For Lightbridge Academy CEO Gigi Schweikert, the most crucial factor in driving sustainable growth is having the right team in place. “If the team is competent, aligned, and motivated on the company’s mission and vision, growth will naturally follow,” she said. The approach is proving effective as the childhood education center saw a 75.6 percent increase in sales and a 25.8 percent increase in units from 2021 to 2023. Ensuring flexibility in site selection and facility design has been a key strategy for Lightbridge, Schweikert said, as the company continues establishing facilities within diverse settings. This has allowed units to open via ground-up construction, in corporate complexes and strip malls. “Additionally, we’ve cultivated strong relationships with developers and real estate brokers nationwide, allowing us to identify and secure ideal locations in high-demand areas,” Schweikert added. “This flexibility and network enable us to provide convenient access to quality early education where families need it most.” Improvements were made in the franchisee vetting process through discovery day restructuring efforts. Potential franchisees undergo a “more rigorous interview process,” Schweikert said, and take a predictive index assessment evaluating their personalities and likelihood of success within Lightbridge Academy’s franchise model. “These enhancements help us select franchisees who share our values, possess the business skills to succeed, and are committed to following our system,” she said.