The Learning Experience Case study: Deepash and Shital Patel

Deepash and Shital Patel never owned a franchise before joining The Learning Experience. Since they took that leap of faith, they have only seen success and support through the brand, becoming a multi-unit franchisee with five locations. “We started out owning one franchise in Cromwell, Connecticut, in 2015 in which my wife and I operated together,” Deepash said. “We have grown and now own five locations in six years. We will employ close to 250 teachers, managers, and support personnel. We are vested and visit our schools daily.”

For the co-owners and husband-and-wife duo, joining a franchise was about learning and growing as entrepreneurs within a company that has strong brand values. While searching for childcare for their own two sons, they couldn’t find any option that met their standards. “We visited many programs and just never felt it met what parents of my generation were looking for,” expressed Deepash. “We came across The Learning Experience and knew not only did we want our children to attend the center, but we also wanted to own one as well.”

Enrolling their own children at The Learning Experience was only the beginning of their interest. Shital worked for a non-profit for almost 15 years and Deepash served as Director of Operations for multiple global brands. Neither had experience operating a franchise and definitely not in the childcare industry. But The Learning Experience’s proven model, rapid growth as well as the continuous support the franchisees are provided throughout the entire process of owning a location sealed their commitment.

“I feel supported every day,” explained Deepash. “We have wonderful facilities, and the corporate team provides the greatest education and curriculum, technology, and health and safety measures out there. I love being able to operate my business through the eyes of a child,” said Deepash. “And to be able to provide exciting learning opportunities that introduce little learners to the idea of school in a happy, safe, and fun environment.”

The support doesn’t stop once you are handed the keys to your location. The Learning Experience team partners with the franchisee every step of the way, delivering proprietary curriculum each month to support the staff, as well as innovative technology developed for use both in and out of the centre, continuous marketing support, and staffing support, comprehensive training, and ongoing day-to-day operational guidance. 

“The team at headquarters is constantly working to make sure we are providing nothing but the best for our children and their franchisee community, said Deepash.”

Life as a franchisee at The Learning Experience goes beyond just having ownership of a brand name; you become a part of the TLE family and are included in the achievements of the company With more than 500 sites either open or under development, The Learning Experience uses their more than 40 years’ experience and unique formula to build, manage, communicate with, and maintain every centre that franchisees operate, which has been proven in their success thus far as one of the America’s fastest growing childcare franchise organisations.

“It is a manageable investment, and it provides a quality of life in which we don’t have to miss dinner as a family, sports for the kids, weekends to travel, said Deepash.”

With one location open in the UK, a number under development and a new International Headquarters in London, The Learning Experience is ready to take their brand further and welcome UK franchisees to the family! For more information on The Learning Experience franchise opportunity, visit the profile page >>