Episodios

  • Episode 199 with Rachel Davis — Follow Your True Calling

    Episode 199 with Rachel Davis — Follow Your True Calling
    Apr 24 2025
    This is an inspiring and impactful episode with Rachel Davis, founder of Children’s Promise Centers, an early childhood program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Operating 20 hours daily, her centers provide critical support for working families often overlooked by traditional child care models. Rachel chats with Kris about her journey from the Denver Rescue Mission to creating a faith-driven, community-focused child care network where high standards, deep relationships, and genuine care intersect. She shares the heart behind her mission to support nontraditional working families through innovative programming and reflects on her leadership evolution, from being hands-on with every detail to stepping into a visionary role. Rachel also discusses navigating hiring challenges, working with refugee families, and building a program where inclusion, safety, and excellence are the foundation. Key Takeaways: [5:33] Rachel launched Children’s Promise Centers in 2009. Now she operates two locations in Albuquerque and is open 20 hours a day, serving families who need flexible care. [6:37] Her journey began in Denver at the Rescue Mission, where she discovered a passion for supporting the working poor. [10:50] Starting Children’s Promise wasn’t easy — Rachel faced funding barriers and self-doubt but found clarity by leaning into faith. [13:29] One grant rejection helped her clarify her mission — family support, not just academic outcomes. [16:35] Rachel became an early adopter of online learning tools and video systems long before it was common in child care. [22:21] Her passion is serving the working poor — families who don’t qualify for help but still struggle to access care. [24:10] Children’s Promise is the only program in Albuquerque open until 2 a.m., meeting a unique community need. [24:45] Monthly family dinners offer a chance for connection, storytelling, and celebration. [25:58] Her team focuses on relational care, celebrating small wins, like a child’s first steps. [27:00] They’ve supported families who are refugees, including children with medical needs and trauma backgrounds. [30:24] Security is high-tech, featuring “James Bond-style” systems and extensive training for staff. [32:19] Rachel reflects on her shift from being in every detail to trusting her team with day-to-day operations. [36:40] She now focuses more on visionary leadership, delegating while maintaining accountability. [41:04] Her staff go through the same training she’d want for someone caring for her own kids. [43:54] One of her locations features an open-concept floor plan, encouraging transparency and teamwork. [50:39] She speaks on the power of prayer and being intentional about the energy she puts into her work. [52:04] It’s not about growing for growth’s sake but also about community development and showing up with excellence. [53:15] Rachel reminds us: Don’t grow until your heart and leadership are ready. Quotes: “I’ve always had a passion for the working poor, and I like to say that because it’s not those that are homeless, but they’re working to try and get a hand up, but they just can’t, and they just don’t get the same quality and excellence as others. And so that’s really where a lot of my passion has come from.” — Rachel [22:45] “We create kind of a relational community approach to everything. So whether it’s our staff or families or whoever it may be, we’re all about building the community and working with the resources around us.” — Rachel [21:32] “The other big thing is just wins, to celebrate each other, right? Even if little Johnny just took their first step, let’s celebrate that, because it’s a big deal to those families.” — Rachel [25:58] “I’ve always told people, I’m not going to put them in our program if I wouldn’t leave them with my own kids.” — Rachel [41:04] “We’re about the community and how we develop, not about just necessarily growing the business. We’re about community and helping people develop and grow, and that’s our focus.” — Rachel [52:04] “We want to do everything with excellence, and the only way to do that is to put my heart in.” — Rachel [53:15] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Children’s Promise Centers
    Más Menos
    56 m
  • Ep. 198 with Jessica Harris: Be The CEO of Your Life

    Ep. 198 with Jessica Harris: Be The CEO of Your Life
    Apr 8 2025

    Jessica Harris is the owner of Four Sisters Childcare in Linden, Utah - a thriving center named after her four daughters. Alongside her husband, she’s built a program that’s now serving 91 full-time equivalent students with a capacity of 86 and a waitlist. But her real work goes beyond enrollment.

    In this episode, Jessica shares her journey from running a home daycare to leading a full-blown center, all while growing as a leader, navigating fear, and learning how to truly step into her power. She opens up about the deep personal habits that ground her, the way she teaches resilience to her staff, and how she learned to treat herself like the CEO of her own life with systems, policies, and boundaries.

    She talks with Kris about how she rebuilt from burnout, found peace in structure, and created a culture where small daily wins add up to big growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:58] Kris is heading to Bali to work on her leadership, mindset, and spiritual growth.

    [7:02] Jessica and her husband run Four Sisters Childcare, named after their four daughters. The center started as an in-home program and now serves 91 FTE students with a waitlist.

    [8:28] A push from Kris at a conference inspired Jessica to expand into a center - an idea that changed everything.

    [11:42] Jessica was never someone who dreamed big, but learning to shift her mindset has helped her move from fear to confidence.

    [16:59] The past year brought clarity: her center’s “why” is teaching resilience, not just to children, but to her staff.
    [19:04] Personal growth, including spiritual habits and consistency, helped Jessica move through fear and burnout.

    [22:02] Missing her daily practices for just two weeks during Summit reminded her how essential small habits are for inner peace.
    [23:29] Jessica teaches her staff to create “personal policies and procedures” the same way a company would, down to details like where to leave a retainer at night.
    [26:51] Her team resonated deeply with the message, and starting small helped them follow through on goals they’d struggled with for years.
    [28:09] Jessica applies the CEO mindset to social media habits too: setting systems and supervision helps her stay accountable without cutting Instagram out entirely.
    [30:46] Systems = success. Whether it’s the gym or your phone, adjusting your system helps you follow through.
    [36:41] Just like sharing your brownies, it’s important to share your strengths and successes.
    [38:17] Marketing strategy: strong Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram stories, a busy road, rotating banners, and word-of-mouth from alumni families.
    [41:56] Jessica and her husband pursued a second location but learned through the process that they needed a little more time to prepare.
    [44:25] Not getting the building was a hard lesson in acceptance but also an opportunity for growth, reflection, and systems testing.

    Quotes:

    • “Get comfortable being uncomfortable, and you'll see the growth.” [12:30] - Jessica

    • “I have slowly been learning my passion and realizing that resilience, along with communication, is just huge. It’s huge.” [19:05] - Jessica

    • “We are our own CEOs, and we have to have policies and procedures for ourselves, and we have to follow them just like a company. If you don't do that, it fails.” [23:29] - Jessica

    • “If you do what you say you're going to do, then you have a higher level of deservingness, self love and value.” [27:50] - Kris

    • “When things either go my way or don't go my way, it's like, I'm not going to put power into wanting to claw at it and control it and need it and be in resistance to the fact that it's not working. It's just to be in acceptance and it'll flow.” [45:08] - Jessica

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    Four Sisters Child Care

    Más Menos
    49 m
  • Ep 197 with Neshanta Linson: Creating an Extended Family In Her Community

    Ep 197 with Neshanta Linson: Creating an Extended Family In Her Community
    Mar 27 2025
    Neshanta Linson is the owner of Hermes Enchanted Garden, a boutique early childhood program in Lower Alabama. Starting as a home-based daycare, her center has grown into a thriving, community-driven school that blends classical education, family values, and a strong sense of connection. Beyond her role as a business owner, Neshanta is deeply committed to servant leadership, fostering an environment where families, staff, and children feel like an extended family. In this episode, she shares how she built a family-centered school culture where staff and parents feel truly connected. Neshanta also talks with Kris about the power of mindset shifts and personal growth in leading a successful business, the ECE Mafia, and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure sustainability. Key Takeaways: [7:42] Neshanta started her program as a home daycare and expanded into a boutique school due to growing demand. [8:33] The name Hermes Enchanted Garden came from blending two meaningful influences — an early childhood program she admired and her family’s cloth diaper business. [10:41] The culture of her school is laid-back yet structured, emphasizing Southern values, community, and support. [12:50] Fun fact: Neshanta loves folding a hot towel and hates traveling home with dirty clothes! [14:10] Neshanta is part of the mafia! Well, the ECE Mafia, a small group of accountable, high-performing child care leaders who challenge each other to grow. [15:05] Joining the Freedom track of the Child Care Success Academy helped Neshanta implement systems, delegate leadership roles, and reclaim her time. [19:01] For Neshanta, 2021 was a pivotal year — she battled personal losses, business struggles, and health challenges, but found strength through her team and accountability group. [22:39] Working with Kris on mindset coaching and awakened leadership has helped Neshanta recognize the impact of ego, expectations, and balance in business and life. [27:46] Rather than traditional tours, she hosts one-on-one “meet-and-greet” sessions to ensure a mutual fit and strong parent-school relationship. [30:22] Her strong word-of-mouth reputation allows her school to stay fully enrolled without aggressive marketing. [32:27] She learned to set boundaries to avoid over-giving and protect herself and her team from burnout. [33:30] Hosting family events like Mom’s Night Out and private Facebook community discussions helps strengthen parent connections. [37:32] A rare snow event in Alabama reminded her how much parents and communities rely on child care centers as a support system. Quotes: “I would say our culture is laid back, but structured and firm. We believe that kids need to have a balance. I’m a Southerner, and so Southern values really matter to me, and so we want to instill those Southern values into our students. We want them to be well-rounded kiddos.” — Neshanta [10:55] “I think we have cultivated a small community where they (the staff) hang out outside of work. They’re becoming real friends and real family, and that’s who we are. Family.” — Neshanta [11:16] “It’s like putting the right people in the right seats and people love to give more, especially if that’s their gift.” — Neshanta [18:09] “I’ve always been a bit driven, and nobody can tell me no if I believe that that’s where I’m supposed to be.” — Neshanta [19:04] “Real love just is. And being authentic, which is something that I do professionally, being authentic is a way to be, and a lot of times that ego gets in the way of that. And so you have to check yourself in the roles that you play, in your shenanigans when that ego comes to play, and then just realize that life just is. And you have to realize life is about duality, but you want to be balanced.” — Neshanta [24:03] “I think that part of our unique brilliance is holding space for parents to be parents.” — Neshanta [26:36] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon Hermes Enchanted Garden
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • Ep. 196 with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela): What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence

    Ep. 196 with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela): What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence
    Mar 13 2025

    Kris welcomes The Sisters, Sister M. Mercedes Diaz and Sister Maria Consuela Garzón of St. Francis Daycare Center in Alton, Illinois, who also just happen to be the winners of the 2024 Child Care Rockstar Contest! In this episode, the sisters share their journey of leading a 45‑year‑old institution, discussing their leap into early childhood education without prior daycare experience, transforming systems post‑COVID, and embracing a “whatever it takes” mindset. Their story reveals the heart, courage, and excellence that define a true ECE rockstar.

    Key Takeaways:

    [4:31] M. Mercedes and Maria are the winners of our 2024 Child Care Rockstar contest!

    [7:28] Their decision to join the Child Care Success Academy marked the start of crucial changes, moving from makeshift sticky-note systems to structured processes.

    [8:08] More about St. Francis, located in Alton, Illinois.

    [10:21] Fun Fact: One sister reveals her Dominican Republic roots and bilingual background, while the other shares her love for writing letters and a wild adventure running down an active volcano in Nicaragua.

    [12:18] How their program has grown and changed since they came in.

    [14:06] Having families pick their schedules.

    [16:33] Implementing Kangarootime software.

    [18:42] Enrollment and getting the word out about St. Francis.

    [19:47] Learning what ECE meant — The Sisters have grown a lot!

    [21:26] Sharing more about their 38 Mission partners.

    [24:37] The Sisters discuss overcoming a “cray cray” work culture by embracing the right mindset, focusing on gradual improvement, professional development, and maintaining a clear goal.

    [27:04] Advice to those who may be in a daunting work situation and out of their comfort zone.

    [29:25] Taking baby steps toward your core values and getting employees bought in.

    [30:38] What made The Sisters want to enter the Child Care Rockstar contest?

    [34:40] Kris shares about the first ECE Conference she attended at NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    [37:00] The Sisters define a Child Care Rockstar, and the balance between heart and will.

    Quotes:

    • “All we had to go was up. So we were given that opportunity and the Academy gave us the tools that we needed.” — Sister Mercedes [14:00]

    • “There’s such a great desire to share freely and it’s a really beautiful experience.” — Sister Mercedes on The Academy [16:08]

    • “Even though you're scared, know what the goal is. In your mind, see it and keep your eye on it, and don’t be discouraged.” — Sister Mercedes [27:19]

    • “The core value piece is one of the biggest shifts that you're going to make in their mindset as professional educators, and how you want them to show up too.” -— Kris [30:00]

    • “I think a Child Care Rockstar is someone who has a huge heart and a courageous heart.” — Sister Maria [37:40]

    • “A rock star is someone who can see the star, who can see where your goal is, and then take those steps courageously, fall and get up, have arguments and make up and be stronger because of it.” — Sister Mercedes [39:01]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    St. Francis Day Care Center
    Más Menos
    43 m
  • Ep. 195 — Jacob Jensen: Stack Your WINS for Massive Momentum

    Ep. 195 — Jacob Jensen: Stack Your WINS for Massive Momentum
    Feb 27 2025
    Jacob Jensen is the Executive Director of The Learning Station, a Christian-based child care organization in Myrtle Beach, and a coach for the Child Care Success Company. As a husband and father of two boys, Jacob is dedicated to providing exceptional early education while upholding core values like positivity, family, and excellence. With three schools serving nearly 500 children, Jacob focuses on empowering leaders and driving success in the child care industry. He is passionate about building strong communities and helping child care businesses thrive. In this episode, Jacob talks with Kris about his journey from growing up in child care with the awesome Donna Jensen as his mom, how his experience in mortgage sales and ministry shaped his leadership style, and how stacking small wins creates massive momentum and helps to prevent burnout. Jacob also has some great insights into using community events and a “whatever it takes” approach to boost enrollment, embracing technology, and the COACH acronym (Call Out & Call Higher) as a key strategy for empowering staff and fostering growth. Key Takeaways: [5:58] Jacob grew up in child care. His mom, Donna Jensen, founded The Learning Station. He talks about returning to lead his family’s business after exploring careers in mortgage sales and ministry. [10:31] More about Jacob’s (very busy) family life. [12:18] Fun fact: Jacob’s front two teeth are fake, and knocked them out during a wild event the same day he was supposed to take his now wife out. Everyone is pretty happy she decided to give him another try! [14:10] Challenges in the industry include technology and child care leaders learning to build their own systems to stay efficient. [18:42] The power of consistency and the “captain” analogy. Many child care leaders are busy plugging holes in a sinking ship instead of standing at the helm and leading with strategy. [22:07] Lessons learned in the ministry that Jacob carried over to childcare. [27:51] Stacking small wins builds momentum. [31:02] Seasonal thinking helps prevent burnout. Understanding when to push hard and when to pause and reflect keeps businesses sustainable. [33:37] The Learning Station now follows a “whatever it takes” approach, removing barriers and offering promotions to secure sign-ups. [38:52] Ways that The Learning Station markets everywhere parents are, including community events, partnerships, and a grand reopening to stay top-of-mind. [42:20] The “COACH” analogy. [42:49] The importance of finding the hidden talent on your team. Quotes: “I always joke with Donna that I need 10 centers before 2030. But we're, we’re excited, and it’s been an honor to help her bring to fruition that dream that she’s always had.” — Jacob [9:40] “Obviously, it is a passion-based industry, and so there's a lot of different heart-tied elements to the fact that the margins are not as big as they are in other industries, and so you're operating with fewer resources.” — Jacob [15:13] “I think the biggest thing that I noticed is you have to create your own thing. You have to take the bull by the horns and say, okay, if not me, then who's going to do it?” — Jacob [15:38] “Consistency, consistency, consistency. That will save leaders so many headaches and also give your people a roadmap for how this place runs and how we do things around here.” — Kris [18:50] “When you’re in leadership, you are the captain of the ship.” — Jacob [18:53] “You have to have a vision of where you want to go.” — Jacob [19:10] “Sometimes when you’re under the water, you have to hold your breath, and you have to just paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle until you get to shore. But the shore is there, and just understanding that it’s a season. It’s a really good mindset because it's way easier to run hard when you see the finish line.” — Jacob [19:33] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal The Learning Station How to Lead When You Are Not in Charge, by Clay Scroggins Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
    Más Menos
    49 m
  • Ep. 194 — Creating Beauty From Tragedy with Michelle Masjedi

    Ep. 194 — Creating Beauty From Tragedy with Michelle Masjedi
    Feb 13 2025
    Michelle Masjedi is a dedicated early childhood educator and business owner in Los Angeles. As the founder of The Journey Begins and the soon-to-open The Journey Continues, she has spent over 30 years shaping the future of child care. In this episode, Michelle shares how she and her community have rallied together in the wake of the devastating California fires, working to provide emergency child care, support families in crisis, and address the gaps in disaster infrastructure for young children. Beyond that, she goes more into the systems and leadership strategies that have transformed her business, from implementing clear SOPs to maximizing technology for efficiency. Key Takeaways: [5:38] Michelle secured a $1M grant to open The Journey Continues, a new child care center expanding infant and preschool care in a child care desert. [7:01] Michelle’s child care journey is deeply rooted in family, with her husband playing a key role in property acquisitions and business operations, while her children are also involved. [8:26] Michelle’s early career in early childhood education led her from teaching to business ownership, where she has spent 32 years shaping child care programs. [10:53] The California fires destroyed 289 child care centers and family daycare homes, leaving hundreds of families without care. [15:55] Michelle and other local directors mobilized immediately, forming a response team to provide emergency child care, distribute resources, and advocate for displaced families. [20:11] Michelle and her team created a GoFundMe scholarship program to help directly affected families cover the cost of child care. [23:55] The experience reinforced the importance of strong leadership, defined roles, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in managing a crisis. [25:08] Being named as a Child Care Rockstar finalist this past year, and a few best practices that have helped Michelle grow her business. [27:15] A few of the many benefits Michelle has gained from joining the Academy. [33:07] Michelle secured a $1M grant to open The Journey Continues, a new child care center expanding infant and preschool care. [36:44] More about the vision for the new center, including serving children from 18 months to after school and the anticipated timeline for completion. Quotes: “In the Pasadena Altadena area, there are 289 child care centers and family daycare centers that were lost in the fires — 289 — which is hundreds of children that immediately lost both their homes and their childcare.” — Michelle [11:41] “I immediately wanted to, just like wrap my arms around and protect people from that. And how could we do that quickly?” — Michelle [13:30] “Even in all of this devastating disaster, there’s been so much beauty in the community coming together.” — Michelle [21:59] “No matter how difficult and challenging it is, find the good.” — Michelle [23:45] “Really, the Child Care Success Academy changed everything for me. I really had some excellent tools in my toolbox, but I was missing so much. And when I joined the academy, it’s been five years now, I learned so many things.” — Michelle [26:22] “What if you could actually take on more and do more and grow to levels you never even imagined? And that was something I never allowed myself that opportunity or even thought, and that’s what the academy really did for me.” — Michelle [29:18] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal The Journey Begins Donate to Michelle’s GoFundMe to help provide child care scholarships for families in need: GoFundMe — The Journey Begins
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Ep. 193: Tameenah Adams — Feeling Alive in ’25

    Ep. 193: Tameenah Adams — Feeling Alive in ’25
    Jan 30 2025

    Tameenah Adams is a Certified Child Care Success Academy (CCSA) Business Coach and a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully owned and operated multiple childcare centers in the DC Metro area. As a coach, she helps childcare owners streamline operations, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in HR, business management, and leadership development, Tameenah launched ChildcareHR to support childcare owners with HR, compliance, and scaling their businesses. In this episode, Tameenah and Kris dive into the feelings wheel and discuss everything from life post-pandemic to stepping back into abundance — not just financially, but personally. They explore the importance of self-love, creating a life of ease as a leader, and embracing a daily rhythm that feels peaceful and fulfilling.

    Key Takeaways:

    [8:46] Learning to surrender and taking it one day at a time.

    [11:26] The biggest lesson learned from the pandemic.

    [13:07] Tameenah shares how she’s shifted to a reward system based on how her heart, mind, and body feel, rather than material things.

    [19:04] The connection between self-love and effective leadership.

    [20:40] Strategies for managing overwhelm and staying present.

    [25:52] The importance of surrounding yourself with the right community.

    [29:43] How outsourcing can create more time and efficiency.

    [35:17] Practical strategies for financial recovery and smart money management.

    [38:06] Overcoming fear and leading with confidence.

    [42:07] Transparent leadership and leading with grace.

    [44:48] Exploring the power of the Feelings Wheel.

    Quotes:

    • “I was at the intersection of my life. I had to make a choice because, quite honestly, there were times I didn’t even know if I could make it another day. What kept me hanging on was knowing my children needed me.” — Tameenah [7:56]

    • “I’m learning now that there is a different reward system. My reward comes in how my heart feels, how my mind feels, how my body feels. Am I able to sleep well? Rewarding myself really doesn’t cost anything.” — Tameenah [13:07]

    • “I’ve started the journey to really look and love me. I’m healing from the hurt in my life and how I hurt myself. Self-love is being kind to yourself.” — Tameenah [18:33]

    • “I stay plugged into a community that can serve me and understand me, where I feel safe.” — Tameenah [25:00]

    • “Your intentions have to equal your impact.” — Tameenah [35:22]

    • “It’s all about the energy you bring into your leadership decisions.” — Kris [40:08]

    • “I’m leading differently because I’m leading even more transparently.” — Tameenah [42:18]

    • “I’ve taken my power back. There is nothing anyone can say about me that I haven’t transparently shared myself. I’m not going to walk around in shame for anything.” — Tameenah [43:47]

    • “What people think of me is none of my business. What I think about me is my business.” — Tameenah [48:20]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    Tameenah Adams
    Más Menos
    51 m
  • Ep. 192: Thomas Brawner - Build a Great Team Around You

    Ep. 192: Thomas Brawner - Build a Great Team Around You
    Dec 31 2024
    Kris welcomes Thomas Brawner, Owner and CFO of Alta Schoolhouse, a Montessori-inspired preschool located in Lakeland, Florida. Thomas first talks about his and his wife's journey to Lakeland - his wife had previous experience as a director at a childcare center, while Thomas came from a business background but shared a passion for working with kids. Thomas provides an inspiring glimpse into the strategies he and his wife used to successfully open Alta Schoolhouse, after facing challenges with their first two location attempts, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of their local market and building a strong, credible team - including hiring a respected architect - as keys to finally launching the school; throughout the conversation, Thomas shares insights into his innovative approaches to marketing, staffing, and growing the new childcare business, demonstrating the rewards that can come from pursuing your vision with the right support system in place. Key Takeaways: [5:40] Check out Kris’s new website! https://krismurray.com/ [9:03] Thomas joins the show from Lakeland, Florida. [9:38] Alta Schoolhouse opened in April 2022, and is a Montessori inspired pre-school. [11:00] Thomas talks about why he and his wife chose Florida. [12:50] How he and his wife handle the different roles and responsibilities. [15:05] Fun fact: Thomas is Argentinian and has a close affinity for the culture…especially soccer! [16:25] The Montessori inspired component. [18:25] How Thomas found the Child Care Success Academy. [22:10] Falling in love with the real estate development side of building Alta Schoolhouse. [23:25] The two locations that failed before the final Alta location, and what Thomas learned from the process. [25:15] Investing in the right team at the beginning will save you money and earn you respect down the road. [27:35] The different types of marketing they utilized, including the power of Mom’s Groups! [29:47] Fun offerings at tours and open houses. [32:20] The importance of knowing your market and doing your homework. [32:35] Staffing and building confidence within leadership. [35:31] Team retention and finding new members. [38:17] Alta is a young and vibrant environment. [41:01] The idea of starting another location in the near future. [42:02] Thomas talks about managing finances as a self described “spreadsheet fiend” and secret shopping locations before they opened. [47:18] Thomas’s advice for people looking to get into the industry: go for it! Quotes: “The work life balance is truly, truly a gift in this industry.” [14:16] - Thomas “It's been an absolutely incredible experience ever since joining the community and just the wealth of knowledge that you can get so quickly. It’s pretty invaluable.” [20:08] - Thomas “The moment that we hired this architect and he walked into the doors of the city hall with us, the city planners and everybody on staff took us seriously. We were no longer two kids that had a dream and were trying to open up school. We were now business professionals with the backing of an architectural firm that was well known in Lakeland and respected in Lakeland. That is what gave us the credibility that we needed to be taken seriously.” [24:53] - Thomas “We were able to build a wait list and have enough desire for what we were offering, where we were able to be in the green on day one.” [27:11] - Thomas “They (your team) get confidence from good leadership.” [34:22] - Thomas “I'm constantly looking at what other centers in our area are paying, and it's my goal to pay more than them.” [35:51] - Thomas “It’s obviously an income for my family, but it's provided a community and just a sense of fulfillment in creating jobs, creating happiness through, through the kids and students and parents that are under your care. Go for it!” [37:14] - Thomas Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Alta Schoolhouse @altaschoolhouse
    Más Menos
    51 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup