Business View Magazine - Mar 2024

For close to 18 years, Ivybrook Academy has been redefining early childhood education across the nation.The academy has grown into a large franchise that managed to create a proprietary curriculum and welcoming aesthetics that meets the needs of both its students and their families. At the operational level, effective communication and collaboration between franchise owners and corporate support teams are essential and part of the franchise’s day-to-day culture. Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to effectively manage their businesses, from daily operations to managing finances and marketing efforts. Moreover, Ivybrook is a brand that leverages technology to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency and satisfaction. Success for this organization is characterized by its thriving network of franchise locations across multiple states, each renowned for its exceptional quality of care and educational excellence. The positive impact the franchise makes in so many different communities provides parents with peace of mind and children with a solid foundation for future success. As it grows, Ivybrook continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of families, ensuring its position as a trusted leader in early childhood education and care. BUILDING DREAMS, ONE CHILD AT A TIME The story of Ivybrook Academy is one of humble beginnings. It was co-founded by husband-and-wife Jennifer & Drew McWilliams. The founding inspiration came from a rare combination of Drew’s business expertise and Jennifer’s vision for a better start in education for children in their community. “My background was in residential real estate sales, and my wife was a first-grade teacher,” McWilliams explains, referencing his wife’s calling to work with children as the catalyst for the company. 77 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 IVYBROOK ACADEMY