Why These Tech Industry Veterans Signed on to Open Three Lightbridge Academy Centers in North Carolina

Lightbridge Academy®, the fast-growing early education and child care franchise, is quickly expanding into new markets all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. As the brand continues its impressive growth this year, more and more savvy entrepreneurs are recognizing the strength of the franchise opportunity and jumping at the chance to join the team. Shelby and Brian Kachel, for example, recently signed an agreement to open three Lightbridge Academy centers in the state of North Carolina. 

Shelby comes from an executive background in I.T. and the clinical research space, helping companies run clinical trials for pharmaceuticals, MIT tech solutions and the development of applications. Brian also has in-depth experience as an I.T. industry operations executive working for pharmaceutical companies as well. Together, they bring over 40 years of combined experience. 

“We’ve always wanted to own our own business and make our own schedule,” said Shelby. “At the start of COVID, we started down that journey by getting into short-term rentals and temporarily relocated to the mountains of North Carolina to establish our first set of rental properties.” 

The idea of entering the child care space, Shelby says, came during the couple’s move back to Wake Forest while trying to find the best preschool option for their daughter Londyn. “There was a clear need in the area, and I’m personally excited at the prospect of interacting with and positively influencing the lives of young children and their families,” said Shelby. “We knew there was an opportunity to bring something better to our community.”

When the Kachels discovered Lightbridge Academy, they could tell that the concept was a step above the competition and not only in the area of curriculum. Lightbridge Academy continues to stand out as The Solution for Working Parents®. The brand offers several industry-leading services, including the ParentView® Internet Monitoring System. Every classroom has two cameras so parents can log on, watch a live stream of their children and stay connected to them throughout the day. Lightbridge Academy also offers a parent eCommunication app for ongoing parent communication with the center and their child’s caregivers. Parents receive pictures, videos, progress reports and other daily updates to strengthen communication between busy families and the Lightbridge Academy center.

Additionally, the Kachels knew they would have the proven business model and strong support infrastructure in place to succeed as business owners with Lightbridge Academy. The Lightbridge Academy team provides franchisees with immersive, hands-on training on everything from culture to business systems and curriculum. Owners also receive the help of a business coach, ongoing business development and management support, as well as advertising and marketing support.

“We have everything we need, but we also get to make it our own and control the success,” said Shelby. “Being able to pave our own destiny is really exciting to us, and we can’t wait to open our doors and start interacting with the kids and their families.

CEO of Lightbridge Academy Gigi Schweikert says the team is thrilled to welcome Shelby and Brian to the system and is confident that the duo will be the perfect entrepreneurs to introduce the brand to Wake Forest and North Raleigh.

“Shelby and Brian are a great fit for the Lightbridge family, and it is clear that they share our core values and will bring our Circle of Care philosophy to life,” said Schweikert. “By placing equal importance on the needs of children, their families, staff, and center owners, the entire community benefits. Families all over the country need high-quality early education and child care. We are excited to continue partnering with qualified and passionate franchisees like the Kachels to bring it to them.”

For more information on single or multi-unit franchising opportunities with Lightbridge Academy, visit https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/multi-unit/.