Meet our Franchisor - Danie O'Connor

Link to original Article - https://franchisebusiness.com.au/how-a-franchisee-turned-ceo-drives-ready-steady-go-kids-growth/

Danie O’Connor’s journey with Ready Steady Go Kids began in 2011, when she was on maternity leave with her third child. With a Commerce/Law degree and Master of Tax, Danie had built a successful career at the Australian Tax Office - but after discovering RSGK’s fun and inclusive multi-sport program for her two older boys, her professional path took an exciting new direction. Drawn to the brand’s focus on gross motor development and school readiness, she became RSGK’s very first Franchisee.

After launching in two regions, Danie quickly realised the importance of marketing and business strategy. By the end of 2011, she had grown her enrolments and acquired a third region, later expanding to six regions. Her leadership earned her the title of Franchisee of the Year in 2013, and in 2015, she and fellow Franchisee Sherrie Boulter became Co-Franchisors of the RSGK network.

Over the past decade, Danie has helped grow the network from 23 to 45 Franchisees, doubled enrolments, and led major operational improvements — including new programs, uniforms, a digital booking system, a Franchisee Portal, animated mascots, and a dedicated member contact centre. In 2025, Sherrie retired, and Danie now leads the business with a strong focus on innovation and Franchisee support.

Having walked the journey from Franchisee to Franchisor, Danie brings deep empathy and hands-on experience to her role. “Helping people is my passion,” she says. “I love working with our Franchisees — from break-even calculations to hiring strategies — and seeing them thrive. We all share the same goal: helping more children build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of sport through the RSGK program.”