1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-craft-916b353/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Randy</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-craft-a779a63/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sandy Craft’s</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children’s Lighthouse</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> locations in Texas — one in&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/fairfield?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fairfield</a> and another in&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/jordanranch?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jordan Ranch</a>. 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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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:&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.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.

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

Children’s Lighthouse Franchise: The Crafts’ Journey to Success

1851 Franchise

Randy and Sandy Craft turned a personal search for quality child care into a thriving business, celebrating over a decade of success with two schools in Texas.

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

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of exterior of a Paris Baguette location

How Much Can I Make as a Paris Baguette Franchisee?

paris-baguette-franchise-disclosure-document-analysis

Busy Bee Jumpers

Busy Bee Jumpers: Where Proven Success Meets People-First Franchising

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-culture-success

busy-bee-jumpers-consumer-positioning-image-kids-jumping-bounce-house

Delivering Fun With a Smile: How Busy Bee Jumpers Earns 5-Star Raves From Families Across New England

busy-bee-jumpers-party-rentals

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-positioning-image

Bouncing Into Business: How Busy Bee Jumpers Is Building the First National Bounce House Franchise

franchise-opportunity-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of exterior of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant

Layne’s Franchisees Capitalize on First-To-Market Advantage in Chicken Finger Frenzy

laynes-franchise-first-mover-advantage

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Brianna and Matt Fitchett, Seniors Helping Seniors logo

Nonprofit Leaders to Bring Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise to East Bay, California

nonprofit-leaders-to-bring-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-to-east-bay-california

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Abid Khan and Paris Baguette logo

Longtime Tim Horton’s Franchisee Signs 4-Unit Agreement with Paris Baguette in Toronto

longtime-tim-hortons-franchisee-signs-4-unit-agreement-with-paris-baguette-in-toronto

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Melissa & Matt Johnson and Pigtails & Crewcuts logo

Building a Family-Friendly Business: How Melissa and Matt Johnson Grew Pigtails & Crewcuts in San Antonio

how-melissa-and-matt-johnson-grew-pigtails-crewcuts-in-san-antonio

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Steve & Mia Kim & Paris Baguette logo

After Falling in Love with Paris Baguette, This North Carolina Couple Decided To Open One of Their Own

paris-baguette-franchise-charlotte-nc

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

Affordable Franchise Opportunities: Exploring Low-Cost Home Service Franchises Under $50K

affordable-franchise-opportunities-exploring-low-cost-home-service-franchises-under-50k

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS