How This Sylvan Learning Franchisee Pushed Through the Pandemic To Build a Strong Business in Yorba Linda

Sandeep Malik opened his Sylvan Learning franchise in Yorba Linda in early 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses across the country to shut down. The timing could not have been more difficult — after months of preparation, marketing and staff training, the center was scheduled for a grand opening in mid-March. Then, within days, lockdowns went into effect. Unlike restaurants or retail stores that could pivot to delivery or curbside service, an education center required in-person assessments and long-term enrollment, making it an uphill battle to get families through the door. But Malik refused to give up. He invested personal funds, kept his staff employed and found ways to push forward, despite the uncertainty.  

Now, nearly five years later, the Yorba Linda center is thriving, serving close to 100 students. The community has embraced its personalized approach to learning, and families have taken notice of the impact it has on their children. Malik has also expanded his involvement in local schools and events, reinforcing Sylvan’s presence in the area. 

“This business is about more than making money — it’s about giving back,” Malik said. “The satisfaction of seeing children succeed and parents appreciate your work is incredible. It’s a giving business, and the respect and relationships you build in the community are invaluable. If you have the right mindset, it’s a very fulfilling journey.” 

With an eye on potential expansion, Malik remains committed to providing high-quality education and strengthening the ties between Sylvan Learning and the families who rely on it.  

1851 Franchise recently sat down with Malik to discuss his passion for education and his franchising journey with Sylvan Learning. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising with Sylvan Learning? How did you get into franchising?

Sandeep Malik: I have been in the IT industry for 24 years, dealing with IT hardware components, server components, and supplying data centers and system builders with wholesale IT parts. My passion for education led me to franchising. When I first opened, I had two kids; now I have three. I wanted an after-school education option for my children. My maternal grandmother was a teacher, and while I’m not great at teaching, I wanted to be involved in education and start a business that would help the community. Yorba Linda is a wonderful area with a strong focus on education, which is why I moved there. After settling in and having children, I decided to contribute more by starting an educational center.

1851: What made you pick Sylvan Learning? What excites you most about this company?

Malik: I researched several educational franchises, including Kumon and Mathnasium*, but found them less appealing. Kumon focuses primarily on reading and operates in a group setting, almost like babysitting, where students come as many times as they want for a monthly fee. Sylvan, on the other hand, offers a more personalized approach with a 3:1 student-teacher ratio. It includes science, writing, literature, reading, homework support and test prep. With nearly 50 years in the industry, Sylvan has a strong track record. After researching and attending training and conferences, I found it to be the best fit. Additionally, there was no Sylvan in my neighborhood, giving me a good opportunity to establish one in my own city. Having my kids involved and building community awareness through events like Oktoberfest helped solidify my decision.

1851: Any celebration plans for the 5th anniversary of the Yorba Linda center?

Malik: No formal celebrations are planned. Opening in 2020 was challenging. We had a soft opening in January, followed by a grand opening planned for mid-March. Everything was set — flyers, mail marketing, postcards, staff training — but then COVID-19 lockdowns started on March 16. We couldn’t open the center as planned. Unlike food businesses, which can generate immediate revenue, education requires assessments, conferences and enrollments, making it a longer process. It was a tough time, but I didn’t give up. We received some government assistance, but I also invested a lot of personal funds to keep my employees. Now, we are doing well, serving nearly 100 students.

1851: What are some of your proudest achievements during your time with Sylvan? Can you describe some of the ways that you’ve helped students in the Los Angeles area? Any success stories you’d like to share?

Malik: We’ve helped many students, including those with special needs. Hearing from parents that their children are improving is incredibly rewarding. Our staff works hard to support each student. One of our standout programs is preparing students for the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program. We offer test prep sessions, and many students have successfully passed the test and enrolled in GATE schools. My own daughters also qualified.

1851: What is it that sets the Yorba Linda center or its staff apart from the crowd?

Malik: The Yorba Linda community is special — it’s a beautiful, family-oriented neighborhood with strong educational values. Our center is strategically located near a school, making it convenient for parents. Since opening, my landlord has seen increased foot traffic in the plaza. Nearby businesses, like the barber shop next door, have also benefited. We are deeply involved with the community, sponsoring PTAs, supporting local schools and donating to charities. Our commitment to education and community involvement makes us stand out.

1851: What do you see in your future with Sylvan? Any plans for growth or expansion? Any exciting programs or initiatives on the horizon?

Malik: I am considering opening a second location. I love this industry, and with Sylvan now under new corporate ownership, I am excited about potential cross-marketing opportunities. The company has acquired other kid-focused brands, like The Little Gym and College 101, which could integrate well with Sylvan. I believe education is everything, and I look forward to seeing how these synergies develop.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming Sylvan franchise owners?

Malik: If you have a passion for education, go for it. This business is about more than making money — it’s about giving back. The satisfaction of seeing children succeed and parents appreciate your work is incredible. It’s a giving business, and the respect and relationships you build in the community are invaluable. If you have the right mindset, it’s a very fulfilling journey.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Malik: My journey with Sylvan started with passion, but it has been filled with challenges. COVID-19 forced us to close before we even got started. A year later, a flood from a neighboring gym caused major water damage, shutting us down for four more months. Despite these setbacks, I refused to give up. Now, we are thriving, with growing enrollment and strong community support. We see many referrals and returning students, which validates our efforts. The key lesson: challenges will come, but persistence and commitment make all the difference.

ABOUT SYLVAN LEARNING

With more than 45 years of experience and more than 710 points of presence, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports families through every stage of the academic journey.  For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.