Former professional baseball player, Grady Hinchman, knows a thing or two about taking risks and hitting home runs. After dedicating three seasons to pursuing his dream in the minor league with the New York Mets, Hinchman found himself at a crossroads when his contract came to an end. However, as any athlete knows, setbacks are just part of the game, and true champions find new ways to excel.
Born and raised in Pendleton, Indiana, Hinchman’s love for baseball was evident from an early age. He possessed a strong talent for the game, honing his skills on dusty diamonds and makeshift fields throughout his childhood. It was clear to everyone who watched him play that Hinchman had something special – a fiery determination and a competitive spirit that set him apart from his peers. Later in his career, his resilience and determination would help him to become one of Altitude Trampoline Park’s most successful franchisees.
After graduating from high school, Hinchman earned a scholarship to Western Kentucky University where he continued a successful baseball career. His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts and, following his senior year, he signed a free-agent deal with the New York Mets organization.
Grady Hinchman’s Baseball Journey
For Hinchman, signing with the Mets was a dream come true. It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, a testament to his unwavering belief in himself and his abilities.
Over the next three seasons, Hinchman poured everything he had into his baseball career, pushing himself to the limit in pursuit of his goal. However, after three seasons, his career with the Mets had come to a close.
For many athletes, the end of their career would be a devastating blow, but for Hinchman, it was a turning point. This provided him an opportunity to take a new path full of unique challenges and exciting opportunities.
“Having to say goodbye to my baseball career was an emotional time in my life. I was devastated to be letting go of a sport that I loved so much, and I was scared not knowing what would be next for me. But at the same time, it was so exciting to know that there were endless opportunities out there, and overall I’m grateful for how things turned out,” said Hinchman.
Stepping into the Franchising World
Following his baseball career, Hinchman noticed an opportunity at a Planet Fitness gym in Florida looking for someone to provide fitness training for members. He pursued this opportunity as an associate, and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a manager and then a Director of Operations for several locations. He worked alongside one of the brand’s franchisees, helping them grow their footprint and soon, Hinchman was helping to develop the Tampa market, growing the region to nine locations. It was during his time at Planet Fitness that he gained valuable insight into the inner workings of franchising, from operations and financing to brand standards and communication with the corporate office.
His entrepreneurial journey took an exciting turn when he met Andre Carollo, owner of a successful marketing agency in Tampa. Together, they embarked on a journey to find the perfect franchise brand to invest in. After considering numerous options, they ultimately chose Altitude Trampoline Park, drawn to its potential for growth and the rising demand for family entertainment experiences.
Despite opening their first location in 2019 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinchman and Carollo achieved remarkable success. One factor that is most appealing to Hinchman and Carollo about Altitude is that the brand offers multiple sources of revenue. Altitude’s membership program has proven to be very successful for the brand, allowing a steady revenue stream and boasting thousands of members at each park. Altitude’s successful $10 Endless Jumps Membership program allows children unlimited access to the brand’s attractions for a fixed price, offering a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. In addition, the brand offers children’s birthday party packages and special events, providing two hours of unlimited jump time and access to all of Altitude’s attractions, including trampolines, playgrounds, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games, and more.
What’s Next for Grady Hinchman
Today, Hinchman and Carollo own and operate Altitude locations in Bradenton, Sanford, and Kissimmee, Florida, and this year, the owners opened their fourth location in Spring Hill, Florida. Hinchman and Carollo have achieved incredible success with their locations not only turning impressive profits but also experiencing steady year-over-year growth.
Looking ahead, Hinchman is poised for further expansion with plans to open additional parks along the East and West Coast of Florida and to continue to develop the greater Orlando market. His long-term vision includes having ten plus parks in operation by 2026 with a commitment to providing families with unforgettable experiences and allowing them to create lasting memories.
In recognition of his achievements, Hinchman was named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association in 2022, a testament to his dedication, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. In an effort to best understand the industry and continue to push it forward, he sits as the Vice Chairman of the IATP and Vice Chairman of the Franchise Advisory Board for Altitude Trampoline Park.
Hinchman expects the family entertainment industry to continue to thrive over the next decade and is eager to contribute to the industry’s expansion. With many parents seeking activities to keep their kids active and engaged, he believes more families will find Altitude Trampoline Park as their go-to destination.
As Hinchman continues along on his entrepreneurial journey, he remains guided by the same competitive drive and determination that propelled him in his baseball career. While the game may have changed, his passion for success remains steadfast. In the fast-paced world of franchising, Hinchman is proving that with the right mindset and willingness to adapt, anyone can hit it out of the park.