Michael Browning Jr. (born 1984) is an American entrepreneur, speaker, and business leader best known as the founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands, the parent company of several leading youth enrichment franchises including Urban Air Adventure Park, Snapology, The Little Gym, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, XP League, and Water Wings Swim School. Today, Unleashed Brands supports over 1,400 locations, impacting more than 20 million families annually through experiences rooted in fun, growth, and purpose.
Browning is widely recognized for his mission-driven leadership, helping scale purpose-led brands that serve millions of families annually across the United States.
Early Life and Education
Browning was born in Arlington, Texas to Mike and Sharla Browning, both entrepreneurs who instilled in him a deep work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. The Browning family operated a laundromat, worked on a dairy farm, and eventually founded Browning Custom Homes, a homebuilding company that served the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex where he and his family still reside.
Michael demonstrated a passion for business from an early age—selling bracelets door to door, trading baseball cards, building websites in high school, and launching a data analytics company while still a student at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he graduated in 2007.
Giving Back with Purpose
Through the Unleashed Brands Foundation, Browning is committed to supporting children facing adversity. His philanthropic work includes donating over $1 million to childhood cancer research, hosting birthday parties for foster children, and ensuring children with life-threatening illnesses can access enriching experiences through Unleashed Brands locations.
Investing in the Next Generation
Browning pays it forward as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Christian University, where he teaches an Introduction to Franchising course. He also serves as Executive in Residence at the Neeley School of Business, mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Founding Urban Air Adventure Park
Inspired by a childhood dream to create a space where kids could celebrate, escape, and connect through play, Browning launched the first Urban Air Adventure Park in 2011 in Southlake, Texas. Despite skepticism from landlords and banks, he and his family invested everything they had, building the location by hand and working every role—from janitor to party host—to ensure its success.
By 2014, the company had launched its franchise division, and by 2017, Browning opened the world’s first indoor adventure park in Sugar Land, Texas, cementing Urban Air’s place as an industry innovator.
Building THE Brand
When the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily shut down the family entertainment industry, Browning used the opportunity to reflect and pivot. Realizing that Urban Air’s core audience—moms and their children—had broader needs, he set out to unify the fragmented youth enrichment space under one scalable platform.
Unleashed Brands was launched in 2021 to serve families through fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help kids become who they are destined to be. Today, Unleashed Brands is home to eight nationally recognized franchises and continues to expand its reach, empowering young people and supporting families in meaningful ways.
Recognition and Awards
Michael Browning Jr. has received numerous accolades for his leadership and impact:
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (Southwest Region & National Finalist)
- Dallas Business Journal 40 Under 40
- Franchise Journal’s Top 20 Franchise Leaders
- IAAPA Young Professional of the Year
- Entrepreneur of Excellence Award (Retail Services)
- SeoSamba Franchise Top 100 Global Influencers
- Dallas 100 Fastest-Growing Companies
- Golden Ticket Award: Industry Leader – Family Entertainment Center
- Smartest-Growing Franchise Brands – #2 Fastest Growing (Urban Air)
- Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth
Legacy
From humble beginnings in a Texas garage to building one of the most influential platforms in youth enrichment, Michael Browning Jr. continues to innovate with heart and purpose. His mission remains clear: To impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be.
Brands With A Focus
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LearnBrands that enrich the lives of kids by teaching or enhancing their critical thinking, social, and motor skills.
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PlayBrands that provide fun, energetic experiences that help kids celebrate, escape, and connect with other kids.
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GrowBrands that provide opportunities for kids to build or improve their physical skills and turn hobbies into passions!
Our Brands
Partnering with Unleashed Brands is like grabbing onto a rocket. Join the #1 Youth Enrichment Platform on the planet!
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The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park with attractions that cater to any level of adventurer.
#1 Entertainment Franchise
290 Units Open or in Development
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Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan's proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on digital tablets for an engaging learning experience.
#1 Education Franchise
500+ Locations
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Programs filled with movement, music, learning and laughter designed to facilitate ongoing skill development and maximum fun using physical activity as the conduit.
45 Years of Experience
400+ Locations
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Water Wings Swim School is a year-round swim school for both children and adults.
20+ Years of Experience
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Programs teaching character development, self-defense and fitness through the study of martial arts – combining styles of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga and Kickboxing.
$4B Industry
200+ Locations
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Interactive, STEM / STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs featuring technology and popular building toys such as LEGO® bricks and K’Nex®.
170+ Locations & Growing
#1 Children's Enrichment Franchise
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One-on-one college planning providing families with expert guidance on the college search, admissions, and financial aid process.
$1B in Scholarships
700+ Colleges & Universities Worldwide
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Coach-led competitive gaming league in North America with an emphasis on building social skills and sportsmanship.
#1 Esports Franchise
$2B Industry
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