Local Mathnasium in the News

We were honored to recently be featured in Franchising Magazine USA about our experience opening a Mathnasium center here in Park City. We are resharing the article and link which was originally featured on Franchising Magazine USA.

5 Essential Strategies for Career Shifters to Thrive in Franchising

Contributed by Dena Stewart and Kouy Kolar, Owners of Mathnasium in Park City, Utah 

Switching careers can feel like a big leap, but it’s also an exciting chance to explore something new and find work that truly lights us up. In fact, career changes are more common than ever, with half of professionals seeking a fresh direction at some point in their careers. We’ve both gone through that shift ourselves and know it’s not always easy—especially when it means taking the plunge into entrepreneurship.

For us, becoming Mathnasium Learning Center franchisees wasn’t just about opening a business—it was about bringing a much-needed resource to our Park City community. By combining our expertise in economics and education, we launched our Mathnasium center, a brand we both trusted as customers.

Fast forward two years, and our business is thriving.  Every step of the way has been a learning experience. We’re excited to share the five key lessons we’ve learned, in hopes they’ll help others navigate their own career transitions and succeed in franchise ownership.

• Choose the Right Partner; Not Just a Convenient One: Building a business with a partner who complements your strengths and weaknesses is essential. A shared vision and mutual support from day one is key to long-term success. By leveraging each other’s expertise and collaborating effectively, you can overcome challenges and unlock your full potential for growth.

When choosing a partner, it’s important to consider both your personality and theirs to ensure smooth collaboration without constant conflict over decisions. While working with friends or family can be rewarding, it’s not always the right fit for everyone. The ideal partner is someone who shares your passion for the business, builds mutual trust in decision-making, and keeps you motivated through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

• Overcoming Staffing Challenges in the Early Stages: Hiring the right team is one of the biggest challenges early on. It’s crucial to find individuals who align with your vision and contribute to creating a positive, motivated culture. Take the time to identify the skills you need, and recognize where you can train and nurture unique talents within your team.

Understanding your end goal and working backward will help you build a dream team you can rely on as your business grows. By assembling a team you trust, you’ll empower them to effectively manage the business and follow the processes you’ve established.

• How to Focus on the Now: Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to stay focused on the immediate tasks. Don’t get lost in the long-term challenges—take things one step at a time and prioritize what needs to be done first. By breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps, you can keep up momentum and make progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Staying grounded throughout the process is key. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and as challenges come up, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished. Recognizing your progress reminds you of the journey so far. Taking steady steps toward your long-term goals is far more manageable than trying to make giant leaps when navigating a career change of this magnitude.

It’s also important to occasionally step back and evaluate where you are with your business, so you can clearly envision both short-term and long-term goals.

• The Value of Mentorship and Support Systems: Having strong mentors and a proven franchise model is crucial when navigating the complexities of starting a new business. Mentorship offers valuable guidance, boosts your confidence, and provides the tools needed for success. With a reliable support system in place, you can tackle obstacles more effectively and stay focused on your long-term goals.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and lean on the franchise leadership team. One of the biggest advantages of joining a franchise is that the challenges have already been worked through, helping to streamline the opening process and beyond. The leadership team is there to support you and set you up for long-term success.

• Trusting Your Gut When Making Career Changes: When considering a big career change, trusting your instincts and pursuing your passion is essential. Follow your gut, especially when choosing a franchise opportunity that aligns with your values and long-term goals. By staying true to your instincts, you’ll find greater fulfillment and resilience when faced with challenges.

Your gut feeling is a valuable roadmap in life, and that shouldn’t change when it comes to business. While knowledge and careful evaluation are important, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your intuition. There’s a reason you felt compelled to make a career change, so don’t hesitate to rely on your instincts when making decisions for your business.

Change can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for growth—especially when it comes to our careers. While we may not always seek change, sometimes it’s exactly what we need. With franchising, you have proven systems in place that ease the challenges of starting a new business. From there, it’s all about following simple strategies to set you and your brand up for long-term success as you embrace your new passion.