Franchisee Voices: Lisa Yeung-Ng And Wing Ng Of Sylvan Learning

Lisa Yeung-Ng and Wing Ng made a double career switch together, opening a Sylvan Learning* center in Port Washington, N.Y. Each spouse brings years of experience in education and finance, respectively, to the franchise.

Lisa Yeung-Ng received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from Queens College and earned her master’s degree at New York University. Placing a high priority on education, Lisa continued her postgraduate work in bilingual extension at Columbia University. Once her academic career was complete, she taught early language intervention to children in a private clinic and school. After giving birth, Lisa attended different classes with the couple’s newborn son for early child development, believing the first few years of life are a critical period of time to stimulate a child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

Wing Ng obtained his bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University and his MBA from Fordham University in business management and finance. Directly after his undergraduate studies, Wing entered the work force at AIG and Neuberger Berman Accounting.

Once their son was at the appropriate age to begin school, Lisa became even more inspired to become part of a business which focused on multiple aspects of educating children to reach their full potential. When Lisa went to Wing with the idea of starting their own business in an educational field, they began to research options that were available. Although this was out of his specific field of study, Wing saw this as an opportunity him and his wife could both enhance.

Lisa and Wing repeatedly came across Sylvan Learning in the due-diligence process, and their interest grew the more they became familiar with Sylvan’s reputation. Before they knew it, the new business duo was discussing available territories with corporate’s team and soon acquired their franchise in the Port Washington-Great Neck area.

How did you learn about the brand?

When we were researching different educational-enrichment programs, we kept coming across Sylvan and we became more and more intrigued.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Sylvan?

Being parents ourselves, and after compiling our research about Sylvan Learning, we were able to see from a parent’s point of view what their services entail. We loved the idea of tracking a child’s progress and being able to do work outside the center, as well as the new technology that was associated with SylvanSync. 

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now? 

Well, there are always challenges that come with starting your own business. Sylvan has made this process as easy as a transition as possible. We would say the most difficult challenge was finding the ideal location that had the ideal demographics. However, with due diligence, we have learned that anything is possible.

What is your end goal with Sylvan?

We would like to be successful with our first location, and then we would like to eventually open satellite locations, and in the near feature, obtain more territories.

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