Flexibility, Purpose and Family First: Regan Mountier's RSGK Journey

For Regan Mountier, becoming a Ready Steady Go Kids franchisee was about far more than starting a business. It was about creating a career that could fit beautifully around family life while giving her the chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of children across the Gold Coast South region.

As a single mum, Regan wanted to be there for the moments that mattered most. School drop-offs and pick-ups, school events, netball games, family time and the everyday joy of watching her daughters grow were all important to her. She was searching for a business that offered flexibility, purpose and the exciting opportunity to build something of her own.

Ready Steady Go Kids felt like the perfect fit from the very beginning.

A natural match for a mum who has always loved sport

Regan has always had a strong connection with sport and an active lifestyle. When she discovered Ready Steady Go Kids, she was drawn to the program’s focus on participation, development and fun rather than competition.

The program gives children the opportunity to explore a wide variety of sports while building confidence and fundamental movement skills. Every child is encouraged to learn and develop at their own pace, making the classes welcoming for children with different personalities, abilities and levels of experience.

For Regan, this approach was especially appealing.

She understood the value of helping children feel comfortable, included and supported as they tried something new. Instead of expecting young children to compete or perform, Ready Steady Go Kids creates an environment where they can enjoy being active, celebrate their progress and gradually become more confident.

The program introduces children to the fundamentals of a range of sports, helping them discover what they enjoy before they move towards specialising. Through age-appropriate activities, children can develop coordination, balance, listening skills, social skills and a positive attitude towards physical activity.

Building a business that fits around family life

Before becoming a franchise owner, Regan spent 20 years working in local government. She was accustomed to being part of a large organisation with systems, processes and support available when it was needed.

When she considered becoming a franchisee, she wanted the independence of owning her own business, but she also wanted to know that she would not be left to work everything out alone.

Flexibility was one of the most important factors in her decision. As a single mum, Regan wanted to build a rewarding business while continuing to be there for her children. The Ready Steady Go Kids model gave her the opportunity to work predominantly during school hours and create a schedule that supported her family responsibilities.

Owning the Gold Coast South franchise has allowed Regan to be present for school drop-offs and pick-ups, attend important events and enjoy the years of her daughters’ childhood that pass so quickly.

At the same time, she has been able to build a successful business, connect with families in her local community and do work that she genuinely loves.

For Regan, this balance has been one of the most meaningful parts of her franchise journey. It has not been about choosing between business and family. It has been about creating a business that works alongside her family life.

The joy of watching children shine

Ask Regan what she loves most about working with children and her answer is immediate: seeing their confidence grow.

Some children arrive at their first class feeling shy, hesitant or unsure about joining in. They may stay close to a parent, watch from the side or need a little extra encouragement before trying an activity.

Over time, those same children begin to step forward with greater confidence. They might try a new skill, make friends, join a group activity or celebrate an achievement they once thought was too difficult.

Those moments are incredibly rewarding for Regan and full of joy.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the children's confidence grow. Watching a child who starts out shy or hesitant become excited to join in, try new skills and celebrate their own achievements is very special.”

Every class brings its own moments of progress. Sometimes it is a child kicking a ball for the first time. Sometimes it is a child listening carefully to instructions, waiting for a turn or encouraging a friend. These small steps can have a big impact on a child’s development and sense of confidence.

Regan has seen children grow physically and emotionally through their participation in the program. She has watched shy children become more confident, make new friends and achieve skills that once seemed too hard.

The energy, laughter and enthusiasm in each class are a constant reminder of why she loves what she does.

More than just a sports program, it is a whole lot of fun

For Regan, Ready Steady Go Kids stands apart because it offers so much more than a traditional sports class.

Every activity is designed to support children’s development in a fun and encouraging environment. Children are learning how to move, listen, follow instructions, cooperate with others and try new things, all while enjoying themselves.

The program’s multi-sport approach also gives children the chance to experience a variety of activities. They can explore sports including soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey, golf, athletics, cricket and more, building a broad foundation of movement skills along the way.

This variety is important during the early years. Children are still discovering what they enjoy, and a positive introduction to different sports can help them develop a lifelong love of being active.

Regan particularly loves seeing children leave class with a smile on their face. They may be proud of a new skill, excited about an activity or eager to return the following week. Their enjoyment is a wonderful part of the experience.

A supportive network that lifts each other up

Moving from a long career in local government into business ownership was a significant step for Regan. She knew that running a franchise would require dedication, effort and a willingness to learn.

She also wanted the reassurance of having a support network around her.

Regan has been impressed by the support she has received from Head Office and fellow franchisees. The network shares ideas, offers advice and celebrates each other’s successes. This sense of connection has helped her feel supported throughout her journey.

While franchisees operate their own businesses, they are part of a wider organisation with shared knowledge and experience. That can be particularly valuable when navigating new challenges, developing local relationships or finding fresh ways to engage with families.

Regan says that although she is running her own business, she never feels as though she is doing it alone.

The strength of a franchise network comes from the people within it. At the same time, every territory and community has its own needs. What works in one region may not be right for another, which is why franchisees should focus on understanding and serving their own local community rather than comparing their performance or results with other franchisees.

Regan’s success has been shaped by her own determination, her knowledge of the Gold Coast South region and her commitment to the families she serves.

Honest advice for future franchisees

Regan’s advice for anyone considering a Ready Steady Go Kids franchise is honest and encouraging.

She believes it is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for flexibility, purpose and the chance to make a genuine difference. However, she is also realistic that owning a business requires commitment.

“It is not always easy. Like any business, it requires dedication, but if you are willing to put in the effort, it is incredibly rewarding.”

That combination of honesty and optimism reflects Regan’s own experience. Building a business takes time and consistent effort, but the rewards can be significant when the work aligns with personal values.

For Regan, those rewards include seeing children grow in confidence, building strong connections within the local community and creating a career that allowed her to be present for her daughters.

Life beyond Ready Steady Go Kids is just as lively

Outside of Ready Steady Go Kids, Regan is enjoying what she calls her “Uber and netball mum era”.

Between school, training, games and social events, she is often busy driving her daughters from one commitment to the next. She describes herself as a full-time chauffeur, but it is clear that she embraces the role and enjoys making the most of her time with her girls.

When she is not working or supporting her daughters, Regan enjoys staying active through gym and Pilates. She also loves spending time with family and friends and planning the next holiday.

Her life is full, energetic and centred around the people and activities she loves most. That same energy is reflected in the way she approaches her Ready Steady Go Kids franchise.

Regan’s story shows what can happen when a business opportunity aligns with a person’s values, strengths and family priorities. From a 20-year career in local government to becoming a franchise owner, she has built a rewarding path that supports her daughters while helping children across Gold Coast South become more confident, capable and enthusiastic about being active.

Danie O'Connor, Franchisor adds “Regan’s journey is a wonderful example of determination, courage and purpose. Regan's transition from local government into franchise ownership has been inspiring to watch, and her community spirit shines through in everything she does. She is also a great contributor to the network as Chair of the Franchise Advisory Council, and she is always willing to make suggestions to improve the brand and the network. Regan has made a lasting impact across Gold Coast South and on the many families she serves.”