How to Succeed as A Multi-Unit Franchisee: Kari Weigel, Sylvan Learning Center

For Kari Weigel, owner of two Sylvan Learning Centers in North Dakota, deciding to partner with Sylvan Learning was a decision she made long ago.

Weigel’s mother owned the franchise before her, so in many ways, she grew up with the brand. “I jumped in and I worked at the company in many different roles,” she said. While the numbers all made sense to Weigel when she was deciding to buy, ultimately her heart was the deciding factor. “This business was one I wanted to be involved in,” she said.

Today, Weigel — like her mother — is at the helm, managing a team that she says is critical to her success as a multi-unit franchise owner.

“I trust my team to do their jobs and make decisions in their roles,” she says. “We don’t forget to celebrate the successes, and sometimes even celebrate the failures too so we can learn from our mistakes and be better next time. We [as business owners] need to rely on our team.”