Building a Childcare Franchise Born from Necessity (with Jay Shah) | Ep. 5

When Sean McKay sat down with Jay Shah, the story of Marigold Academy unfolded as one of necessity, resilience, and vision. What began in 2019 as a search for childcare that felt like a true home away from home quickly turned into a franchise brand redefining early education.

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Jay shared how his personal journey as a parent revealed the shortcomings of commercialized childcare and how that sparked the creation of Marigold Academy. Despite setbacks during COVID, the model thrived, leading to a bold move into franchising in 2023. With growth in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and expansion plans across Texas, Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia, Jay outlined the realities of franchising that few talk about: the financial hurdles, the steep learning curve, and the power of mentorship.

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This episode offers candid lessons on why passion matters, how networking fuels success, and why grassroots relationships can move the needle more than paid campaigns.

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👤 Guest Bio

Jay Shah is the Founder and CEO of Marigold Academy, a childcare franchise serving children from birth to age five. Inspired by his own family’s search for high-quality care, Jay launched Marigold Academy in 2019 and expanded into franchising in 2023. With locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the brand is building a national presence while focusing on long-term partnerships, franchisee support, and premium childcare experiences.

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📌 What We Cover

• How the search for childcare sparked the founding of Marigold Academy in 2019
• The impact of COVID on growth and the decision to expand into franchising in 2023
• Why passion, personal need, and emotional connection drive franchise success
• The blend of large-scale facilities with the intimacy of small daycare partnerships
• Challenges and financial realities of launching a franchise brand
• The role of mentors, coaches, and networking in navigating growth
• Why grassroots connections and authenticity often outperform paid campaigns
• Building long-term relationships with franchisees as a “marriage,” not a transaction

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🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Marigold Academy
• LinkedIn as a tool for networking and mentorship