Franchise Interview with apex fun run

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Jeremy Barnhart of the Apex Fun Run franchise. Apex Fun Run is working hard to make fundraising easier! They collaborate with school PTO/As and faculty to build student leaders through a meaningful, "hassle-free," and financially successful school fun run. Apex Fun Run believes every child can profoundly change their school and the world. Some of the additional benefits include the following:

Serving others brings the greatest joy and contributes to the greatest good.

Learning by doing and exercise are both undervalued and underutilized in fundraising today.

Encouragement and enthusiasm to build others up will help build leaders.

Raising money for your child's school can also be a positive learning experience.

Many people giving a little reduces the individual burden on the typical givers and donors.

Teachers have skin in the game, making for highly motivated and excited coaches. Your teachers will coach their classroom teams to greater heights, knowing that, in the end, a portion of what the classroom raises goes straight back to the teacher for their classroom. Click the play button below to listen to the show.

Franchise Interview with Baby power

We are meeting with Linda Searles of the Baby Power Franchise Concept. Linda Searles started the business in a church basement and now has turned it into a profitable franchise business and rewarding parent/child play experience. The company - Baby Power is a program for children ages six months to five years and their parents. The mission - is to build a communication system between families through the Baby Power program that lasts a lifetime. It all began in 1974 when Linda developed and taught a progressive, developmentally appropriate gymnastic and musical parent/child play program for the local Adult School. Targeting children in the pre-school years, Baby Power's objective is to build confidence and promote child development, parent-child communication, and bonding.

Franchise Interview with Bach to rock

Over the years, Franchise Interviews has had some interesting concepts on our weekly radio show and podcast. Today, Franchise Interviews is meeting with the President of Bach to Rock, Brian Gross. Bach to Rock is a music education school for students of all ages from early childhood through high school and beyond. The B2R method is based on the idea that learning music is fun, and students learn more effectively when they play music they like. Weekly band instruction and jam gatherings lead to communal concerts, Battle of the Bands, and recording sessions in B2R's professional recording studios. B2R builds technique, promotes teamwork, and improves self-esteem through private lessons, band instruction, and public performance. Learn more from our interview with the Bach to Rock franchise opportunity.  

Franchise Interview with Brain balance

Today, we are meeting with the Brain Balance Achievement Center franchise. We asked the Brain Balance Achievement Center to describe themselves and what makes them different. They are brain-based, not drug-based. They subscribe to the theory that the brain can be changed, something once thought impossible. That means your child's difficulties aren't permanent, and the situation isn't hopeless. Learn more by listening to the show.  

Franchise Interview with British swim school

Today, Franchise Interviews continues our discussion of the lucrative children's industry with Rita Goldberg, the founder of British Swim School. British Swim School is a swimming school idea that Rita started in the United Kingdom and has now been brought over to the United States.

British Swim School instructs children as young as three months with a system based on water survival skills first and swimming technique second. The model was widely accepted in the United Kingdom and is receiving the same interest here. The remarkable fact about the school is that no build-out is required for franchise business owners.

The school is taught in locations with existing pools, such as recreation centers, hotels, and fitness centers. This process necessitates a significantly lower start-up cost for franchisees than other schools.

Franchise Interview with Building kidz

We are meeting with Sanjay Ravi Gehani, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer for Building Kidz Worldwide, LLC- Building Kidz is unique in that its unparalleled proprietary curriculums, references, and highly qualified faculty combine a world-class academic setting with a specialization in Performing Arts. Their creative philosophy is stitched throughout our curriculum, which we customize to meet the specific needs of every child by delicately balancing our time between structured elements and play.

They offer weekly music, dance, and theater lessons embedded in our daily routine. Their children, from the age of 3, perform one recital and one Broadway-style production annually, such as The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Rio, and Where the Wild Things Are. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in Part Two. Click the play button below to listen to the show.

Franchise Interview with celebree school

We are meeting with Richard Huffman, founder and CEO of Celebree School. Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and SmallTM, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection.

Each school employs a customized program that addresses children's physical, social, emotional, and academic needs and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. With a Celebree School franchise, entrepreneurs can invest in their financial future and community by leveraging our proven business model. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in Part Two.

Franchise Interview with Code ninjas

We are meeting with Marty Flanagan from Code Ninjas. Code Ninjas, founded in 2016, is the fastest-growing kids coding franchise in the United States. With its flagship location currently open in Pearland, Texas, the company has more than locations currently in development, including dozens of franchisees across 15 states. Code Ninjas teaches kids ages 7-14 how to code in a fun, welcoming, and non-intimidating atmosphere using a game-based curriculum. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in part two.  

Franchise Interview with code ninjas

We are meeting with Justin Nihiser, CEO of Code Ninjas. Code Ninjas® is the world's largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Their goal is to create the problem solvers of tomorrow. Kids learn to code at their centers while building their own video games in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment. Kids gain confidence, logic, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising Podcast in Part Two.

Franchise Interview with creatif

We are meeting with the founder of Creatif, Jaya Aiyar. Creatif is an experiential art destination that looks to entertain, educate, and inspire. An art studio for all ages, Creatif boasts unique and innovative technology, various options, and an award-winning studio space.

Creatif was founded in 2018 by Jaya Aiyar, realizing that while the demand for family activities grew, only some concepts were suitable for kids and adults, especially regarding art and family experiences. Wanting to change the narrative of what an art studio could be, one of her priorities was ensuring her studio reflected the experience she aimed to provide. Find out what happened next by listening to the podcast.

We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in part two.  

Franchise Interview with engineering for kids

Franchise Interviews meet with the Engineering for Kids franchise. Engineering for Kids comes from the mind of educator Dori Roberts. With an extensive math and technology education background, Roberts taught engineering at the high school level for 11 years. During her teaching career, she saw a dire need for math, science, and engineering programs. She started an afterschool club that participated in various engineering and science-based competitions to fill this void.

After membership hit 180 students and the group won multiple state championships, she tailored the program and applied it to a broader age demographic. With her highly positive response from parents and administrators, Roberts saw a great business opportunity, leaving the teaching profession and devoting 100 percent of her time to developing the Engineering for Kids program.

Today, Engineering for Kids offers programs for children ages 4 to 14, introducing them to science, technology, engineering, and math through various workshops aimed at developing problem-solving skills. Programs include afterschool programs, evening classes, in-school field trips, birthday parties, home-school programs, scouts workshops, and preschool programs.

Engineering for Kids began when she noticed a lack of engineering programs in the area to enroll her six and 8-year-old children.

Franchise Interview with young engineers

We are meeting with Amir Asor, CEO and founder of E squared, young engineers. E-squared, young engineers’ enrichment programs implement a balanced education (combining education and entertainment) method. E squared, young engineers have created an assortment of programs that can be utilized to teach the most significant subjects. Children joining their educational community can learn and enjoy the likes of arithmetic, physics, and mechanical and software engineering. They have created workshops for children at both ends of the learning scale, from gifted children to those with learning disabilities.

Unlike traditional teaching methods, their use of stories, experiments, and demonstrations ensures that all children joining our enrichment programs will learn while they have fun. They’ll have so much fun that they may not even realize they’re learning. Learn more by listening to the show. 

Franchise Interview with fun bus

We had an opportunity to meet with Fun Bus at the International Franchise Expo in NYC.  It’s more than a bus…. It’s an experience! FUN BUS Fitness FUN on Wheels® is THE Children’s “FUN Fitness Program”, with a low-cost, multiple revenue streams, and profitable operating system offering a FUN time, FUN talk and a FUN experience for everyone. The Company’s foundation is solid and based on our experienced and dedicated people. We are the first to make this type of business affordable, the ONLY franchise doing this, and for that reason, our group of Franchisees will be at the forefront of an industry that just now is coming into its own!!

The Fun Bus has brought to life the philosophy to enhance children’s lives by using FUN as a tool to their learning while providing a structured environment to teach FITNESS to the young child. At the same time, we are focusing on providing a positive environment, building self-esteem, perfecting coordination and motor skills, physical fitness, and social interaction. (Not to mention lots of FUN!)

We are meeting with Stacey Kimmins, the President of Fun Bus.

Franchise Interviews welcomes back the fun bus

Franchise Interviews welcomes back the Fun Bus. We are meeting with Stacey Kimmins of the FUN BUS franchise opportunity.  FUN BUS is a fully climate controlled mobile fitness “gym on wheels” which serves children ages 2–7 years. At FUN BUS, their mission is to “drive the love of fitness to the young child” and they do this by bringing weekly fitness FUN classes/sessions to daycares and preschools, as well as birthday parties and special events.  FUN BUS kids are always beyond excited to see the BIG GREEN BUS roll up! Two trained “Fun Instructors” teach professionally designed lesson plans for our structured ½ hour classes, which typically run 6 to 10 weeks. A birthday party is a 1+hour event, with the same elements as a class but longer and geared towards the birthday child. 

Franchise Interview with games2u

David Pikoff, co-founder of Games2U, launched the mobile video game theater franchise in Austin, TX in 2007. David will discuss how Games2U quickly replaces "same-old" traditional birthday celebrations such as bowling, ice skating, and pizza parties. He will discuss how he and Stuart developed the idea for Games2U and what working with a sibling is like. David can also share their current strategies for helping to expand the business throughout the country.  

About Games2U - Games2U is transforming the video gaming and party industry. Founded in 2007 by brothers David and Stuart Pikoff, Games2U offers an interactive, state-of-the-art entertainment alternative for birthday, corporate, and community gatherings. With parties starting at $199, the franchise is quickly becoming one of the hottest attractions at outdoor events and community and corporate gatherings. 

Franchise Interview with gamin ride

Today's show is based on the concept of fun. We are meeting with the Gamin Ride franchise opportunity. Gamin Ride is a mobile, indoor-outdoor entertainment theater experience that brings the latest video games, movies, lighting, and sound technology to residential and commercial clients.

The truck goes to birthday parties, school gatherings, and company events. Led by a charismatic leader called the Game Guru, Gamin Ride events offer laser tag, water tag, sumo wrestling, iDance stations, and bumper balls- all while promoting fun, family-oriented interaction. We are meeting with Michael Falgares and franchisee Charles Fruscione. Learn more by listening to the show. 

Franchise Interview with the goddard school

Despite the economic climate, Goddard has continued to expand, opening 39 locations in 2009 and on pace to open at least 20 locations in 2010. The interview will focus on the brand's national growth strategy, what Goddard looks for in potential franchisees, and how the brand has adapted over the past few years. Recently named #1 Childcare Franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine for the ninth consecutive year (January 2010) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales) by Franchise Times for the second straight year (October 2008), Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is expanding The Goddard School® network throughout the United States.

Goodard School is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; GSI currently licenses several hundred franchised schools with more than 45,000 students across the United States. With a successful system and dedicated franchisees, GSI is the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare and a premier childcare provider in the United States. 

Franchise Interview with great play

Today, Franchise Interviews is meeting with Keith Camhi, Co-founder and CEO of the Great Play franchise opportunity: Great Play first opened in Stamford, Conn., in 2006 by fitness buffs Jyl & Keith Camhi. The franchised gym model for children provides fun-filled motor skills, sports skills, and physical education classes for children ages six months through fifth grade and birthday parties. The business press has suggested Great Play "is an innovative concept in a fast-growing industry" (see Small Business Opportunities article).

The fitness industry is calling Great Play one of the most innovative brands in youth fitness worldwide (see IHRSA report). Parents call Great Play "a near magical experience" for their children, among many other wonderful things (see reviews). Find out more by listening to the show.

Franchise Interview with Hi-five sports

We have a great show. We are meeting with Ryan Tuchman, CEO and Founder of Hi-Five Sports Franchising. Hi-Five’s mission is to enrich the lives of children through team sports in a fun and non-intimidating manner. They emphasize fun and entertainment that provides children with an unparalleled youth sports experience.

Every Business Has A Story
Founded in Chicago’s North Shore by Marvin Tuchman in 1990, Hi-Five Sports has since been handed down to his sons, Ryan and Danny, making it a business run by families for families. Hi-Five’s commitment to changing the mindset around youth sports programs has resonated with families nationwide because their kids leave each session feeling more confident and ambitious than before.

Franchise Interview with Huntington learning center

We are meeting with Anne Huntington Sharma, President of Huntington Learning Center,  the nation's leading tutoring and test prep provider with approximately 300 locations nationwide and a growing roster of online programs. Ann will discuss how she led the company through a complete digital transformation in response to the global pandemic, launching a variety of new digital and hybrid programs including HuntingtonHelps LIVE, Huntington Study Hall, Huntington Homework Help, and Academic Performance Coaching. 

Franchise Interview with i9 sports

ABOUT i9 SPORTS...Founded in 2003 by Frank V. Fiume, i9 Sports is the world's first and fastest-growing youth sports franchise, offering flag football, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and other sports for kids ages 4 to 14. i9 Sports leagues emphasize having fun and not winning. There are no tryouts, drafts, or fundraisers, and i9 Sports encourages equal playing time for all kids to boost self-esteem. The name i9 Sports is based on nine principles that best symbolize the company's franchise and core ideology: imaginative, innovative, interactive, integrity-driven, passionate, inspirational, instructional, insightful, and inclusive. With over 200,000 members in 750 communities, i9 Sports is planning an international expansion.

We are meeting with Christy Atlas, the Vice President of Marketing for i9 Sports. As a senior executive team member, Atlas provides leadership for the company's brand-building initiatives and pursues new strategic growth opportunities. Atlas has been integral to improving many of the tools, systems, and processes that i9 Sports and i9 Sports franchisees use to market to their core audience. She has over 20 years of marketing leadership experience, working with various companies, including Prudential Real Estate.

Franchise Interview with Junglequest

This was one of our first historic podcasts. JungleQuest goes beyond bouncing balls and inflatables. JungleQuest is a safe, fun, and experiential challenge for kids, an indoor rock climbing and challenge course that teaches self-confidence, responsibility, problem-solving, and teamwork. JungleQuest is designed for kids ages 2 to 12; the center features zip lines, Burma bridges, swings, rock walls, tree houses, and tunnels. 

Franchise Interview with kiddie academy

We are meeting with Greg Helwig, the President of Kiddie Academy, an industry leader in educational childcare.  Since 1981, Kiddie Academy® has provided a better way to care for and educate children and create stronger communities. They are passionate about it and have been an education-based childcare leader for more than 30 years.

People and Culture

Parents wouldn’t trust just anyone to care for their children. This is why Kiddie Academy takes extra special care in ensuring that only the most qualified and caring people care for your child. Equally important, we strive to create an environment of growth and learning for our people.

Greg joined Kiddie Academy in 2008, providing overall strategic leadership for the entire company. Greg has over 25 years of executive-level franchise industry experience, including work in optical manufacturing and dispensing, vitamin and nutritional supplement retailing, and the after-school tutoring industries. He earned a BA from Kean University and attended Fairleigh Dickenson University’s Graduate School of Business.”

In part 2, we discuss tips on attending a franchise show. This week is the big franchise expo in New York City. See you at the event! Click the play button below to listen to the show.

Franchise Interview with kids first swim school

From 2005 through 2014 there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings annually in the United States, equating to about ten deaths per day. To help combat this statistic, KIDS FIRST Swim Schools, the world's largest provider of children's swimming instruction, is gearing up for nationwide expansion with the recent announcement of its franchise opportunity.

Following widespread success throughout the East Coast, the brand looks to continue its momentum by partnering with local entrepreneurs across the United States who share a passion for educating consumers on water safety. Founded by long-time competitive swim coach Gary Roth, who has more than 40 years of aquatic experience, KIDS FIRST Swim Schools offers the industry's most effective swim school curriculum. The brand's proprietary approach, KIDS FIRST/Kick First® Learn to Swim System, is centered on three basic skills, breath control, buoyancy, and propulsion, and focuses on the fact that swimming is done in 1:6 foot to arm timing, versus most human activities which are completed in 1:1 timing.

"KIDS FIRST Swim Schools is based on the belief that all children should know how to swim, and we've made it our mission to spread this notion nationally through franchising," stated Roth, founder & president of KIDS FIRST Swim Schools. "There is truly no concept in the industry like us, providing us the opportunity to proliferate in markets nationwide. The inherent demand for our services is demonstrated through our expansion thus far and we're confident we'll flourish throughout communities nationwide with the help of qualified franchise partners." Click the play button below to listen to the show. 

Franchise Interview with KLa schools

We are meeting with Roberto Ortega, CEO and co-founder of KLA Schools.  KLA Schools is an upscale preschool catering to children three months up to age six. KLA Schools offers innovative early childcare facilities and a distinctive approach to early childhood education. Progressive educational philosophies, including the Reggio Emilia Approach, inspire the KLA Schools model.

KLA is building a world-class franchise organization that sets new standards for excellence within the children's educational services industry. Heavy dependence upon the Reggio Emilia Approach provides KLA with a different method than what has become the standard in American daycare and preschool franchises. Many parents seeking the best for their children are drawn to KLA's new system and the inspirational design of the schools. While childcare and preschool centers often claim a superior education program or curriculum, few support this claim with a concrete, verifiable explanation. 

Some areas we will discuss on the show are the organization's history, a typical day as a franchisee, and the training provided to franchisees. We will also dive into technology's role in the organization, the industry, and what types of individuals make good franchisees for the business.  

Franchise Interview with Lightbridge academy

We are meeting with the Chief Operating Officer of Lightbridge Academy, Gigi Schweikert. Lightbridge Academy has been renowned by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Leading Edge Franchisors innovating in Big Ways. Lightbridge Academy offers early education and childcare to children from six weeks through Kindergarten. 

Franchise Interview with Mathnasium

We are meeting with the Mathansium franchise opportunity. Mathnasium Learning Centers specialize in teaching kids math in a way that makes sense to them. Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. The proprietary Mathnasium MethodTM results from 40 years of hands-on instruction and research. Franchising since 2003, Mathnasium has become one of the fastest-growing educational franchises. Over several hundred Mathnasium franchises exist in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Mathnasium has launched a new marketing campaign to provide its rapidly growing base of franchisees with customer acquisition and branding tools. The campaign's central theme is Warning: Your Child Could Become Crazy About Math. 

Franchise Interview with ninja nation

We are meeting with Lucas Clarke, VP of Franchise Development of Ninja Nation. Ninja Nation is the leading provider of world-class obstacle course arenas and experiences nationwide. Each Ninja Nation location offers a variety of obstacles designed to allow participants of all skill levels to get involved, and visitors can look forward to ever-evolving courses and equipment. The mission is to provide a fun, safe, and engaging space where everyone can be a hero. Their goal is to create over one million heroes. That’s one million kids and adults pushing their minds and bodies to limits they never thought possible. We play a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in part two. 

Franchise Interview with nutty scientists

We are meeting with Shery Christopher, the Sr. Vice President of Nutty Scientists USA. Nutty Scientists is the leading provider of interactive programs related to science and geared toward students PK-6, incorporating aspects of technology, engineering, and math. The Nutty Scientists cater to afterschool programs and host interactive shows and special events led by instructors trained to orchestrate detailed experiments in a playful yet structured atmosphere. In addition, the Nutty Scientists delivers its award-winning curriculum at camps, birthday parties, and in-class workshops designed to teach children about science in a fun and collaborative way. 

Franchise Interview with party princess

Every business has a story. We are meeting with Morgan Rothschild, the CEO of the Party Princess Productions franchise. Party Princess Productions provides high-end birthday party character entertainment specializing in princess parties, superhero parties, and many other character-themed events. Their custom handcrafted costumes, wigs, and our quality cast ensure the most authentic performance for every special occasion. 

Franchise Interview with pigtails & crewcuts

We are meeting with the CEO of Pigtails & Crewcuts, Wade Brannon. Pigtails & Crewcuts is a children’s salon franchise that understands the need for a memorable, stress-free haircutting experience for the entire family. From your child’s first haircut to “Mom! The whole football team is getting mohawks, I want one too”, as a parent, you want your children’s locks in good hands. When veteran franchisor Wade Brandon came into the original salon as a customer with his two daughters, he immediately saw great potential to replicate and grow the Pigtails concept. After purchasing the single unit, he initiated the franchise offering to meet the increasing demand for services that cater to families with young children in the $58 billion haircut industry. Since launching the franchise opportunity in 2005, Pigtails & Crewcuts has grown to 61 open units nationwide, with 57 in development. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in Part Two.

Franchise Interview with Primrose schools

We are meeting Jo Kirchner, President & CEO of Primrose Schools. Founded by Paul and Marcy Erwin in Marietta, Georgia, in 1982, Primrose Schools revolutionized the concept of child care, making education the critical component of its curriculum in an era when "all-play and nothing-but-play" was the accepted norm.

Primrose is a trusted, private preschool organization providing premier childcare experiences for children and families. The schools serve children aged six weeks to six years old and have after-school programs for children up to twelve years old. Find out more to listen to the show. 

Franchise Interview with pro martial arts

Many of the interviews on our show are inspirational, and some stories are very touching. Today's show is no exception. We are meeting with Ed Samane, the founder of The Pro Martial Arts franchise system.

The Pro Martial Arts System is the product of years of training and teaching experience. It includes an exhilarating and assorted program of martial arts methods drawn from the Korean arts of Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, and Hapkido.

What sets Pro Martial Arts apart from the typical martial arts school is the addition of its inspiring Life Skills Training program. Pro Martial Arts students obtain more than just Black Belt kicking and punching skills: they learn the importance of a Black Belt Lifestyle, a lifestyle of quiet confidence, poise, and fulfillment. Pro Martial Arts students are taught how to set and attain goals, be their greatest believers, and proactively practice and achieve success in all aspects of life. Learn more by listening to the show. 

Franchise Interview with pump it up

We are meeting with Lee Knowlton, the President and CEO of PIU Management, LLC, the parent company of Pump It Up and BounceU franchise brands. Lee will discuss why he moved to PIU from Kahala Corp, where he oversaw all Domestic and International Operations for the company's 12 brands, including Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Great Steak, and Potato. Lee discusses why he thinks the skills he learned in the restaurant industry translate well into the party sector. Lee will talk about the Pump It Up/Bounce U franchise system as a whole and what the individual franchisee experience is like. Lee also talks about what he thinks is in store for the franchise system in the future.

About PIU Management, LLC PIU Management is the parent company of PIU Holdings, LLC and BU Holdings, LLC. Pump It Up and BounceU, the nation's leaders in the indoor inflatable party segment, were created as fun, safe, clean places for children and adults to enjoy. Private parties for birthdays, teams, and school events are available to toddlers and adults and should be reserved in advance.

Franchise Interview with rainbow academy

We are meeting with Guy Falzarano, the President and CEO of Rainbow Academy. A consistent message on our weekly radio show is the importance of the industry. The need for educational childcare has become widespread, trending upward, and there is a significant opportunity for an early learning center that can successfully serve the needs of the dual-income families in its area. 

Franchise Interview with romp n roll

When Michael and Babz Barnett saw a tweet from ABC scouting contestants for a new TV show, Shark Tank, they had no idea what they'd be walking into. They saw the premier episode in their hotel room the night before taping. But despite the lack of familiarity with the sharks entrepreneurs have today, they presented their concept, Romp n' Roll - a modernized kids' gym perfecting the intersection of entertainment and education for kids ages three months to 5 years. They were offered a deal, which they declined.

Romp n' Roll

Mike and Babz talk about the Shark Tank experience.

With just a handful of open units in the U.S. at the time, the company switched gears and redirected its focus to China, spending the last five years growing its presence there. Now, they are again returning their focus to the States and picking up where they left off on that stage six years ago, building on its incredible success - 

Part 2 is a clip from our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. Click the play button below to listen to the show.

Franchise Interview with school of rock

We are meeting with Chris Catalano, CEO of School of Rock.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF ROCK

The music school you wish you had when you were a kid, School of Rock, is an ingenious concept that gets kids and adults rocking out to the classics and up and performing with their peers. With over 100 locations in seven countries, the franchise proves rock and roll is alive and kicking.

Music Franchise Proves Rock & Roll is Alive and Kickin'

The School of Rock is creating the world's next generation of rockers. By inspiring the world to rock on stage and in life, the company continues to rock major U.S. and international cities through soulful entrepreneurs who transform the lives of kids and adults through music.

School of Rock is expanding its franchise operation with growth opportunities in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Toronto, Vancouver, and other US areas, providing a potent mix of a solid business model and awe-inspiring performances that pridefully fill families. Meanwhile, interest in the franchise continues to grow overseas, with new schools opening in Australia, the Philippines, Brazil, and Chile.

Franchise Interviews welcomes back school of rock

We had the School of Rock franchise on our show many years ago. Since that time, the organization has had tremendous growth. We are meeting with Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. School of Rock provides students of all ages with an exciting and engaging music lesson experience, including guitar, drums, piano, and singing lessons. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, School of Rock students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Zappa.

 Thanks to the school's performance-based approach, students worldwide have gained superior musical proficiency, with some moving to record deals and larger platforms such as American Idol, The Voice, and Broadway. The growing international franchise currently operates more than 230 schools in 10 global markets, and since 2009, the School of Rock has grown its student count from 4,000 to more than 33,000. We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast.

Franchise Interview with snapology

We have a great show today. We are meeting with Laura Coe of Snapology. Snapology is a low-cost, home-based, mobile business teaching robotics and STEAM principles through classes, camps, parties, and other events. At Snapology, they understand that children are meant to learn through play. When children actively engage in hands-on, interactive learning activities, their creativity flourishes, and they show a greater interest in school. If kids are happy, parents are comfortable, and your business will flourish. Snapology is a franchise that provides a fun, inviting environment for kids at all levels to gain valuable life skills involving STEM/STEAM, including logic and problem-solving, as well as social skills and teamwork. Snapology’s adaptable, research-based curriculum allows children to learn through play. 

Every business has a story.

Snapology was founded by two sisters, Lisa and Laura Coe. They started their business after seeing their children’s love for creative play using building blocks and other materials that snap together. Laura found that her son’s love of LEGO helped calm him down when dealing with mild behavior issues. She looked for local programs he could join but found none. Together, the sisters came up with the idea of offering enrichment classes and camps to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, art, and literacy concepts. Listen to our interview with Laura Coe. Part two will play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Franchise Interview with snip-its

In 1993, Joanna Meiseles sought a hair salon catering to her young children. But instead of a salon, she discovered a business opportunity. That’s because at each hair salon she visited, she either found:

1. Stylists do not want to deal with wiggling, squirming kids.

2. Suboptimal cleanliness standards.

3. There is little or no originality in the design.

Joanna knew there had to be a better way to crop kids’ hair while keeping them entertained so that kids would be captivated rather than tearful and parents would be fascinated rather than fearful. We are meeting with offer Kim Ellis, the VP of Franchise Development of Snip-Its.

Franchise Interview with TGA Premier golf & tennis

TGA believes that sports change lives. A TGA franchise gives entrepreneurial-minded individuals like you a chance to positively impact children's lives through sports while owning a business you can be proud of. Their golf and tennis enrichment programs bring the sports and magnitude of benefits to schools and community centers where students develop fundamentals and learn essential life lessons. TGA then guides customers through a "Player Pathway" of camps, leagues, and other events at local golf courses and tennis facilities, creating a customer life cycle longer than most competitors.

In Part 2, we hear a clip from a legend in franchising on our Great Quotes in Franchising podcast. 

Franchise Interview with the drivers training group

We are meeting with Joe Giammona of The Drivers Training Group — Former Green Beret Joe Giammona has made it his mission to keep his community safe. Now, as the CEO of The Drivers Training Group, he runs The Drivers Training Group, which employs off-duty or former police officers to teach drivers ed.

The Driver Training Group is the parent company of two education schools for driving, the SWERVE Driving School and the 911 Driving School. Its mission is to inspire, educate, engage, and motivate drivers to perform better behind the wheel. The company has developed programs for new teen drivers beyond traditional driving lessons or driver’s ed. The Driver Training Group’s ultimate goal is to create an enhanced driving school experience and challenge student drivers to be collision-free for life. The business’s innovative approach to driving lessons makes learning fun and challenging and improves the rate at which drivers retain the information by incorporating leading mental performance exercises to ensure students are more focused and aware of their driving environment.

We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in Part Two. 

Franchise Interview with the little gym

We are meeting with Nancy Bigley, Brand President and CEO of The Little Gym. The Little Gym is an internationally recognized program that helps children build the developmental skills and confidence needed at each stage of childhood. The Little Gym’s first location was established in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love for children. The Little Gym International, LLC., headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., was formed in 1992 to franchise The Little Gym concept. The brand is part of Unleashed Brands, a global growth-focused platform company that curates and expands franchise brands that help kids learn, play, and grow, including Snapology, Urban Air Adventure Park, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, and XP League. Little Gym International has nearly 400 locations in over 31 countries, including the U.S., Canada, China, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and more.

We play a clip from our popular Great Quotes in Franchising podcast in part two. 

Franchise Interview with tutor doctor

We are meeting with Shayne Smith, motivational speaker to the Why Factor and Tutor Doctor President Frank Milner.

Tutor Doctor, a worldwide tutoring franchise that provides individualized home-based instruction to learners of all ages, has become the foundational sponsor of “The Why Factor,” a non-profit community outreach program created to spark inspiration in students, parents, and educators alike to help break through the barriers that hold them back and get inspired. The one-on-one, in-home tutoring service aims to fuel student dreams through motivation, inspiration, and collaboration. 

Shayne shares his story, obstacles, and ongoing success with young students worldwide to prove that you write your rulebook. For example, Shayne offensively plays his strengths in his game instead of focusing on the negatives. He achieves these personal victories with an unbeatable spirit and puts a dedicated effort into achieving his goals. The goal of “The Why Factor” is to make students feel inspired and excited about building confidence and self-esteem through education. With similar goals and missions, both companies want to prove that collaboration makes anything possible.

Franchise Interviews welcomes back tutor doctor

Frank Milner, President of Tutor Doctor, and Ollie Rogers, Tutor Doctor Franchisee, will talk with Marty and Don about the Franchisor/Franchisee relationship. They also will explain the business model of Tutor Doctor, its history, and the services it provides to students of all ages throughout North America and abroad. About Tutor Doctor Tutor Doctor was founded in 1999 as an alternative to the "one-to-many" teaching model most extra-curricular learning centers offer by providing students with a personalized one-on-one, in-home tutoring service. The company quickly grew and, in 2003, turned to franchising as a way of expanding the company's impact and meeting the vast market demand. Now, with offices internationally in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the Tutor Doctor vision is becoming a reality as the lives of students and their families are positively impacted worldwide.  

Franchise Interview with zaniac

Zaniac is a fun, colorful campus where kids do stuff like Robotics with Legos, 3D Printing, learning about physics by playing Minecraft on the iPad, building, designing, and selling their Apps in the Google Play store, Coding for Girls, and more. Some topics we will discuss on the show are the organization's history, a typical day as a franchisee, and the training provided to franchisees.

We will also dive into technology's role in the organization and what types of individuals make good franchisees for the business. Lastly, we address plans for the future and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to buy a franchise. Learn more about Zaniac by listening to this fantastic segment!