In keeping with November’s blog on franchising, this month I invite franchisees Michaela and Jeff Walsh to share their thoughts, opinions and highlights of franchising through Wee College.

Why did you decide to operate a Wee College franchise?

Jeff: We had not been looking to purchase a small business when this opportunity came up but having been involved with Wee College for so long, and seeing the growth and vision provided by Mel and the corporate office, we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in.  We fully support Wee College’s vision for what Early Childhood Education can be and know that Wee College will be at the forefront of making those changes and we wanted to be involved with that change.   

                                       .
Michaela: I have invested so much of myself into Wee College over the past 8 years, believing in its values, goals, and future. We are very pleased that both of our children have gone through Wee College and continue to learn from a young age how to care for others, watching children grow, and also have the opportunity to see some aspects of running a business.

How difficult has the process of owning been?

Jeff: We were completely new to small business ownership and what to expect in creating and buying a business and even still, it was an easy process.  Wee College Corp was always available to answer our questions and work with us through the process.  My suggestion to anyone starting this process is to have an approachable lawyer and accountant that can answer all your questions.

Michaela: The Franchisor and the corporate team are all a great support.  They are always a phone call or email away to answer questions, or to give advice. The Franchisor helped us through the licensing steps, documents for Department of Social Development, Department of Education, Health Department, etc.  Anything new that comes up, the Wee College Corporate team is there to provide us with the information we need.

 Do you receive continued support for your business from the franchisor?

 Jeff: Supporting us is a great way to put it.  Michaela and I are primarily responsible for ensuring we are running a successful business, however, Wee College Corp is involved and key in making it a successful business.  They ensure we have all the tools, whether that be the website, policies and procedures, curriculum, marketing, management software or any of the other many things they manage in creating an excellent brand.

 Michaela: Although we already knew a lot about Wee College, we did not know anything about owning a business and what it entailed. The franchisor and corporate team are all a great support. They are always a phone call or email away to answer questions or to give advice.  

Are you able to keep a balance between business and family?

Jeff: We have a very busy family. I work full time outside of Wee College, we have two young (7 & 11) children in hockey, violin, piano other extracurricular activities.  Michaela is part of the Home and School Association as well as PSSC, for Elementary & Middle School.  Owning a Wee College franchise has allowed us more freedom to do some of those things.  There is a big time commitment when you own your own business, but owning our business has allowed us the freedom to choose what other things we wish to do and manage our own schedule.  

Michaela: Owning our own franchise, which we love, has given us a perfect work-life balance.  Although it can be hectic some times, being our own boss allows us quality time with our family, which is very important to us. 

To whom do you recommend this type of franchise?

We would recommend it to anyone who is looking to be part of a growing brand that is looking to change the industry in a significant way.  There is a time commitment that is likely greater than your typical 40hrs/week, but you enjoy the time because you are investing it into your own business and your own future.  The brand and system Wee College has created is a proven model so the risk is minimal.  It just requires someone who is passionate about childcare and what it can be.