Father Inspired By Daughter’s Passion for Working With Children Transitions from Pharmacist Owner to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisee

Syed Shah, a former pharmacist and business owner, transitioned into franchising with Children’s Lighthouse after being inspired by his daughter’s positive experience working with the brand. He noticed her admirable talent for working with young children, but also the positive effect it had on her happiness. 

“Since my daughter started working with young children, she looks more beautiful and more energetic every time I see her,” he said.

After spending more than a decade in the pharmacy industry and owning his own pharmacy business, Shah sought to diversify his career and found the perfect opportunity in child care franchising. He was drawn to Children’s Lighthouse due to their top-notch facilities and caring environment, and he looks forward to making a positive impact on the community.

Shah took the time to chat with1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Syed Shah: I’m actually a pharmacist by profession. I worked for CVS for 12 years before starting my own pharmacy business in 2015, which I ran until 2022. After selling that business, I took some time off to reflect on my next move. I wanted to diversify my career and do something different. The main reason I decided on franchising, especially with Children’s Lighthouse, is my daughter. She’s been working with Children’s Lighthouse for about a year, and I saw how much she loves working with children. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for us to work together.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Shah: I had never done franchising before, but I think it’s a great option. Having someone to support you with their expertise is invaluable, especially for someone like me, who came from the pharmacy business and was new to the child care industry. Franchising provides a structured path and support, which is a huge help.

1851: What made you choose this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Shah: I was introduced to Children’s Lighthouse through my daughter. We toured their facilities in Dallas and spent two days with them. The people are incredibly loving, and the facilities are top-notch — beautiful. The way they care for the children, parents and teachers is impressive. Everything about the brand felt like a great fit for us.

1851: What’s your big goal for your first year?

Shah: I want to make an impact on the community. I want parents to know that when they leave their children at our facility, they are leaving them in a safe haven. Creating that environment of safety and trust is just as important to me as financial stability.

1851: What’s the No. 1 thing about your story you want us to know?

Shah: Working with kids can be difficult and very different from working with adults. But after seeing my daughter thrive and grow while working with children, I realized how much positive energy comes from them. Since my daughter started working with young children, she looks more beautiful and more energetic every time I see her. This inspired me and became my biggest motivation. I can’t wait to get started and experience that same energy myself.

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees?

Shah: I would 100% recommend looking into franchising, especially with a brand like Children’s Lighthouse. The support and expertise they provide can make all the difference. 

ABOUT CHILDREN’S LIGHTHOUSE:

The Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools™ promise to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Its proprietary curriculum helps children of all ages develop healthy brains, bodies and best behaviors.