The Great Franchisee: Premal Dhebariya and Bhautik Patel, Lightbridge Academy, Somerset, NJ

Former Rutgers-New Jersey Institute of Technology students Premal Dhebariya and Bhautik Patel opened their Lightbridge Academy* in Somerset, New Jersey on Monday, September 28th to meet the demands of local working parents. The new early education and child care center marks the New Jersey-based brand’s 52nd location. The former classmates also signed on to open another location in Yardley, Pennsylvania, to continue growing the brand in new markets. 

A multi-unit Lightbridge Academy owner, Patel has an existing location in Sayreville, New Jersey. When it came time for Dhebariya to make an investment switch from rental properties, he leaned on his former classmate and friend to learn more about what it takes to become a franchise owner. The two look forward to providing this state-of-the-art educational institution to the community during a time when children and parents need that extra support more than ever before. 

The new location will feature top-of-the-line health and safety protocols including a hospital-grade air purification system, temperature checks upon entry and enhanced cleaning and sanitation. To further prevent the spread of germs, parents are not allowed to enter the facility and there will be no mixing of classrooms. These steps reflect how Lightbridge Academy prioritizes children and staff safety above all. 

1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?

Premal Dhebariya: Bhautik and I attended Rutgers-NJIT, where we met and became friends. Prior to franchising, I worked in business intelligence/data warehousing but always wanted to work on the business side.

Bhautik Patel: I worked in banking as a network engineer before going into the franchise industry. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising? 

Dhebariya: I wasn’t really looking into franchising until I saw Bhautik and another Lightbridge franchisee, Jay Thakur, open their Sayreville location. I began thinking long and hard about a new opportunity where I can invest my money to really benefit the community and local children. Simultaneously, I was looking at different child care options for my daughter and was unimpressed. Lightbridge really aligned not only with my personal values but also with the type of educational support service I felt comfortable sending my own kids to. 

Patel: I started doing some of my own research on Franchise Gator to get a sense of what was out there. My wife is a pediatrician and we have children of our own, plus we wanted to start our own business. Lightbridge checked all of the boxes for us in terms of owning a business with the support of the corporate team and choosing a business that focuses on child services.

1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business?

Dhebariya: Franchises have a proven method that works. Starting a business is tough and it’s difficult to get started without the support from a corporate team. We’re the 52nd Lightbridge location and the units are predominantly located in greater New Jersey, so the brand is established, well-known and means something to the community.

Patel: The level of support is unmatched when it comes to owning a franchise as opposed to starting your own business. It’s great to have the corporate team help guide us through the process.

1851: What types of brands did you look at?

Dhebariya: I was mainly looking into investment properties. From a franchise perspective, I only looked at Lightbridge since Bhautik and Jay already had their Sayreville location and I had my foot in the door with them. 

Patel: I looked at restaurants, barbershops and all sorts of different brands. However, with my wife being a pediatrician and our desire to help kids, it was a no-brainer selecting Lightbridge.

1851: Why did you choose Lightbridge Academy? What excited you most about the potential?

Dhebariya: I visited the corporate center and everyone there had a smile. The aura and people were giving off great vibes and I knew this is where I wanted to be. Everyone from the assistant teachers to the corporate team was very warm and gave me a sense of family. I knew that if I were to send my kids here, the Lightbridge team would treat them like their own, which is the kind of security parents are looking for. We also provide ParentView where parents have access to a live stream of their children's classroom to give them extra comfort. I know when I was looking for childcare for my kids, none of the competing centers offered this type of service. Also, especially during the pandemic, I was really impressed with the brand. The Vice President of Education and Training, Jennifer Romanoff, would host classes three times a day to help any parents/children struggling with the online learning process. Lightbridge really goes out of their way to help. I’m excited to see all of the success stories that come from our Director Colleen Monaco and Assistant Director Arielle Nadler. They have combined over 16 years working at corporate Lightbridge locations. 

Patel: I’m looking forward to continued growth with the brand. Premal and I recently signed on to open another location in Yardley, Pennsylvania and I’m excited to begin construction on that location as well. Additionally, my daughter is enrolled at the new Lightbridge Academy in Somerset, so I’m really looking forward to watching her flourish at a place I was able to make happen for her.

1851: Have you added any protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Dhebariya: We have a hospital-grade air purification system coming in very soon. We also have temperature checks upon entry and enhanced cleaning and sanitation. Parents are not allowed in the building to reduce the number of people inside the facility.

Patel: In addition, we won’t have any classroom mixing to keep everyone safe and to prevent the spread of germs.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Dhebariya and Patel: We’re looking forward to providing more quality care and enhanced technology options to children. At Lightbridge, we believe that technology is a great way for kids to learn and stay curious. We use interactive whiteboards and tech tables to stimulate learning. As the opportunities arise, we’re also excited about expanding and opening additional locations.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Somerset?

Dhebariya: There’s a huge demand in the area for a center where working parents can bring their children and feel comfortable that they’re in good hands. The educational support and ways the brand has pivoted amid the pandemic are truly unmatched and we look forward to making that support more readily available to the community.

Patel: Our technology offerings are impeccable and not offered at any competing child care locations. We aren’t just here to make money as a business. We also want to get involved and give back as much as we can.

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Dhebariya: Get in touch with the people who work at the brands you’re looking at to hear more about their experience. 

Patel: Do your homework and choose a brand you feel most comfortable with. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Dhebariya: I’m a big fan of the Knicks and enjoy watching their games. Aside from that, I love spending time with my family. During the pandemic, we did a lot of arts and crafts together and went swimming. We made the most out of a bad situation and got to spend more time together because of it.

Patel: I love spending time with friends and family. It’s the best way to destress after a busy work week.

About Lightbridge Academy

Established in 1997, Guy and Julia Falzarano founded the company based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Lightbridge Academy provides early education and child care to children ages six weeks through kindergarten, as well as special programming for children up to 10 years old for summer camp and a new school age remote learning program. The company franchised in 2011 to expand their distinctive concept throughout the Mid-Atlantic region; it currently has over 119 child care centers either open, under construction or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. In response to COVID-19, Lightbridge Academy rolled out The Lightbridge Promise as the gold standard in child care health protocols prioritizing the safety of everyone in the company's Circle of Care. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500. Lightbridge Academy was also recognized on Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service.