2020
5
$60,000
$30,000
$150,000
No
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a business that merges your passion for nature with meaningful impact, then the Fish & Explore franchise offers one of the most compelling opportunities in the U.S. market today. From hands-on outdoor experiences for children to guided adventure activities for families and resorts, Fish & Explore has carved out a niche where character-building, experiential learning, and active fun converge.
Because its programming is built not just around fun, but around growth—helping young people build confidence, social skills, and resilience in an outdoor environment—this brand stands apart from traditional recreational or enrichment franchises. As the company expands its footprint across the U.S., now is a pivotal moment for an investor-entrepreneur to step into a low-overhead, high-impact venture that meets a growing demand for outdoor, nature-based programming.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Fish & Explore gives you more than just a business—it gives you a purpose-driven brand with increasing relevance in today’s world.
Key Reasons to Invest:
Growing Market Demand: Parents, schools, and communities are increasingly seeking programs that take children off screens and into nature, where physical activity, exploration, and discovery meet. Fish & Explore fulfills this need with its proven model.
Unique Differentiation: Unlike most youth enrichment or adventure brands that focus on indoor activities or traditional camps, Fish & Explore blends water adventures, animal encounters, and exploration—creating memorable experiences that parents trust.
Scalable Model: The business operates with low overhead and flexible locations, leveraging outdoor spaces, partnerships, and mobile programming to deliver services efficiently.
Meaningful Impact: Align your business with an ethos of youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and community engagement. This builds a loyal customer base and a strong local reputation.
Resilient Business Type: Outdoor programs have shown strong adaptability in challenging times and continue to grow as families value safe, active, and educational experiences for their children.
Fish & Explore was founded by John Lipetz, an outdoor adventure enthusiast and youth educator who turned his lifelong passion for nature into a purpose-driven business. The company originated in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland region, where it began offering engaging outdoor programs designed to help children discover nature through fishing, kayaking, hiking, and animal encounters. Its philosophy — “Animals, Water, a Little Dirt” — perfectly captures the essence of its mission: helping kids grow confidence, curiosity, and teamwork skills through safe, hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.
The brand quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to experiential learning and outdoor enrichment, combining fun with meaningful educational outcomes. Parents, schools, and resorts began to take notice, leading to strong regional demand and media attention.
In 2020, Fish & Explore officially launched its franchise expansion across the United States, opening the doors for entrepreneurs to bring the program’s outdoor education model to their own communities. The franchise is structured for easy scalability, offering both mobile and site-based programs that operate in partnership with local parks, schools, community centers, and resorts.
As of 2025, Fish & Explore operates its company-owned locations across Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area, while developing its first wave of U.S. franchise territories. The brand currently has an estimated 1–5 franchise units in development and plans for continued growth nationwide.
Fish & Explore is part of the rapidly growing youth enrichment and outdoor recreation industry, which has seen a significant rise in demand as families seek healthier, screen-free experiences for children. Its hybrid model — offering both seasonal camps and year-round adventure programming — gives franchisees the flexibility to operate in a variety of markets, from suburban neighborhoods to destination resorts.
By combining outdoor fun with character development and environmental education, Fish & Explore has positioned itself as a leader in the next generation of youth-focused franchises — one that inspires children, empowers communities, and supports entrepreneurs looking for a business that truly makes a difference.
Fish & Explore’s franchise system is designed to help every franchisee succeed—whether or not they have prior outdoor or education experience.
Pre-Launch Support:
Territory & Venue Selection: Assistance identifying local parks, schools, resorts, and community partnerships ideal for hosting programs.
Startup Guidance: Support in acquiring equipment, securing permits and insurance, and setting up branding materials.
Initial Training: A comprehensive training program covering safety, operations, program management, staff training, and customer engagement.
Marketing Setup: Guidance for launch campaigns, community outreach, and digital marketing to build early awareness.
Ongoing Support:
Operations Manual: A detailed guide covering every operational aspect—from program design and risk management to parent communications and staffing.
Marketing & Branding: Continuous brand support with templates, online presence management, and seasonal promotional strategies.
Program Innovation: Regular updates introducing new activities and program types to keep offerings fresh and competitive.
Business Development Assistance: Help forming partnerships with schools, resorts, and organizations to increase revenue streams.
Franchisee Community: Access to a network of other owners for collaboration, idea sharing, and best-practice learning.
This franchise model ensures every partner has the structure and confidence to operate safely, effectively, and profitably.
Fish & Explore seeks individuals who are passionate about the outdoors, youth development, and community impact.
You’re a great fit if you:
Enjoy outdoor activities, nature, and working with kids.
Have strong people skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Can manage teams, coordinate logistics, and market locally.
Are looking for a business that aligns purpose with profit.
Have background experience in areas like education, recreation, hospitality, or youth programming (helpful but not required).
Are comfortable with mobile or semi-seasonal business models that adapt to local environments.
Have an estimated investment capacity suitable for a small-to-medium business launch.
Ideal territories include suburban and semi-rural communities with schools, families, and access to parks, lakes, or resorts. Franchisees with a community-oriented approach and a desire to build local partnerships thrive best in this system.
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $60,000 – $150,000 | Includes franchise fee, equipment, permits, marketing, and working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $50,000 | Recommended minimum available capital to qualify. |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 | Paid upfront for territory rights, training, and onboarding support. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales | Ongoing royalty on total revenue. |
| National Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales | Contributed to brand-wide marketing and online campaigns. |
| Local Marketing Budget | $5,000 – $10,000 (initial) | Used for local launch promotions, digital ads, and community outreach. |
| Infrastructure / Equipment Cost | $15,000 – $30,000 | Covers fishing gear, kayaks, safety equipment, branding materials, and trailers. |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 | For staff salaries, insurance, and operational expenses during ramp-up. |
| Training & Initial Support | Included in Franchise Fee | Comprehensive training in operations, safety, and marketing. |
| Expected ROI (Return on Investment) | 18 – 36 months | Depending on territory size, enrollment rates, and partnerships. |
| Average Break-even Period | 12 – 24 months | Estimated timeline to reach operational profitability. |
| Franchise Units (2025) | 1 – 5 Units | Early-stage national expansion underway. |
| Company-Owned Units | 2 – 3 Units | Operated in Virginia and Washington D.C. metro region. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Multiple | Youth camps, after-school programs, guided tours, resort & corporate packages, merchandise sales. |
