1851

Kal Patel is working to bring a new childcare company to Bergenfield, New Jersey:&nbsp;<a href="http://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-spotlight-kal-patel-of-lightbridge-academy-12222" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lightbridge Academy*</a>, opening this September. Patel&nbsp;noticed the need for this unique and specialized childcare in the community and knew it would be a great fit for his next center. Unlike many early-child care services, Lightbridge Academy strives to foster an early educational experience for the kids.

Since the Bergenfield community is filled with families, Patel&nbsp;hopes to provide an easy, affordable, and beneficial service to the many growing families who are looking for childcare.

What were you doing before partnering with Lightbridge?

I immigrated from India when I was a junior in high school. After a few years of college, I left to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I invested in hotels as well as opening convenient stores and a whole sale tobacco company.

How did you learn about Lightbridge&nbsp;and what made you ultimately decide to commit?

I wanted to pursue other businesses and I also wanted to stay in New Jersey. I noticed that there was a demand for childcare services in the area. I began researching franchises because I don&rsquo;t have a background in childcare. I came across Lightbridge and liked that they were local and communicative. After speaking with them several times I realized that they were a brand I could grow with.

Why is the Bergenfield community the perfect market for your Lightbridge business?

The area is great for the industry. There are a lot of childcare facilities in the area, but the affordability wasn&#39;t&nbsp;there for parents. Lightbridge offers an affordable option with educational value that is important to growing families.

What kind of marketing initiatives have you done so far to promote your new business?

We recently did a groundbreaking ceremony at the new location. Every time I open a center I invest in billboards and mailers as well as putting up signs around town. In addition to that, we also make it a point to get involved in the community by sponsoring a local soccer of little league team.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to open a Lightbridge Academy?

I would tell them a few different things:&nbsp;If you are opening a child care center you must be willing to take the risk. You are dealing with people most prized and precious possession, their children, so you must remember to never break their trust. You have to love what you are doing.

From the franchise side, the brand is good and I have no complaints. You must learn your location and make sure it is a right fit for the business. But the good thing about Lightbridge is they always pick up the phone, which is different than other brands and in this business if they are communicating with you on a personal level that is great.

Visit the <a href="https://atourfranchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisee-spotlight-kal-patel-of-lightbridge-academy-12222" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Franchise Association&rsquo;s @OurFranchise website</a> for more stories of passionate local franchise owners, employees and their communities.

Franchisee Spotlight: Kal Patel of Lightbridge Academy

1851 Franchise

Kal Patel left India as a junior in high school to become a business owner in America. After opening convenience stores and hotels in New Jersey, Patel has decided to further his entrepreneurial dream and has become a Lightbridge Academy franchisee.

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

franchisee-spotlight-kal-patel-of-lightbridge-academy

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

Franchisee Spotlight: Kal Patel of Lightbridge Academy

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS