Kris welcomes Raj Jana, co-founder and CEO of the mental health app Liber8. Raj shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he created Liber8 to help people manage stress and mental health. He and Kris discuss their passion for entrepreneurship and using their gifts to help others. They talk about the importance of improving our world and mindfully creating a world worth living in through compassion and small acts of kindness. Raj highlights Liber8 programs, including emotional lab reports and group coaching cohorts, which help users better understand their triggers and find tailored tools for personal growth.

Use Code CHILDCARE10 to get 10% off Liber8

Key Takeaways:

[6:18] Raj talks about Liber8 and his journey in entrepreneurship.

[8:30] How Raj finally got off the hamster wheel of healing to shift into real and inspired action.

[9:33] The start of Liber8.

[15:08] What Raj loves most about entrepreneurship.

[18:47] The impact that The 4-Hour Work Week had on Raj and Kris.

[21:16] Breakups can be emotional, but can also be a great time to rediscover yourself and peel back new, exciting layers.

[22:36] How Liber8 can help with burnout.

[28:05] What can someone expect when doing a session with Liber8?

[28:56] How we can “be the ripple.”

[36:05] The people who had an impact on Raj along his entrepreneurial journey.

Quotes:

• “What I love most about being an entrepreneur today is that I get to use my gifts, talents, and my brilliance to help people.” [15:57]

• “I don’t know of a more growth-fueled journey than the journey of entrepreneurship.” [16:40]

• “I do feel like entrepreneurship is my art.” [17:07]

• “If we can help the little humans be better learners and more emotionally resilient, then we can help the world because as the little humans get big, it’s just going to ripple out.” — Kris [29:30]

• “I think just about the most impactful thing we can do is to wake up to the fullness of ourselves, learn to love ourselves, and be that light from the inside out. And then just be that ripple in the world.” [31:10]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Raj Jana

Liber8

Maverick Next

It’s all about the best and brightest in software automation for schools this week, as Kris welcomes Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss, co-founders of Playground, an innovative childcare management software company. They first share Playground’s unique story of being friends since high school and creating a solution for their own families’ childcare centers. Daniel and Sasha highlight Playground’s differentiating features, such as drop-in care management and integrated payroll modules, and they share insights into hiring practices and their vision for AI in childcare. At the end of the episode, Daniel and Sasha share lessons they’ve learned on scaling their own company and fun yet powerful ways to maintain a happy company culture.

Register for our ECE tech webinar with Playground here: https://www.childcaresuccess.com/how-to-navigate-the-evolving-tech-landscape-for-enhanced-operational-efficiency-in-your-ece-business-may-2-2024-webinar/

Key Takeaways:

[3:15] Kris announces the two-day virtual challenge, The Road to Freedom.

[6:31] Playground’s founding story.

[8:38] How does Playground’s mission and technology stand out in a crowded space?

[11:37] Perspective on ECE’s past of being a slower adopter of technology, and how that’s changing.

[12:53] The “grandma test.”

[15:38] The lessons Sasha and Daniel have learned about scaling and growing a business.

[17:09] Some of the tools and technology Playground uses.

[20:09] The grounding and stabilizing force of working with family.

[22:44] Personal and professional inspiration.

[25:29] What they look for in new hires.

[26:36] Playground’s short but effective interview process.

[31:29] What’s next for the Playground team?

[33:13] Using AI to improve family interactions, especially with communication, engagement, and lesson plans.

Quotes:

• “I think our differentiated approach is the new technology that we’re bringing. A lot of that comes down to really solving the problems that we are building software for.” — Daniel [8:39]

• “If we want to be able to compete and if we want to be able to operate at the same level, we need to adopt the same tools that they’re using.” — Sasha [14:10]

• “A lot of the big problems that we faced have become significantly smaller by putting phenomenal people in front of those problems. If you find someone great, you can just trust that they’ll get the job done and that you don’t need to be managing the day-to-day.” — Daniel [16:54]

• “Working with family and then also building for family really grounds you on what the work you’re doing, who’s impacting, and why it’s actually getting done.” — Daniel [20:09]

• “It’s ultimately the three of us against the problem. It’s not us against each other. So realizing and recognizing what it is that we’re working for, and why we’re doing it ultimately helps us get into the right direction.” — Sasha [21:25]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Playground

Linear

Webinar: Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing the Childcare Industry

Kris welcomes the very inspirational Kishani Woldberhan of Kids Early Learning Centers, now operating four locations in Texas with plans for expansion into Ethiopia. Kishani talks about bringing Montessori-inspired education to underserved communities, and her vision for building two new schools in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of over 3,000 students. She offers valuable advice on setting clear goals, implementing strong systems and accountability, and using technology like Slack and QR codes to effectively lead a growing business. She and Kris also talk about embracing the difficult things and realizing the sky's the limit when it comes to realizing your vision.

Key Takeaways: 

[7:12] Kishani joins the show from Arlington, Texas, and talks more about Kids Early Learning Centers.

[7:39] Kishani talks about the four locations currently running and the plan to expand to Ethiopia.

[10:11] Fun Facts: Kishani came to the United States on a VISA as a Montessori teacher from Sri Lanka. She is now a mother of five and a grandma!

[13:30] Buying a center during the pandemic but opening it in 2021.

[14:50] What sets KIDS Early Learning Centers apart in the market.

[17:54] Working with Grow Your Center.

[20:16] How they made their vision become a reality and why they are bringing the brand to Ethiopia.

[22:35] The school will be from toddlers to high school.

[26:33] Advice for others wanting to open up a school internationally.

[29:02] The sky's the limit when you put in the hard work and act with purpose and strategy.

[31:07] Keep the end in mind and work backward when working towards your goals.

[32:03] Giving your staff the tools they need to succeed.

[35:14] How Kishani communicates with her leadership team.

[41:50] How being a member of the Academy has helped Kishani and the importance of finding mentors.

[43:06] Keep your eyes peeled for Kishani’s program for a childcare management system, which will come out in June.

[43:25] Fun Fact: Kishani is a party planner and decorator at heart.

Quotes:

• “We have dedicated teachers who love children and love to teach them.” — Kishani [14:50]

• “This is a partnership. It’s not just you dropping off your child, we babysit with your child.” — Kishani [15:30]

• “The sky's the limit as long as you know what you want and you go for it.” — Kishani [22:18]

• “Keep the end in mind and work backward.” — Kishani [31:07]

• “Nothing is going to come easy. It’s going to be difficult. If it was easy, everyone would do it.” — Kishani [31:44]

• “I worked so hard on getting systems and processes in place.” — Kishani [32:59]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Kids Early Learning Centers

Aloha! In this solo episode, Kris shares more about her month in Hawaii — why she decided to head to island life, the logistics behind her adventures, and how you can use her story as inspiration to make space in your life. She goes deeper into detail about the important strategic implementation steps that allowed her to live her best life and take time to relax, breathe in the salty ocean air, and be led by intuition. Kris talks about the importance of joining a Mastermind group that fits your personal and professional goals, more about ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), and how to travel solo like a pro.

Key Takeaways:

[4:12] Kris walks us through a grounding exercise to bring presence and mindfulness into the conversation.

[6:52] Kris shares her experience of the major change from moving to Crested Butte, Colorado after living in Chicago.

[8:55] Why Hawaii is so special to Kris and how visiting the islands has changed her life.

[10:31] Intentionally creating space in her life.

[11:18] Embracing the flow state and being led by intuition.

[20:07] Some of the adventures Kris has enjoyed in Hawaii, including whale watching, snorkeling, and meeting new people.

[22:17] Being confident while solo traveling.

[25:37] Kris walks us through the intentions behind crafting her exit from the business.

[28:10] The importance of finding a Mastermind group.

[29:00] The pros and upsides of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

[35:34] Kris talks about finding the new CEO and sharing the ESOP plan with the leadership team, along with why ESOP’s can be positive for employee retention.

[45:31] Kris’s upcoming trips, including Ecuador and Burning Man!

Quotes:

• “I am becoming every day, a better, higher, and deeper version of myself.” — Kris [6:25]

• “I've created this new life for myself and I have intentionally created more space in my life. — Kris [10:31]

• “You need to find a group of peers and people that are walking your walk, who are successful, and who you can be coached up with and model their success for whatever that looks like for you.” — Kris [26:35]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Maverick1000 Mastermind Group

Kris welcomes the awesome Kim Harris, affectionately known as "Big Ups," from The Harris & Tucker School in Connecticut. Kim talks about getting her structures “right and tight” and how she stays on the pulse of good leadership. She talks more about the rich legacy of The Harris & Tucker School, and their mission to create superhero influencers and a culture that connects the whole community. She expounds more on Harris & Tucker’s values of respect, integrity, and faith-based education and how she has accomplished so many goals over the years, one of which was getting accredited.

Key Takeaways:

[10:55] Kim joins the show and talks about Harris & Tucker schools, along with how it is a product of the civil unrest in the 60s.

[12:00] Harris & Tucker becoming an urban epicenter and growth community.

[15:23] Harris & Tucker is the only Black-woman, family-owned-and-operated, nationally accredited faith-based urban center in the area.

[16:56] Kim speaks more about Harris & Tucker’s leadership structure.

[20:56] The two big things that really set Harris & Tucker apart.

[22:03] Creating superhero influencers.

[24:28] Where did the phrase “big ups” come from?

[25:04] Kim discusses taking on her new role after her mother’s passing and her vision for growth, including national accreditation.

[27:03] The beauty of longevity in the community, along with values such as community connection and ongoing education.

[28:02] Why the pandemic was the best thing that happened to the school.

[33:26] The benefits they have seen since joining the Childcare Success Academy.

[36:11] Automating operations and systems.

[38:24] Plans for the cultural activities center.

[41:27] The famous soap story!

[44:13] Kim defines a childcare rockstar as someone who has helped to create a movement through transforming their community.

Quotes:

• “This is because of the mindset of two black women who came to Connecticut, and said that they were going to make a difference and do the things that they were going to do.” — Kim [12:22]

• “We walk our core values. We talk about it all the time.” — Kim [20:33]

• “We can talk about all the dreams and everything that we want to have in life, but if we don’t do the action part, it doesn't happen.” — Kim [22:30]

• “That's what we teach our kids here with the school — you have a chance to create your hustle, create your legacy, and to keep it going.” — Kim [44:14]

• “To be a childcare rockstar is a movement that just moves us all forward. I think when you arrive at the status of childcare Rockstar, you've helped to create a movement. ” — Kim [45:38]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Go Fund Me 

Harris & Tucker

In this episode, Kris welcomes John and Tracy LaBreche from Ardent Preschool and Daycare, with seven locations in Alabama. John and Tracy share their journey into developing Ardent’s value system and building a strong and happy team. They talk about their desire to not burn their team out during the pandemic and facing staffing shortages and enrollment declines, and they discuss how they turned things around while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for employees. John and Tracy share some great insight into rewarding good attendance, their commitment to data-driven decision-making, and a few of their favorite benefits from joining the Academy.

Key Takeaways:

[5:20] Ardent currently has seven locations, and close to 1600 students enrolled with a waitlist of just over 500. They also have 300 employees.

[6:42] John and Tracy talk about how they got started in child care and how Ardent came to be.

[10:15] In addition to their busy work life, John and Tracy have a large family with six kids.

[12:23] Fun fact: if you are looking for a great tequila, ask John! As for Tracy, she will be reading a few of her favorite books including Traction, What The Heck is EOS, and The Alter Ego.

[16:40] Tracy and John’s commitment to making sure the people, teachers, and admin are enthusiastic and passionate about Ardent’s mission.

[17:46] Exceeding the expectations of parents.

[18:10] Ardent is also a Christian company, so they include Christian-related Bible studies and curriculum.

[25:42] Overcoming challenges over the pandemic by learning to push enrollment, stay focused, and not be complacent.

[30:42] Now they are at 91% enrollment, which was their goal.

[30:56] Coming off the Summit, John and Tracy rescaled, brought on one of their existing staff to be a full-scale enrollment specialist, and hired an internal recruiter to help with bringing teachers on board.

[31:17] The importance of having a fast response to applicants and tracking all data.

[36:44] How Ardent maintains good retention and a happy culture.

[37:02] Breaking down Ardent to Ability, Respect, Dependability, Engaging, Nurturing, and Team Player.

[47:46] The ROI of academy membership.

[46:22] Culture is the glue that will hold you together in the face of challenges.

Quotes:

• “With our purpose of committing to excellence in all areas, we can deliver a childhood experience that is worth the investment of our parents.” — Tracy [17:11]

• “When we get testimonials or reviews from our parents, one thing that just always is a recurring thing is that we’ve exceeded their expectations.” — Tracy [17:46]

• “We always focus on people, process, and service. I have the right people doing things the right away to have excellent service. You can’t have one without the other.” — John [19:00]

• “You meet people where they are, and you leave them where they need to go.” — Tracy [25:20]

• “A healthy culture is where reality meets the road and the value system becomes a reality.” — Tracy [46:06]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Grafton Milne LinkedIn

Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes. 

Move Your Bus 

In this episode, Kris welcomes Marissa and Sunflower from Little Luminaries, two talented women partnering together to bring art, beauty, and mindset tools to empower children globally. They discuss how Little Luminaries aims to support children through self-celebration and resources for challenging conversations using their thoughtfully designed toys, decks, and other mindfulness creations. Marissa and Sunflower discuss their individual journeys and partnership in developing toys, curricula, and other products to support children's mental wellness. They also explore how to apply non-violent communication practices in business relationships and classrooms. Additionally, they talk about how they maintain alignment as business partners living on different coasts through clear communication, sharing their passion for creating resources to positively impact children and the future.

Key Takeaways:

[6:27] Marissa and Sunflower talk about creating Little Luminaries.

[7:18] Their shared passion for mental health.

[11:41] The process of getting the artwork and artistic components just right.

[12:05] How the animal affirmation cards work.

[13:00] Marissa is a new mom of two and a teacher and Sunflower is a mental health and mindfulness coach in North Carolina.

[17:30] How Little Luminaries helps children with their own self-image and supports them in learning more about sustainability and how we can live in harmony with our environment.

[21:16] Fun fact: when Marissa and Sunflower aren’t dreaming up new business ideas, you may catch them lip-syncing on The Toy Boat.

[22:15] Kris picks The Rooster!

[24:38] Other products in the Little Luminaries line include decals, posters, and a mythical creature mystery pack.

[30:00] How Little Luminary helps cultivate self-love and the ways it ripples out to take care of our communities and planet.

[32:09] What is “nonviolent communication”?

[44:11] Marissa and Sunflower have learned to be rocks for each other, so they can navigate challenges and grow together.

Quotes:

“We both found that whenever we’re giving kids tools to celebrate who they are, instead of changing the parts that don’t fit in the box, we’re just seeing so much more pride and authentic celebration in themselves.” — Marissa [11:32]

“I think what inspired me to really step into mindfulness coaching is going on a deep dive myself and collecting all the tools, then starting to watch transformations happen in who I was and how I felt about myself and the world, in general.” — Sunflower [14:08]

“Our brains are like popcorn when we get together, just all these fun ideas.” — Marisa [24:31]

“I think that when we can cultivate self-love, we have so much more capacity to love our communities, to love our planet.” — Sunflower [30:00]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Grafton Milne LinkedIn

Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes. 

Little Luminaries — use code “rockstar” for 25% off 

@littleluminaries

In this episode, Kris welcomes Grafton Milne and shares a glimpse into his distinctive expertise in childcare real estate. Grafton gives practical insights on understanding your market through straightforward approaches, emphasizing clarity and actionable insights. He talks more about his latest book, Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes, highlighting key practices such as measuring due diligence, nuanced market understanding, strategic planning, and the latest trends in real estate. Grafton also sheds light on some of his favorite go-to tools tailored to enhance your understanding of the market dynamics, in an industry where one neighborhood could make a world of difference.

Key Takeaways:

[6:30] How Grafton fell into the niche of early childhood by happenstance.

[7:29] Grafton’s degree was in marketing and advertising with a minor in business.

[8:15] Grafton has a busy home life with four energetic young kids, who keep him and his wife very busy.

[8:51] Fun fact: Grafton visited Scotland and Ireland and fell in love with the countries, so don’t be surprised if you ever see him learning the bagpipes!

[9:26] The process of and inspiration behind Grafton’s new book, Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes.

[11:08] What does it mean to make sure you are getting the appropriate amount of due diligence?

[12:17] How can you measure due diligence?

[15:14] Tips for strategic planning and the cost-of-care model.

[17:14] Examples of how real estate can positively or negatively impact a childcare center’s success.

[19:21] How Grafton’s experience in commercial real estate in the early childhood niche sets him apart.

[25:20] What Grafton would tell his 20-year-old self.

[29:32] What we can expect from Grafton and his team in 2024?

[30:06] Where are the hot markets now?

Quotes:

“Different streets and different neighborhoods can make or break your business.” — Kris [3:05]

“The takeaway is, you’ve got to do some due diligence to make sure that you’re making an educated and informed decision.” — Grafton [12:29]

“You can’t overcompensate the importance of just taking care of your mental health and surrounding yourself with good people and good influences.” — Grafton [25:53]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

Grafton Milne LinkedIn

Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes. 

How Will You Measure Your Life?

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Limitless

Buxton Reports

Kris is joined by the incredible Barb Tedrow, a Child Care Rockstar finalist at the Child Care Success Summit and proud owner of A Gold Star Academy. Barb takes center stage as she shares her remarkable journey and unveils the secrets behind her extraordinary success that propelled her business from $3 million to an astounding $6 million in revenue in just one year.

Hailing from the scenic landscapes of Farmington, New Mexico, Barb breaks down her formula for success, touching on key marketing activities, growth strategies, leadership insights, and the mindset that fueled her remarkable achievement. Barb talks about the unique features that set her schools apart, including a gardening program for children and a farm-to-table initiative that she integrated into classrooms. Barb also shares how life has changed after joining the Academy and how she implements the resources in a consistent manner with her staff as well.

Key Takeaways:

[6:25] Barb joins the show from Farmington, New Mexico.

[8:02] What led Barb to buy the center, and how they have grown, starting as a little center with 60 kids.

[11:24] Where did the name Gold Star Academy come from?

[13:01] Breaking news, hot off the press: Barb is opening up a 5th center!

[14:25] Barb and her husband are currently empty nesters now.

[16:37] Unique selling points that set her school and staff apart, including accreditation and establishing an award-winning garden program.

[22:37] Farmington’s community spirit and generosity.

[24:39] How she and her husband learned to outsource non-core tasks such as social media to focus on their strengths and save time and energy.

[29:15] The importance of working with a team that supports your vision.

[30:04] Advice for retention and keeping your team motivated.

[33:03] Remembering to be kind and treat everyone like an equal.

[36:06] Learn to delegate and give people responsibility, and why leaders shouldn’t always fear their employees will quit.

[39:43] The amazing benefits Barb has gotten from being in the Academy.

[42:07] Barb’s plans for expanding in 2024 and beyond in the state of New Mexico, and growing her consulting company.

[44:54] Not only was Barb named Childcare Rockstar Nominee, but she was also just named the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year. Way to go!

Quotes:

• “Farmington made me who I am, so we're gonna give back.” — Barb [21:40]

• “As a business owner, you have to pick and choose your battles and what you're good at.” — Barb [22:03]

• “Let people help you. You can’t do it yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help.” — Barb [34:34]

• “If I had to do it differently, I think I would learn sooner than later to let go of trying to do everything myself. Learning to give people the responsibility and hold them accountable.” — Barb [37:34]

• “I took a revenue from $3 million to $6 million in a year. I attribute 90% of that to just being in the academy. I mean that because of the resources that are available to me.” — Barb [40:33]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

[email protected]

A Gold Star Academy

Kris welcomes Maria Ahrens, Owner of Paper Planes Early Learning Center in Mount Sinai, NY, for an inspiring conversation on transparent and open communication and embracing the special parts of yourself in leadership. During their talk, Maria shares more about what makes Paper Planes unique and provides valuable tips for team engagement and teacher retention. She also reflects on the benefits of being part of the Academy and receiving mentorship in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] The inspiration behind Maria opening Paper Planes in September of 2020, and how opening during the pandemic affected their journey.

[3:42] Paper Planes is licensed for 100 and has a special license for continuity of care. They have a current staff of 25.

[4:44] How Maria got into the world of ECE.

[5:29] Maria grew up in a ski resort in New York and worked in childcare centers there.

[8:48] The transition of leaving Denver and going back to New York.

[11:01] Fun Fact: Maria is a doula and certified birth educator.

[12:35] One of the selling points of Maria’s business is her ability to connect with people and provide an open and transparent environment.

[14:03] A few more of Paper Planes’ selling points are the play-based model, transparency in all departments, and training the staff to have hard conversations.

[20:55] How Kris got into a good flow doing Facebook Live recordings.

[22:24] The importance of making the teachers feel important and learning how to communicate in a way that helps others grow.

[29:11] How the academy helps Maria stay on track with having systems in place.

[31:27] Taking away the anxiety that comes with being understaffed.

[34:44] How Maria overcame staffing challenges in 2022.

[40:40] How Maria utilized Grow Your Center and the ways it freed up her time.

[42:39] How Child Care Success and coaching have impacted Maria’s mindset and helped her with productivity, while spending time with her family.

[45:20] What is next for Maria in 2024, both personally and professionally?

[50:10] A reminder that you don’t have to stay stuck and it’s okay to invest in yourself.

[52:19] You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a lot of impact.

Quotes:

• “It chose me. I have loved babies in particular, since I was really, really young.” — Maria [5:00]

• “One thing that I’ve really loved about opening from scratch has been that I do see a difference in the culture because I built it this way.” — Maria [13:45]

• “My passion was babies and making moms feel comfortable, that was really my thing.” — Maria [14:32]

• “When kids feel loved and safe, they do better.” — Maria [14:36]

• “Part of what makes us who we are is that the parents have really strong relationships with the staff.” — Maria [16:25]

• “If you go in there with no expectation of the outcome and just saying whatever you’re saying with love and respect, the outcome is almost always going to be better than it would be if you were saying it as if you’re already wrong.” — Maria [27:02]

• “You don’t have to stay stuck.” — Maria [50:05]

• “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a lot of impact.” — Kris [52:18]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

Paper Planes Early Learning Center

Paper Planes on Facebook

It’s all about financial success this week as Kris welcomes Jessica Ferguson from Live Oak Bank, the nation’s largest SBA lender. Jessica talks about Live Oak’s commitment to helping small business owners and how they have grown from starting with veterinarians and dentists to 35 different industries, including ECE. Jessica shares some best practices in the world of lending and borrowing and gives some great tips to get your business financially prepared for the next level. She discusses the different lending options that Live Oak offers, and what they look for when taking on new clients.

Key Takeaways:

[9:44] Jessica talks about Live Oak’s unique business model and how they have grown from conception.

[10:47] Live Oak’s 35 different verticals, and why they were once dubbed the “doggie bank”!

[12:52] Fun fact: Jessica lived abroad both in Spain and Argentina, and made lifelong friends that she still keeps in touch with today.

[13:41] Some trends Jessica is seeing regarding early education and early childhood businesses.

[14:50] The types of loan programs Live Oak offers.

[17:38] Advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and SBA lending options for school owners.

[22:29] What are the rates looking like now?

[26:00] How Live Oak approaches and analyzes deals.

[29:57] The benefits of working with a bank that knows the industry more than just a general lender.

[32;46] How do they work with other borrowers?

[34:27] Best practices for schools seeking financing.

[38:38] Fingers crossed for interest rates coming (and staying) down in 2024.

Quotes:

• “It came down to this model of let’s find industries that have performed well through recessions that have good repayment history and who maybe don’t have the most robust personal financial statements.” — Jessica [14:40]

• “They are just really good borrowers that fit with SBA programs.” — Jessica [14:43]

• “I think it is a ripe time for acquisition opportunities.” — Jessica [15:01]

• “That’s also the nice thing about working with a bank that really knows the industry. We know what to look for, and what makes sense.” — Jessica [29:47]

• “Knowing what each person’s priorities are helps us work with that borrower to make sure that we’re putting them in the right product.” — Jessica [31:57]

• “Being disciplined about tuition increases is really important.” — Jessica [34:52]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

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.

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