Nancy and Kobad Bugwadia, Mathnasium Franchise Owners since 2009
A special honor is reserved for those who aspire to “reach for the power to teach.” Some might even describe it as a calling, which was certainly the case with Kobad and Nancy Bugwadia as they decided to pursue Mathnasium franchise ownership. They opened their first San Francisco Bay-area Mathnasium location in 2009 and have three Mathnasium franchise locations today. Kobad and Nancy have a strong passion for educating young minds and giving back to their local communities. Under their watch, dozens of underprivileged children have been given the gift of free tutorial sessions designed to bolster their skills and proficiency in mathematics. Their franchise operations have twice been recognized as among the best of the best tutoring and educational facilities by the local press. They were recently honored by the IFA as “2023 Franchisee of the Year” award winners.
Since they first opened their Mathnasium franchise, they have served thousands of kids across the Bay Area to help build a strong foundation and develop a joy for math. Kobad has a Ph.D. in Engineering and has worked in the high-tech field for several years. Nancy is a Registered Dietitian with a master’s degree in clinical nutrition, which she has parlayed into a distinguished, three-decade career in healthcare. Together, they own three Mathnasium Learning Centers.
With a strong passion for our youth and education, the Bugwadia’s motivation to start a small business was driven by their desire to give back to the community. They regularly partner with local nonprofits to provide scholarships for underprivileged kids to attend the Mathnasium program at no cost. They also work closely with local schools to host special “Math Nights,” where students and their parents can participate and play different math games together. Mathnasium has been recognized as the “Best of the Best” Tutoring or Educational Support Program by Bay Area Parent Magazine for the last several years and received a similar designation as the “Best Tutoring and Learning Center” in Silicon Valley by the San Jose Mercury News.
Why did you purchase a Mathnasium franchise rather than being an employee or opening an independent business?
We both wanted to be part of a proven system that is time-tested and workable. Once we began researching our options, it didn’t take long to see the value of Mathnasium’s successful business model. Mathnasium is a specialized math-only learning center where K to 12th-grade students can attend classes year-round to boost their math skills. We wanted to teach math in a way that makes sense to kids and develop their number sense for long-term success in mathematics. We loved the approach to providing each student with one-on-one instruction and customized learning plans to help them catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math!
Which of your prior skills and experiences were most helpful in launching your Mathnasium franchise?
We are both familiar with applying a customer-centric approach. We’re also quite detail-oriented, willing to take risks, have strong interpersonal and technical skills, and enjoy project management based on the managerial skills we’ve learned throughout our careers.
When researching franchises to buy, what criteria mattered to you most?
There were several factors in all. We were seeking a business opportunity that matched both methodology and approach, was “People-Oriented,” and a brand that had strong culture and values. It was also very important for us to find a concept that believed in the spirit of giving back to the community by offering a solid contribution to society. Lastly, the business needed to have strong financials and obvious growth potential!
Did you speak with other franchisees before making your decision?
Honestly, we didn’t need much more convincing from validation. I was sold very quickly because I had prior experience in education, and Mathnasium’s offering and methodology aligned with my views and approach to teaching kids. That being said, over the years, I have spoken to hundreds of new Mathnasium franchisees and convinced them to pursue business ownership with this opportunity.
Which questions did you ask the franchisor?
We asked for the background information of Mathnasium’s founders and executive management team. Their journey in launching the brand and their credentials were impressive, and I really felt connected to joining the team and becoming a franchisee.
What were your biggest challenges when you first started out, and how did you overcome them?
As a first-time business owner, managing the financial aspect and balancing the books were some of the initial challenges. Another obstacle was getting familiar with things like local employment laws, the hiring process, and payroll. We overcame these challenges by selecting the right vendors to support the tasks where I lacked expertise so I could focus on the core product driving my business. Our mission was to become part of the community by building partnerships, focusing on local marketing, promoting the quality of our instruction (product), and delivering a superior customer experience. The rest just fell into place!
How does the Mathnasium franchise system support and encourage your success?
In many different ways! Mathnasium provides excellent support and encouragement, a win-win proposition for both parties. They recognize the top-performing operators at the Annual Convention, which motivates them to do even better. They created the Mathnasium Franchise Advisory Committee so that the franchisor’s executive team can work closely with the elected franchisees. Mathnasium is also very good at identifying and providing the right technology and tools to help franchise owners run their day-to-day operations. Lastly, they have a team of Franchise Business Consultants in place to share best practices and support franchisees with answers to their questions.
What are you most proud of as a multi-unit Mathnasium franchise owner?
We’re proud to have been successful franchise owners for 14 years. The opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of kids and help them succeed in mathematics has been very rewarding.
What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers?
Always remember to keep the bigger picture in mind! It is OK to start off slowly and build a strong foundation in the beginning. Ensure you develop and implement the most efficient systems and processes to drive your long-term success. Develop your staff properly, invest in training, and share your vision for small business success with the team. Create a great work environment and culture where everyone communicates freely and stays connected to one another. It’s also important to be an integral part of your local community by giving back.
Buy a franchise you’re passionate about and would enjoy owning. Evaluate if the timing is right for the opportunity regarding family, other commitments, and your financial tolerance so you can sustain the business until reaching break-even!
For more information about franchising with Mathnasium, call 888-763-2604, email [email protected], or visit mathnasiumfranchise.com
More About the Mathnasium Franchise Opportunity:
Former Teacher Finds Formula for Success as a Mathnasium Franchise Owner
Source: Multi-Unit Mathnasium Franchise Owners Help Students Experience the Joy of Mathematics. (n.d.). Franchise Business Review. https://franchisebusinessreview.com/post/multi-unit-mathnasium-franchise-owners-help-students-experience-the-joy-of-mathematics/
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