Jana Frank was born in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Currently, she lives downtown with her partner and owns 2 Mathnasium centers in the west suburbs. She’s a Chicagoan, through and through. With an extensive background in both psychology and education (specifically Math), she started as a math teacher for grades 4-8. She loved teaching but was eventually ready for a change. After a particularly rough day at school, her father mentioned he heard an ad for a math tutoring franchise and encouraged her to check it out. Since she privately tutored over the years and enjoyed it, she began to research Mathnasium. Their commitment to educational integrity and the individual student hooked her right from the start. She decided to leave the public school system to open her first center in Oak Park- a suburb straight west of the city.
When researching franchises, what criteria mattered to you most? How did Mathnasium meet that criteria?
Moving from former teacher to franchisee felt like a reasonable leap because of the tutoring component. While I felt incredibly secure in my abilities as an educator and leader, I knew I needed a lot of support around running a business. With several psych degrees, I had a good understanding of people and how to lead, but things like accounting and marketing were all new to me. The built-in support system of a franchise appealed to me tremendously as did the power of collective marketing. I knew I wouldn’t be alone in navigating those new aspects of the career change. Mathnasium has always gone above and beyond in offering support and sharing best practices.
As a former teacher to franchisee, what were your biggest challenges when you first started out and how did you overcome them?
As I mentioned, certain aspects of running a business were new to me – especially accounting and marketing. I needed support from my very patient accountant with software like QuickBooks, Thankfully, Mathnasium also does a good job of providing an outline for how to categorize and manage expenses and provide healthy KPIs and benchmarks.
As for marketing, I realized that, like many other aspects of success, a lot of it depends on building relationships. It wasn’t until I volunteered with some classes and connected with schools through the Chamber of Commerce that I was able to partner with local schools. Overall, I learned that the power of connection and being in person is much stronger than print material. So I try to participate in as many community events as possible. My franchises sponsor local races and have a booth at summer parties in the park. Additionally, my two Mathnasium locations are highly visible and located near schools. Plus, digital marketing is completely handled by Mathnasium so I can focus my energy on all these other things.
How does Mathnasium support and encourage your success?
From the start, they provided excellent training, and ongoing training as well. They assign each franchisee an FBC – Franchise Business Consultant, who oversees all Mathnasiums in a particular region. The power of collective marketing (and having a recognizable name and logo) is hugely helpful. Plus, I benefit greatly from the marketing they do on a national scale. Mathnasium hosts yearly conventions that are incredibly thorough and informative, as well as fun. Plus, I get to network with other owners to discuss best practices. Overall, I feel very lucky to have found a franchise that not only has such a great mission and service, but also has great support.
What are you most proud of and why?
There is so much! Every time I get a child that hates math to smile fills me with pride.. I love watching my students gain understanding and confidence. I am proud as when I see my staff evolve into better professionals. I’m proud that after just one year, my center was voted “Most Loved Tutoring Center” in the whole town. Every time I get to go on TV as the brand representative in the Chicagoland area to promote our great centers, I feel so much pride. I was proud the first time I was acknowledged as a “top performer” and got invited to the Mathnasium Apex Retreat for only the strongest franchisees. But mostly, I am proud to be part of a business model that not only allows me to do well, but also do good.
What advice would you give to potential franchise owners?
When doing your research, talk to other franchisees. They will be the best resource in giving the most honest feedback of what it is really like on a day to day level to be involved with the franchise.
For Jana Frank, moving from former teacher to franchisee led to huge success– and she isn’t alone. What’s your next career move?
Learn more about the Mathnasium Franchise with FBR’s unbiased and data-driven information. You’ll learn why Mathnasium ranked as a Top Franchise for Women and, made our Top 200 list (again) in 2025.
