The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

Randy and Sandy Craft’s journey into franchising began with a deeply personal need: finding quality child care for their daughter. At the time, Randy worked in the mortgage business and Sandy was in HR, but as they prepared for parenthood, they struggled to find a child care provider that met their expectations. “We came across Children’s Lighthouse and were drawn to the Abeka curriculum they used over 10 years ago,” Randy said. “We loved it and attended an informational session where we met the owners. From there, everything just fell into place.”

Today, the Crafts own two successful Children’s Lighthouse locations in Texas — one in Fairfield and another in Jordan Ranch. Their first school is 12 years old, a milestone they are proud to celebrate. “The franchise has given us immense freedom, both financially and in terms of time,” Randy said. “We’ve been able to travel extensively and enjoy time with our family.” Their success as franchisees stems from their dedication to following the franchise model, which Randy emphasized as a key factor. “All I knew about child care is how to drop off and pick up my kids,” he said. “But Children’s Lighthouse promised they would teach us to be successful operators, and they delivered on that promise.”

Reflecting on their experience, the Crafts have advice for aspiring franchisees. “Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Be open to mentorship and follow the proven systems in place,” Randy said. “Children’s Lighthouse promised they would teach us to be successful operators, and they delivered on that promise.” For the Crafts, franchising has not only been a rewarding business venture but also a way to achieve balance and freedom in their personal lives.

1851 Franchise recently sat down with the Crafts to learn more about their franchising journey, their success with Children’s Lighthouse and their plans for the future. Here’s what they had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Randy Craft: I was in the mortgage business before becoming a franchisee, and my wife, Sandy, worked in HR. When we were expecting our first child, we struggled to find quality child care in our community. We put deposits down at various centers and had to take whatever became available. Sandy said, "There has to be something better out there," which prompted us to start researching child care options. 

We came across Children’s Lighthouse and were drawn to the Abeka curriculum they used over 10 years ago. We loved it and attended an informational session where we met the owners. From there, everything just fell into place.  

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Randy: Before joining, we had no prior knowledge of franchising. All we knew was that it involved following a script. Once we got into it, we realized there are many more layers. The most attractive aspect was the mentorship it provided.  

The franchise model meant we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel — there was always someone to guide us. The system helped us navigate questions and concerns, which made all the difference.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Randy: The curriculum was the main reason we chose Children’s Lighthouse. Back then, it was the Abeka curriculum, and we loved the hands-on teaching style and individualized classrooms. It felt like home to us. 

1851: What are some notable goals and milestones you’ve achieved with your Children’s Lighthouse franchise?

Randy: One big milestone is that we’ve been in business for over 10 years — our first location will turn 12 years old this year. Initially, our goal was to stay in the business until our daughter, who wasn’t even born at the time, entered high school. She’s now a sophomore, and we’re still here and loving it.

The franchise has given us immense freedom, both financially and in terms of time. We’ve been able to travel extensively and enjoy time with our family.

1851: As a franchisor, how does Children’s Lighthouse help set its owners up for success?

Randy: Children’s Lighthouse has an internal system called Lighthouse Links, which provides a wealth of resources, including marketing strategies, training tips and solutions for common issues. Franchisees can also share their own tips and experiences, which is incredibly helpful.  

Additionally, I can always pick up the phone and contact managers, coaches or even the brand’s president if needed. That level of support has been invaluable.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Randy: We currently own two franchises — our first location is 12 years old, and the second is five years old. We’ve had opportunities to purchase more, but we’re comfortable with two. Our locations are in Fairfield and Jordan Ranch in Brookshire, Texas, just outside Houston. 

For now, we’re focused on maintaining and growing these two locations while enjoying the balance they’ve provided in our lives.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Randy: People often ask why we chose child care when we didn’t have experience in it. I tell them, “All I knew about child care is how to drop off and pick up my kids.” But Children’s Lighthouse promised they would teach us to be successful operators, and they delivered on that promise. 

They’ve supported us every step of the way, which is why we had the confidence to open a second location.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Randy: If you’re interested in franchising, take time to learn from those who have experience. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Be open to mentorship and follow the proven systems in place.

Children’s Lighthouse said, “Follow our script, and you will be successful,” and they’ve kept that promise. We simply listened, followed their guidance, and reached our goals. The proof is in our success with two thriving schools, one over 12 years old.  

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse.

About Children’s Lighthouse:

The Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools™ promise to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Its proprietary curriculum helps children of all ages develop healthy brains, bodies and best behaviors.