#452
At a Glance
Products & Services: Children's science education & entertainment
Number of Locations: 165
Total Investment: $49.4K - 80.2K
Founded: 1985
Began Franchising: 1995
Private Owned
About The Mad Science Group
As children, brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien loved to create crazy science experiments. As adults, they realized that kids like fun, cool science. So in 1985 they started Mad Science by hosting "edu-taining" birthday parties featuring scienctific demonstrations.Franchising began in 1995, with initial franchises in Florida and Toronto, and now has franchises worldwide offering educational demonstrations to preschools, in-class and afterschool programs, community centers and scout programs. The company also provides entertainment for birthday parties, special events, camps and more.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 114 | 22 | 29 | 0 |
| 2010 | 121 | 20 | 31 | 0 |
| 2009 | 125 | 19 | 33 | 0 |
| 2008 | 126 | 19 | 38 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $49,400 - $80,200
Franchise Fee: $15,000 - $23,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 8%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 25 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $15,000 - $23,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 8%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 25 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $50,000
Liquid Cash Available: $23,500
Operations
Franchise can be run from home. 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 30. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 5 days. At franchisee's location: 5 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Regional advertising,