company. Our two other children were at the age in which they began to be in many activities, so the stress of trying to raise three children, making sure they are where they need to be, manage the home and still work at a hectic pace was beginning to take a toll on me. I saw  an ad for Stretch-n-Grow, and I was so excited. It sounded almost too good to be true. I called and spoke to a sales representative assigned to the Cincinnati area. He ran the ad only ONCE! I knew I had “Divine” intervention then. Mike and I decided to purchase our franchise. We flew to Texas where we met Jill and Bob and began our training. When Bob opened our first training session with prayer, I knew this was for me! I decided to quit my career and focus on Stretch-n-Grow. I loved being at home more, and spending time with my children as I began to build the business. The business began to grow, word of mouth seemed to be our best advertisement, and I began to hire coaches. Mike also took the leap of faith and decided to teach Stretch-n-Grow full time. Stretch-n-Grow has been such a blessing to Mike and I in so many ways. I decided to go back to college and finish my degree. I focused on Early Childhood Education so I could have credentials added to my resume as a Stretch-n-Grow owner. I also took a home study course in Nutrition where I received a certificate. I would probably never have achieved these goals with out Stretch-n-Grow. We truly believe that God had a plan for Mike and I. So many things happened that could have only had his hand in it. We both enjoy the flexibility, income, and creativity that a being a Stretch-n-Grow owner allows. We love being able to create new lessons, routines, and stories. We love the children and all of the Directors and teachers we work with, they have become some of our dear friends. Through our Stretch-n-Grow conferences we have met many wonderful people from around the world, it is great! SNG has helped us to grow in so many ways, in education, as business owners, as parents and most important has grown our faith and trust in God. Mike and I have a great passion for working with children. It is a great feeling to know that you are impacting lives and teaching life changing habits! Barb & Mike Merchant Cincinnati, OH Affiliates since May 1996