The Great Franchisee | Local Educator Brings Sylvan Learning to Chilliwack to Provide Personalized Education to the Community

As an educator of 15 years, Ann Silbernagel knows the value of personalized learning and having a mentor that can inspire students. Silbernagel started her education career at a Sylvan Learning* center before returning to school to get a degree in education. When offered the opportunity to buy the same Sylvan Learning that started her education career, she couldn’t wait to take over.

Now Silbernagel is opening her first Sylvan Learning from scratch with the help of her business partner, Stanislav Bellousov. The pair is excited to bring a personalized form of education to Chilliwack and potentially grow to other locations in the future.

1851 Franchise spoke with Silbernagel to learn more about her franchising journey with Sylvan Learning.

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

Ann Silbernagel: I’ve been in education for 15 years. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I actually taught at Sylvan Learning for a few years and then went back to school for a degree in education. The opportunity to buy from the owners of the Sylvan Learning I originally taught at presented itself, and I couldn’t pass it up. Working at Sylvan Learning was something I always enjoyed. Being a mentor and a teacher was so rewarding. I couldn’t wait to own my own location, so I could inspire teachers to build up their students.

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?

Silbernagel: I was pretty confident going into franchising. I had previously worked at and managed three Sylvan Learning locations. Any concern I had was put to ease after speaking with corporate and a business franchise consultant.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Silbernagel: I was raised in Kamloops, so I know the school system in the area. My family also works in the school system. I bring with me the experience of working outside of the city in Calgary.

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

Silbernagel: I love knowing my friends and family are proud of me, and I like seeing myself and the business grow. I’m really excited about my second location opening because I have a business partner. This is the first time I’ve opened a location from scratch, so it’s great to have the opinion and support of another person.

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

Silbernagel: I would like to open a center in Calgary eventually. I ultimately want to open a successful Sylvan there. My previous boss and mentor in Calgary started his career in Chilliwack, so now I’m returning to where he started.

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

Silbernagel: I’m extremely dedicated to each child’s success. My team and I are truly here for them, and we see how life-changing an experience at Sylvan Learning can be. When I was in school, a teacher believed in me, which changed my life. I turned everything around, and now I look forward to believing in students so they can have that support.

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

Silbernagel: Franchising is great because there is a plan set out already. They have a business model that is proven to be successful, so take advantage of that.