Lightbridge Academy Multi-Unit Franchisees Grow as the Brand Expands Rapidly in Charlotte, North Carolina

Lightbridge Academy, one of the nation’s leading providers of early education and child care, has been experiencing major franchise growth over the past few years, both from new franchisees coming into the system and existing owners expanding their portfolios. In Charlotte, North Carolina, for example, several franchisees have signed on for additional units after introducing the essential service to their community. 

The Summit Group — a franchisee group made up of Nish Patel, Mitul Patel, Ina Patel, Jiju Alex and Kal Patel — is a prime example of an existing Lightbridge Academy franchise that is leveraging its track record of success to reinvest in the brand. The group was recently awarded two additional units in the south Charlotte area, bringing their portfolio total to 11 units planned and five centers already opened.

“There is no greater compliment than when your franchisees continue to invest in your brand,” said the CEO of Lightbridge Academy, Gigi Schweikert. “Their years as Lightbridge Academy franchise owners have demonstrated their ability to successfully leverage their experience across multiple units and expand their Circle of Care to welcome even more children and families to the brand.”

New franchisees are also joining the Lightbridge Academy brand in Charlotte. Alison and Joe Friedman are a husband-and-wife franchisee duo that recently signed on to open two units in the area. The Friedmans, who are passionate about supporting their community and local families, are committed to serving the area by offering mission-driven, innovative child care services. 

“We think this is a perfect formula with a great brand —the Lightbridge brand,” said Alison Friedman. “Their values align with ours. We appreciate that support. We moved to Charlotte five years ago, and the growth here is just incredible, but there's a strong need for child care centers. We want to give the children in our community the best start possible by offering a warm, welcoming environment for clients and employees. Taking those ideas as far as we can take them is most exciting.”

The Padgett family is another franchisee group that recently signed an agreement for six Lightbridge Academy centers throughout the Charlotte, NC region. These new owners bring their professional experiences in service related fields in finance and medicine and personal passion for children’s education to the brand.

Looking ahead, the Lightbridge Academy team has identified room to add 15 to 18 more centers throughout the Charlotte area, which is home to a growing number of young families in need of high-quality child care. The Charlotte metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country, and North Carolina itself is one of the nation’s top-growing states. 

“With so many territories available for growth, franchisees have a prime opportunity to take part in the expansion of an emerging but prosperous brand in the state of North Carolina,” said Schweikert. “By placing equal importance on the needs of children, their families, staff, and center owners, the entire community benefits. As the company continues to grow in new markets, we are looking forward to supporting even more children and families and making a real difference with the partnership of engaged and passionate franchisees.”

For more information on single or multi-unit franchising opportunities with Lightbridge Academy, visit https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/multi-unit/.