
Why did you purchase a franchise rather than start an independent business?
I was impressed with the Lightbridge Academy Franchise Ownership, Educational Curriculum, and Operations Concepts, among other things. They had a great team and philosophy. Our business team resonated with the Circle of Care philosophy, which is at the core of the business model and not simply a marketing statement. I felt that it would be more successful to follow their proven system rather than create our own.
Were you focused on a specific industry or brand from the start?
I was focused on the innovative education industry and childcare, more specifically, as it met our business goals of having a business that helps the community by providing essential services that cannot be duplicated or delivered through the Internet. It was also personal as our family had experienced daycare with our children, and we would have liked a better solution. One, like Lightbridge Academy, was truly focused on innovative education while supporting their children, families, and teams within their Circle of Care. This is something we genuinely live every day at every center. It truly makes our services so meaningful to our families and team.
Which of your prior skills and experiences are most helpful in operating your business?
Business and Marketing Knowledge. The Lightbridge Academy program really shines in the educational and operations disciplines. While the marketing branding and other business supports are excellent, my corporate experience in managing a business center and marketing team enhanced our ability to be highly successful, run a high-performing team, and provide top customer service more quickly than other owners. Because of this experience, I quickly understood what the franchise was attempting to do and could implement it efficiently. We rely on Lightbridge Academy and our teams’ educational and operational expertise, which is critical to hiring the experience and skills that complement what we have already brought to the table.
When researching franchises to buy, what criteria mattered to you most?
I wanted to provide a local service that would help our community; it needed to be something that was not easily delivered through the Internet and provide the potential for excellent profits. The franchise needed to have solid foundational business, marketing, and operations plans in place to ensure success for us and other franchises to ensure a long-term business model. Of course, we had several franchises in this sector, so there was also the people aspect. We wanted to ensure the folks selling us the franchise opportunity were genuine in their love and support of the business. We wanted to work with a team that cared about what they were doing, the franchisees, the customers, and everything in between. Again, we were looking to provide something new, different, and helpful to our community. We saw that opportunity uniquely in Lightbridge Academy.
Did you use FBR’s website or download franchisee satisfaction reports?
We have looked at these and they are very helpful to evaluate the options in the business sector and decide between the many brands and opportunities that exist to find the best fit for our business goals.
Did you speak with other franchisees? Which questions did you ask?
Absolutely. We asked about their experience launching the business and the support they received from the Lightbridge Academy franchise company. We asked about the financials to verify what was being presented to us. We asked about what maybe they didn’t like about the franchise, so we knew the good and the challenging (there is always something).
Which questions did you ask the franchisor?
What core business philosophies define the Lightbridge Academy Brand? What are the main points of differentiation for the brand versus competition? What makes Lightbridge Academy unique? Who do they think are their main competitors? What can we expect financially from the business (expected cost to launch, ROI, timeline to profitability, etc.)? What are the steps and timeline for rolling out the business? How will their team support our business in all phases, from development to ongoing operations? What are things we need to know that we might not think to ask?
What were your biggest challenges when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
The three biggest challenges were finding a great location with a suitable lease, constructing the center, and hiring the right people/team to ensure a successful operation. Lightbridge Academy helped us with the proper training and support. We really took our time with the location choice as it is critical. We looked at many locations and found those that Lightbridge Academy brought us. When it came to our team, we used the same technique to ensure we had the right people to start. Lastly, when it came to construction, we needed to be involved and present to identify and address any possible issues. There are many moving pieces, and it is not feasible to sit back and expect others to care for your project and business the way you do.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
They run several advisory groups where we, as franchisees, can discuss the business and brainstorm advancements to make it better for everyone in the model. They are always working to improve, whether the process, offerings, or customer service. They are open to hearing our suggestions and implement many of them. It is great to be part of the broader team to ensure our success and the success of everyone in the system.
What are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of our team’s daily service to our families. I am most proud of seeing all the great reviews or talking to families at graduation to hear how we have impacted and supported them through this critical time. Seeing the children in our centers discover, learn, and grow throughout the years is absolutely the ultimate joy for us.
What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers?
If you do your due diligence, find a business you are passionate about and a franchise company that fits your business and personal philosophies, and commit to being involved and engaged, a franchise can be very rewarding. It takes hard work and long hours, but it can be very rewarding when it all comes together.
To learn more about the Lightbridge Academy franchise opportunity, visit www.LightbridgeAcademyFranchise.com, email [email protected], or call 732-980-1900 x 199.
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