Pittsburgh’s First Lightbridge Academy Franchise is a Family Affair

In many ways, Lightbridge Academy* is the perfect fit for sisters Cara Clayton and Mia Fidei and their father, Ted Yannotti, given the family’s shared entrepreneurial spirit and passion for early education. Ted, who has experience starting his own businesses, Mia who has a background in management and Cara who studied elementary education were thrilled when they discovered the early education and child care company Lightbridge Academy because of its unparalleled curriculum as “The Solution for Working Parents”. 

The family plans to open a location in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania. With the rise in dual-income parents across the area, Ted, Cara and Mia believe Lightbridge Academy’s services will be able to help parents in their community who are looking for a safe, healthy and trusting center to provide education and care to their children.

1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?

Mia Fidei: I grew up in Plum, Pennsylvania and went to Plum High School. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Robert Morris University. I first took a job managing the food service program for a local school district and have over 14 years management experience. One of the things I miss the most from my position at the school district is seeing the kids every day. I am so excited to now be part of the child care industry.

Cara Clayton: I also grew up in Plum, Pennsylvania and went to Plum High School. I attended Slippery Rock University and studied elementary education and psychology. I started teaching as a long-term substitute teacher and then joined my dad working for Forman Inc. — a paper and plastic distributor — as a salesperson. I loved the competitive nature and flexibility that the sales industry offered, and working with my dad was a plus!

Ted Yannotti: I studied business administration and marketing at Robert Morris University. Cara and I both worked for Forman Inc. Besides working in the paper and plastic industry for Forman Inc., I’ve done a lot of real estate and student housing for colleges. I coached soccer for a number of years, too. My wife, Christina, ran her own business in the 90s called Party Emporium, a party supply retail store. She’ll be certified as a teacher’s assistant so she can be available to sub if needed.

1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business?

Fidei: The regulations for child care businesses are very extensive, having the company behind us for support made it so much easier. Lightbridge Academy provides us with tools to succeed. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Fidei: Take that step forward —  the home office is there to help. Be a sponge,absorb all you can and ask lots of questions. 

1851: What was the trigger moment that led you to become a franchisee with Lightbridge Academy? 

Fidei: We all loved the idea of having a family business because we’re all very business-minded people. We thought that starting our own Lightbridge could be something that we could continue for years and eventually pass down to our kids. What drew us to Lightbridge Academy was really the core values because they so closely aligned with ours. Cara and I have experience working with children, so we loved the idea of owning a business that lets you work with children every day. Who could have a bad day when working around children? With the rise of dual-income parents, Lightbridge seemed like something that would never go out of style. I have a 1 year-old son, and being able to bring him to work with me is an incredible bonus.

Clayton: I don’t have any kids right now, but I look forward to the opening of our center when all of the children become like my own.

Yannotti: I’m more a part of the business to help them identify real estate and get their location under construction.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Hampton Township?

Fidei: There’s a huge need in Hampton Township for Lightbridge. One of my good friends had such a hard time finding child care for her son in the area and had to settle for subpar. Lightbridge Academy’s services are unparalleled to any other daycare —they truly are innovators in educational child care.

Yannotti: Hampton Township and its surrounding areas have some of the best school districts in the state. We wanted to bring high-quality, educational child care to the area. 

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Fidei: Our short term goal is to open up our center in August and fill up the slots. We’re working to provide the best choice for families in this community. With this being the only location in western Pennsylvania, we need to make our mark on the community and be known. We have intentions to open up more centers around the suburbs of Pittsburgh. 

1851: Do you work with any other local businesses, charitable organizations or prominent individuals in the community?

Clayton: We’re part of the Lightbridge Foundation, Lightbridge Academy’s own charitable foundation that aims to help the people in its Circle of Care, including families who come to Lightbridge in addition to the communities in which their locations are located.

Fidei: We absolutely plan to get out in the local community. We are part of the Chamber of Commerce and have many local businesses we hope to partner with in the upcoming months.

Yannotti: Eventually, we plan to partner with school districts and organize after school activities.

1851: With the pandemic, what precautions is Hampton Township’s Lightbridge Academy taking? 

Fidei: Since we’re not sure what the state of the world will be when August 3approaches, many regulations are up in the air. However, enhanced protocols and procedures have been implemented to address the current health crisis. Teachers will be wearing masks, the building is brand new, the classrooms will be safe and sanitized properly. Going above and beyond, Lightbridge Academy is installing an air purification system and filtration system with Advanced Oxidation Technology.