I recently went one-on-one with Bron Launsby, co-founder and CEO of Slick City Action Park.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Bron: My path started in the family entertainment industry as a multi-unit franchisee, where I spent more than a decade building and operating trampoline parks. That experience was foundational, learning firsthand the challenges operators face, understanding the guest experience, and what it really takes to scale profitably. The turning point came when I partnered with Gary Schmit to launch Slick City. We saw an opportunity to build something original, with proprietary slide technology and a brand that stood apart.
Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?
Bron:
- Start with a clear differentiator. Slick City isn’t a copy of anything: it was built from the ground up on innovation, creating an entirely new category of indoor family entertainment.
- Build strong systems early. Don’t wait until you’re “big” to standardize processes. Scalable systems are the foundation for sustainable growth.
- Put the right people in the right seats. Culture and execution depend on having great leaders at every level of the organization.
- Keep the experience fresh. Continually give guests new reasons to return, whether through new attractions, programming, pricing strategies, promotions, or operational improvements.
- Never lose sight of the guest experience. If you’re scaling without obsessing over the guest experience, it will eventually catch up with you. The guest must remain at the center of every decision.
- Protect what makes you unique. For Slick City, this includes proprietary technology, patents, and an in-house R&D team committed to ongoing innovation.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Bron: Integrity is paramount. A great leader puts others first, often described as servant leadership, while balancing collaboration with decisiveness. Leadership is not simply democratic; it requires focus and clarity, making hard decisions while considering the well-being of the team. An effective leader is direct but compassionate, able to motivate individuals and teams to achieve more than they believe is possible.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Bron: Listen more than you speak. Ask meaningful questions that foster understanding and engagement. Build trust with your team by being present, consistent, and authentic. Additionally, seek out 360-degree feedback to gain insights on your leadership from multiple perspectives. There is always room to grow.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Bron:
- Discover your passion – what you are truly called to do – and build your work around that unique superpower.
- Understand that there are rarely shortcuts to success. Show up every day, put in the work, and approach each task with passion and purpose.
- Strive to be the best team member first. Leadership opportunities often follow when you demonstrate a commitment to serving and supporting those around you.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Bron: Start by clearly understanding the mission – the goals, objectives, or problems you are solving – and ensure that each team member knows their roles and responsibilities in achieving that mission. Culture is critical; as leaders, the tone we set can either strengthen or undermine the entire organization. A healthy culture rooted in trust, accountability, and shared purpose is one of the most powerful drivers of leadership effectiveness. Finally, don’t be afraid to acknowledge mistakes. Own them, pivot when needed, and move forward. Resilience and adaptability are essential in building high-performing teams.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?
Bron: Lead with what makes you different. For Slick City, it’s our patented slides, bold brand, and multi-generational appeal. And don’t underestimate the power of social proof; let your guests do the marketing for you. We’ve built massive awareness just from guests sharing their experiences online. Also: consistent branding matters. Everything from the logo to your tone of voice to your guest journey should feel connected.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Bron:Know your why. Your purpose may evolve over time, but understanding it and consistently reminding yourself of it will guide you toward a fulfilling life and career.
My Why:
- To instill a strong work ethic in my children.
- To provide for others: creating lasting memories for families who visit our parks, providing opportunities for employees (whether it’s simply a paycheck, a sense of belonging, or a pathway to build lifelong skills and careers), and building a strong business model that empowers other entrepreneurs and franchisees to succeed.
