At Unleashed Brands, we believe that every individual and every business has the power to make a difference. Across the country, our franchisees are helping kids learn, play, and grow while lifting entire communities in the process.
We’re honored to spotlight two incredible franchisees who are doing just that. Karen and Tony DeRosa of Class 101 Dayton, OH, and Nick and Stephanie Martinez of The Little Gym Keller, TX, were recently recognized by the Unleashed Brands Foundation for their outstanding local impact.
Their stories are powerful examples of what it means to lead with purpose and a reminder that any of us can be a force for good.
Community Impact Award: Karen & Tony DeRosa, Class 101 Dayton
Since opening in 2018, Karen and Tony have woven community service into everything they do. Through their Class 101 business, they’ve provided over $60,000 in free college planning services to families in need, making higher education more accessible to students from all walks of life.
Their student-led initiative, More Than One, empowers teens to give back through monthly service projects, fostering a culture of compassion and leadership in the next generation.
When they won our December Teddy Bear Giving Campaign, they used the $3,000 prize to support Shoes4theShoeless, a nonprofit that provides new shoes and socks to underserved children across Southwest Ohio.
Their impact has been so meaningful that it has even caught the attention of state officials. They have received honors from the Governor and state senators for their community service. Karen and Tony are proving every day that small business owners can be powerful agents of change.
Foundation Award: Nick & Stephanie Martinez, The Little Gym Keller
Nick and Stephanie have built more than a gym—they’ve built a space where children and families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Over the years, they’ve impacted countless families through The Little Gym experience. However, what sets them apart is their consistent commitment to their community, extending beyond the gym walls.
In the past year alone, they’ve:
- Collected 170+ toys through their Toys for Tots drive
- Hosted annual Red Cross blood drives
- Sponsored the Swim4Elsie 5K, promoting water safety in honor of a former student
Every toy collected, every pint of blood donated, and every child they encourage is a ripple of positive change that strengthens their community.
Why This Matters
What we love most about the brands in our portfolio at Unleashed Brands is this: we have the power to impact families.
From helping a child build confidence in the gym to guiding a teen through college admissions, our brands create meaningful moments that shape futures. Our franchisees are not just running businesses, they’re creating environments where families feel supported, encouraged, and seen.
They Are the Difference
Karen, Tony, Nick, and Stephanie remind us what’s possible when we lead with purpose. They saw a need in their communities and took action, proving that even small efforts can create lasting change.
From hosting fundraisers to organizing service projects to supporting families in need, our franchisees use their businesses as a platform for good.
Together, they demonstrate what it truly means to serve families with heart.