Franchise Influencers: Gigi Schweikert, CEO, Lightbridge Academy

As part of our annual Influencer Issue, 1851 Franchise has enlisted the help of the franchise community to compile a list of the top people making moves in the franchise industry.

By Savannah BilboStaff Writer

8:08AM • 03/21/23

Gigi Schweikert

CEO

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/

Schweikert is the Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Academy* Franchise Company. She is also a popular keynote speaker for education conferences, corporations, women’s events and parenting seminars. Schweikert is the best-selling author of 18 books, including the best-selling “Winning Ways” series and “Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers Programs.”

During her 30 years of experience, Schweikert directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program in New York City and developed the Johnson & Johnson System of Family Centers. She also hosted the television show “Today’s Family.” Schweikert has four children, one in Los Angeles, one in Seattle and two in Boulder.

About Lightbridge Academy: Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Lightbridge Academy provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 140 child care centers either open or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. In response to COVID-19, Lightbridge Academy launched The Lightbridge Promise as the Gold Standard for health and safety in the child care industry. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards and on Newsweek’s “2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service.” In 2022, Lightbridge Academy was featured for the eighth year on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and for the second year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

Total Locations: 140+

Investment Range: $621,233 to $824,150

Franchise Website: https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.