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<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-experiences-strong-momentum-at-the-start-of-2020-2712489" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy</a> was founded in 1997 with the goal of being The Solution for Working Parents® and providing a high level of care for all those within its signature <a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/our-values?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-experiences-strong-momentum-at-the-start-of-2020-2712489" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Circle of Care</a>. Today, the early education and child care franchise has a footprint of over 100 centers either open, under construction or in development in markets across the U.S. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy">Lightbridge Academy</a> is continuing to meet major milestones that cement it as a brand to watch, and 2019 was an especially fruitful year of success for the franchise.&nbsp;“Lightbridge Academy enjoyed many successes in 2019 that will help us continue to put our brand on the map in 2020,” President and COO Gigi Schweikert said. “From industry recognition to accreditation and more, 2019 was definitely the year of Lightbridge Academy. Our concept has caught fire in every market we have entered, which has paved the way for serious brand growth.”&nbsp;In terms of industry recognition, Lightbridge Academy made Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academy-ranks-182-on-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-list-2708898#franbuzz">in 2019</a> and <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500/2020/5?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-experiences-strong-momentum-at-the-start-of-2020-2712489" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">again more recently in 2020</a>. More than 1,100 franchise brands applied to make the list in 2019, and Lightbridge Academy <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500/2019/4?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-experiences-strong-momentum-at-the-start-of-2020-2712489" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">nabbed the No. 182 spot</a>. The brand <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academy-recognized-on-franchise-times-top-200-list-for-2019-2711620#franbuzz">also made the Franchise Times Top 200+ list</a> both years.Lightbridge Academy saw marked success on the education front in 2019. For one, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academys-iselin-new-jersey-center-officially-certified-by-the-association-for-early-learning-leaders-national-accreditation-commission-2711455#industry">the brand’s corporate-owned center in Iselin, New Jersey was accredited by the National Accreditation Commission (NAC)</a>. The NAC is part of the Association for Early Learning Leaders, an organization committed to excellence in early childhood care and education. Lightbridge Academy will continue to work with the NAC to secure accreditation for all of its centers.&nbsp;Lightbridge Academy also boosted its longtime sign language program, Signing Sprouts, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academys-industry-leading-sign-language-program-introduces-video-modules-2710931#industry">by introducing a library of new video modules</a>. The modules are intended to provide at-home support for parents empowering them to strengthen their infants, toddlers and preschoolers knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL). The enrichment program is included in Lightbridge Academy’s educational curriculum and is recognized for improving communication and lowering child frustration.&nbsp;The brand has also focused on its charitable efforts through the Lightbridge Foundation: In 2019, granted 20 wishes to families in need by raising $20,000 and raised nearly $40,000. That money was coupled with reserved funds for a total of $68,000 earmarked for its philanthropic efforts including scholarships and grants.&nbsp;In terms of franchise development, Lightbridge Academy signed franchise deals for inaugural centers in Florida, Maryland and North Carolina. The brand will focus on continued expansion in all three states.&nbsp;“Florida, particularly from West Palm Beach down through Miami, possess markets that are really a close match to our brand profile,” Chief Development Officer Mark Mele said. “Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville align with our market analysis as areas that contain similar profiles of families needing and desiring the high care, high quality educational services that we offer. With dual income working families being the norm in these areas, we were excited by the opportunities for multi-unit growth in the state, and we’ll continue to market to prospective franchisees in those areas.”&nbsp;Lightbridge Academy also achieved another major milestone in 2019 by signing a deal for its first New York City center. Veteran Lightbridge Academy franchisee Mihir Daiya, who owns and operates a center in the brand’s home state of New Jersey, and his business partner Vinay Bhimjiani <a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academy-signs-first-manhattan-franchisee-paving-the-way-for-further-mid-atlantic-domination-2710760#franchisee">will open a center in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood</a> in 2020. Additional franchisees have also signed on to open three centers in Brooklyn.“It just seems like it’s off to the races as these centers open,” Mele said. “With this robust economy, it’s just going to get better and better each year. We have aggressive goals for 2020 with lease signings and sales and I don’t see it slowing down any time soon.”&nbsp;With significant industry recognition, a pathway to systemwide accreditation and an emerging presence in major markets, Lightbridge Academy is set to continue dominating the early education and child care space in 2020.&nbsp;About Lightbridge AcademyEstablished in 1997, Lightbridge Academy provides early education and child care to children ages six weeks through kindergarten, as well as special programming for children up to 10 years old during school holidays, breaks and summer camp. The company franchised in 2011 in an effort to expand their distinctive concept throughout the Northeast; it currently has over 100 child care centers either open, under construction or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Guy and Julia Falzarano founded the company based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners, and the community. In 2019 and 2020, Lightbridge Academy was ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500, and it was featured on the Franchise Times Top 200+ in 2018 and 2019.&nbsp; To learn more about Lightbridge Academy, prospective families and franchisees are encouraged to visit www.LightbridgeAcademy.com or call (732) 980-1900 x 199.

Lightbridge Academy Experiences Strong Momentum at the Start of 2020 

1851 Franchise

From expansion into major markets to ranking on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, the early education and child care franchise celebrates 2019 success with a focus on strong franchise development in 2020.


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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 Experiences Strong Momentum at the Start of 2020

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