1851

When <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaagopian/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-two-years-with-the-company-jessica-agopian-became-a-sylvan-business-owner-2722394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jessica Agopian</a> interviewed with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/sylvanlearning">Sylvan Learning*</a> for a Center Director position, she made it clear that she may be interested in expansion with the brand if she enjoyed her new role. After navigating through the pandemic and remote learning at the Glendale, California location, she began to think of how she could expand support.In January of 2023, after just two years with the company, Agopian was presented with an opportunity to purchase the <a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-two-years-with-the-company-jessica-agopian-became-a-sylvan-business-owner-2722394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan</a> location in West Covina. Because of the success she had experienced as a Center Director, Agopian says she felt confident she had the tools to succeed as a new owner.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Jessica Agopian:&nbsp;I started with Sylvan as a Center Director in 2020… amidst the pandemic. I started at the Glendale, California location, and we were primarily online at the time. I completed all of my training, and we finally opened up in September of 2020. From there, we had no in-center students, and I grew the center from the ground up. We ended up delivering 10,000 sessions in the first year.&nbsp;The center was very successful, and I loved what I did. I loved supporting the students and the community — it was truly amazing. After two years as a Center Director, I was presented with an opportunity to buy the West Covina center, and I was really excited to get into a new community.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Agopian:&nbsp;Before I was a franchisee, I thought that it must be a piece of cake. Once I started, I realized there was more to it than I thought. Learning all of the ins and outs of Sylvan made me realize how amazing Sylvan is and the extent of the support they offer.What I want people to know is that it’s not easy, but it is possible. Follow your dreams, it’s really not impossible to get there.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Agopian:&nbsp;Our tutoring programs and learning plans are so different from any other learning center out there. I really don’t think that anyone compares. Between our brand recognition and the personalization we offer in the learning programs, we’re able to differentiate ourselves from other centers. Watching the students learn and grow proves that Sylvan works.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Agopian:&nbsp;I hope to connect with the community and become more involved with the schools. I know there are so many students out there that really need our support right now. By getting in with the schools and providing after-school and summer programs, we can change the environment and perception that a lot of students have about learning. With that, we can increase the students’ confidence — that’s a major issue right now.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Agopian:&nbsp;I feel that I’m pretty young to be in this position. Growing up, I was always very motivated, but I never thought I’d be here. After just two years, I wanted to make a bigger impact and start my journey as an entrepreneur. This is one of my biggest accomplishments, and I hope it inspires other people.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Agopian:&nbsp;Do your research, then just do it. Just start, and everything else will fall into place. The hardest part is taking the first step.&nbsp;I would also advise others&nbsp;to remember the impact your new potential business will have in the community. You’re providing a safe space for students to learn, and even more importantly, learn how to love learning! Being a part of every Sylvan student’s academic journey is invaluable, certain to make you smile, and will always keep you motivated as a new business owner!ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING:With more than 40 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey. Sylvan is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG).&nbsp; For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sylvanlearning.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=after-two-years-with-the-company-jessica-agopian-became-a-sylvan-business-owner-2722394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.SylvanLearning.com</a>.

After Two Years with the Company, Jessica Agopian Became a Sylvan Business Owner

1851 Franchise

Agopian worked as a Center Director for two years before she was presented with an opportunity to expand her impact, investing in an existing Sylvan Learning Center.

after-two-years-with-the-company-jessica-agopian-became-a-sylvan-business-owner

Mainland

Mainland Secures Nearly $10 Million in Media Value for Franchise Clients in Early 2025

mainland-secures-nearly-10-million-in-media-value-for-franchise-clients-in-early-2025

Mathnasium

How These Arizona Mathnasium Learning Centers Franchisees Expanded to 10 Locations 

how-these-arizona-mathnasium-learning-centers-franchisees-expanded-to-10-locations

BoConcept

BoConcept - Home Furnishing Franchise Agg - Santiago Sideboard - 1851 Franchise

Home Furnishings Business: BoConcept Introduces Santiago Sideboard by Morten Georgsen

home-furnishings-business-boconcept-introduces-santiago-sideboard-by-morten-georgsen

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Franchise Expands to Seminole County, Florida, with New Franchisee Ross Duhaime

booxkeeping-franchise-expands-to-seminole-county-florida-with-new-franchisee-ross-duhaime

Sylvan Learning

How Sylvan Learning Positions Franchisees for Institutional Partnership Success

how-sylvan-learning-positions-franchisees-for-institutional-partnership-success

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Hooters - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Prepares for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Struggles

hooters-prepares-for-bankruptcy-amid-financial-struggles

Burger King’s Parent Company Restructures Operations in China and the U.S. To Drive Growth

burger-kings-parent-company-restructures-operations-in-china-and-the-us-to-drive-growth

Papa Johns Faces Potential Takeover as Turnaround Efforts Continue

papa-johns-faces-potential-takeover-as-turnaround-efforts-continue

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Restaurant Industry Set to Hit $1.5 Trillion in Sales in 2025 Despite Economic Pressures

restaurant-industry-set-to-hit-15-trillion-in-sales-in-2025-despite-economic-pressures

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Health Care Professional in the Non-Profit Space Brings TruBlue to North Pittsburgh

health-care-professional-in-the-non-profit-space-brings-trublue-to-north-pittsburgh

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

After Two Years with the Company, Jessica Agopian Became a Sylvan Business Owner

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS