Kris welcomes “The Jens”, aka Jennifer House (CEO) and Jenni Grawvunder (COO) of Children’s Choice Preschool, to share the remarkable story behind their 12-center child care empire in San Diego County. What started as a nonprofit program with 25 children has grown into a thriving operation serving nearly 1,300 kids across 11 centers (with a 12th on the way) and supported by a team of over 300 staff.
From pet chickens to RV-based school openings, the Jens talk about blending practical business strategy with fun, managing both nonprofit and for-profit centers, building culture through grace and accountability, and how a vivid vision exercise helped reawaken their passion (and their animal sanctuary dreams). They also share some great advice on marketing, building a community, and not staying stuck as a leader.
Key Takeaways:
[8:24] The Jens join Kris from sunny San Diego.
[9:37] Jen House reflects on starting Children’s Choice in 1998 as a nonprofit with 25 children.
[10:11] They now operate 11 schools, with the 12th in escrow.
[11:27] Jenni G shares how she started as an aide in 2008 and worked her way up.
[12:28] The hilarious Yellow Pages story of how Jenni found her job and showed up with a posse.
[13:35] They now care for nearly 1,300 children and manage over 300 employees.
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