Q&A with Multi-Brand Franchisee Nish Patel

Name: Nish Patel

Title: Franchise Owner

Brands: 4 SafeSplash Swim School and 4 Lightbridge Academy

Units: 8

Years in franchising: 10

Why did you choose to franchise with a service brand?

My business partner, Kal Patel, and I have always been drawn to brands that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Service brands, especially those focused on youth enrichment, give us the opportunity to see that impact every day. We are helping families, supporting children’s growth, and building their confidence, all while providing a service. There is a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that our work truly matters to the families we serve. For us, this combination of purpose and profession made franchising with a service brand the perfect choice.

How did you choose the sector and brand you did?

SafeSplash Swim School stood out because it empowers children by teaching them confidence, safety, and life skills that translate beyond the pool and apply throughout a lifetime. The curriculum is structured and progressive, making learning both fun and effective. Coming from education and child development through our past experience with Lightbridge Academy, SafeSplash felt like a natural extension of our mission. We wanted a brand that allowed us to make a real difference in children’s lives while providing strong support and training for our team.

What different skill sets are required for franchising with a service brand?

Running a service brand requires a mix of people skills, leadership, and operational expertise. It is important to connect with families, build trust, and create a culture where your team feels motivated and supported. Leadership and empathy are just as important as business management because the quality of service depends on the people delivering it.

What are the advantages of choosing a service brand?

One of the greatest advantages is the ability to make a real difference in your community every day. Success is measured in the confidence, happiness, and new skills of the kids you serve. It is incredibly rewarding to see a child grow from nervous to confident or to hear parents share how much our program has impacted their family. Service brands, like SafeSplash, also offer strong training and systems that make it easier to deliver a consistent and meaningful experience while still creating a personal connection with the families in your community.

What are some keys to being able to operate multiple franchises at the same time?

Running multiple franchises successfully is truly about creating a system that works even when you are not there. This means building strong processes, empowering a capable team, and focusing on the big-picture decisions that drive growth. Staying on top of finances, fostering clear communication, and nurturing a strong culture keep every location aligned and thriving. It also requires smart time management and maintaining close relationships with your franchisor, whose guidance can make all the difference. When these pieces come together, you can grow multiple businesses without losing quality or consistency.

What are some of the top ways in which you have been able to market and promote your business?

For us, marketing our business strategically has been key to growth. The approach that works best combines connecting with the community, maintaining a strong digital presence, and focusing on our customers. We build trust and generate word-of-mouth by participating in local events, sponsoring sports teams, and partnering with nearby businesses. Online, we use targeted social media ads and share engaging content like customer stories and behind-the-scenes moments to keep the brand visible. Loyalty and referral programs turn happy customers into advocates, and a strong digital presence with positive reviews helps new customers find us. Consistent branding, regular updates, and timely promotions keep both new and returning customers engaged and coming back.

What would you recommend to anyone considering a service brand?

Lead with heart and purpose. Choose a brand whose mission you truly believe in, because working with children and families requires care and authenticity. Invest in your team, stay connected to your community, and keep your mission front and center. When you operate with passion and integrity, you not only build a successful business but also create a lasting impact on the families you serve.