Extra Thank You to Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, CompuChild is thanking veterans by offering an additional incentive to  to all honorably-discharged veterans and reservists.  CompuChild honors military veterans all year round by offering service members a discount of 20% off the initial franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.  To celebrate Veterans Day 2011, CompuChild is also offering a special upgraded equipment package at no charge to the next three veterans to sign a franchise agreement before March 31^st, 2012.

Because of CompuChild’s commitment to veterans, CompuChild has been ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2011 Military Friendly Franchise^® by G.I. Jobs Magazine. CompuChild also recognizes the importance of family, especially critical for military personnel.  Therefore, CompuChild extends its Military Benefit Program to the spouses of all honorably-discharge veterans, reservists and active duty service personnel.  “We have several military spouses operating a CompuChild franchise. ” said Julie Standish, President of CompuChild.   “Additionally, our Corporate Trainer is married to a Marine who is currently serving in Afghanistan.  We greatly respect the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families.”

The respect goes both ways.  According to Mark Fey, Air Force Veteran and CompuChild franchisee from West Des Moines, Iowa, “The support we receive from our corporate office is outstanding.  I couldn’t be happier with the organization.  The company is very attentive to our needs as franchise owners.  Julie (Standish) and her staff continually implement or revise new lesson plans, products, etc. that make our program stronger.  Although the company and other franchise owners are very supportive, I know that ultimately the success of my business rests on my shoulders.”

“The Military Friendly Franchises^® list was created three years ago out of demand from military veterans, many of whom want to start or own their own business but are unclear where to begin,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs.  “Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise places CompuChild in this elite group, and is testimony to CompuChild’s world class programs and policies that support military veterans interested franchise opportunities”.

Thank you veterans.  Wishing all of you a wonderful Veterans Day!

Do you dream of owning a business?

I work with entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs everyday.  While it is exciting to dream of owning your own business, most people never leave the dreaming stage.  To go from dreamer to owner, it takes time, resources and self-confidence.

To be successful with any business, you need to invest time in the beginning.  Even before you buy, the work begins.  Do your homework, complete your due diligence and be confident to move forward. To help you get started right, there are many great resources available to assist you.  Many are even FREE or low cost.  Here are a few of my favorites:

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides many great resources and checklists to help you start, finance and run your small business.

Another great resource that is often overlooked is Service Corps of Retired Executives, better known as SCORE.  It is a national, government funded program that provides free advice and support from thousands of experienced, successful businesspeople to aspiring and current small-business owners.

Supported by the SBA, Small Business Development Centers provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training.  There are approximately 1,000 service centers throughout the U.S. to give you guidance on writing business plans, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, international trade and more.  There are also centers dedicating to helping women-owned businesses. One of our newer franchisees successfully worked with her local center.  After completion of a business plan and few meetings with the agency, she obtained a low-interest rate loan to start her CompuChild business.

You can either continue to dream about owning a business or you can own a business.  When you are serious about buying, take time to conduct your research and utilize the resources available to you.

Child Services Franchise Report

Are you interested in opening a business working with children?  Then you have to check out a recent report from Franchise Business Review.  They provide great insight into the industry and include a list of Top 10 Child-Related Franchises based on franchisee satisfaction.

Yes, you heard correct…franchisee satisfaction.  They actually surveyed 10,235 franchisees—752 from the child services sector—representing more than 300 brands.   Input from existing franchisees plays a significant role in FBR’s research.  What a great way to learn about the child services industry!

CompuChild is proud to be named to the Top 10 Child-Related Franchises list for 2011.  Check out the report and learn more about the industry.  If you are interested in a top rated child services franchise, give CompuChild a call.  1-800-619-KIDS

Technology Education Expanding in Oklahoma

We are pleased to announce Raylene and Dustin Hynes from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma have joined the CompuChild franchise system.  With their addition, CompuChild now provides age-appropriate computer instruction for young children in 29 states.

Both Raylene and Dustin have extensive backgrounds in education.  Dustin is a computer teacher and coach for the Broken Arrow Public Schools.  Raylene has also taught in the Broken Arrow Public Schools, as well as Union, Peckham and Skiatook school districts.

Raylene and Dustin are currently adding Tulsa area child care centers and schools to their schedule.  Affordable classes are conducted in childcare centers and preschools on a regular basis to provide children with a structured progressive curriculum in technology education while utilizing educational software.  In fun and fast-paced classes, children learn about computers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and cooperation.

For more information about this educational and fun enrichment program, child care centers, school directors and parents in Tulsa County may call 918-251-9697 or send an email to rhynes@compuchild.com.

U.S. Military Promoting Education in Afghanistan

As our nation celebrates Memorial Day, we remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.  We are also reminded of the men and women currently serving.  While they are protecting us and promoting freedom around the globe, they are also improving lives through education.

In Afghanistan, three decades of war has left the Afghan people with huge gaps in education.  According to the Afghan Literacy Foundation, eighty five percent of the population has less than an elementary school education.  Many schools have either been inadequate or nonexistent.

Our nation recognizes the value of education and our military is working hard to promote education for Afghan boys and girls.  Service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, Danish Army, British Army and the Afghan National Army are assisting local Afghans by building schools.  The schools are being built in many districts throughout Afghanistan in hopes that many children will receive an education, especially teaching boys as well as girls to read.  Since Afghan culture forbids the boys and girls to attend school together, the boys attend during the morning while the girls attend in afternoons.

Besides a shared passion to promote education and the well-being of children, CompuChild (a 2011 Military Friendly Franchise) takes a special interest in this mission in Afghanistan.  While CompuChild has always strived to support our country’s military, one of our director’s husband has taken it a step beyond our borders.  David Lucero of South Carolina is currently deployed in Afghanistan with the US Marine Corps.  He is the CMO Effects & Education Officer, 2^nd Marine Division.   Basically, David is working with the Civil Affairs unit of the Marine Corps which is providing support to the Afghan people in efforts to improve Afghan quality of living.  The coalition is working to improve township infrastructure, training in small business, agriculture and the education of Afghan children.  The coalition meets with the leaders of the townships, assesses their needs in these areas and supports the people with direction as well as funding.

We applaud the work of our military in their efforts to improve the lives of young children and promote literacy in Afghanistan.  Special thanks to David and Beryl Lucero for their efforts as well as their assistance with this post.  Keep up the great work.

Click on link to learn more about CompuChild’s Military Benefit Program.  Click on link to see the full list of 2011 Military Friendly Franchises.

2011 Excellence in Business Awards

The Newport  County Chamber of Commerce recently announced their Excellence in Business Award winners.  We are very excited to report that RI Computer Learning owned by Robin Gardner, the CompuChild franchisee for the state of Rhode Island, won the award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Through her CompuChild franchise, Robin has been teaching computer skills to young children for the past six years.  Here are what some of her customers are saying about her and her technology education classes:

“This is a fantastic program- Tyler loves it! Thank you for your thought-fulness and for your instruction with him. This is a wonderful opportunity!” - T. Collins

“Thank you for making the course a wonderful experience for my children.”  – L. DiMase

“Miss Robin from CompuChild has been working with the children at Growing Children of Rhode Island since our opening in June 2009. She has been a wonderful addition to our program. Parents and teachers as well as children look forward to her lessons. She is well organized and has a wonderful manner and understanding of young children. Her popularity has increased enrollment and parents have added days so their children can experience her program. In addition, Miss Robin is very generous with her time and her knowledge.”  – Ann (Jackie) D’Iorio

CompuChild #1 Franchise for Children’s Enrichment Program in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®

What an exciting time at CompuChild!  Entrepreneur Magazine’s 32^nd Annual Franchise 500® known as the worlds first, best and most comprehensive list of franchises named CompuChild the #1 Franchise for Children’s Enrichment Programs.  CompuChild also ranked #54 Low Cost Franchise, #78 Top Home Based Franchise and overall ranked #253 for 2011. 

Not only are we excited to be named #1 in our category, but CompuChild is the only children’s technology education franchise on the list for 2011!  We completely wiped out the competition.  The high pressure tactics and glitzy marketing of other franchisors cannot compare to the low-key, simple approach at CompuChild. 

We respect all of our franchisees and prospective franchisees.  We understand that CompuChild is not the right fit for all candidates and we give an honest assessment to all of our prospective franchisees.  We are not driven to grow our franchise base exponentially.  We actually say “no” to some candidates.  At CompuChild, we are seeking individuals that will be successful.   Our approach has been working and others are recognizing our success.

The Franchise 500 ranking for 2011 reflects on the efforts of our entire organization.  With the change in senior management a couple of years ago, we have made great strides in increasing customer satisfaction, improving our financial strength and building our brand.  Additionally, we have made operational improvements to ensure our students are receiving the highest quality education.

All companies regardless of size are judged by the same criteria:  objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.  The magazine bases its rankings on financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.  The full list is available online at www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.  The “Franchise 500” list is published in the magazine’s January 2011 issue.  To learn more about a CompuChild franchise, visit www.compuchild.com.

New Franchisee in Indiana

CompuChild is growing in Indiana.  We are very excited to welcome Ann and Wells Arwood to the CompuChild community.  Ann and Wells live in Muncie, Indiana,  located approximately 45 northeast of Indianapolis.  Muncie is also home to Ball State University.

Ann and Wells will be working in east central Indiana communities such as Muncie, Anderson, Marion and surrounding areas to bring affordable, age-appropriate computer instruction to local childcare centers and preschools.  CompuChild classes are offered on a regular basis to provide children with a structured progressive curriculum in technology education while utilizing educational software.  In fun and fast-paced classes, children learn about computers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and cooperation.

CompuChild is currently adding new schools to the schedule.  For more information about this educational and fun enrichment program in east central Indiana, local child care centers, school directors and parents may call 765-749-4518 or email aarwood@compuchild.com.

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities for classes or franchising in another locale, please contact the corporate office at 1-800-619-KIDS or info@compuchild.com.

Franchise Growing in South Florida

We are very excited to expand the CompuChild presence in Florida to ten franchise units.  We would like to officially welcome Dena Iagrossi from Deerfield Beach, FL to the CompuChild community.  Dena lives in Deerfield Beach, Florida just north of Fort Lauderdale.

With Dena’s assistance, we can now offer affordable, age-appropriate computer instruction conducted in childcare centers and preschools to even more of Florida’s young children.  Dena will be serving northern Broward and southern Palm Beach Counties, including Florida communities such as Boyton Beach, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Pompano Beach.

CompuChild classes are offered on a regular basis to provide children with a structured progressive curriculum in technology education while utilizing educational software.  In fun and fast-paced classes, children learn about computers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and cooperation.

CompuChild is currently adding new schools to the schedule.  For more information about this educational and fun enrichment program in Broward or Palm Beach Counties in Florida, local child care centers, school directors and parents may call 954-263-0580 or email diagrossi@compuchild.com.

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities for classes or franchising in another locale, please contact the corporate office at 1-800-619-KIDS or info@compuchild.com.

Top Performing Franchisees

We are excited to announce CompuChild’s Top Performing Franchisees.

For the second year in a row, franchise partners, Carole Busby and Jan Edwards from Kissimmee, FL earned the top spot.  This mother/daughter team is a powerhouse in the Orlando area.  Having purchased their franchise from a successful franchisee in 2007, Carole and Jan, along with their team of instructors, have continued to dominate central Florida.  When child care centers and preschools are looking for technology education, they turn to CompuChild.

In the #2 spot, business partners, Lisa Bill and Mary Jane Custy  share in their success.  Bill’s marketing background and Custy’s education background combine for a powerful team.  They have worked hard to build their business and look for creative ways to grow.  Their students and centers benefit from their dedication and expertise.

Anne Dolan, from St. Louis, MO, earns the #3 spot.  After teaching at a Montessori school, Dolan purchased her franchise in 1996.   Her success is a testament to her professionalism, compassion and dedication to the corporate mission.  She is an integral part of our franchise network.   The children of St. Louis are fortunate to have Anne and her team of instructors.

At #4, Jennifer Brandolino from Albany, NY has really made her mark since joining CompuChild at the end of 2007.  Directors, parents and students love Jennifer and her team of instructors.  She and her staff are very concerned about customer service and they have built a strong reputation in the Capital District.  Jennifer’s creativity and marketing prowess has helped move her into #4 in such a short time frame.  Although new to the top 5 this year, we expect to see her remain here and maybe even move up the ranks next year.

Rounding out the top 5 for 2010 is Jean Levine from Birmingham, AL   Having joined CompuChild in 2001, Jean is a soft-spoken powerhouse in the the south.   Her sincerity, compassion and dedication to her students has contributed to her success.  Jean is wonderful addition to the top 5 and we wish her continued success.

Congratulations to this year’s Top 5.  Great job!

As evident by the geographic diversity of the Top 5 franchisees, the CompuChild system can work throughout the country.  To learn more, visit www.compuchild.com.