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Early education and child care franchise <a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-parents-come-full-circle-and-become-lightbridge-academy-franchise-owners-2714814" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy</a> was founded in 1997 with a Circle of Care philosophy that placed equal importance on the needs of children, families, teachers, staff members and the community. Today, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/info">Lightbridge Academy</a> has a footprint of more than 100 centers either open, under construction or in development in markets across the U.S.As The Solution for Working Parents®, Lightbridge Academy puts trust at the center of everything it does. The brand’s leadership team understands the challenges of balancing work and family, and aims to provide working parents with peace of mind and reassure them that their children are in good hands each and every single day.&nbsp;Two husband-and-wife teams were inspired to become Lightbridge Academy franchisees after their experience as parents. The brand’s focus on core values and building trust have helped inspire Brian and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sakevich-2474778?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-parents-come-full-circle-and-become-lightbridge-academy-franchise-owners-2714814" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Laura Sakevich</a> and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-ram-and-joanne-jagadeesan-went-from-lightbridge-academy-customers-to-franchisees-2713269">Ramkumar and JoAnne Jagadeesan</a> to move forward.The Sakevich family has been involved with the Lightbridge Academy brand for seven-and-a-half years, and one of their two children is still enrolled as a student. Laura Sakevich worked in finance prior to franchising with Lightbridge Academy, and although she loved her job, she desired a more flexible schedule without the three-hour daily commute. Today, she and her husband own and operate the brand’s Mountain Lakes, New Jersey center, which opened in February 2020.&nbsp;“<a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/how-working-moms-can-shake-off-mommy-guilt-2711454#brand-latest-stories">Working parents always live with a little bit of guilt</a> about missing milestones, and I love that Lightbridge Academy supported me through that,” Sakevich said. “The brand not only focused on the care and education of my child, but they also made sure to keep me connected to what was happening throughout the day. It meant a lot to receive videos of my child’s birthday celebration and other important moments. When it came to franchising with the brand, my husband and I experienced the value first-hand from both a parental and business perspective. With our experiences in both areas, Lightbridge Academy seemed like a perfect fit. I knew we could create something special in our community with the support of the home office.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightbridge Academy’s signature Circle of Care philosophy helped to create a high level of trust that was crucial to Sakevich’s experience as a parent of the brand and now as a franchisee.&nbsp;“In our center, my team and I work really hard to build trust every day, and transparency is an important component. Reporting even the smallest accident, like a scraped knee, is important,” Sakevich said. “Parents can have confidence knowing we’re on top of things and responsive to their needs and concerns. Communication is really key for us. We understand that parents put a lot of trust in us when they drop their children off and that can never be underestimated.”&nbsp;This focus on building trust also extends to staff members. Sakevich noted that some Lightbridge Academy caregivers, for example, are college students who are working toward their degrees and might need flexibility when their schedules change each semester.&nbsp;“Early childhood educators work very hard,” Sakevich said. “They’re on their feet all day interacting with multiple children simultaneously. It certainly is a passion and you can see how they love each one like they’re their own. As franchisees, our job is to support our educators and show appreciation for the hard work that they do. Our team knows they can come to us for help overcoming any challenge in the classroom. They don’t have to hide questions or issues and that goes a long way.”&nbsp;The parental feedback to Sakevich’s new center has been positive. She proudly pointed to her center’s glowing online reviews.&nbsp;“In a trust-based business, your reputation is so important. The feedback has been so positive and we are proud of what we are creating. Parents appreciate how clean our center is, the quality of the education program and the confidence they feel knowing that their children are in good hands. This is the kind of feedback we strive for and are always extremely happy to receive,” Sakevich said.&nbsp;The Jagadeesans opened their Lightbridge Academy center in 2020 in Elmsford, New York. All three of their children attended Lightbridge Academy from Infancy through pre-K, with the youngest child still attending preschool at their local center.“We would not be where we are today in our careers if not for the care Lightbridge Academy gave our children,” JoAnne Jagadeesan said. “We’re prepared to support parents in their journey of raising their child while also balancing their careers.”&nbsp;Communication is key for the Jagadeesans, as is being solution-oriented. Jagadeesan noted how her older son did not always enjoy participating in water-based play. Instead of being left out, his Lightbridge Academy teacher created a plan for him to participate by playing with a spray water bottle.&nbsp;“So rather than him being excluded, his teacher found a solution that made it comfortable for everyone. It may seem like a small thing but to a parent it is everything,” Jagadeesan said. “The Lightbridge Academy core values fit with our own. We want to be honest and respectful and plan to lead by example to create a nurturing learning environment.”They lauded the teachers and staff members at every level of the corporate-owned center their children attend.&nbsp;“When we walk through the door, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academy-values-excellent-customer-service-above-all-else-2707683#franchisor">the warmth and security are like no other</a>,” Jagadeesan said. “As parents, we know that our children felt loved and supported and secure at Lightbridge Academy. We have been fully embraced, and we’re grateful for the brand every day. There hasn’t been any circumstance where we felt there was a lack of trust. Ever.”&nbsp;“We know how hard it is to raise children and to place them in the care of others and balance work and life,” Jagadeesan said. “As Lightbridge Academy franchisees, we want to be there for our parents and support them in that decision. We will not always be perfect but we will be accountable.”&nbsp;Through its core values and Circle of Care philosophy, trust is front and center at Lightbridge Academy, creating the exceptional customer experience necessary for parents to become passionate franchisees and brand advocates.The startup costs for a Lightbridge Academy franchise range from $549,228 to $737,635. The franchise fee is $40,000. To learn more about franchising with Lightbridge Academy, visit <a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-parents-come-full-circle-and-become-lightbridge-academy-franchise-owners-2714814" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Lightbridge Academy Parents Come Full Circle and Become Lightbridge Academy Franchise Owners

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Because of their positive experiences as Lightbridge Academy parents, the Sakevichs and Jagadeesans were inspired to bring the brand’s signature Circle of Care to their communities.

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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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Franchising has long proven an attractive prospect for independent-minded entrepreneurs seeking ownership. Delivering a proven system – one properly-marketed and tweaked over time – has long been one of the single most powerful franchising hallmarks. But diving into the deep end before learning to swim is risky.&nbsp;Choosing the right option takes preparation and work. So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners?“There's so much to consider,” says franchise attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-l-herman-b9258112a/">Mario Herman</a>. “A big part of my practice is reviewing FDDs and franchise agreements for prospective franchisees. I look for 50 separate things, including inconsistencies between disclosure documents and franchise agreements. And there's a lot of work involved. So, I’d say hire competent counsel with franchise experience.”<h2>Due Diligence</h2>For over three decades as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise-law.com/mario-l-herman-esq.shtml#">franchise attorney</a>, Mario Herman has represented clients from more than 150 franchise systems, further testifying as an expert witness, and stresses the importance of the due diligence process when pondering the question of what’s the best franchise to buy into for beginners.Before diving in, there’s a number of questions to ponder. What kind of capital, or access to it, do you realistically have? Perhaps a low initial investment is crucial. How involved do you want to be in the daily operation of the franchise – hands-on or semi-absentee? Do you want to build an office or retail setting? Maybe a remote opportunity is best.&nbsp;Performing strong due diligence can go a long way toward ensuring prospective franchisees select the right opportunity.&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, that's franchising for beginners. There have been books, podcasts and all kinds of stuff written about that,” Herman said. “From issues involving future royalties to the liquidity and capitalization of the franchise – how long they've been in business and how many franchises in the past have terminated or gone out of business. When doing due diligence, contact those who are still in the system and those who are no longer part of it. There are multiple parties, and due diligence with all of them is important. The process typically takes three to six months or more for bigger deals.”<h2>Where To Look</h2>So what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? It’s a big question. Luckily, there’s answers.<h3>Health &amp; Wellness</h3>If it’s the idea of aligned values that makes franchising an attractive opportunity, there are opportunities in the health and wellness sector that play out in a number of settings, ranging from traditional brick and mortar to remote or mobile opportunities, allowing the potential franchisee to deliver a valuable service at the local level. Recovery studios offer the idea of escape in a private, stress-free setting while fitness franchises continue to grow following the pandemic.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-gym-and-fitness-franchises-the-best-investment-opportunities-for-2025-2729614#stories">Pure Fitness</a> offers a high-value, low-price model in a 24/7 setting which helps build a diverse clientele while delivering health benefits within the community.<h3>Home &amp; Maintenance Services</h3>Touting a recession-resistant nature, home and maintenance services continue to flourish due to aging infrastructure and technological advancements that can protect valuable home investments.With a lower overhead and a more flexible, scalable business model, home and maintenance service franchises offer potential franchise owners a greater work-life balance, boasting home-based options. And unlike other industries,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-10-home-service-franchises-to-consider-2727601#stories">home services</a> draw consistent demand, allowing for stability while reducing startup costs.&nbsp;The unique combination of stability, lower investment risk and the ability to scale fast can offer a more accessible path to franchise ownership. Access Garage Doors maintains a specialized model, focusing on the installation and repair of garage doors with a low initial investment of about $50,000.<h3>Sustainable, Eco-Friendly</h3>Aligned values have driven many a beginner toward the idea of sustainable, eco-friendly franchise options.In the cleaning sphere, residential and commercial cleaning/janitorial services offer largely remote-based opportunities with lower overhead that provide a valuable, largely recurring revenue stream that’s safe and dependable.Solar energy franchises often require an initial investment starting under six figures, a drastic departure from the nationally-marketed brands that tend to define the idea of franchising for the beginner. Focused on the installation of solar panels for homes and businesses, this rapidly growing realm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encouraging sustainability.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ecomaids">Ecomaids</a> features professional, non-toxic and eco-friendly home and commercial cleaning services in a primarily mobile setting which lowers overall costs.<h3>Tech-Driven Food &amp; Retail</h3>The quick onset of tech like AI, robotics and automation has begun to upend the restaurant industry experience, increasing efficiency while delivering crucial data to the astute franchise owner – as well as franchisees looking to assess the best franchises to buy in 2026.Some restaurants have experimented with concepts like AI drive-thrus while other franchised chains, especially in the pizza sector, have toyed with the concept of fully automated kitchens, lowering overhead while addressing the tricky idea of staff retention.Domino’s Pizza has utilized robotics to drive consistent production of pizza while enlisting automation as a significant part of the delivery process. Elsewhere, Donato’s has experimented with fully automated kitchens.&nbsp;POS systems simplify while delivering data and in the retail setting while AI can assist with real time inventory and supply chain management, improving logistics while reining in costs.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/batteries-plus-bulbs-community-driven-approach-and-proprietary-products-continue-to-bring-in-returning-customers-2712298">Batteries Plus</a> uses tech to manage an extensive product selection while many chains use it to encourage ideas like ordering online or curbside delivery.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? The answer to that question requires a proactive look within, honestly assessing ideas like available funds, desired work-life balance, and preferred location.&nbsp;Proper due diligence can help the prospective franchisee accurately assess opportunities in franchising realms ranging anywhere from health and wellness to eco-friendly cleaning or even the restaurant industry.But as the old adage goes, buyer beware. Teaming with qualified counsel to take a deep dive into any opportunity can go a long way toward properly assessing the best franchises to buy in 2026.“There’s an old saying in franchising: ‘If you can fog a mirror, you can buy a franchise,’” Herman said. “Many people think buying a franchise is like a cookie-cutter system where everything will be done for them – including marketing, basic P&amp;L skills and operations. But you have to maintain costs, labor and compliance with rules and regulations. You really have to be careful.”Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners?

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners? Franchise attorney Mario Herman shares expert tips on due diligence, top sectors and avoiding common mistakes.

Lightbridge Academy Parents Come Full Circle and Become Lightbridge Academy Franchise Owners

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