When Celebree School CEO Richard Huffman talks to potential franchisees, he often encounters a common misconception: that a background in education is necessary to run a school. Huffman, however, believes this is far from the truth. In fact, he himself has no formal education background! Instead, he stresses that successful franchisees simply need to be excellent operators who can hire great educators to ensure success.
A prime example of this is Jason Skidmore, who made a remarkable transition from healthcare to franchise ownership. Skidmore grew an ambulance service from a single vehicle to a multi-million dollar operation with over 130 vehicles and 350 employees. In 2019, he became a franchisee with Celebree, an early education franchise with more than 50 units. Today, Skidmore owns four units, with five more in development, generating over $2.5 million in annual sales, making him the brand’s top-performing franchisee.
How did a non-educator achieve such success in the education industry? Skidmore attributes his success to following three essential rules:
1. Demonstrate Leadership Through Commitment
Skidmore believes that when running a school, the experience and curriculum are crucial for parents, but how a business communicates is just as important. “Make sure parents always have a voice at the table,” he advises. Building a leadership team that listens and understands the importance of communication is key to maintaining a strong connection with families and ensuring a positive reputation for the school.
2. Build Scalable Systems
For franchise owners, success isn’t just about running a single unit. As Skidmore explains, your systems must be adaptable when you expand. “You have to look at what the requirements are, build a team, and then constantly re-evaluate gaps, opportunities, and processes. Creating measurable goals and reviewing them weekly with your team is essential,” he says. This continuous improvement process ensures that every new unit runs smoothly and efficiently.
3. Remember What Matters
While Skidmore may not have an educational background, he deeply connects with Celebree’s mission to support children, teachers, and families. He believes that when you align your culture with the brand’s mission, the actions of your team will naturally follow. “It’s knowing and understanding how many lives we touch every day,” Skidmore says. This personal connection to the mission motivates him and his team to always do their best.
In the end, Skidmore’s success proves that, while having a background in education can be beneficial, it’s the ability to lead, build systems, and align with a company’s mission that truly makes a top-performing franchisee.