Kiddie Academy ~ Case Study: Wendy Barry

Wendy Barry opened her Kiddie Academy franchise on March 15, 1993 at 100 Kiddie Lane, Elkton, MD, at the age of 35. Wendy’s tenure with the company is a true testament to her dedication to superior child care and success within the local community. Her focus on education has proven that the Kiddie Academy’s child care model is not a typical day care.

Background: As its first franchisee, Wendy Barry has a long, rich history with Kiddie Academy. Prior to becoming a franchisee, she spent 10 years as a special education teacher at Elkton High School in Elkton, MD. Wendy began looking into a child care franchise after the birth of her daughter, Taylor. After reading an article in her local paper about the Millers, who were looking to begin franchising their child care company, Wendy arranged a meeting to discuss the possibility of becoming a franchisee. The Millers’ educational philosophy matched hers, and she was impressed by the overall business. She automatically knew Kiddie Academy was the right fit for her -- both professionally and personally.

Goals: With a strong background in education, Wendy is continually focused on achieving the highest educational standards. She has just become MSDE approved for her four-year-old program and is currently working to achieve the MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) Early Childhood Accreditation. As a successful franchisee, Wendy also looks to continually build her enrollment and rapport with her current families and the local community.

Challenges: Being the first Kiddie Academy franchisee has its advantages, but it also presented a challenge for Wendy when opening her location. With no other academies in the area, she was faced with a lack of brand awareness and peer support that future franchisees would benefit from. However, her status as the only franchisee offered her the ability to have the corporate staff’s undivided attention and assistance. With that, and her hard work and dedication, she was able to overcome all challenges.

Results: Wendy is thrilled at how her business has grown and progressed. For the last 17 years, she has provided a safe environment for children to learn and a place that parents can rely on for the care of their children. She receives positive feedback from her families and enjoys a terrific reputation within the community. Wendy and her academy have won numerous awards and accolades, including: Brand Champion Award, #1 Child Care in Cecil County for 2009 and 2010, and the 2010 Director of the Year Award. She also takes pride in knowing she has offered her employees a work place that has helped achieve their career goals.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are solely mine and have, in no way, been influenced by the advertiser.

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Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Bill and Marina

We've all heard stories about corporate burn-out. Perhaps you've got one of your own to share. Grueling hours. Tedious work. Little personal time. It can get really old, really fast. I've been there. Bill and Marina Schmidt have been there as well. It was their time spent in corporate environments and their dissatisfaction with their respective corporate jobs that led them to open their own Kiddie Academy franchise. in 2008.


Bill and Marina Schmidt opened their Kiddie Academy franchise on March 31, 2008 at 4225 Concept Court, Bradenton, Florida, while in their mid-40's. The Schmidts have a passion for the business and believe whole-heartedly in “Community Begins Here.” With their dedication to superior customer service, commitment to education and focus on creating a warm, nurturing environment, the Schmidts have shown local families why Kiddie Academy stands apart from their competitors.

Background: With the birth of their daughter, Bill and Marina began looking for quality child care in their area, which turned out to be quite a challenge. As a Vice President of Human Resources for a Fortune 500 company, with a Master’s degree in early childhood education, Marina became dissatisfied with the corporate world and saw this as an opportunity to use her skills in an educational aspect. For Bill, a manufacturing engineer, opening a Kiddie Academy location meant bringing a much needed service to the area. The Schmidts were looking at child care franchise options for a little over a year before they decided upon Kiddie Academy. They found Kiddie Academy’s dedication to education and warm, welcoming approach to be the perfect combination.

Goals: Coming from the human resources field, having excellent customer service has always been a goal for Marina. Developing a staff that can provide the level of service the families deserve is important. They host new hire orientations, service trainings and monthly staff meetings, which include role playing. Both Marina and Bill continue to look for ways to go above and beyond for the families they serve, including help with resumes or locating jobs in the area.

Challenges: Like many new business owners, the Schmidts faced challenges. At the time of their opening, the economic market conditions were the worst in many years. Homes throughout Florida and the rest of the country were being foreclosed on and unemployment rates were at an all-time high. Nevertheless, the Schmidts persevered -- benefiting from an abundant work force, the fact that many previous stay-at-home moms were re-entering the workforce, and a supportive franchisor with a proven business model. Despite those issues, the Schmidts have become extremely successful.

Results: The couple’s passion and attention to customer service and community outreach has earned them a stellar reputation in the area, along with tremendous community and parent support. They have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback that has complimented their passion, service and programs. The Schmidts focus on grassroots marketing and initiatives, including events such as book readings, parent date nights and local partnerships have helped them achieve the success they are enjoying today.


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are mine and have not be influenced by Kiddie Academy.

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Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Gauds and Sahejpals

It's not uncommon for friends to go into business together. For many, combining skill sets and pooling resources is the perfect recipe for success. Such is the case with 2 couples who joined forces to open two thriving Kiddie Academy franchises.

Pramod and Ravinder Gaud and Neeraj and Bala Sahejpal opened their Kiddie Academy franchise in April 2006 at 521 West Capital Expressway, San Jose, California, while in their early 30's. Though the Kiddie Academy brand was new to the area, the Gauds and Sahejpals succeeded in building bonds in the community and setting themselves apart from local competitors. Charged by their success, the Sahejpals acquired another academy, located at 205 E. Middlefield Road in Mountain View, California.

Background: With a background in early childhood education, Ravinder began looking at the opportunity to start her own child care business. After she and her husband Pramod decided to explore franchising as opposed to a home-based, independent business, they soon discovered Kiddie Academy. Pramod and Ravinder asked their good friends, Neeraj and Bala to join them in their business venture. Having a background in business and marketing, Neeraj saw it as a terrific investment and was interested in the business endeavor. Bala, who has a Master’s degree in Computer Applications, was pregnant with the couple’s second child and was excited for the opportunity for her children to be able to reap the benefits of quality child care.

Goals: The Gauds and Sahejpals are continuing to build momentum at their two locations by focusing on community outreach projects, staff development and emerging trends in technology. They have set these goals in motion by facilitating several fundraising activities to support local causes and opened an academy computer lab featuring eight computers. With enrollment at both their academies growing, plans are in the works to open additional academies in the broader San Jose area.

Challenges: The Gauds and Sahejpals found the two biggest challenges to be establishing themselves as a leading child care provider in an area where no other Kiddie Academy locations existed, and learning to balance the day-to-day activities with the responsibility of running a business. Despite those challenges, they have continued to persevere and build enrollments.

Results: The couples’ commitment to success has resulted in continued enrollments and an established presence within their community. Parents are continually impressed with Kiddie Academy’s exceptional curriculum and safety features. The Gauds and Sahejpals find satisfaction in being at their academy and seeing their children attend. They have been dedicated to making their academy a home away from home for not only themselves but the Kiddie Academy families they serve as well.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions expressed herein are solely mine.

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Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Dwight Wilkinson

As a parent, I know all too well how important it is spend quality time with my family. The days are short, and the work hours are long. It's difficult to take back your time. Dwight Wilkinson had the same struggles but found the perfect solution when he opened a Kiddie Academy Franchise 9 years ago.

Dwight Wilkinson opened his Kiddie Academy, located at 1020 Horsham Road in North Wales, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 2003, at the age of 42. He has remained dedicated to educational excellence, which along with a passion for children’s mental and physcial development, has helped him and his academy achieve success.

Background: As a previous business owner of a Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shop, Dwight Wilkinson was looking for a business concept that would grant him more time with his wife and four children. He began researching opportunities with a Monday - Friday schedule to help accommodate his family-oriented lifestyle and responsibilities as a community volunteer and coach of his children’s soccer, basketball and baseball teams. Dwight narrowed his search down to the child care franchise industry due to his love of children and managerial background. After two years of looking at child care companies, he chose Kiddie Academy for its warm, caring personality. He found Kiddie Academy to have a vested interest in the success and well-being of their franchisees. He has remained dedicated to educational excellence, which along with a passion for children’s mental and physical development, has helped him and his academy achieve success.

Goals: Dwight often sets goals around educational achievements and finds opportunities for his academy to reach a higher standard. He continually looks to improve the quality of services at his Kiddie Academy, whether through hiring qualified, passionate staff members or adding educational resources. Dwight hopes to grow his academy’s enrollment and is looking into the possibility of opening a second location in the future.

Challenges: Each new generation of parents find a new way to communicate with each other, their children and their child care providers. For Dwight, finding the most effective way to communicate with his families has proved to have its challenges. However, by experimenting with various communication methods, including take home folders, outdoor signage and technology, he has learned more about the consumer and how to reach his target audience.

Results: Dwight’s hard work and commitment has earned him great success. His academy was recently licensed by the Department of Education and accredited by AdvancEd, which is an achievement no other child care in his area can claim. From a personal stance, becoming a Kiddie Academy franchisee has been both fun and rewarding for Dwight. It has given him a better quality of life and allowed him time to spend with his children and family.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are solely mine. Any factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy.

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Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Cory and Summer

Cory and Summer Bullock are proof that running a successful Kiddie Academy franchise doesn't require a lifetime of experience with children. With passion, determination, and drive, you can create your own success, just as this young couple has.

Cory and Summer Bullock opened their Kiddie Academy franchise, located at 2010 East League City Parkway in League City, Texas, on August 18, 2008, at ages 27 and 24.

The Bullocks have achieved tremendous success, and as the youngest franchisees in the system, it proves that age is no barrier when owning a Kiddie Academy franchise. They have reaped the rewards of owning a business and watching children grow in front of them.

Background: With his commitment to the Navy coming to an end, Cory Bullock and his wife, Summer, began looking at opportunities to start their own business. During their search, they researched various franchise industries, including tanning and food, before settling on child care. After about six months of looking, they came across Kiddie Academy through an Internet search and inquired for more information. Shortly after, they came to Kiddie Academy’s headquarters to meet with the corporate staff. Unlike other franchise companies who closed doors in their faces due to their young age, Kiddie Academy opened their doors to Cory and Summer with warm, welcoming attitudes. They knew then that they had made the right choice with a company that could bring their passion for children and dream of being business owners together.

Goals: The Bullock’s main goal since day one has been to operate a successful, well-run business that provides parents and children with the best care possible. They aim to do so by upholding the Kiddie Academy brand image, as well as their personal image within the community. Looking down the road, Cory and Summer continue to work on expanding their current academy with the possibility of opening another location in the future.

Challenges: When opening their Kiddie Academy location, Cory and Summer were faced with the challenge of building brand awareness and establishing themselves in their local community. However, the Bullocks accepted the challenge head-on and relished the idea of starting a business that was new to the area. They were determined to set themselves apart from their competitors by promoting the fact that their location was not a typical “day care.”

Results: Despite the fact that they were new to their community and surrounded by competitors, the Bullocks have achieved monumental success - both from a business and personal standpoint. They have consistently maintained high enrollment numbers, created a well recognized and respected brand presence in their community and formed many solid relationships with the families they serve. Cory and Summer have had the pleasure of seeing the results of their hard work in the many children they serve. They have seen the quality of the product first-hand with the children’s advancements and accomplishments.
 

 
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy. All opinions are my own.

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Kiddie Academy: Case Study ~ Sparta, New Jersey

I love a great local success story! I especially love one where people have pursued a passion. Here is an inspiring story of Kiddie Academy franchise owners who followed their dream.

Jill and George Malanga opened their first franchised Kiddie Academy in July 1996 at 233 Sparta Avenue in Sparta, New Jersey, at ages 50 and 59, respectively.

Fueled by their overwhelming success, they opened their second location at 179 Cahill Cross Road in West Milford, New Jersey, in September 2004. Unlike owners of other child care concepts in the area, the Malangas treat each parent and child as they would a member of their own family, regularly going above and beyond to provide the best service possible.

Background: Jill was a franchisee for NutriSystem, but shortly after the birth of her first child she wanted to shift her attention to her son. When it came time to select a child care facility for him, the options in the area were not up to her standards. As a result, she decided to open a Kiddie Academy franchise, not only for her son but for other parents in the community looking for a better option. George, a former high school teacher and 30-year veteran of the music industry, saw the success of his wife’s venture and decided to follow in her footsteps with a second location shortly after his retirement in 2003. Each time they see a satisfied parent or hear a student’s laugh, the Malangas know that their decision to become Kiddie Academy franchisees was the right one.

Goals: For George and Jill, giving parents peace of mind is their top priority. They regularly consult with parents to provide the best possible service to their children, including waiving the tuition for any student with a parent deployed overseas. With enrollment at both academies nearing capacity, the Malangas are also considering opening a third location in the area.

Challenges: Maintaining the company’s cozy, nurturing atmosphere is always one of Jill’s top concerns, since she operates one of the largest Kiddie Academy facilities in the United States. Kiddie Academy’s innovative curriculum and hands-on approach to educationally-based child care keeps the academies inviting and personal. Jill and George want each parent and child to maintain the special feeling of being part of their Kiddie Academy community.

Results: Jill’s constant drive to make her academy the best it can be has paid off over the years. Events such as date nights and shopping days, as well as pancake breakfasts and end-of-the-year recitals, continuously receive rave reviews from parents and children alike. Not only has she received several awards from both her franchisor and the local community, she has also made quite a difference in the lives of the children who attend her academy – an achievement that cannot be measured by a certificate or plaque, but instead by the smile on a child’s face.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, any opinions stated are my own. Factual information was provided by Kiddie Academy.

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Kiddie Academy Franchising Opportunities

I can remember when our search for a preschool began. We had a list of reasonable requirements, but we were willing to make compromises. We toured many facilities and labored over a decision. Finally, we made a choice and enrolled our daughter, who is now 9.

Looking back on her first year of preschool, I can now say that I was never totally satisfied with our choice of preschools that year. There were several reasons for my regret. It was a combination of my high expectations and not being able to find exactly what we were searching for.

If I could have only created my own preschool and daycare center...It would have been perfect!

Today that's possible thanks to Kiddie Academy Child Care Learning Centers. Kiddie Academy has been providing educationally focused daycare for over 30 years. Currently, Kiddie Academy is expanding throughout New Jersey and is looking for passionate individuals and/or couples to open franchises in the Garden State.

Looking to grow professionally while still being able to have personal time to enjoy your favorite activities? Do you want to set your own schedule? If so, becoming a Kiddie Academy franchisee is perfect for you.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to run your own business, Kiddie Academy is looking for you to become a franchisee.

Kiddie Academy is committed to the success of each individual franchise and will support each franchisee to meet their strategic growth goals and to ensure success.

Pieces of a Mom will be featuring Kiddie Academy franchise success stories through the end of March. In the meantime, for more information on this wonderful opportunity, visit the Kiddie Academy Franchise Website.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

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