Success Stories
Testimonials
3rd Level members know first-hand how valuable our consulting, analysis and strategic planning services are. Our most successful members not only utilize our services and resources, but they also use our business systems and apps. Don’t just take our word for it, see what our members have to say!
The team at 3rd Level Consulting has been instrumental in providing professional advice, educational materials, networking events and online systems which have propelled our business success. Their attention to detail and personalized service is above and beyond, they really care about their clients. Frank and Ron have always helped to guide us in key decisions and as we now expand into a new world class facility, they are an integral part of our future.
Sharron Crowley, Owner
Aquaventures Swim Centre, Vancouver, BC | CAN
We have been a 3rd Level Member for quite some time, as 3rd Level grew, we came on board with every one of their steps. The Success Dashboards helped us really look at all aspects of our business, not just the areas I was comfortable with and filled in information that was not in my comfort zone and broke it down into categories that we now use throughout our organization.
Lorraine Currie, Owner
Futures Mississauga, ON | CAN
Frank and the team at 3rd Level Consulting have been a part of our success since 2014. When I first reached out to Frank, I was really reaching out to find out what I could be doing better and how our team could keep growing. What I didn’t know at the time of that first meeting, was how much I would come to appreciate Frank’s honest advice, knowledgeable counsel and sincere enthusiasm for going after my big goals. I also didn’t know how grateful I would be to have Frank and 3rd Level as support and resources as we launched our 2nd location in 2016.
They were right there each step of the way with demographics, marketing advice, and always helping me to cover my blind spots. When problems would pop up, as they always do in expansions, I would call on the resources of 3rd Level to help me figure out what to do next. From the KPIs to the best practices library to the one on one calls, 3rd Level provided me with the comfort of knowing I had a wealth of industry knowledge right at my finger tips and the support of an enthusiastic team to encourage me.
Our 2nd location is thriving and we are now looking to see what the future holds. 3rd Level right there with us as we look to streamline our systems and gain efficiency by utilizing the SmartEDGE Resources across our business. This platform that Frank and his team created meets our needs for training, document management, HR, hiring and more. We are looking forward to launching 2019 in a more efficient, purposeful and organized manner thanks to this innovative new tool! We are so grateful to continue evolving and raising the bar with Frank and his team!n be to the success of your team. We have been grateful to have Frank and his team coaching our management team!
Courtney Parfitt
Thrive Gymnastics, Severna Park, Arnold & Annapolis, MD | USA
We initially opened our doors as a small, 3000 sq/ft dance studio in 2010 with approximately 60 students and 3 staff members in year one. By year three our vision had shifted from just owning a dance studio to wanting to build one of the top dance training facilities in Canada. We had the vision, we just lacked the necessary systems and strategies to make things happen, and this is where Frank and the 3rd Level team came into play. In year four, our team attended a dance teacher’s summit in NYC where Frank was presenting on 3rd Level and the benefits it offered to businesses in our industry. We joined the team that weekend!
Fast-forward one year later and we had transformed into a 10,000 sq/ft facility offering recreational and competitive classes in dance, gymnastics, and martial arts. Our team of staff grew to 15, and our student base and revenue had doubled on less than one year.
Fast-forward to today(year 8) and we are now owners of a 20,000 sq/ft facility with a maximum floor space of 34,000(should we choose to expand again, and we will). Our team of staff has grown to over 40, our annual enrollment has reached 2500 students, our revenue has more than doubled again, and we’ve grown from offering 3 to 12 programs to the families in our community.
If you want to be a leader in any area of life you must surround yourself with incredible teachers and an incredible network of like-minded people. Frank and the 3rd Level Team have been instrumental in providing professional advice, educational materials, networking events and online systems which have propelled our business success. Our vision has become much more than anything we had ever dreamed.
~Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Derek Conorton, Owner
The Dream Centre, Waterdown, ON | Canada
Backstage Dance Studio has been in business for the past 34 years. Although we have been fortunate to have success throughout the years, it has been the last 10 years that have been our most profitable and rewarding. I attribute much of this success to the collaboration and guidance of Frank and the 3rd Level Team. Our enrollment, retention, space usage, and productivity have all increased with the help of the systems, ideas, and information available in the 3rd Level Library and SmartEDGE Resources Dashboard. Whether you are starting a new child-centered business, or have been in the business for years, joining the 3rd Level Team will have a positive impact on your business, productivity and bottom line.
Marty Roberts, Owner
Back Stage Dance Studio, Bellevue, WA | US
Since 2009, 3rd Level Consulting has worked with my business after my swim school suffered a terrible setback. Frank evaluated & restructured my business and served as our broker when we eventually sold our swim school 7 years ago (one of the first to be sold without a building)!
In addition, Frank walked me through starting my current business, Swim Consultant and has served as a terrific resource of knowledge over the years. I cannot thank Frank and his team enough for the invaluable help they have provided me!
Andy Broido, Owner
Swim Consultant, Boca Raton, FL | US
3rd Level is a huge part of our success at Little Otter. Over the years we have called upon 3rd Level for help in many areas. When we decided to add another location, they helped with demographics and the crafting of a business plan to present to our bankers. One of them commented that it was one of the best business plans he had ever seen. 3rd level was able to give us some very concrete data that resonated with this banker.
The other area that 3rd level helps us with being a sounding board for problems and ideas. It is great to have an organization that is involved in many industries. Sometimes when you ask your peers in your own field, you get the answers that everyone else is using. It is refreshing to be exposed to what other industries are doing. Sometimes entrepreneurship can be lonely and it is comforting to know I can always call 3rd Level and discuss what is going on and know that I will be listened to and to get some ideas on how to move forward. Small business people in town don’t understand my business the way that 3rd Level does.
Charlie Tremendous Jones said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people your meet and the books you read.” I believe that my life is better for meeting Frank and the rest of the folks at 3rd Level. I am inspired to keep move forward due to this relationship.
John Kirk, Owner
Little Otter Swim School, Charlotte, NC | US
How lucky I was to be referred to Frank Sahlein over 20 years ago! My journey began with a mentor who knew Frank as he helped her start her successful gymnastics school back in the late ’90s. I knew I was in good hands with the initial consulting and support. The gym grew quickly and I ran a successful non-competitive program for 9 years. Then, I lost my lease. With little appropriate space available close by, an opportunity came up to buy a building less than one mile away. Coming from 6500 sq. ft. of rented space, this building was 30,000sq. ft. What should I do? I called Frank and brought him to see the potential site. We immediately put an expansion plan in place. He advised me how to relocate the gym, add programs to fill the new 14,000 sq. ft. portion of the space, and then plan how to eventually take over the rest of the building.
Sticking to the plan, five years later, I built a swim school in the building. It too grew fast. Remember that mentor I mentioned who introduced me to Frank? There was no swim school by her gym. 2 years ago I thought there maybe potential for a second swim school location there. What did I do? I called Frank. He supported the expansion idea and now I have a second swim location that has grown even faster than the first. I’m confident to say I would not have taken any of the risks I did if it were not for having Frank on my team. He is truly an industry guru and his advice, resources, and personal commitment to growth and education is incomparable. Anyone looking for success in the children’s activity center business needs Frank and 3rd Level consulting on their team!
Sally Poveromo, Owner
Planet Gymnastics & Little Flippers Swim School, Natick, MA
Success is such a big word, especially since we are still in the journey. But wow! The blessings, growth, and challenges we have enjoyed over the past 33 years.
Six years ago we made our biggest move to date. After 27 years, and 5 different moves into bigger spaces within our local community center our owner, Mrs. Connie, recognized it was time to make the biggest move of all…build our very own facility! It was a step that could not be successful without the help of 3rd Level, peers, family, and friends. Six years later we have already added on to that new building, expanding to serve our MGC families by adding even more programs!! Mind you there have been many challenges, but so many incredible, beautiful blessing along the way. If we ever experience doubt, one of our students or families, without even realizing it remind us why we are doing what we are doing. Through the journey of building, moving, managing, etc we have had an over the top experience with Frank and 3rd Level! Not to mention all the professional relationships and friendships built through 3rd Level. They have all been instrumental in adding and inspiring our growth. We are eternally grateful for that support system, and hope we can all keep building each other up to make this industry and these kids the absolute best they can be!
Connie Raley, Owner
MGC Kids, North Little Rock, AR | US
Frank’s passion and content resonated with me, and he provided insight different from what I had previously encountered in the industry. In a short amount of time, I learned lessons that would guide me over the next several years with both business practices and developing a program that serves children of all abilities.
I had the opportunity to complete several of 3rd Level Consulting’s online courses, and to hear Frank share his expertise at gymnastics conferences.
I became a client in 2015, and have been thrilled with the amount of content and resources provided! Frank and his team are warm, accessible, professional, and continually seeking ways to improve and more efficiently share ideas and knowledge.
The value of membership is exceptional, and the 3rd Level Consulting team continue to amaze me with the amount of time, energy and thought that is invested in creating systems. This allows leaders in children development industries to focus on the passion that got them into their business, instead of bogged down with business details. I have learned that I do not need to invent new systems or programs myself but instead simply access them through the online dashboard, saving me time and possible frustration.
I have also been inspired by the connections that I have made through 3rd Level and how generous leaders in the child development and activities centers are with collaboration and encouragement.
Frank and his team have directly contributed to the success of Spokane Gymnastics, and I am grateful for his guidance.
Nadine Burgess, Owner
Spokane Gymnastics, Spokane Valley, WA | US
3rd Level Consulting has helped me as a business owner in insurmountable ways! Frank & his team help guide me to make smart business decisions as well as provide incredible training & staff management resources through their conferences and e-learning resources. Working with 3rd Level inspires me to be an industry leader and it’s always a blessing to collaborate with like-minded professionals. Thank you 3rd Level!
Karissa Johnson, Owner
Spectra Gymnastics, Beaverton, OR | US
My husband and I started working with Frank to help us grow our business. Frank and 3rd Level have been a huge asset in helping us focus on what our business has needed through the years. His personal assistance and the many online tools 3rd Level offers have enhanced our efforts as gym owners in so many ways. Our gym has grown, expanded into new programs and we have achieved our goal of bringing on board new partners and beginning the transition to retirement! As gymnastics professionals, we know how important a good coach can be to the success of your team. We have been grateful to have Frank and his team coaching our management team!
Ann Williams, Owner
Head Over Heels & Alabama Starz Gymnastics Birmingham, AL | USA
What I love about Frank and 3rd Level Consulting is that he has designed a service that is both personal and available when you need it. Whether it is accessing the amazing resources of 3rd Level or having Frank on the other end of the line to work through a new business challenge – he has been with us all the way.
At Delta we know that it is our systems that make us good and our people that make us great. Frank has designed a unique blend of products and services that support the continued development of our systems and people. After ten years on the journey with us I count Frank as a close friend and marvel at the profound difference he is making to our industry. Thanks Frank.
John Mitchell, Owner
Delta Gymnastics, Clayfield, Brisbane, QLD | AUS
After many years in business I realized our company had good energy and a great reputation, but there were areas that needed serious attention. My deep fear was that we were neglecting something important – something that could lead to company failure. Sure, we had strengths, but we didn’t have the means to target weak areas. And we certainly didn’t know how to address them.
That’s when I heard about the services offered by 3rd Level Consulting. Their innovative approach allowed me to get a general overview of our entire company and gave me the tools to address the areas that needed attention. Now we know that our company is sound.
Having 3rd Level Consulting as part of our team allows us to operate with professionalism and confidence. I recommend them to anyone in the children’s activity center industry.
Beth Morphis, Owner
Salem Gymnastics & Swim, Winston-Salem, NC | USA
I, initially, was an employee of Gymfinity though after 5 years I bought out my partner (owner), the next year I bought the building and the land it sits on. 10 years later I expanded the building to nearly double the footprint, and every year we have maintained or grown our clientele. We have become a staple in the schools in our district, the area of Madison Wisconsin, and the community of businesses as well. When I first started my relationship with 3rd Level I was an overworked, inefficient, manager/coach. I received expert advice and it led me to become an owner, with a realistic schedule, fantastic and trustworthy staff (the BEST in the country) and allows me to be a father and husband too. 3rd Level, in no uncertain terms, gave me the opportunities to become the man I dreamed of being. Don’t get me wrong, I worked hard to get it done, my schedule would still kill a normal person, and I am still a coaching owner, but I wouldn’t change that for the world.
J Orkowski, Owner
Gymfinity, Fitchburg, WI | USA
Frank and his team at 3rd Level Consulting have both the operator hands-on experience and have advised and guided 1000’s of gyms, schools, students, and centers over the past 25+ years. They really know the business and truly care about their client’s goals and success.
I consider Frank a close, personal friend and he is also one of my trusted advisory board members. He and his team have great vision and insight to all of the operations of these types of businesses.
- PAST – The Wings Center was one of Jackrabbit’s first dozen customers and helped light the fire as a test case for the industry’s direction.
- PRESENT – 3rd Level Consulting continues to spread the word about the power and value that Jackrabbit represents to the industry globally.
- FUTURE – Future interfaces between Jackrabbit, 3rd Level’s SmartEDGE Resources and LEAP! Learning platforms are coming soon – a productive partnership for mutual clients!
Mark Mahoney, Co-Founder
Jackrabbit Technologies, Huntersville, NC | USA