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<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy</a>®, one of the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-lightbridge-academyr-is-one-of-franchisings-most-exciting-opportunities-2717444">leading early education and child care providers</a>, is wrapping up the first half of 2022 with impressive franchise growth. This comes as workers in industries across the board return to the office following the pandemic-fueled trend towards work from home, resulting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2022/09/01/we-are-seeing-continued-strong-demand-for-child-care-says-bright-horizons-ceo.html?amp%3Bqsearchterm=child+care&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">demand for child care</a> reaching and even exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Now, especially as the fall rolls around, many families who need child care are finding limited options available in their community. And as The Solution for Working Parents®, Lightbridge Academy is doubling down on franchise growth to ensure it can fill that need.&nbsp;So far this year, Lightbridge Academy has celebrated 10 signings for a total of 20 locations, entering new markets like Texas and Ohio while continuing to grow in existing Mid-Atlantic markets. The brand plans to open the first Charlotte and the second Nashville area locations by year's end.“Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been challenging for working parents to get their jobs done while also caring for their children during the day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CEO Gigi Schweikert</a>. “We are so honored to offer a child care solution that parents need while also providing their children with a high-quality early education. Creating meaningful relationships takes trust and ongoing communication. We look forward to expanding our service to new markets across the U.S. throughout 2022 and beyond.”To maintain this trust with parents, Lightbridge Academy continues to develop industry-leading programs. One of those services is Lightbridge Academy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/parent-login?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ParentView® Internet Monitoring System</a>. Every classroom is equipped with two cameras so parents can log on and watch a live stream of their children and stay connected to them throughout the day. Lightbridge Academy also offers a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academys-unique-parentviewr-internet-monitoring-system-gives-parents-the-peace-of-mind-they-need-7578">parent eCommunication app</a> for ongoing parent communication with the center and their child’s caregivers. Parents receive pictures, videos, progress reports and other daily updates to strengthen communication between busy families and the Lightbridge Academy center.In addition to those innovative and high-tech services, the brand seeks locations for their child care centers that are easily accessible and highly convenient for working parents. Most Lightbridge Academy centers are located near public transportation and major roads or highways for commuting parents. The brand’s locations also offer extended hours, so parents don’t worry about rushing to pick up their children if they are stuck in a meeting or experience unexpected travel delays.In 2020, the brand also introduced the&nbsp;<a href="http://lightbridgeacademy.com/promise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Promise</a>, which is the Gold Standard in health and safety for child care and includes an enhanced air purification and filtration system along with heightened cleaning and sanitation processes. Each Lightbridge Academy center also features state-of-the-art security systems such as facial recognition and silent alarms. With heightened awareness about the importance of safety and security, parents that are returning to work place a high value on these types of features and processes.These initiatives are all part of the brand’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/vision?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Circle of Care</a> philosophy, which places equal importance on meeting the needs of families, staff, center owners and the community, and at the heart of it all is the child.“That means franchisee owners are also part of the Circle of Care — and an integral part of a network that truly cares, supports and encourages one another,” said Schweikert. “Franchisees are never alone. Lightbridge Academy has created and refined the business model over the years to provide them with the benefit of its proven system.”This proven business model, strong support infrastructure and growing demand explain why new owners are joining Lightbridge Academy, and existing franchisees continue to invest in the brand by becoming multi-unit owners.Looking ahead to the rest of the year and beyond, the team is focusing on signing agreements for the remainder of its target markets across Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.&nbsp;“As the three quarters of this year have shown, we are expanding rapidly but responsibly with both new and existing franchisees,” said Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dirugeris-cfe-6226151a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim DiRugeris</a>. “Now, with return-to-office headwinds impacting communities all across the country, Lightbridge Academy is well-positioned to continue that growth and further establish ourselves as The Solution for Working Parents<a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/parent-login?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">®</a>.”For more information on multi-unit franchising opportunities with Lightbridge Academy, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/multi-unit/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-doubles-down-on-growth-as-return-to-office-headwinds-result-in-limited-options-for-child-care-2719805" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/multi-unit/</a>.

Lightbridge Academy® Doubles Down on Growth as Return to Office Headwinds Result in Limited Options for Child Care

1851 Franchise

As parents return to the office following the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for quality child care shows no signs of slowing down. Lightbridge Academy is keeping pace as one of the nation's fastest-growing early education and child care brands and The Solution for Working Parents®.

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

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? For many&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/a-beginners-guide-to-franchising-how-the-model-works-2724686">prospective entrepreneurs</a> weighing the idea of ownership, the answer to that question can be both yes and no. Franchising offers a proven system and built-in support. Starting from scratch allows greater flexibility and control. And a proper understanding of the trade-offs can help potential owners decide which path is most aligned with their business goals.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://drymedicfranchise.com/">DRYmedic Restoration</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-carlson-29b0a930/">Keith Carlson</a>, the appeal of franchising often starts with structure. “The yes is that you have an automatic blueprint,” he said. “You’re in. You don’t have to think of everything. You don’t have to come up with your business plan or your marketing plan.”As Carloson noted, franchisors generally provide detailed guidance on everything from licensing and certifications to business structure. “All of those things are done. Or they’re in a list or part of a large checklist,” he said. “From that perspective, it’s simpler on the back end.”<h2>Franchising Vs. Starting From Scratch: Key Considerations</h2>So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buying-a-franchise-vs-starting-from-scratch-2725815">is franchising better than starting a business from scratch</a>? Here are five areas to consider:1. Built-In Systems Vs. Total Control Franchising provides a tested playbook. But it comes with rules. “If you’re in a franchise, every time you want to do something that’s outside their playbook, you have to ask permission,” Carlson reminds. Independent owners, on the other hand, can pivot freely but must build systems from the ground up (which takes time and resources).2. Fees and Royalties Franchise fees and royalties are part of the deal. It’s important to both understand and plan for them accordingly.3. Experience and Support One of franchising’s biggest advantages is access to experienced operators. Carlson recalled his first job after signing his initial work order: “I was nervous. But I had somebody on the phone within 10 minutes saying, ‘You’ve got to do this, this and that,’” he said. “It was so easy to get through that first job because there was no guesswork.”4. Following The System (With Local Flexibility) While local nuances aren’t always captured in a national system, the strength of a proven system remains a franchising hallmark.5. Long-Term Upside Starting a business from scratch can be more lucrative. “But it depends on the level of effort you want to put in,” Carlson reminds potential zees.<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>So, is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-and-the-american-dream-2730380">Franchising</a> can reduce risk, shorten the learning curve and provide critical support (especially early). Independent startups can offer more autonomy and, potentially, greater long-term rewards. Therefore, an honest assessment of tolerance for structure, fees and self-direction can help those considering entrepreneurship to properly assess the ownership situation best aligned with one’s goals for success in the business opportunity.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? Franchising offers a proven system and support. Starting from scratch provides flexibility and control. Here’s how to assess the tradeoffs.

Is Franchising Better than Starting a Business from Scratch? A Guide

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When evaluating a franchise opportunity, there’s an important early step: how do I research franchise complaints? Understanding the issues both current and former franchise owners have experienced can help prospective franchisees make better-informed decisions that increase the likelihood of selecting a brand aligned with their business goals.Franchise consultant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchise-guru/">Lisa Welko</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/">Integrity Franchise Group</a> emphasizes the importance of validating information through direct research. “The most important thing about researching any franchise is the opportunity to validate with franchise owners personally,” Welko said. “Use the reviews to formulate your questions and opinions. And then validate those findings with actual owners in the system.”<h2>Start With The Basics: Public Records And Online Tools</h2>How do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;It starts with sources that are accessible and objective.<ul><li>Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-item-3-of-the-franchise-disclosure-document-litigation-history-2703061">FDD Item 3</a>, litigation history, lists pending litigation or past legal issues involving franchisees that can be potential&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-doing-franchise-research-2723769#stories">red flags</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>State Regulatory Agencies: Many states publish franchise or business complaints (including the Attorney General’s office). &nbsp;</li><li>Online Reviews and Forums: While helpful for providing additional context, they should not be used as the only source of research. “Just like anything on the internet, we need to remember ‘Buyer Beware,’” said Welko. “Online reviews can be a helpful tool. But we need to remember that it’s one tool in the arsenal. So, don’t let one bad review torpedo your research.”</li></ul><h2>Speak Directly With Franchise Owners</h2>Nothing replaces firsthand insights. Contacting current – and former – franchise owners to ask about their experience with franchisor support, operations and growth potential is a critical part of the validation process. It’s essential to pay attention to recurring themes in their feedback, both positive and negative, to identify potential risks (or opportunities) correctly.&nbsp;<h2>Practical Takeaways For Evaluating Franchise Complaints</h2><ol><li>Verify Patterns, Not One-Offs – A single complaint may be an isolated incident. Look for repeated issues that may indicate systemic challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Check The Age Of Complaints – Older complaints may reflect resolved issues or changes in leadership (while recent complaints can indicate ongoing issues). &nbsp;</li><li>Ask Specific Questions – When speaking with franchisees, ask about areas like training, corporate support and general operational challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate The Brand’s Response – How a franchisor addresses complaints can reveal the level of transparency, responsiveness and commitment provided to franchise owners. &nbsp;</li><li>Integrate Findings Within Decision-Making – Use complaint research as part of a larger due diligence process (along with financials, market analysis and personal goals).</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, how do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;Doing so is essential. Utilizing a combination of public records, online insights and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-the-value-of-franchisee-validation-in-the-franchise-sales-process-2703208">direct validation with franchisees</a> (past and present), potential franchise owners can better evaluate both risk and opportunity. By following a structured approach, actionable insights that build confidence in the franchise decision-making process can be identified.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I research franchise complaints? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to uncover patterns, validate insights with franchisees and make informed franchise investment decisions.

Lightbridge Academy® Doubles Down on Growth as Return to Office Headwinds Result in Limited Options for Child Care

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