Sylvan Learning: How To Make Buying a Franchise Less Scary

For many Sylvan Learning franchisees, the decision to open a Sylvan Learning Center can be daunting. Without expertise in education, IT, accounting and human resources, some franchisees feel unprepared to take on the responsibility of business ownership. Fortunately, the Sylvan Learning team has developed thorough processes and systems that allow prospective franchisees a clear look at the business before committing as well as access to continued support after signing.

Bianca Coker and Melanie Bowers, two Sylvan Learning owners, and Jeff Stephenson, VP of Franchise Development at Sylvan Learning, joined Nick Powills, publisher of 1851 Franchise, to discuss the process. 

Though the Sylvan discovery process can be a bit long, Stephenson said, it is built in a way that ensures there is a great fit.

“We want to make sure that you’re the right fit for us, but it’s equally important that we’re the right fit for you as well,” he said.

Understand Exactly What Sylvan Offers

One of the most important things a prospective franchisee can do is understand what Sylvan is and what it offers.

For franchisees, this includes a complete suite of support to cover any experiential gaps that exist in the franchise owners. Most professionals do not have an incredible amount of experience in all aspects of business ownership and operations, and Sylvan understands this.

“When I started talking with people at Sylvan, I found out about the Franchise Business Consultants that were going to help us,” Coker said. She added that, throughout the entire process, franchisees have access to support staff at Sylvan that can investigate and handle some of the smaller hiccups that may come up, allowing the owner to maintain focus on the business itself.

“I didn’t realize how much support in the system was already there,” Bowers added.

As a former educator, Bowers said she had the teaching and curriculum-related knowledge but needed to learn the business side of things — the most intimidating part. Having such a robust support system in place, however, allows owners to get over the hurdle of learning all of the new things at once.

“Our franchisees are passionate about the work they do, and we’re just as passionate about providing the support and service that we do,” Stephenson explained.

Sylvan’s client-facing offers are a crucial point of understanding as well. Stephenson explained that, because of the broad range of services offered at Sylvan, owners can deliver a variety of support to the community that does not otherwise exist under a “single roof” with other concepts. Because of this, franchisees are able to both become more well-known in the community and have the freedom to pivot as learning needs shift, maintaining a steady flow of revenue.

The diversity of services offered is one of Coker’s favorite aspects of the brand, she said. “I wanted a business that would last, not just be something that works for a short period of time.”

Leverage Conversations With Others in the Space

Realistically, a brand can tell its prospective owners anything it wants. Part of why the due diligence process is a bit more lengthy with Sylvan is so that candidates can do two things, Stephenson said: trust and verify.

Speaking with various people within the network allows prospective owners to verify what the Sylvan development team is telling them, which builds trust.

“Just ask questions, talk to people, and reach out to existing and former franchisees,” Coker said. “Really get to know what you’re going to be doing so that when you step in, it’ll feel natural for you.”

Taking the time to discuss the realities of Sylvan ownership with individuals who have firsthand experience can provide a great perspective through which prospective owners can further consider their investment.

“One of the best things I did was contact other franchise owners and talked to them about the experiences and the business in itself,” Bowers added. “I think that was the most valuable thing.”

For those considering inquiring, Stephenson’s primary piece of advice is, “Come on in; the water’s great! Sit on the side and dangle your feet in while doing due diligence, but if you love kids and education and see the difference that a business can make for a community and a school, Sylvan’s the brand for you.”

Watch the full video here.