1851

Like many in the industry, Hao Lam stumbled his way into franchising by accident. What led him to franchising was his passion for education and helping others. In 1988, Lam escaped political persecution in war-torn Vietnam, spent a year as a refugee in the Philippines and then went on to Canada where he spent more time developing his passion for education and tutoring.

By tutoring his classmates in calculus, he learned about his innate ability to help others understand complicated concepts. Before long, he was holding standing-room-only test-prep study sessions at night to ensure his classmates succeeded. He knew this passion and talent could be used for something bigger and something special in the education industry.

BrainChild Education was the first education center Lam opened in 1995 until he acquired and renamed the brand to <a href="https://www.bestinclassfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=for-best-in-class-education-center-ceo-hao-lam-being-a-leader-starts-with-a-hunger-to-learn-11726" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best in Class Education Center,</a> where he is currently selling franchises nationwide.

&ldquo;About six years ago, when I was coming up on 15 years in the education field, I started to think about how I could use my experiences to help people who have the same vision I do. I knew I had the means to inspire other entrepreneurs and educators to live their dreams and make a difference in their communities so I decided to start franchising Best in Class,&rdquo; said Lam.

Lam admits he was far from a business expert when he first opened up shop. But with his passion and drive to succeed at the forefront, the Seattle-based brand has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Currently, the <a href="http://bestinclass.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=for-best-in-class-education-center-ceo-hao-lam-being-a-leader-starts-with-a-hunger-to-learn-11726" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best in Class Education Center</a> franchise system has 48 locations in nine states across the U.S., and has received recent accolades including being a part of &ldquo;2017 Top Franchises&rdquo; from Entrepreneur&rsquo;s Franchise 500 List and &ldquo;America&rsquo;s Fastest Growing Companies&rdquo; from Inc. 5000.

What does it take to be a great leader? According to Lam, personal growth and learning are at the top of the list.

&ldquo;I attend leadership seminars and conferences, peer-to-peer networking groups, and I&rsquo;m constantly reading up on changes and trends. I actually make sure to read at least 30 minutes every day,&rdquo; said Lam.

But a successful company doesn&rsquo;t depend on the actions and intelligence of only one person. Lam knows his team is one of his best assets and will continue to keep the company moving forward.

&ldquo;I have to keep building up a solid team. These people are in the trenches with me, and I need them to be as passionate, caring, and dedicated as I am,&rdquo; said Lam.

While this is a high standard to hold, franchising requires a consistent strategy and passion across the entire system to thrive, but it also provides endless opportunity for global expansion.

Most leaders start their own business or take the reins with the hopes of making a lasting impact, but this can often be easier said than done. Lam has advice for other leaders looking to make a difference in their positions.

&ldquo;If you want to make a lasting impact, you should establish a great company culture. It takes more than just creating the company&rsquo;s mission, vision, and core values. You have to make sure you communicate your philosophies and goals to your whole team so that they understand it, and you have to give them effective strategies for living it every single day.&rdquo;

The best leaders are able to teach and educate their team about how to produce the results they need, just like Lam has done throughout his entire career.

For Best in Class Education Center CEO Hao Lam, Being a Leader Starts With a Hunger to Learn

1851 Franchise

Hao Lam realized his passion for education and teaching during his teenage years. Now, as the CEO of Best in Class Education Center, he hasn't looked back since. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

for-best-in-class-education-center-ceo-hao-lam-being-a-leader-starts-with-a-hunger-to-learn

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

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 Development Website Builder

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

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Carol DeNembo — Chief Marketing Officer, Mountain Mike’s Pizza

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-carol-denembo-chief-marketing-officer-mountain-mikes-pizza

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Missy Maio - Gong Cha - Top Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Missy Maio — Vice President of Marketing and Global Partnerships, Gong Cha

franchise-marketing-leader-missy-maio-gong-cha

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

petbar Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

petbar-franchise-deep-dive

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

For Best in Class Education Center CEO Hao Lam, Being a Leader Starts With a Hunger to Learn

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS