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Bill Pierquet, senior vice president of school development for Primrose Schools, is today’s All About Real Estate guest on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Pierquet’s department is responsible for finding franchisees, or people who have a vision that aligns with that of the Primrose learning system, as well as handling the real estate and purchase development so the franchisees can focus on opening the school.
Primrose Schools began as a half-day preschool program in 1992, and quickly realized the need for childcare services for parents. That need led to the school’s current balanced learning system that promises a brighter future for all children, and Primrose’s recognition as an early education leader.
With more than 300 schools from coast to coast, Primrose has recently opened new schools in Atlanta, and has more planned. A school was recently opened in a mixed-use development in Brookhaven, and it’s one of the few two-story schools. Primrose Schools is in the process of building a new school in an office tower across from Lenox Mall in Buckhead, and it has an additional school under construction just south of Interstate 285 on Roswell Road. Plus, they’re currently looking for locations to build in Druid Hills, Decatur and on West Paces Ferry.
Urban locations offer a unique and challenging opportunity for Pierquet and his team, as they often have to find the right existing space in the right area and repurpose it to fit their needs. In fact, Primrose’s first urban school was in Midtown on the roof of the plaza at Colony Square.
In addition to the growth seen in the metro Atlanta area, Primrose has grown throughout the country as well. Schools can be found in states from New Hampshire to California, and schools are planned to open in Washington and Oregon. All total, Primrose should open 30 schools nationwide in 2015, with 100 more in progress that will open in the next two to three years.
When asked what sets Primrose Schools apart from other early learning centers, Pierquet states that it’s the passion of the franchise owners. An astounding 70 percent of owners are parents that had children in the schools or were connected with children in the school. After seeing the value of the Primrose experience, they became passionate about owning and working with children. Pierquet also states that former parents are usually the type of owner that connects with the community and families in the area, and they often live in the market, providing even further incentive for running a successful program.
If you’re interested in Primrose Schools, from enrolling your child to owning your own franchise, listen to the full podcast above and then contact Primrose Schools at 770-799-5523 or visit www.PrimroseSchools.com.
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Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio’s “All About Real Estate” segment airs on Fridays and highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact 770-383-3360 or via the contact form on this site.
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