Posts Tagged ‘Goddard Systems Inc’

The Goddard School 2012 National Franchisee Convention

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

The Goddard School Franchisee Convention

For the past 25 years, The Goddard School has nurtured children into respectful, confident and joyful learners, and Goddard is focused on raising the bar even higher over the next 25 years.

To kick off the 25th anniversary in 2013, more than 400 Goddard School franchisees attended the 2012 Goddard School National Franchisee Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to discuss the latest innovations and advancements for providing the highest quality, play-based educational childcare programs in a technology-driven age.

Inspired by The Goddard School philosophy of learning through play for its children and families, the convention blended education and fun to motivate, inspire and energize franchisees.

During the four-day meeting, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School unveiled new technological tools to help enhance ongoing collaboration with parents. One new tool, Goddard Family Connect, is a web-based portal that will allow parents to engage in real time with the school and their child’s teachers.

The Goddard School uses technology as a tool to engage children in the classroom and also to collaborate with and support parents.  Goddard Family Connect provides families with an interactive resource for daily activity reports for each child, school calendars, important forms and a new online payment center.

In addition to the launch of new technology, GSI introduced an evolved brand, including a new logo, which will be rolled out to local schools in 2013 for the brand’s 25th anniversary.

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Goddard Systems, Inc. Wins Social Media Star Award from Philly Business Journal

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Continues Growth with ‘Best in Class’ Social Media Interaction Program

Throughout 2011, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), continued to establish itself as a “Best in Class” Social Media leader in the childcare industry by launching several integrated Social Media campaigns, including Goddard Community Games Virtual Tour 2011 and 2012, Goddard School Block Party Campaign and Application, The Goddard Cares Project, and Choose for Charity campaign. For its efforts, GSI was officially recognized with a Social Media Star Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal.

“We were thrilled to be recognized as a Social Media leader by the Philadelphia Business Journal,” said Ashley Betzendahl, Social Web Communications Manager of Goddard Systems, Inc. “This award recognizes us in our beginning stages. As our campaigns continue to mature, we hope to continue to build strong connections with our parents and fans.”

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Social Media Stars Awards, created in 2011, celebrates the achievements of individuals and businesses in the greater Philadelphia area in the world of social networking.

The Philadelphia Business Journal notes that this award is not simply for having the most followers or likes. In contrast, this award is for the true stars, which are the ones that have built an engaged audience and can show results on their efforts.  All nominees must be based in the greater Philadelphia area (Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties), but national campaigns originating from the area can be included.

To visit Goddard Systems, Inc.’s Facebook Fan Page, visit facebook.com/goddardschool. To visit Goddard Systems, Inc.’s Twitter Page, visit twitter.com/goddardschool.

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Goddard Systems, Inc. Experiences Great Growth Year: Opens 19 Schools While Awarding 28

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Continues Growth with ‘Best in Class’ Financing Program

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the nation’s No. 1 childcare franchise, refused to slow its growth in 2011. In fact, the 380-plus-school franchise opened 19 new schools while awarding another 28, completely bucking the trend of slow growth in other franchise systems.

The established franchisor was able to continue opening new schools in new territories through the creation of an aggressive, “best in class” financing program designed to help a wider-scope of would-be franchisees get into business for themselves while also aiding existing franchisees’ hopes of opening another school.

“This economy has taught us a lot of lessons,” said Tony Padulo, GSI’s Vice President of Franchise Development. “However, of those lessons, we know we need to think harder and smarter because slower growth is not an option when demand is present. To combat financing limitations, we needed to reinvent our process to be more productive toward more franchisees.”

Throughout 2011, GSI has secured 28 loan commitments, representing $48 million in loan dollars for its franchisees. The loan commitments have helped GSI franchisees secure 22 properties through purchase or lease agreements.

“We strongly feel that one of the best ways to stimulate the economy is through business development. If we didn’t find ways to keep helping would-be franchisees go into business for themselves, our progression would have been limited,” Padulo added, noting that each school employs an average of 20 employees.

GSI’s innovative in-house financing program includes the following:

  • In-house financing team that is dedicated to working with all new franchisees on securing financing. The team pre-screens candidates prior to signing an agreement with GSI. This ensures that GSI is comfortable that the candidates should be able to secure financing for their projects.
  • Relationships with eight preferred lenders. Typically, in this economy, borrowers are required to inject at least 20 percent cash, and in many cases, as much as 30 percent or more. Given GSI’s strong success numbers, its lenders require 15 percent cash injection on a lease, and 10 percent injection on a land purchase, allowing the candidate to keep additional cash for other uses.
  • These loans are most often, if not 100 percent, SBA loans.
  • GSI has strengthened influential relationships. In fact, GSI recently entered into a relationship with Franchise America Finance. Its program is by invitation only, and they will deal with only one franchisor in each segment, typically asking the leader in that segment. GSI was selected in the childcare segment.

“We are deeply protective of the clients we choose to work with,” said Ron Feldman, CEO of Franchise America Finance. “Goddard Systems Inc.’s track record with existing franchisees, business models, earnings and growth projects made them the perfect fit.”

In 2012, GSI fully expects to continue its strong growth projections, including plans to open 16 of schools alongside the awarding of 36 of future schools, Padulo said.

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Goddard Systems, Inc., Franchisor of The Goddard School, Earns Middle States Corporate Accreditation

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Earns Acknowledgment of High Quality Educational Programs

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the nation’s No. 1 childcare franchise, received Middle States Corporate Accreditation in recognition of its high quality early childhood educational programs. The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is one of three accreditation units of this regional accrediting body.

“This recognition is an additional acknowledgement of the work GSI does to ensure Goddard Schools maintain high quality early childhood education programs,” said Sue Adair, Director of Education of the 380-plus location school franchise. “We are proud of the work our franchisees and executive team have done to maintain best in class educational practices.”

The Middle States Association (MSA) of Colleges and Schools has been providing accreditation and school improvement to colleges, secondary schools and elementary schools for over 100 years.  Over the past few years, the accreditation standards have been extended to early childhood programs through the Early Age Education Accreditation.  The Middle States Commission of Elementary Schools reaches out to public and private schools throughout the country and across five continents.

GSI’s education and business philosophy is continuing to gain national traction; the company opened 19 new locations in 2011. By positioning locations in top-tier markets across the nation, GSI is now located in 35 states with over 380 schools in communities across the nation.

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Franchise Development Strategies: The Future of Connecting with Prospects

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

While trade shows and franchise portals used to be a definite part of franchisors development strategies, these tactics are becoming a way of the past. Franchisors are needing to be creative to attract new franchisees and open up the lines of communication outside of trade shows. Thinking outside-the-box and creating a high-quality brand name known around the country has allowed Goddard Systems, Inc. to continue expanding despite the economic climate, where we opened 39 schools in 2009.

The Goddard School has charged forward using a few innovative tactics and outlets to open up more conversations with potential franchisees around the U.S. One method has been launching a social media campaign to increase our brand’s presence on the web and connect personally with our core demographic. Our parents, teachers and potential franchisees can now all connect with us in a personal way and view our interactions while performing due diligence on the Goddard brand.

One other tactic that has allowed our brand to continue marching forward has been our relationship with lenders. Due to the strong relationship our brand has built with local banks in the area, we have continued to allow our franchisees to take advantage of this powerful relationship to receive the funding necessary to open The Goddard School, despite the investment level. This has proven to be an extremely advantageous relationship for our brand in the current economic climate, where so many franchisors and potential franchisees are struggling to find the funding to open their own business.

These factors have played a large role in Goddard System’s growth strategy, opening up new conversations, relationships and connections with potential franchisees around the country, a factor that has led credibility to our system as a whole.

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Goddard Systems, Inc. Hires Tony Padulo, Franchising Expert, to Lead National Growth Strategy

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Leading early-education franchise taps former AAMCO exec as new VP of Franchise Sales and Development

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) has been ranked the #1 childcare franchise for 10 years in a row by Entrepreneur magazine, but it’s not resting on its laurels. The nearly 400-unit early-education leader has been preparing for 2011 and beyond by carefully bolstering their corporate staff to improve its franchise development division. Anthony Padulo, a 30-year franchising veteran and Certified Franchise Executive, is the latest addition to the company and will head Franchise Sales and Development in 2011 and beyond.

“We’re thrilled to have such an experienced member of the franchising industry join our ranks,” said Joseph Schumacher, CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. “Tony has a long history of success in his former positions and will play a major role in continuing and accelerating our national growth strategy in 2011.”

Padulo got his start with Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., parent of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, which was a relationship that lasted for 22 years. For nearly a decade, Padulo served as Vice President of New International Business Development, and was responsible for launching the brands in over 30 new countries. He spent his last three years at the company as Vice President of New Business Development and Franchise Services, guiding franchising activities as well as overseeing development of non-traditional units. Most recently, Padulo served as Vice President of Franchise Development for auto-care franchise AAMCO, where he formulated national franchise growth strategy and oversaw the addition of many new units across the U.S.

“Goddard Systems, Inc. has already proven itself as a successful franchise system with a strong network of franchisees,” said Padulo. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of building upon GSI’s existing growth strategy to accelerate national growth.”

Ranked in the top 100 franchise opportunities on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, GSI has captured the dominant share in the dynamic and growing early childhood education market through a combination of its strong franchise system and the proprietary FLEX™ Learning Program, which enriches children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development while providing the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. For more information on Goddard Systems, Inc., visit http://www.goddardschool.com/About.gspx.

“Recently ranked as one of the fastest growing industries in 2011, child care will continue to grow and be in high demand for years to come,” said Padulo. “I am looking forward to working closely with the experienced executive team at Goddard Systems, Inc. to fuel new growth in underserved markets throughout the country.”

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Goddard Systems, Inc. Appoints Dzana Homan, Experienced Franchising Leader, to Spearhead National Growth Strategy

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Leading Early-Education Franchise Taps Former Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. Exec as New COO

In its continuing efforts as the leading early education franchise in the nation, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) has hired Dzana Homan, former CEO of Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. as Chief Operating Officer. An experienced franchisee and franchise executive, Homan will bring years of business leadership experience to the well-known Goddard School brand.

“With a solid background in business, education and franchising, I feel that Dzana will add a tremendous amount of experience and leadership to our team,” said Joseph Schumacher, president and CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. “As a fresh new voice in the company, her vast knowledge and understanding of franchise development and technology will be an asset to our brand’s growth strategy moving forward.”

Homan’s extensive career in franchising includes versatile positions at key -education franchises. She began her career as the Learning Center Director at the Los Angeles franchise of Futurekids, Inc., a computer and technology learning center concept serving preschool through twelfth grade. Homan helped grow the Los Angeles Futurekids location and increased her interest in the franchise. Futurekids LA became the system’s largest U.S. franchise and, as a result, Homan was promoted to the corporate team where she held multiple executive positions within the company focusing on franchise operations and system development.

Due to her success at the company, Homan was appointed as Futurekids’ president and CEO in 2003, followed by a move to the CEO post at Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. five years later. Through her past leadership positions, Homan brings knowledge as a premier provider of technology assessment, professional development and technology curriculum for leading schools and learning centers across the U.S. and in 65 countries around the world.

“Goddard Systems, Inc. has established a robust franchise system that has already been highly successful,” said Homan. “I’m looking forward to building upon that foundation to accelerate the growth of the brand nationwide.”

GSI’s education and business philosophy is continuing to gain national traction; the company opened 39 new locations in 2009 and another 16 in 2010. By positioning locations in top-tier markets across the nation, GSI is now located in 34 states with over 370 schools in communities across the nation. Homan will be a strong leader in directing future growth for GSI, supporting existing franchisees in daily operations and developing new franchisees to further fuel the brand’s growth.

“Goddard Systems, Inc. is a progressive company that has the potential to alter early childhood education and childcare for generations to come,” said Homan. “I am thrilled to join such a trusted and loved brand where I can contribute my experience in franchising to propel the brand to the next level.”

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Focus On: The Johnson’s
Owners of The Goddard School Located in South Kingstown

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

What Clay and Gina Did Before Goddard

Clay received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. He was involved with chemical plants and explosive manufacturing. “Engineering is a heavily regulated industry,” says Clay. “It is all about getting the details right. Goddard is the same way.” When Gina was pregnant with the couple’s first child, they decided that it would be best to move and go back home to Rhode Island. After moving back, Clay got a job as a consultant. “The Goddard team knows that details matter and we need to have diligence on day to day issues.”

How Clay and Gina Specifically Found Out About The Goddard School

Clay saw The Goddard School in Entrepreneur Magazine and was ranked as a very high performance school. After seeing the article, Clay investigated further and found that many of The Goddard School franchisee’s were just like himself. “I started thinking that my community could really benefit from a high performance child care facility,” said Clay. After speaking with many franchisees, Clay knew that The Goddard School was the right choice for himself and his family. Clay and Gina opened their location in August 2006.

Why Clay and Gina Became and Love Being Goddard School Franchisees

“I was impressed with the consistency and uniformity of each school,” said Clay. “All of the owners have such interesting backgrounds.” Not only were Clay and Gina impressed with the assortment of owners who had similar backgrounds to themselves, but they were also impressed by the process that The Goddard School used to determine if they were a good franchisee fit. “Goddard has a great professional home office and everyone is very down to earth,” Clay boasts.

Community Involvement

It’s important to Clay and Gina that their school feels approachable and welcoming to all of the families within the community they serve. They host monthly open houses and continue to partner with other local business owners to build a positive relationship in order to understand how they can better fulfill their community’s needs.

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