Premier Martial Arts (PMA), a franchise brand specializing in teaching karate, krav maga and kickboxing to kids and adults, named Scott Thompson brand president, effective immediately.
PMA is part of Unleashed Brands, comprised of sister brands Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Snapology, Class 101, and XP League. PMA joined the company in December 2021.
“Scott’s vast experience in almost every aspect of franchising, including youth enrichment, is extremely powerful as we lead Premier Martial Arts into the future,” said Michael O. Browning, Jr., founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands. “We are eager for him to dive in as a franchisee advocate that will help us to fulfill the promise of this incredible brand.”
Thompson has more than two decades of experience in franchise leadership, including as a multi-unit franchisee, executive roles with large franchise brands and as managing director of a private equity fund.
Since 2018, Thompson has served as managing director of Level 5 Capital Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that includes brands Big Blue Swim School, Heyday Skincare, Restore Hyper-Wellness, GoDog, KidStrong, and 2ULaundry. Before that, Thompson was an executive for Tutor Doctor and Premium Franchise Brands (Jan-Pro Commercial Cleaning and Maid Right), now called Empower Brands.
Thompson’s arrival will allow PMA’s Founder, Barry Van Over, to focus on curriculum development, advanced training and new tournament programming.
In 2023, PMA was listed as the No. 1 Children’s Fitness Program and No. 140 overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500.
“I am excited to welcome Scott to PMA Nation and create a powerhouse partnership of Martial Arts and franchising expertise,” said Van Over. “It’s my continued passion to support the Premier Martial Arts culture and help our franchisees operate successful Martial Arts studios.”
