THE HI-FIVE SPORTS STORY

A lifelong entrepreneur, Ryan previously helped several startups launch and scale their marketing and sales functions and created an entertainment-focused social networking platform in 2000. Since joining Hi-Five on a full-time basis in 2005, he has led the expansion of the company’s programming, launched locations across multiple states, opened the first Hi-Five Sports Zone in 2014, and formally introduced Hi-Five Sports Franchising to the world in 2015.

Today, Ryan focuses on brand innovation, technology and programming development, strategic partnerships, and supporting the company’s President as Hi-Five continues its mission to become a household name in youth sports.

Joseph joined Hi-Five Sports in 2017 after several years leading operations and developing distribution channels for growing organizations. After briefly stepping away in 2021 to oversee operations and community engagement for his church, he returned to Hi-Five Sports in 2024 and now serves as President. Joseph leads day-to-day operations and works closely with Ryan to support the brand’s national growth and operations. He also teaches business and leadership at a local college, fueled by his passion for helping others succeed.

Danny is in charge of ensuring overall program quality and training. His ability to take coaches under his wing and turn them into local celebrities is like none other. He grew up participating in all Hi-Five programs. He coached at Hi-Five since he was 15 years old and continues to impact the lives of thousands of families in Chicagoland area to this day. Danny was an integral part of training our new operators in our company owned locations in AZ and CA. His role is to ensure all franchisees are experts just like himself.

For 15+ years Richard has been working with businesses spanning multiple Industries by offering accounting and financial consulting services. Since 2012 he has managed the books for a number of youth sports oriented businesses. Richard comes to Hi-Five with a unique financial skill set that is a great value add for our Franchisees.

Ian Thomas serves as Hi-Five Sports’ inaugural Director of Franchise Mentorship. Ian brings nearly a decade of firsthand experience with the brand, having grown from a part-time operator to the full-time owner of three Hi-Five Sports Clubs and one Hi-Five Sports Zone.

In this role, Ian supports onboarding for new franchise owners and provides ongoing mentorship and consulting to existing owners, helping them strengthen operations and achieve sustainable growth. A seasoned coach, physical education teacher, and mentor, Ian is passionate about developing leaders and building successful youth sports communities.

With more than 25 years of marketing and design leadership, Sandra Erdtmann brings award-winning creative expertise and a passion for sports to Hi-Five Sports. She has led successful brand launches, digital experiences, and campaigns across agency and corporate settings, and now focuses on building strong, scalable branding strategies to support the growth of Hi-Five Sports and its franchise owners.

Marv founded the very first Hi-Five location in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago in 1990. He also co-founded the second location in downtown Chicago in 2000. He has been instrumental in laying the blueprint for what Hi-Five stands for to this day. Most importantly, he spent decades grooming his two sons, Ryan and Danny to take Hi-Five to the next level. Marv continues to advise our management team and franchises. If you happen to stop by our flagship Hi-Five Sports Zone location in Northbrook, IL you will see Marv's continued passion for the brand.

Coach “H” has been at camp every summer since 1975 having gone through the ranks of Camper, Counselor, Unit Head, Assistant Director, and Director at private and not-for-profit camps in the Midwest. In 1999 he and his wife achieved a lifetime goal of owning and operating their own camp in Charlottesville, VA. He is also the Professional Development chair for American Camp Association Virginias Leadership Council.

Seth has over twenty years’ experience starting new or growing existing businesses at the executive level in product management, technology development, marketing and go-to-market positions at companies such as Monster.com, Global Payments and others. Seth worked alongside our CEO for four years and assisted with the transition from a local family business into a national franchise organization. He continues to advise the management team with matters relating to technology and higher-level marketing initiatives.