Childrens Product and Services Franchising September 2023

latest ne Ws in childrens produc T s and services

M obile franchises

rolling ou T in

M ore indus T ries and M arke T s

chi L dr E n’s P r O d U c T s & s E r V ic E s

Cover Story

32 Altitude Trampoline Park: Teams Up With schoox for innovative Mobile Learning and development solution

What’s New

30 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

Franchisee in Action

44 Adventure Kids Playcare: Why it’s Time to Provide Flexible childcare Options

Expert Advice

34 Chris Conner: Unlocking the World of children’s Products and services Franchises: a Path to Entrepreneurial success through Franchising

Have Your Say

42 Athletic Republic: Unleashing Potential: The youth strength Training revolution in athletic Performance

Franchisor in Depth

36 Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency: announces they are expanding

38 Lightbridge Academy: The national demand for highQuality child care Leads to impressive growth for Lightbridge academy

40 Authority Brands: There’s never been a better Time for the Franchise industry to support youth career coaching and readiness

Jovie appoints stuart Dupuy as company president

Jovie, the premier childcare resource parents need in the ever-changing landscape of work, family, and personal life, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stuart Dupuy as the company’s President. With nearly 30 years in the childcare industry, positively impacting thousands of families throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Dupuy brings a critical perspective and dynamic leadership to Jovie as it continues to reshape the future of childcare.

With a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where children can thrive, Mr. d upuy has been an integral part of Jovie for the last seven years as a franchise owner in both Texas and illinois. d uring his time as a franchise owner, stuart has consistently demonstrated his exceptional leadership qualities, extensive industry experience, and unwavering commitment to the success of Jovie’s brand and mission.

“Jovie is on a great trajectory, and i am thrilled to be a part of it, especially bringing in an owner’s perspective to the company,” said Mr. d upuy. “Jovie brings a high level of professionalism to the in-home childcare industry. i love the impact that the individual franchise owners have in their local communities in support of working parents, and the great synergy of combining that local impact with a solid national brand.”

a s the nation’s most respected, complete, and professional resource, Jovie is excited to achieve even greater heights of success and expand its reach with Mr. d upuy’s leadership. www.jovie.com.

mAthn A si U m franchisee recognized as a 2023 franchise rock star by franchise Business review

Mathnasium Learning Centers, North America’s leading mathonly supplemental education franchise, announces franchisee Karen Lossing and her family have been identified by Franchise Business Review as being a Family-Owned Franchise Rock Star for 2023. This year’s Franchise Rock Stars were selected from over 36,000 franchisees, representing more than 360 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research.

Lossing opened her first Mathnasium franchise in 2013. With the help and support of her husband and two children, they’ve now grown their Mathnasium empire into a 14-territory, family-owned business which includes five n orth Texas locations, three in c alifornia, three in arizona, and three in colorado.

“We are thrilled, as not only a team but as a family, to receive this award on behalf of Mathnasium,” said Lossing. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire operation and those who help run it every day. We are beyond thankful for the tremendous support we receive from the Mathnasium home office in helping us achieve our goals and make a real impact for students and families in the communities we serve.”

For decades, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed how kids learn math — building students’ understanding of math concepts through personalized instruction and a customized learning plan — all while producing tremendous results, and helping students achieve their full potential in math and life.

“The Lossing family continues to raise the bar with their class, intelligence, and ultimate focus on what is best for the students in the communities their 14 centers serve,” said Mike davis, cEO of Mathnasium.

dUPU y, in his new role as President, is co MM itted to fU rther the co MPany’s vision to rei M agine childcare

four-time Olympic Gold Medalist ryan Murphy Deepens commitment to Water safety, signs on as G olDFish s W im school franchisee

Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC is adding four-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy to its roster of dedicated franchise owners. Murphy, in partnership with his parents, Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, will bring Goldfish Swim School just south of his hometown of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with the opening of Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns in spring 2024.

“ in my own life and in my time visiting g oldfish swim s chool locations across the country, i ’ve seen the positive impact that learning to swim can have on children, making them not only safer but more confident,” said Murphy. “The opportunity to bring g oldfish’s unique experience and curriculum to the community where i learned to swim was too good to let float by.”

Most recently, Murphy competed in the 2023 World aquatics championships in Japan where he served as co-captain for Team Usa’s men’s team and earned four medals including the g old in the 100 meter backstroke and 4x100 medley relay, silver in the

“

r yan has been a strong supporter of the g oldfish brand. We know that the Murphy family’s passion for both the skill and the sport of swimming will make them exceptional school owners,” said chris Mc cuiston, cEO and co-founder of g oldfish swim s chool. “This will be our ninth location in Florida and the first in the Jacksonville area.

BAch to Roc K mUsic s chool announces Grand Opening of New school in Minnetonka, MN

will be attending from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. with the team from KFan hawkey is a member of several Minneapolis bands, including r ocket club, the Fabulous armadillos and the chris hawkey b and. h e also produces the radio broadcast of the Minnesota Vikings. a highlight of the grand opening will be the free raffle to win an autographed chris hawkey guitar. additionally, there will be free demonstrations of two early childhood classes: “ r ock city“ at 1:00 p.m., followed by “Kids n Keys” at 2:00 p.m. attendees can participate in tours and information sessions, check out the recording studio, and enjoy instructor and student performances on the main stage. The school will serve students from (but not limited to) Minnetonka, st. Louis Park, h opkins, Edina, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, chanhassen, shorewood, Wayzata, Victoria, Mound, and Orono.

Bach to Rock, America’s music school for students of all ages, proudly announces it is opening a new school in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

The community is invited to the free grand opening on s aturday, s eptember 9, from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 4783 county r oad 101, Minnetonka, Mn, 55345. special guest chris hawkey, country music artist and host of the Power Trip Morning show on KFan,

“Thanks to our franchisees, Judy shoulak and her son Jake, b ach to r ock is making great strides to reach more and more students in the greater Minneapolis area with our progressive, comprehensive teaching methodology. We have seen the amazing influence music has in shaping children’s lives and the shoulaks embody the b ach to r ock commitment to transforming lives through music,” said brian g ross, president of b ach to r ock.

200-meter backstroke and bronze in the 4x100 mixed medley relay.

Altitude Trampoline Park, the premiere indoor family entertainment brand dedicated to active family fun, has recently been showcased by the awardwinning workplace learning platform, Schoox.

With close to 100 parks and more than 2,000 team members across the globe, Altitude was growing rapidly and in a prime position to offer a more holistic approach to training and development. Making training mobile and much more interactive than in years past has helped Altitude retain and reward its employee base. Increased video content, quizzes, and reporting make the training portal actionable for leadership and effective for franchisees looking to keep top-tier talent. It’s said that hiring costs can be up to 30 percent of an employee’s expected total salary. That is significantly more than investing in an effective training program for employees; making this a priority was a no-brainer for the team at Altitude.

“We are delighted to be featured by Schoox as a client success story! They service thousands of clients, so it is truly an honor to have been selected for this showcase,” said Amy Phillips, President and CMO for Altitude Trampoline Park. “Our Learning & Development team saw the need to revamp our learning experiences, meeting franchisees where they are and speak to the needs of our younger team members in a mobile- friendly way. The Schoox app helped our team design solutions that fit our unique work environment and now our employees can access everything they need through devices they already know how to use.”

The Learning Management Solutions (LMS) provided by Schoox is accessible via mobile and offers Altitude a native mobile app that is also powerful enough to replace desktop learning for most employees. This provides general managers, who typically lead training at each location, easy access to reporting and data while on the go.

Like their guests, employees at Altitude spend a lot of time on their feet. Schoox is

AlTiT ude Tr A mpoline pArk Te A ms u p WiTh s choox for innovATive m obile le Arnin G And d evelopmenT s olu Tion

one of the only learning platforms to offer a feature-rich mobile app at no additional cost. Additionally, Altitude employees and general managers have access to nearly all of the program capabilities through any iOS or Android device including tablets.

“The Schoox app allows us to deliver learning tools consistently across all parks and links training activity with the KPIs that matter most, so we can demonstrate the impact of learning across the enterprise,” said Gina Elliott, Senior Director of Learning & Development at Altitude Trampoline Park. “We’re seeing our franchisees opt into using Schoox voluntarily, which is more exciting to us than having to mandate it because it means they see the value of the platform, the training resources available, and learning as a whole.”

Schoox makes it easy to track on-thejob training activity along with any associated online coursework, allowing Altitude to create holistic learning paths that are customized to each role. Report Builder in Schoox provides Altitude the freedom to create custom reports that analyze the metrics that make a difference, including changes in employee skill levels, progress toward organizational goals, and overall impact on business operations by individual park or across the whole enterprise. The in-depth reporting Schoox offers allows the Altitude team to determine where knowledge gaps exist and how to better address operational challenges and develop appropriate solutions through these and other Schoox tools.

With recreation centers like Altitude

including a lot of physical activity, workplace safety is a major priority for the entertainment brand. With Schoox, Altitude can confirm training has been offered to each employee, knowledge transfers were validated through assessments, and signatures were collected to confirm acknowledgment of park procedures, safety protocols, and other risk considerations specified by each park, overall ensuring all employees are equipped with the safety and compliance information they need.

The business impact features in Schoox dive even deeper into the data available within Schoox by connecting learning activity to specific KPIs that are most important to Altitude. For example, the number of training completions across a park may be tied to workplace safety to measure if training reduces the number of incidents.

“By introducing these new learning solutions to our system, we can further support our franchise partners on their path to growth, while continuing to uphold our high standards for quality service and safety,” added Elliott. “Now that we’ve built out our metrics, we’ll be able to see how training is translating into membership sales, guest satisfaction, and incident reduction.”

Altitude’s franchise owners have reported noticeable improvements in employee engagement, turnover rates, and customer satisfaction since implementing Schoox. Looking forward, the Altitude team plans to continue utilizing Schoox to move toward the goal of increasing memberships and ultimately driving greater revenue at

AB o U t s choox:

Schoox is a workplace learning software with a people-first twist. It puts people over process, making learning and career development easy, accessible, rewarding, and fun while adapting to whatever the world throws your way. Learners “up” their skills, grow on the job, and get more doneand you can measure the impact of all their awesome accomplishments. learn more at schoox.com.

each park. As Altitude continues to open more locations both within the U.S. and internationally, the brand will continue expanding and strengthening its learning and development offerings in efforts to standardize training, reduce risk, and drive more revenue.

More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.

Interested in becoming a franchisee? visit https://altitudefranchise.com.

AB o U t Altit UD e tRA mpoline pARK:

Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier indoor adventure park offering cutting edge trampolines, games, programs, and celebrations for all ages. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brand’s successful $10 Endless Jumps pass, is where members get the max.

Guests can Jump Happy! with unlimited use of trampolines, soft play, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more providing a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long.

Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2023.

u nlocking T he world of c hildren’s produc T s and s ervices f ranchises: a paT h To e n T repreneurial s uccess T hrough f ranchising

chris conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion. visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

The children’s products and services industry is a vibrant and ever-evolving market that caters to the needs, growth, and development of our youngest generation.

From educational toys and clothing to childcare and entertainment, this industry holds immense potential for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact while building a successful business. Enter children’s products and services franchising—a gateway to harnessing the power of this niche market while benefiting from the established support and expertise of franchisors. In this comprehensive article, we explore the dynamic world of children’s products and services franchising and how it offers a unique avenue for entrepreneurial success.

A market Driven by care and innovation:

The children’s products and services sector is driven by the fundamental desire to

nurture and empower the next generation. Parents and caregivers are increasingly seeking high-quality, innovative, and safe solutions that cater to their children’s needs, education, entertainment, and overall well-being. From developmental toys that encourage learning to childcare centers that provide a safe environment for growth, this industry is a fusion of care and creativity.

the Benefits of Franchising in children’s products and services:

Franchising offers a compelling entry point into the children’s products and services industry. Here’s why:

Proven Business Models:

Franchisors in this sector have already developed successful business models that have stood the test of time. Franchisees benefit from established strategies for attracting customers, delivering services, and generating revenue.

Brand Recognition and Trust:

Parents and caregivers value brand recognition and trust when choosing products and services for their children. Franchises come with built-in brand equity that can expedite customer acquisition and loyalty.

Training and Support:

Franchisors provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to franchisees. This is especially valuable for entrepreneurs without prior experience in the children’s industry, as they receive guidance in areas such as operations, marketing, and customer service.

Market Insights and Trends:

Franchisors stay attuned to industry trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. They share this knowledge with franchisees, helping them stay competitive and responsive to market demands.

Economies of Scale:

Franchises often benefit from economies of scale, allowing franchisees to access suppliers, resources, and technologies at reduced costs.

Network of Peers:

Joining a franchise network provides a support system of fellow franchisees who share insights, experiences, and best practices.

Franchise opportunities in children’s products and services:

The spectrum of franchise opportunities in the children’s products and services sector is diverse and exciting. Here are some areas where entrepreneurs can thrive:

Educational Toys and Learning Centers:

Franchises that offer educational toys, games, and learning materials cater to parents’ desire to foster their children’s cognitive development. Learning centers provide structured educational programs in a stimulating environment.

Childcare and Early Education:

Childcare franchises offer parents a trusted environment for their children’s care, development, and education. These franchises often combine fun, learning, and socialization for children of various age groups.

Children’s Clothing and Accessories:

Franchises specializing in children’s clothing and accessories offer parents a convenient way to access age-appropriate, stylish, and functional clothing items.

Entertainment and Recreation: From indoor play areas and children’s entertainment centers to sports and arts programs, franchises in this category provide outlets for children’s creativity, energy, and social interaction.

Health and Wellness:

Franchises focused on children’s health and wellness offer services such as pediatric clinics, fitness programs, and nutrition education to promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

Specialty Services:

These franchises cater to specific needs, such as tutoring, music lessons, art classes, and STEM education, allowing children to explore their interests and talents.

navigating the Franchise selection process:

Choosing the right children’s products and services franchise requires careful

consideration. Here’s how to approach the selection process:

Identify Your Passion: Choose a franchise that aligns with your passion, values, and goals. Your enthusiasm will be reflected in your business operations and customer interactions.

Research Franchisors:

Thoroughly research potential franchisors. Evaluate their reputation, history, success stories, and level of support provided to franchisees.

Assess Market Demand:

Analyze the demand for the products or services offered by the franchise in your chosen location. Consider factors such as population demographics, competition, and consumer preferences.

Review Financials:

Understand the financial requirements of becoming a franchisee. This includes the initial investment, ongoing fees, and potential revenue streams. Conduct a comprehensive financial analysis to ensure the franchise is financially viable.

Speak to Current Franchisees:

Connect with existing franchisees to gain insights into their experiences, challenges,

and successes. Their perspective can provide valuable information about what their experience has been and ultimately what your opportunity with a particular brand could look like and ultimately whether a franchise is a good investment for you.

If you are considering investing in a children’s franchise brand, we recommend throwing out a wide net. Look at as many children’s franchises as possible and narrow down your scope as you get more familiar with more franchise opportunities. Here are a few children’s brands we like a lot that should be in consideration.

Kula Children’s Center -

https://franchisewithkulachildren.com/ Success with Chess -

https://www.successwithchess.com/

Next Level Kidz -

https://nextlevelkidz.com/franchise/ Alsie’s Ice Cream Truck -

https://www.alsies.com/

For more information on how to franchise a children’s services or products business, contact Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise): www.FMSFranchise.com

Twinkle Toes n anny agency announces

T hey are expanding

exposure to illnesses or being placed on waitlists. They offer affordable, highquality, experienced and CPR-certified nannies who provide in-home childcare, babysitting, child pick-up/drop-off and tutoring. Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency’s model is designed to find families the right fit for them, without charging application, membership or placement fees.

Markets throughout the country, from those in Oregon to Washington D.C., California to Texas and Missouri and Colorado, apply the label “daycare (or child care) desert”. As USA Today’s February 7, 2023 digital article, “Child care in crisis…” put it, greater than 50% of the United States residents live in a “child care desert”. Even families not having to depend on assistance are challenged with finding daycare and program openings, nannies or babysitters, let alone securing that care at a cost the parents can afford.

twinkle

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency aims to help alleviate the stress surrounding the present-day shortages of childcare options with many families facing challenges finding dependable, consistent help with their children, while also minimizing

The Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency model for matching nannies to families without added costs and hassle has been able to withstand these challenges. Born out of her own needs unmet with suitable options for quality, experienced, in-home childcare, and having been a nanny herself for over ten years, Kristy Bickmeyer of Gainesville, Florida founded Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency in 2011 Before long, Kristy was meeting more and more families across Florida and the Southeast who were having challenges finding nanny services for their own children, so she began offering franchise opportunities in 2017. With the addition of the Savannah/Hilton Head

location, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency has now grown to 22 in eight states.

“I am so excited to bring Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency and its compelling differences to the Lowcountry”, said Courtney Budrow, when asked about the August 8th opening. She added, “I opened a daycare here about 10 years ago, because I had two kids and could not find quality child care that fit my family’s needs. I recently sold that business and the opportunity came up with Twinkle Toes where I’ll be able to work even more closely with parents, building those relationships where I can match them with the best person to help care for and support their children.”

“Courtney, with her experience, energy, ambition and heart, is more than ready to provide childcare solutions to the Savannah and Hilton Head communities’ families and visitors alike,” added Bickmeyer.

Born out of her own needs unmet with suitable options for quality, experienced, inhome childcare, and having been a nanny herself for over ten years, Kristy Bickmeyer of Gainesville, Florida founded Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency in 2011. Before long, Kristy was meeting more and more families across Florida and the Southwest who were having challenges finding nanny services for their own children, so she began offering franchise opportunities in 2017. Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency has now grown to 22 locations in eight states. Throughout the country, options are limited for parents who face either daycare waitlists or lack of affordable choices for quality, reliable care. The Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency model for matching nannies to families without added costs and hassle has been able to withstand the challenges parents face finding consistent, reliable support for their children. They provide families an array of services from full- or part-time nannying to babysitting, as well as tutoring, pick-up/drop-off and more.

Twinkle Toes is different from a traditional nanny agency because they do not charge application or placement fees, making getting a qualified and experienced nanny more affordable for families. Traditional agencies charge $1,000-$3,000 just to be placed with a nanny, which is then usually only guaranteed for 90 days. So, if the nanny quits or moves after 100 days, the family is on the hook for the placement fee again. Families also have to draft a contract manage the nanny, payroll and taxes.

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency takes care of everything. They also offer back up nannies and sitters if the regular nanny is unavailable for any reason. With a traditional placement, families are only connected with one nanny and if they are sick, the family is out of luck. Through their custom scheduling software and nanny network, every family has a backup option when life happens to their nanny. This is why families have grown to trust Twinkle Toes and Twinkle Toes is growing as a result.

The franchising opportunity includes a territory exclusive, home-based business in a high-demand industry at a low start-up cost, with no royalty fees for their first three months. Franchisees receive full training and support, a fun and memorable brand with a customized marketing plan, as well as Twinkle Toes’ proprietary cloudbased software that handles all scheduling and payments for families and nannies. Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency is a simple but meaningful model. Mompreneurs are able to enjoy the work-life balance, empowerment and freedom of owning their own business, along with the rewarding feeling that comes with serving their community.

To find out more about Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, and if their services are offered in your area, please visit TwinkleToesNanny.com.

To discover more about the franchising opportunity, please call 352-559 2788 or reach out to franchise@twinkletoesnanny.com.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been national attention on the importance and necessity of child care not solely for the holistic development of children, but for the overall American economy. While many independent child care centers struggled to stay afloat, early child care franchises demonstrated resilience, experienced growth due to the high demand, and became stronger due to robust support infrastructure.

The urgent need for high-quality educational child care is prevalent throughout the country with 58% of working parents currently relying on child care centers so they are able to pursue their careers. Lightbridge Academy®, The

Solution for Working Parents® and ranked as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the essential child care education industry, is committed to steady franchise growth to meet this demand in communities throughout the United States.

As a female executive with over 30 years of experience in educational child care and as a mother of four, I deeply empathize with the struggle to find a work-life balance to be a star in the boardroom and a supermom at home. For this reason, we as early child care providers not only provide highquality programs for the children we care for but trusted support for working parents. With the child care crisis affecting over 6 million parents, my commitment as CEO is to grow our franchise presence that extends our programs and Circle of Care philosophy to new and existing markets and aid the families that we are devoted to serving.

strategic Franchise Growth

Market research by Grand View Research places the child care industry’s valuation at $60.4 billion dollars and is projected to

grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.18% through 2030. With the industry’s unwavering demand and anticipated yearly growth, investing in early child care education franchise opportunities are a smart and rewarding venture for franchisees.

Embracing the nation’s strong demand for quality early child care education, we at Lightbridge Academy are prioritizing strategic growth and continuing to fulfill our mission to be The Solution for Working Parents®. We currently have a footprint of over 150 centers either open or in development throughout the United States. This year, Lightbridge Academy has signed 24 new franchise agreements with the goal of expanding into new markets including Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in the near future, underscoring the essential need for early child care education programs across the nation.

Currently, Lightbridge Academy has nearly 20 centers in development and is looking to add a total of 40 additional locations across 10 different states by the end of the year in partnership with dedicated franchisees looking to make a transformational impact for the communities they serve. Now is the time for child care providers to prioritize strategic growth in markets where early child care providers are needed.

meeting the market Demand with Unparalleled early child care education

Meeting child care demands is not just about providing care, but delivering highquality programs that cultivate children’s preparedness for their K-12 educational journey. At Lightbridge Academy, we embolden children for kindergarten through our innovative curriculum and Circle of Care philosophy that fosters a lifelong passion for learning. This year, Lightbridge Academy students tested 97% proficient in kindergarten-readiness

Throughout our nation, families are facing a child care crisis with limited early child care education options due to ongoing staffing challenges, availability of open enrollment, and accessibility of dependable centers.

skills according to the 2022-2023 Vine Assessment of four- and five-year-old Pre-Kindergarteners across key learning domains. Our proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum utilizes theme-based lessons to strengthen each child’s emerging skills in reading, writing, science, technology, and math, along with enrichment programs including Spanish Sprouts, Signing Sprouts, Singing Sprouts, Yoga & Mindfulness, and Learning Without Tears® to expand on key building blocks that support its multi-sensory approach.

steadfast leadership with Devoted Franchise support

Our franchisees are the dynamic force in providing The Solution for Working Parents® to the 150 centers open or currently in development with ongoing support from our committed and collaborative leadership team. Our leadership support includes assisting with site selection, expediting opening timelines, and being a reliable partner from franchise signing to the grand opening and beyond. At Lightbridge Academy, we take pride in bolstering our franchisees through

expedited opening timelines, epitomized by our partnership with Single Tenant Net Lease (STNL), securing secondgeneration franchise agreements, and utilizing purchase and sale agreements. Our STNL partnership equips Lightbridge Academy to offer full-service real estate solutions informed by market data to scout new territories conducted with full-scale development. These initiatives have significantly shortened the timeline for opening new locations, empowering franchisees to begin operations faster to fulfill the vital need for trusted educational child care in their communities.

As professionals within the child care industry, we are incredibly privileged to hold such an essential place in the lives of children and families by supporting the parents who strive to work while their children learn and grow through our Circle of Care. Moreover, the child care industry plays an invaluable role in the economy by offering a vital service that enables parents to work. I’m incredibly proud to work in an industry where over 88% of child care workers are women, where working within an early child care center often commences their careers within the realm of education. Our employees comprised mostly of women are privileged to hold such an essential place in the lives of the children and families they serve and are eager to deliver our mission of being The Solution for Working Parents®

As Lightbridge Academy welcomes prospective franchisees to embark on a successful and rewarding journey, we look forward to meeting the educational child care demands across the United States with our dedicated franchise partners. For those seeking a prosperous franchise venture that makes an exceptional impact, I encourage those to explore Lightbridge Academy’s offerings at LightbridgeAcademyFranchise. com. Together, we can make a lasting legacy of positive change through our early child care programs and Lightbridge Promise on the families and communities we serve.

There’s n ever been A be TT er Time for The fr Anchise indus Try T o s uppor T you Th cAreer coAchin G And r e Adiness

All of us in the franchise industry feel the weight of the skilled labor shortage that continues to impact businesses across the country. At the same time, millions of young people face an uncertain future and competitive job market.

According to a recent statistic, 1 in 9 people ages 16-24 are not in school and don’t have a job. Today’s children and teens are the future of our workforce, and it is incumbent on all of us to create and enhance resources that will coach these young people about the jobs available to them.

Some changes in our country’s culture over the past several years have contributed to these challenging labor trends. Experts often point to school systems that present four-year colleges as the ultimate goal for all students and that don’t offer job training. Mix that in with a global pandemic that saw enrollment in hands-on vocational degree programs fall in our newly remote world. There is such value in the next generation, which often brings with it novel approaches

and fresh thinking towards a business’s operations and corporate culture. When we provide youth with opportunities to explore careers and prepare them with skills they need in the workforce, we set up them and ourselves for future success.

What We can Do

Fortunately, there are actions we can take to combat these trends. Most of us already know about the importance of mentoring. The impact of a mentor who can impart their life experience and provide

support, guidance and opportunities to a young person cannot be overstated. Youth apprenticeship programs and internships are also valuable ways that companies are lending a hand to the next generation of potential leaders and helping to give them short-term, practical experiences to learn about careers, develop networks and experience the workplace.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a fantastic organization taking action to address these issues. For more than160 years, the organization has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,200 Clubs serve 3.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. They are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in Boys & Girls Club of Americaaffiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.

Earlier this year, Authority Brands partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support their mission of providing youth in our communities with a brighter future. The goal is to introduce young people to a variety of career paths and opportunities through career coaching and workforce readiness educational programs. These resources and tools equip Club members with the necessary skills needed to pursue jobs. One such resource is the Workforce Readiness Program, which focuses on providing kids with career exploration/coaching, job readiness education, and on-the-job work-based learning experiences.

As a leading home services company with brands such as One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and Mister Sparky in its portfolio, Authority Brands is keenly aware there has been a significant drop in experts that are available to complete technical jobs. NPR reported earlier this year that the application rate for young people seeking technical jobs — like plumbing, building and electrical work — declined by 49% from 2020 and 2022. The reality is fewer of them are opting for traditionally handson jobs in the skilled trade and technical industries.

making a Difference in our communities

With a commitment to turning these numbers around, Authority Brands is volunteering its diverse array of home service franchise teams, both at the

corporate and local franchisee level, to introduce Boys & Girls Club members to opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. The program allows each franchise owner to tailor their involvement to best suit their business model, giving them the ability to make an impact in their own community.

For example, in August there was an action-packed entrepreneurship day for the young people of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Club members visited Woofie’s of Ashburn-Lansdowne, a professional pet care company, and DoodyCalls of Northern Virginia, a pet waste removal company. They learned the ins and outs of the two home service brands, as well as the rewarding career paths available to young people across the franchise industry. Club members also met with franchise owners of both brands during a lunch and learn to hear their best career advice and their experiences as business owners.

The goal is to interact with teens in ways that are meaningful and will help them prepare for life and work experiences. As Club members visited the two franchises, they saw firsthand what it’s like to run the day-to-day operations of a business and how young people like them can develop the skills needed to succeed in their careers.

This partnership marks a new chapter in Authority Brands’ commitment to providing its franchisees the chance to

further tap into the communities they serve through outreach, career coaching, fundraising, tutoring, and more. The franchise industry as a whole has an excellent opportunity to do the same, making a real impact on the future of our workforces and our companies.

AB o U t heather mcleod:

heather mcleod, chief growth o fficer at authority brands.

Heather first joined The Cleaning Authority in 2015 and has been an integral part of the formation of Authority Brands and its success, bringing her passion for collaboration, customer experience, and process to everything she does. She served as Chief Marketing Officer for Authority Brands from its formation in 2017 until 2022, when she assumed the new role of Chief Growth Officer. Heather is personally involved in Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore as a volunteer since 2019. In 2022, Heather officially joined the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. Heather also serves at the University of Louisville College of Business YUM! CGFE Board of Advisors.

u nle A shin G p

o TenTi Al: The you T h sT ren GT h Tr Ainin G r evolu T ion in AT hle T ic perform Ance

in the ever-evolving landscape of athletic excellence, a powerful revolution is taking shape - one that holds the potential to redefine the trajectory of young athletes’ careers.

Welcome to the forefront of innovation, where youth strength training has emerged as a game-changing force in unlocking untapped potential and propelling athletic performance to unprecedented heights. At Athletic Republic, we stand at the vanguard of this movement, committed to sculpting not just stronger bodies, but stronger futures for the next generation of champions.

Gone are the days when youth athletes were held back by the myths and misconceptions surrounding strength training. The dawn of scientific understanding and carefully curated training methodologies has paved the way for a paradigm shift, illuminating the

profound benefits of introducing strength train ing to young athletes. At Athletic Republic, we firmly believe that strength training for youth athletes is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Our approach is rooted in science, guided by decades of research that consistently demonstrates the transformative impact of well-structured strength training regimens on developing bodies. Contrary to concerns of stunted growth or injury risks, properly supervised and tailored programs are proven to be safe and effective, promoting balanced musculoskeletal development, enhanced bone density, and reduced injury susceptibility.

Beyond the physiological benefits, youth strength training plays a pivotal role in honing motor skills and movement mechanics. Athletic Republic’s meticulously designed programs are built upon a foundation of proper technique, teaching young athletes to move efficiently, reduce the risk of injury, and harness their strength effectively. This proficiency

c harlie Graves

ceo of a thletic r epublic

extends beyond the training facility, seamlessly integrating into their chosen sports, elevating their game to new heights. The synergy between strength and technique is where champions are born, and it’s a synergy we prioritize above all else.

In an age dominated by sedentary lifestyles and digital distractions, the importance of instilling healthy habits early on cannot be overstated. Youth strength training serves as a potent tool in combating the risks associated with physical inactivity. By fortifying muscles, bones, and joints during the crucial growth years, young athletes are better equipped to ward off injuries that could otherwise hinder their athletic pursuits and overall well-being.

At Athletic Republic, safety is our utmost priority. Our training programs are designed with meticulous attention to ageappropriate exercises, proper form, and progressive challenges. Through guided supervision and personalized attention, we create an environment that fosters optimal growth while mitigating the risk of overexertion or strain. By investing in youth strength training, parents and guardians are investing in the long-term health and success of their children.

Athletic prowess extends far beyond the physical domain. Confidence, mental resilience, and self-belief are cornerstones of a successful athlete’s journey. Our youth strength training programs at Athletic Republic are designed not only to cultivate robust bodies but also to foster unshakable confidence. As young

athletes conquer new challenges and witness the tangible progression of their abilities, they develop a profound sense of accomplishment that translates into every aspect of their lives.

The impact of youth strength training resonates far beyond the competitive arena. By instilling healthy habits at a young age, Athletic Republic empowers individuals to lead active, vibrant lives well into adulthood. The lessons learned through disciplined training - dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness - become an integral part of an athlete’s character, guiding them through both triumphs and setbacks.

Recognizing that no two athletes are the same, Athletic Republic’s approach to youth strength training is deeply personalized. Our certified trainers work closely with each athlete to understand their unique goals, strengths, and areas of improvement. This individualized attention ensures that every training session is purposeful, targeted, and aligned with the athlete’s evolving needs. Beyond the physical transformations and performance enhancements, Athletic Republic creates a community united by a shared passion for excellence. Our training centers foster an environment of camaraderie, where young athletes can connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from their peers. This sense of belonging further fuels their dedication, propelling them to greater heights collectively.

As the dawn of a new era in athletic performance emerges, Athletic Republic

stands at the forefront, ready to guide the next generation of champions on their journey to greatness. We invite parents, coaches, and young athletes to join us in embracing the power of youth strength training - a revolution that transcends physical boundaries and propels the limitless potential within everyone. Together, we sculpt not just stronger bodies, but stronger futures, laying the foundation for a new standard of excellence that knows no bounds.

Contrary to antiquated beliefs, youth strength training is not synonymous with bulging muscles or early specialization. Instead, it is a holistic journey that cultivates a diverse range of skills, attributes, and virtues. From discipline and resilience to self-confidence and teamwork, the benefits are as multifaceted as they are profound.

Through our scientifically-backed training methodologies at Athletic Republic Franchise, young athletes acquire more than just physical prowess. They develop a deep-rooted sense of selfbelief that extends to all facets of life. As they navigate the challenges posed by incremental strength gains and skill enhancements, they internalize the value of perseverance and grit. These qualities transcend the realms of sports, becoming invaluable life skills that empower them to overcome obstacles and embrace success with unwavering determination.

w hy iT s Ti M e To provide f lexible c hildcare o p T ions

Many inspired entrepreneurs draw from their own personal experiences when it comes to developing a new business and mission. Others wake up with a lightning bolt of realization or are stricken by inspiration to make the world better.

For me, it took a stroke of luck—and danger—to lead me to my true passions. I had just given up a corporate career in New York City and moved to Houston to start a new life with my daughter when I got into a devastating car accident. This neardeath experience encouraged me to take a long, hard look at my life, my passions and my goals. The constant struggle as a single mother to find a reliable caregiver for my daughter made me want to invest in childcare service outside of traditional

“working” hours. After researching why many childcare facilities were failing, Adventure Kids Playcare was finally born. While I’ve been lucky enough to bring hourly, drop-in childcare to 18 locations across three states and counting, there is still an ongoing problem with access to childcare in America. For parents who don’t work the traditional 8-hour work day, finding reliable child care to accommodate their schedules is near impossible. One of the most crucial, yet overlooked components of childcare, is keeping the parents’ needs in mind, too. I decided to change the narrative in order to include all parents of all socioeconomic statuses and career paths.

Parenting is not one-size-fits-all, and childcare providers need to diversify their offerings and systems in a way that can accommodate and meet these

parents’ needs, so that they may meet their children’s needs. Before starting my own business, something I noticed in my prior jobs was how many daycare services charge monthly fees or retainers, regardless of how many days a week, or even how many hours, children spend at the daycare center.

I created a concept that is pay-by-the-hour down to the minute, meaning parents can fall back on reliable care for the biggest or smallest of errands to run. Parents who don’t have the luxury of anticipating regular, fixed working hours can pick up

shifts last minute and be able to run their kid to the nearest AKP. Even if it’s a quick shift or a last-minute trip to the grocery store, the parent is not punished for seeking out last-minute care for their child. We are the service providers, meaning it is our job to serve families in the best way we can. Parents should not have to bend over backwards or fork over an arm or a leg to get their child’s most basic needs met. Providing childcare is so much more than having enough slots at a daycare facility. Whenever we are faced with a national “crisis,” there are often several causes and effects rather than a singular problem.

Accessibility—and inaccessibility—can mean so many different things to people.

For some, the crux of the ongoing childcare crisis is the fact that most of the general population cannot afford any kind of care, stay-at-home or otherwise; for others, the main issue might be that there are very few licensed daycare centers near the family home or place of work. To some, the biggest problem with the child care industry could be the lack of support for stay-at-home caregivers, while for others, it is an issue of childcare professionals who are leaving the field due to inadequate pay and benefits.

There is no easy answer because there’s no single issue to point the finger at. Perhaps it’s a combination of new, current economic problems and longstanding structural

issues with the childcare industry itself, and how we view things like paternity leave and maternity leave. Maybe, to fix the problem, we need to fix the system.

As an expert in the childcare industry, I am of the opinion that great structural change on a micro and macro level needs to take place across the country to remedy the issue of inaccessible childcare. It needs to be able to meet the needs of all kinds of different family structures, no matter their economic status or income.

We are raising the next generation of world leaders and need to do our part to make sure they have safe places to learn and exist. It’s a child’s job to be the kid. Us adults have to do the rest.

“ I created a concept that is pay-by-thehour down to the minute, meaning parents can fall back on reliable care for the biggest or smallest of errands to run.

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