About Launch
OUR HISTORY
The vision for Launch all started on a family vacation. Our co-founders Rob & Erin Arnold were on a family trip in Orlando Florida, when the rainy weather sought them to seek out indoor activities. After visiting an indoor trampoline park, the duo knew this business model was unlike anything they had in their home state of Rhode Island.
After months of research and vetting different trampoline parks, Rob and Erin knew they could do it better, leading them to create Launch. The first Launch Trampoline Park opened in 2012 in Warwick, Rhode Island, and the second location followed soon after in Hartford, Connecticut, with both experiencing tremendous success. From there, we were able to replicate and fine-tuned our processes in order to franchise our opportunity and innovate along the way.
OUR GROWTH
Today, we are more than an indoor trampoline park; Launch Entertainment is the leading full-service entertainment franchise offering a variety of “Awesome” attractions, premium restaurant and bar to attract customers of all ages.
To further lay the foundation for wide-scale development plans, Silver Oak Services Partners made a strategic investment in our concept, which fueled the development of our corporate executive team to provide top-notch support for franchise owners and help us reach our growth goals.
Over the last 10 years, we’ve grown from our first Rhode Island location to over 30 parks across the country, with even more in the pipeline. We’re looking to partner with seasoned business executives to scale our family entertainment franchise to markets nationwide.
Leadership Team
Robert Arnold, Co-Founder & Advisor
Rob is a strategic advisor to Launch Entertainment and is an active member of the Board of Directors. Rob and his wife Erin co-founded Launch in 2012 in Warwick, RI. Their collective passion has been the driving force behind the growth of Launch.
Craig Erlich, CEO
Craig Erlich has been the Chief Executive Officer of Launch Family Entertainment since June 2023. From January 2015 to December 2022, Craig was President and CEO of Brix Holdings, based in Dallas, Texas, the franchisor of the following brands: Red Mango, Smoothie Factory, Souper Salad, Red Brix Pizza, Orange Leaf, Humble Donuts, and Friendly’s Restaurants.
Yvette Martinez, COO
Yvette joined Launch in 2023. Prior to Launch Yvette was COO of Brix Holdings. Yvette held several roles at Brix Holdings including Vice President of Operations. She is also an owner of a business in the Houston, Texas area.
Jeff Todd, CDO
Jeff is our Chief Development Officer and has been with Launch since 2022. Before this role, he was the Senior Vice President of Business Development. Prior to Launch, Jeff was the Vice President of Development for Driven Brands leading development for Meineke, Maaco, and Merlin.
Christina Lafontaine, VP of Finance
Christina has been with Launch since April 2023. Prior to this role, Christina worked as the Accounts Payable Manager in the treasury department of FM Global.