Jeff Platt is not just another success story; he’s a Washington University success story. Platt is the owner of a major franchise called Sky Zone, an idea created during his time as an undergraduate at the Olin Business School. Sky Zone, a recreational facility composed entirely of trampolines, has grown to incorporate five locations across the United States.

Platt’s journey began in high school, helping his dad develop a business project during his free time. During his junior year as an undergraduate, Platt thought up the idea for Sky Zone in an entrepreneurship class he was taking at Olin. To Platt, however, it was just a school project.

“I had never actually intended on doing it,” Platt said.

But when Platt began to receive advice from local business owners encouraging him to follow through with the project, he started looking at possible locations and investors. Soon enough, Sky Zone became a reality in St. Louis.

Originally designed as a new professional sport field, Sky Zone was bought from an anonymous inventor by Platt, who brought it to life as a place for birthday parties, family fun and even community service.
After Platt bought the idea for Sky Zone, he began a research and development facility in a Las Vegas warehouse.

“There was actually a skate park next door to us, and kids kept banging on the door telling us, ‘Oh we want to jump, we want to jump,” Platt said. “So we actually let them come in, and they would play around, and then we realized we could actually have a viable business on our hands where we could charge people to use it.”

From Las Vegas, Sky Zone has expanded to many other major cities including St. Louis, Sacramento, Boston and Houston. Platt’s business plan envisions a Sky Zone in every major city across the country in five to 10 years. Platt said the company’s focus is currently domestic, but eventually it would like to grow internationally.

Even with success and rapid expansion, Sky Zone has not forgotten the importance of helping its community. Sky Zone recently launched a children’s fitness program called “SkyFit 4 Schools” focused on the problem of childhood obesity in America. The program hosts after-school activities and welcomes schools to bring gym classes to Sky Zone for field trips.
“Kids love trampolines, and it’s a great workout, so it’s what we call fun fitness,” Platt said.

Sky Zone is even working with a local St. Louis middle school to install a small court in the school’s gymnasium for physical fitness purposes.

After graduating from Wash. U., Platt spent two years learning how the Sky Zone facilities were run, including how to market them, operate them and how to sell the business.

Currently, Platt resides in Los Angeles, where his focus lies entirely on franchising. He is currently looking for a future branch location in Southern California.

From the University’s Business School to an international franchise, Jeff Platt has jumped to success and will continue on his upward path as more and more people become aware of the many opportunities Sky Zone has to offer.

1 Comments

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  On September 17, 2009 at 11:13 pm Sandy Boritz said

  Fascinating article. Where can I find a Sky Zone in my neighborhood? Thank you Tara for an informative article

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Tags: Jeff Platt, Olin Business School, Sky Zone, st. louis

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