Meet the Founders: Jamie and Josh
The seeds of Parker-Anderson Enrichment were planted when Josh
Parker and Jamie Anderson were kids. Josh was into sports and
chess. Jamie was into the arts and sciences. As they grew into
adults, childhood passions blossomed into hobbies and careers:
Jamie became a professional singer-songwriter and a black belt in
Tae Kwon Do and Josh, after finishing college at Berkeley, started
teaching chess to elementary students.
Ten years later, they are the leading enrichment company in
California, providing after school programs in more than 150
schools with qualified instructors teaching Lego Robotics, Young
Architects, Mock Trial and Public Speaking, Marine Biology, Jewelry
Making, Chess, and more! The first franchise came into being in
2014 in North Orange County and the rest is history…in the
making!
Our hope is that you will find owning a
Parker-Anderson Enrichment franchise to be as
rewarding as we have. It has satisfied our personal and financial
needs. It has been fulfilling to be the owners of a company that
benefits so many people. Involvement in the lives of children has
its own special rewards.
FranchiseExpo: Tell us about the Parker-Anderson
Enrichment concept.
Josh Parker and Jamie
Anderson: For over twenty-five years,
Parker-Anderson Enrichment has offered the most diverse selection
of kids programs that any franchise has to offer. Our motto is “Fun
Comes First,” our intention is to educate through hands-on
learning, and our hope is that students around the world can share
our abundant array of classes.
We meet students where they already are: at their schools
after school.
No parent has to pick up, drive, and drop off at some
location. Students simply stay at school for an extra hour—no
tests, no books, but meaningful ways to learn—tactile, visual, and
fun! There is a huge market for after school enrichment that was
not there fifteen years ago.
When both or single parents or caregivers work, enrichment is
a valuable alternative to day care. Schools are busy! They often do
not have time, resources, or funding to develop their own
enrichment programs.
FE: How and when did you become involved with
Parker-Anderson Enrichment? In 2005, Josh
Parker and Jamie Anderson partnered together after working in
separate enrichment companies for three years.
FE: What was your background prior to joining
Parker-Anderson Enrichment?
Josh Parker was an elementary school teacher and Jamie
Anderson was an enrichment teacher for after school martial arts
classes.
FE: What are some of the advantages in being a
Parker-Anderson Enrichment franchisee?
We are recession resistant industry. There is very
low overhead. This is a high growth Industry. We offer a low
investment and it can be a home based business. We have a
well-known name in after school enrichment world with a great
reputation.
FE: Who is your ideal franchisee?
Although there is very little educational experience needed to
run this business. Our ideal franchisee would be someone who cares
about the education of children and at one time or another was
involved in the education process. However, we would consider any
candidate who was driven, motivated, family-oriented,
consumer-friendly, detail-oriented, multi-tasker, consultative,
experienced execution, operations focus, managerial, cares about
others, environmentally-friendly, children-oriented, confidence,
relationship builder, etc.
FE: Tell us a little about the Children’s
Education Market?
Children’s enrichment has been growing exponentially over the
last 15 years. Academic enrichment has never been more important
that what it is right now. Quality
afterschool and summer programs increase
learning time by providing enrichment opportunities that are more
engaging, and fun while expanding children’s skills and interests.
FE: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve
learned in growing this franchise?
How to better support our franchisees. It is really a
relationship between the franchisor and franchisee and
understanding their needs is key! Learning how to respond quickly
to aspects of the business and problems that we did not foresee. To
work with them and stay up to date on a weekly basis.
FE: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you
use for inspiration?
We did not have a mentor but we both had a “can do” attitude
and a willingness to “learn the ropes” of customer service and
meeting expectations with top quality service.
FE: What advice do you have for someone looking
to acquire a franchise?
We would say to do your research of any and all
interesting opportunities available in your area. Purchasing a
franchise is a life time decision. Meet several times with the
owners and staff and be sure they can answer your questions to your
satisfaction. Choose the right fit for you!
FE: In your opinion, why do you think that
Parker-Anderson Enrichment would be a great opportunity for
someone?
First, and most importantly, we are a “one-stop shopping"
experience for busy schools and working parents which makes
Parker-Anderson an obvious choice for enrichment.
Further, People can own a thriving business that is
lucrative and strong while also maintaining a lifestyle
that allows plenty of time for hands-on parenting, hobbies, civic
activities, etc. This can be reality for anyone who owns a
Parker-Anderson Franchise.
Every day has certain maintenance objectives, growth
objectives, and hands-on ‘in the trenches’ activity that are
rewarding and sustainable. You will never get bored.
