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Over the last two decades, early education and child care franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-educators-and-parents-sign-on-to-bring-three-lightbridge-academy-locations-to-the-columbus-area-2720706" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy®</a> has expanded far beyond its home state of New Jersey, establishing a strong presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. As the brand continues its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/lightbridge-academy-celebrates-mid-year-momentum-with-signings-to-open-eight-new-locations-including-its-first-signing-to-develop-in-texas-2719201">impressive growth</a> this year, Lightbridge Academy has entered several markets for the first time. Most recently, the team celebrated a multi-unit signing in the bustling city of Columbus, Ohio.&nbsp;Allison and Ben Kraft are the husband-and-wife duo behind the signing. Allison has been a special education teacher for 12 years, and Ben is a long-time chiropractor. As working parents of three daughters at home, The Krafts understood how hard it could be to find the right child care fit. After seeing a need for a child care service in Columbus that focuses not only on education but all areas of development, the two decided to look into opening a center of their own.&nbsp;“We wanted a business that would allow us to be very involved in the community,” said Allison. “We also personally know the struggle of finding good child care as parents. It can be challenging to find a model that focuses on molding good humans and education. It seems most facilities only focus on education. I love children, and I truly believe that learning starts young. But Lightbridge Academy has a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. I want to help to grow little people and lead by example to help them to become successful members of the community.”The Krafts looked into several franchise brands in the child care franchise space, but&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/5-reasons-to-buy-a-lightbridge-academy-franchise-2712799">Lightbridge Academy stood out</a> right away. “I love that Lightbridge Academy is very involved in the community and focuses on the character development of children,” said Allison. “We talked to some other big names in the child care industry, and their programs just didn’t appeal to me. We had actually used some of the other programs in the past with our own children, so we knew how parents perceived them. When Ben and I went to New Jersey to see how a Lightbridge Academy is run, we could tell the parents in the community would love the brand as much as we did.”Ben notes that the more they learned about Lightbridge Academy, the more they knew it was the right fit for their particular skill sets. “As owners of a child care center, we are focusing on the kids and making the community better — we want to be a positive light in the community,” he said. “I think that parents will really appreciate that Allison has a background in child care and education, and I have a background in the medical field. We’re also parents ourselves, so we bring a unique perspective as owners.”Overall, Ben says the duo is most excited to bring a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy/how-lightbridge-academy-is-a-valuable-asset-to-the-community-2714145">family and community-oriented brand</a> to the people of Columbus. “When a Lightbridge Academy goes into a community, it makes it better,” he said. “Allison and I lost our son five years ago when he was six years old — our family means everything to us, and we love the idea of owning a business that nurtures and develops young children and supports the community. We have run a non-profit for the past five years helping families that lose a child. We pay for counseling for the families, help with funeral costs and emergency expenses, and stay in touch with the families to help them through their grief. Owning a child care facility feels like the right move for us to be a part of the community and be part of a positive experience in the kids’ lives.”This community-driven passion also aligns with the values of Lightbridge Academy. The brand’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademy.com/foundation?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-educators-and-parents-sign-on-to-bring-three-lightbridge-academy-locations-to-the-columbus-area-2720706" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Foundation</a>® has raised over $1 million to support children and working parents in the communities it serves and beyond.&nbsp;The Krafts signed on for three locations initially but said further growth is not out of the question. “Once we get those running, we would be interested in expanding in the future,” said Allison. “We really want to focus on opening our first three locations and ensuring those locations are operating to the highest of standards.”CEO of Lightbridge Academy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigischweikert/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-educators-and-parents-sign-on-to-bring-three-lightbridge-academy-locations-to-the-columbus-area-2720706" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gigi Schweikert</a>, believes Allison and Ben are the perfect fit to expand the Lightbridge brand in the Columbus area.“We’re excited to partner with Allison and Ben in Columbus. They share our core values and will bring the Lightbridge Academy Circle of Care® philosophy to life,” said Schweikert. “By placing equal importance on the needs of children, their families, staff, and center owners, the entire community benefits. As the company continues to grow in new markets, we are looking forward to supporting even more children and families and making a real difference with the partnership of engaged and passionate franchisees like the Krafts.”For more information on single or 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=local-educators-and-parents-sign-on-to-bring-three-lightbridge-academy-locations-to-the-columbus-area-2720706" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/multi-unit/</a>.

Local Educators and Parents Sign on to Bring Three Lightbridge Academy Locations to the Columbus Area 

1851 Franchise

When Ben and Allison Kraft discovered Lightbridge Academy, the couple immediately felt connected to the brand’s Circle of Care philosophy and community-driven core values.

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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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Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.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 build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

Local Educators and Parents Sign on to Bring Three Lightbridge Academy Locations to the Columbus Area

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