Young Ones to Watch: Jillian Staffiera, Multi-Unit Franchisee With The Goddard School

At age 30, Jillian Staffiera, is not your typical franchisee. As the owner of a successful Goddard Schools franchise in Philadelphia, Staffiera has accomplished what many wouldn’t until much later in their careers.

And she didn’t simply start at the top as a franchisee, either. Staffiera went from teacher to educational director to owner with the education franchise, which has more than 500 schools in 37 states.

In an interview with 1851 Franchise, Staffiera shared what drew her to franchising, guidance for other up-and-comers and the advice she would give to her younger self.

1851: What initially drew you to franchising?

Staffiera: I was an employee at the Philadelphia Goddard School location before I became a franchisee, so my journey into the franchising world began a little differently than most. After starting with the school right out of college as a teacher, I became the Educational Director of that location and then joined my business partner as the owner. We’ve since opened a second school in the city of Philadelphia. 

From day one, I always knew I wanted to become a franchisee because of the massive amount of support the team at Goddard Systems Inc. provides. The incredible training and support infrastructure have given me the confidence to own my own business and the tools I need to succeed, including training on everything from marketing and advertising to on-site training for employees.

1851: Where do you see the most opportunity in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry?

Staffiera: For me, the biggest opportunity in franchising is the ability to grow with a consistent, high level of performance and brand standard. As a franchisee, I know that I can expand my business and still be able to offer the same product consistently. The blueprint is always there for success, it just needs to be followed.

I’m excited about the future of our concept because Goddard Systems Inc. is constantly pushing the envelope. The brand is improving and changing with every new advancement in the industry—whether that’s in the form of education or technology—and rolling it out to the franchisee to implement. I know that whatever the future brings, our franchise will be leading the way.

1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space?

Staffiera: Dive in with both feet and be the hardest worker in the room. Since starting, I’ve learned every aspect of this business from the inside out and from the bottom up. It’s important to really know the product if you want to be able to sell it.

1851: What advice would you give your younger self?

Staffiera: Don’t hesitate to ask questions because you’re worried you’ll come off as unknowledgeable—if you don’t ask, how will you learn?

1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?

Staffiera: We have an amazing network of franchisees from so many different walks of life and I am constantly learning and being inspired by them. Seeing how other franchisees navigate the same successes and failures we all encounter inspires me every day to bring our business to the next level.