Mathnasium began with the realisation from its founder, Larry Martinek, that there was a better way to teach maths. In collaboration with education industry pioneers, Peter Markovitz and David Ullendorf, the trio recognised that for students to be truly successful in school and in life, they needed a solid understanding of mathematics. They also identified the vast disconnect between students’ learning skills and the math curriculum taught in schools. To help bridge this gap, they founded Mathnasium in 2002, with a vision to expand the brand to benefit as many children as possible. In 2003, they moved into franchising.
Mathnasium has since become an award-winning, world-class math education company, and global demand for its service has soared. The company opened its first UK centre in 2018, and through the franchising model, there are now 24 centres in the UK, with rapid growth ongoing.
Joining the BFA, as the voice of ethical franchising in the UK, has been hugely beneficial in terms of the credibility it lends to the brand. Not to mention the training, learning, advice, and networking opportunities being part of the UK’s most influential trade association for franchising has provided.
What common franchising myths have you encountered, particularly regarding your brand or sector?
Myth: “A franchise will run itself!”
Fact: A franchise is absolutely a business in a box and an ethical franchisor will provide a franchisee with all the tools they need to make their business successful, but the franchisee will always need to put in the hard work to make it successful.
Myth: “Success is guaranteed”
Fact: Whilst a franchisor will provide the training, support and brand intellectual property, it’s always down to the franchisee’s execution of the Method that will be most influential on the success of an individual franchisee.
Myth: “It’s only for F&B or gyms”
Fact: There are so many more brands who now franchise their model to extend their reach. Take Mathnasium, at the franchise exhibitions in the UK we frequently have conversations with potential candidates who may only have considered food and beverage brands, until they realise what else is out there for them.
What key factors contribute to the success of franchised businesses in your experience?
There are a few key factors that have been most influential in the success of franchisees we have met. In our experience, the most successful franchisees:
Follow the model: The research and planning that goes into a franchise business means that they have a carefully refined model that works at scale. The most successful franchisees follow the model to the letter. It works!
Learn from the network: In taking on a franchise business you can benefit from the learning of others in the network and a responsible and ethical franchisor will encourage and actively promote and facilitate a culture of sharing best practice to benefit all those in the network.
Participate in all training offered: It’s easy to think that after you’ve opened your business you no longer need to learn. The most successful franchisees recognise the benefits of continuous learning and attend and fully participate in all ongoing training that’s offered.
Speak to existing franchisees before committing: Do your due diligence and engage with the existing network at every opportunity. You will learn from their mistakes and gain valuable insight into the real workings of the business you’re investing in from those who are in the know.
