Grand Opening: Introducing Shredder Ski School to Chicago – A Perfect Blend of Passion and Expertise!

February 01, 2024

Shredder Ski and Snowboarding School is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Chicago’s first Shredder Ski and Snowboard indoor playground, brought to you by the dynamic Lester family – Kevin, Meredith, Cory, and Cassie, a group of passionate outdoor enthusiasts who can’t wait to bring their love for skiing, children, and the franchise businesses to the vibrant city of Chicago. Hailing from Nampa, Idaho, this close-knit family is excited about this new adventure.

Meet The Lester Family

Kevin and Cory Lester, brothers with a passion for outdoor activities, grew up in the mountains of Idaho. Although they discovered their love for skiing after college, they quickly became enamored with the sport. Together, they frequently embark on exhilarating skiing trips to Park City, Utah, where Kevin’s successful Airbnb business is based. Their prior experience in the franchise industry also includes opening a thriving Crumbl Cookies store in Old Town, Chicago.

Meredith, Kevin’s wife, is a seasoned executive recruiter who grew up on the east coast with a deep-rooted love for skiing. While managing the lives of her three vibrant boys, Meredith also devotes her time to being a Level 3 CrossFit trainer and pursuing PSIA certification. Cassie, Cory’s wife, shares her passion for children’s well-being. As a full-time executive assistant, Cassie brings her extensive background in leadership management and childcare to create a safe and nurturing environment for the kids at Shredder. Additionally, both Cory and Cassie have leadership management and childcare backgrounds and will fuel their passion by providing a safe and nurturing environment for Shredder kids.

A No-Brainer Decision

Choosing Shredder’s indoor playground was a no-brainer for the Lester family. It perfectly encapsulates their biggest passions – skiing, children, and thriving franchise businesses. During a visit to Denver to explore Shredder’s facilities, they were captivated by the innovative business model, the warm and welcoming executive leadership team, and the incredible potential of establishing an indoor skiing playground haven in the heart of Chicago.

The Top Three

Here are the top three elements that initially won the Lester Family.

  1. The Love for Skiing: Meredith, with her profound skiing background, could easily convince Kevin, Cory, and Cassie about the incredible lifestyle that skiing offers. With their own mountain roots, the team fell head over heels for the opportunity to share their passion for childcare, education, and teaching kids how to ski from a young age. Their collective experience, including caring for nieces, and nephews, and leading nursery and primary classes at their church, made Shredder an ideal fit for bringing the joy of skiing to children in a safe and nurturing environment.
  2. Kids at the Core: At Shredder, our utmost priority is providing children a nurturing and enriching experience. The Lester family’s genuine passion for childcare aligns seamlessly with our commitment to introducing kids to a new sport while fostering personal growth and confidence. With their leadership management and childcare background, Cory and Cassie are well-equipped to create an engaging and secure environment for all the little shredders.
  3. Franchise Success: The Lester family brings a wealth of franchise experience, having successfully established a Crumbl Cookies store, the fastest-growing cookie franchise in the nation. This experience, combined with their excitement to collaborate with the Shredder corporate team to launch franchises nationwide, gives us the confidence to pave the way for a new wave of Shredder locations nationwide.

What Makes Shredder Ski School Indoor Playground Unique in Chicago?

Age-Appropriate And Skilled Instruction

At Shredder, children as young as ten months can start their journey thanks to age-specific classes and skilled instruction. The school maintains a low student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring your child receives personalized attention and guidance. The team at Shredder comprises passionate, experienced instructors who understand the unique needs and capabilities of children at different ages and skill levels.

Camps And Birthday Parties

Beyond regular classes, Shredder Ski School also hosts ski and snowboard camps during summer and on school breaks, adding an exciting twist to vacation time. Moreover, it offers unique, adventure-filled birthday party packages. What could be more thrilling than a ski-themed birthday bash, especially in the summer? This is a substantial revenue stream for our franchisees.

Parent Perks

Parents haven’t been left out of the equation, either. While your little ones are engaged in their snowy adventures, you can relax in the comfortable, Wi-Fi-enabled viewing area, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of your child’s progress.

We are incredibly excited about this grand opening and can’t wait to welcome you to our Shredder indoor playground in Chicago. Join us as we embark on an incredible journey of sharing our passion for skiing, children, and the power of a thriving franchise business with the amazing community in Chicago.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, promotions, and the unveiling of our new state-of-the-art facility. Together, let’s make Shredder the ultimate destination for families seeking a one-of-a-kind skiing experience right here in the heart of the city.

See you on the slopes!

The Lester family and the Shredder team

Want to learn more about the Shredder Franchise Opportunity? Just click HERE.