Leading Kids Party Franchise Hires New VPs to Head Operations, Development

By: Pump It Up | 5 Shares 220 Reads

January 06, 2010 // Franchising.com // Tempe, AZ – PIU Management, LLC, franchisor of the Pump It Up and BounceU brands, announced two new appointments to its senior management team, including Vice President of Operations Scott Keppel, and Vice President of Development and Real Estate Sean Bock.

Keppel will oversee operations for both franchise brands, while Bock will spearhead domestic and international expansion for Pump It Up. Pump It Up, with more than160 locations across the country, and BounceU, with 52 locations, both offer communities a unique and fresh alternative to traditional parties with their colorful, proprietary indoor inflatable structures, climbing walls and other attractions.

Keppel, who brings more than 20 years of experience in operations management to the PIU Management, LLC team, previously served as COO of International Operations for all 13 of Kahala Corp.'s brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Taco Time, Samurai Sam's, Surf City Squeeze and Great Steak and Potato. Bock, also a former executive of Kahala Corp. brands, has 10 years experience as a corporate and tax attorney. He was instrumental in the negotiation of international franchise agreements leading to overseas development of six Kahala Corp brands.

In his new role as VP of Operations, Keppel will apply his extensive experience in all areas of domestic and international franchise system operations to lead marketing, training, support and product development for existing and new franchise locations.

Meanwhile, Bock is charged with identifying and developing new markets for the Pump It Up brand via single or multiple unit franchise development agreements. He will also manage the franchise system's real estate department and work with national brokers and real estate developers to identify suitable site locations for new franchise owners.

"Both Scott and Sean bring valuable skill sets to our franchise company and will be instrumental to continue our dominance in the active children's entertainment industry," said Lee Knowlton, CEO of PIU Management, LLC. "

About PIU Management, LLC

PIU Management is the parent company of PIU Holdings, LLC and BU Holdings, LLC. Both the Pump It Up and BounceU brands, the nation's leaders in the active children's entertainment industry, were created as fun, safe, clean places for children and adults to enjoy. Private parties for birthdays, team, school events, etc. are available to everyone from toddlers to adults and should be reserved in advance. Trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services, to ensure everyone has fun.

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