KING OF PRUSSIA, PA--(Marketwire - February 14, 2011) - For the 10th straight year, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the nation's largest childcare and early education franchise with over 370 schools in 34 states across the country, has owned Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500. This year's rankings were no different as the chain was not only No. 1 in its category for the 10th consecutive year, but also in the Top 100 at No. 87 in overall top U.S. franchise opportunities.
"Our success can be credited to our dedicated franchisees, the support of a committed corporate staff and especially to the continued loyalty of the families we serve in communities across the country," said Joseph Schumacher, CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. "We are pleased to be recognized yet again by such a prestigious institution and look forward to our opportunities in 2011."
To determine rankings for the Franchise 500, each company is evaluated on its financial strength and stability, growth rate, size of system, percentage of unit closings and years in business and franchising. GSI rose 34 spots from its 2010 ranking to break the top 100 this year. Its continued growth is fueled by an all time high demand for childcare and an increased focus on the importance of education.
In 2011, GSI plans to continue its national expansion and has brought in key franchise executives to strengthen the organization's leadership. With new executives in franchise development, marketing, and operations, the company plans strengthen its already formidable franchisee support system and broaden brand penetration.
"GSI is augmenting its top management in order to provide the level of support GSI is famous for," said Schumacher. "With the additions of franchising veterans Dzana Homan as COO, Vic Yeandel as Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and PR and Tony Padulo as Vice President of Franchise Development, we're preparing for a decade of exceptional growth."
Goddard Systems, Inc. has captured the dominant share of the childcare market, which Entrepreneur ranked as one of the top ten franchise industries to expand in 2011, through a combination of its strong franchise system and the proprietary FLEX™ Learning Program. Franchisee support systems include real estate assistance, opening assistance, on-going training, Quality Assurance program and professional development. For more information on Goddard Systems, Inc., visit http://www.goddardschool.com/About.gspx.
About Goddard Systems, Inc. www.goddardschool.com
Recently named #1 Childcare Franchise in the United States, by Entrepreneur magazine, for the tenth consecutive year (January 2011) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales), by Franchise Times, for the fourth consecutive year (October 2010); Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is expanding The Goddard School® network throughout the United States. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, GSI currently licenses 370+ franchised schools with more than 43,000 students in 34 states. With a successful system in place and dedicated franchisees, GSI is the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare and a premier childcare provider in the United States.