Varakesh Patel isn’t leaving cybersecurity so much as re-aiming it. The Aerospace Corporation specialist is taking that problem-solving mindset to the upscale preschool franchise KLA Schools, where his focus is closer to home — giving kids in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, a place to grow. 

“I have a master’s degree in cybersecurity and work at The Aerospace Corporation, but my passion for children is something I’ve wanted to focus on for a very long time,” Patel said. “I want to give back to children and provide a proper environment for them to develop critical thinking and learn better, so when they become older, they are successful.”

Patel was drawn to KLA’s Reggio Emilia approach, which encourages child-led, inquiry-based learning and gives each student’s curiosity a place to thrive. For him, the franchise model was the best way to make that vision real from day one. “Coming from my background, we didn’t have all the facilities to provide that kind of environment,” he said. “I want today’s kids to grow in a high-quality environment.”

Patel sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss his pivot from cybersecurity specialist to KLA Schools franchisee and his mission to provide kids with development opportunities he never had. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Varakesh Patel: I have a master’s degree in cybersecurity and work at The Aerospace Corporation, but my passion for children is something I’ve wanted to focus on for a very long time. I want to give back to children and provide a proper environment for them to develop critical thinking and learn better, so when they become older, they are successful. Coming from my background, we didn’t have all the facilities to provide that kind of environment. I want today’s kids to grow in a high-quality environment.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Patel: I’m a security specialist focusing on cybersecurity. We also have a business on the side that my wife manages. I wanted to do franchising because of the model that comes with it. Specifically with KLA Schools, they already have the plan and everything in place, and they are there to help you make it a successful franchise. Using that same model and developing another one is one of the reasons.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Patel: Some people say, “Why would you want to pay a franchise fee when you can just open your own?” My opinion is that sometimes it’s better to pay that fee and get the plans and processes they have to make it more successful. If you do it on your own, you may not have those plans and processes in place, which may take a lot of time and investment before you get a return. With a franchise, it’s from day one.

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

Patel: The reason I chose KLA was their learning approach, the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes child-led and inquiry-based learning. They do more hands-on things than other schools. That was one of the biggest reasons. KLA also provides a high-quality experience. That’s why I wanted to go with KLA.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Patel: First, I want to make an impact on the community and kids’ lives. That’s my biggest focus. I want to help them become successful as they grow up. If all goes well and is successful from an investment perspective, then yes, we’ll look into opening a second KLA franchise.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Patel: I’m coming to the Mount Juliet area to open an early childhood education school because I want to make sure kids are building confidence, independence and collaboration along with their curiosity. That’s what KLA is about — hands-on approaches — and whatever the kids are thinking, KLA will try to implement that in different learning environments. I want to bring that to the community. Your child matters here, and his or her thinking will matter as well.

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

Patel: If you have a franchise in mind, I would recommend taking the risk. Based on my experience, KLA has been helping me from day one. They are there to make sure you succeed. If anybody has it in mind but is having second thoughts, I tell them to go for it and pursue their dreams.

About KLA Schools:

KLA Schools (KLA) is an upscale preschool franchise that caters to infants from 6 weeks of age through children aged 12. Our vision at KLA Schools is to provide children with endless opportunities and empower them to make a positive impact on the world. To transform this vision into reality, we dedicate ourselves daily to fostering a safe, innovative, and high-quality education inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. This approach taps into children's natural curiosity and equips them with the skills to overcome challenges and achieve academic success. Currently, KLA operates 26 locations throughout the United States, with more schools in development for the future. Our goal is to create a world-class franchise organization that sets new standards of excellence within the children's educational services industry. KLA Schools ranked #1 for Employment, Education, and Childcare services in America's Best Customer Service Companies List 2023 from Newsweek. For additional information about KLA Schools, please visit www.klaschools.com. To learn more about our franchising opportunities, please visit www.klaschoolsfranchise.com.