Shows
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 225 — The Real Reason You Can't Let Go with Barbara Tedrow In this episode, Jennifer opens with an honest reflection on control and the emotional weight so many child care owners carry without even realizing it. That sets the stage for a real conversation with Barbara Tedrow, owner of A Gold Star Academy and a multi-site child care leader in New Mexico, about what it looks like to build a strong team on paper and yet still feel like too much of the business is resting on your shoulders. Barbara shares what came up during a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's corporate...
2026-04-1647 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 224 — This is Why It Still Keeps Coming Back To You with Toni Bedford Real leadership takes time, clarity, and the willingness to slow down and lead with intention. In this episode, Jennifer reflects on a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's new corporate office in New Orleans, and the perspective owners can gain when they step out of the daily rush long enough to think differently about how they lead. That sets up her conversation with Toni Bedford, owner of Bedford Learning Programs, a network of six family child care homes, about what it takes to stop being the person everything keeps coming back to. ...
2026-04-0241 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 223 — Protect What You've Built with Sharita Brown In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal moment that slowed her down and clarified what matters most: impact, leadership, and protecting what's been entrusted to you. That framing sets the tone for a grounded conversation with Sharita "Rita" Brown, a long-time early childhood leader and Child Care Success Company coach, about one of the fears many owners carry quietly — the allegation that can shake everything. Rita walks Jennifer through a season where her centers faced a false report, and they couldn't immediately produce the proof they needed. Instead of spiraling, they tightened their standards: documentation, ov...
2026-03-1938 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 222 — When Loving Kids Isn't Enough with Michael Ingram A new season of Child Care Rockstar Radio begins with Jennifer Conner, CEO of the Child Care Success company, stepping in as host! Jennifer shares the real behind-the-scenes of her own journey: buying a struggling center, realizing "love and passion" alone won't sustain a business long-term, and learning how systems, finances, and leadership create the stability that protects your mission. Then Jennifer welcomes Michael Ingram, a legacy child care leader and school owner with multi-generational roots, to talk about the kind of leadership growth that doesn't show up on an org chart. Michael reflects on moving from defensiveness to...
2026-03-0542 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 221 — Happier Mamas, Happier Babies with Camille St. Martin In this heartfelt sendoff episode, Kris sits down with her very first hire, Camille St. Martin, for a deeply meaningful conversation about the postpartum experience, nervous system regulation, and the importance of truly seeing and supporting new moms. Camille, now a mother of two and the founder of Ritual Movement Mama, shares how her own experience of isolation and identity loss after childbirth sparked a mission to help mothers reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and their inner wisdom, one slow movement at a time. Together, Kris and Camille explore what it means to return...
2026-02-1950 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 211 - Chasing Cows and Building Dreams Into a 12-Center Empire with Jennifer House and Jenni Grawvunder 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...
2025-09-2543 min
Image BearersSame As U: God, Love, and Disability with Jennifer SellI sit down with Jennifer Sell, founder and executive director of Same As U—a beautiful, college-like program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But behind this incredible organization is a deeply personal story.Jennifer is not just an advocate—she’s a mother. When her daughter Jessica was born with Down Syndrome, Jennifer and her husband were thrown into a journey they didn’t expect. Jennifer opens up about the moment they first heard the diagnosis, how it impacted their marriage, and how God met them in at their lowest.We talk about th...
2025-08-111h 02
HooperCast Movie Hour#451: The BFF (Jennifer Lawrence, “No Hard Feelings”, & “Winter’s Bone”)1:22 - REVIEW - “No Hard Feelings” (2023) - The undeniable appeal of Jennifer Lawrence across genres, the scarcity of decent sex comedies, and the middle-budget film.
17:00 - REVIEW - “Winter’s Bone” (2010) - Making a story world feel lived-in, making characters feel like they have history beyond the film, and what it means to be a Southern Gothic story.
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Thanks for joining us! If you enjoy our show, PLEASE please tell your friends. Recommend us. That is how we grow.
If you’re interested in my writing, visit https://jconnor.substack.com/
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2024-02-1651 min
Got It From My MommaConner Smith on his New Album | Got it From My Momma | Ep. 46Send us Fan MailLots to celebrate over here! Jennifer's son, country music artist Conner Smith released his debut full-length album- SMOKY MOUNTAINS. There's no one better to talk to Conner about the story and the heart behind the songs he chose for the album than his momma, Jennifer. Listen to the album, listen to the podcast! We're thankful for each of you! www.connersmithmusic.comThis episode is brought you by Better Helpwww.betterhelp.com/mymommaUse this link to receive 10% off of your first month of onlin...
2024-01-2646 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 154 - Built to Sell with Jennifer Conner Kris welcomes Jennifer Conner, the Director of Coaching at the Child Care Success Company. She first gives an update on her move to Mexico and shares her inspiring story of exiting her business and transitioning to a full-time role as Director of Coaching. Jennifer's natural talent for building operations manuals and systems, combined with her leadership skills, has allowed her to scale and grow the company's processes and automation. She shares valuable insights on how she and her team valued the business, organized the necessary paperwork, and set her successor up for success. This episode is particularly relevant for...
2023-06-2252 minGot It From My MommaConner Smith's Momma- Jennifer Vickery Smith | Got It From My Momma Ep. 8Send us Fan Mail Conner Smith is taking over the host mic today, and this conversation is so special! It’s the first time we’ve sat down to tell our story together, and I think you are going to love hearing Conner talk about this journey, our family, and his faith. In this episode you'll hear me talk about my favorite song of his… be sure to listen to the end- I’ve added it to the episode! Thank you to our generous Got It From My Momma podcast friends! This episode is brought to you by:
2023-02-1457 min
Inspire to Run PodcastHow to Win on Daily Basis with Arthritis with Jennifer Castro and Lauren Amendola!Send a text#053 - Relationship Banker, Health Coach, and Arthritis Warrior, Jennifer Castro shares her story about experiencing joint pain and fatigue and eventually being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. She shares her story about her journey to improving her nutrition, losing weight, and running. Lauren Amendola also joins us to share how Arthritis Foundation is helping people Live Yes! through educational resources and programs.Topics Covered:Listening to your body and seeking the right diagnosisRunning journey and benefits while having arthritisImportance of having a coach...
2022-11-1029 min
Two Chicks and a Horror FlickJennifer's BodyThis week we are joined by an awesome special guest - Michael from the We Love Horror podcast! He brought us one of his favs this week - the controversial Jennifer's Body. Join us for this philosophical discussion around Megan Fox and her vilification, why the all male marketing team TOTALLY missed the mark, and the writer Diablo Cody's remarks on the film. Tangents include: Taylor Swift and Bring It On.@we_love_horror_podcastJennifer's Body (2009)Director: Karyn KusamaTawny’s rating: 4.5/5Felicia’s rating: 4.25/5Michael's rating: 5/5WE ARE...
2021-02-102h 26
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 85 - The One About What Shark Tank Is Really Like (and much more) with Dave VasenThis week Kris is joined with Dave Vasen, founder and CEO of brightwheel, one of the leading parent management software platforms that features best-in-class parent communication. Dave shares his journey into developing and launching brightwheel and gives us an exclusive behind the scenes story of appearing on Shark Tank and striking a deal with Mark Cuban. Kris and Dave also talk about transparency in leadership, how providers can feel more confident in sharing their unique gifts, and how to obsessively focus on customers and clients. Key Takeaways: [9:28] Dave's parents were immigrants from South A...
2020-09-2450 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 84 - The Everything School: Grow Your Leaders, Grow Your Empire with Tameenah AdamsTameenah Adams is a Child Care Business Coach for The Child Care Success Company and has over 18 years of experience in personnel management. She joins Kris for a conversation about gaining confidence through preparation and action and how she has continued to expand her empire and development centers throughout the pandemic. Tameenah also talks about the ways that Jeff Bezos inspired her business model to be the Everything School, the power of connection, and how to create a team where everyone feels bought-in and part of the future vision. Key Takeaways: [15:33] Tameenah has t...
2020-09-1755 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 83 - Peeling Back the Layers: How to Feel Better and Help the People in Your Life Feel Better with Alyssa CampbellAlyssa Campbell is an emotional development expert, podcaster, and founder of Seed and Sew. She joins the show to talk with Kris about the method of Collaborative Emotion Processing that she co-created, how developing emotional intelligence skills saved her life, and why this work is of the utmost importance for leaders and teachers to deal correctly with the tiny humans of tomorrow. Key Takeaways: [2:28] Once Alyssa developed the emotional intelligence tools she now teaches today, she went from feeling exhausted and drained to now being able to recognize her triggers. Through this, she...
2020-09-1049 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 82 - A New Twist on Classic Topics in ECE: Quality, Diversity, Head Start, and More with Dr. Calvin MooreDr. Calvin Moore was recently named Interim CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition. He joins the show to talk about what first attending the Head Start Program as a student meant to him as he moved up the ranks into executive positions. He and Kris also discuss why obtaining a CDA (Child Development Associate) certification is so important, and how we attract and retain a more diverse workforce. Key Takeaways: [10:15] Dr. Calvin Moore was recently named interim CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition. He's also the first CEO of the Council...
2020-09-0356 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 81 - Supporting Families with Integrity and Grit with Sarah CudnikSarah Cudnik is the Executive Director and Owner of Kids' Work in Chicago, with two very active and successful locations. Sarah shares her insight from growing up in an environment where childcare was important, and what she learned from starting as a mother-daughter duo. She and Kris also discuss goal setting, creating a great work culture, and the key components of making a website look great. Sarah also discusses her goals to better understand her finances and the leaps and bounds she has made through mentorship and joining groups of like-minded individuals committed to success. ...
2020-08-2751 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 80 - Embracing the Pandemic: The Ultimate Leader Shift to the Positive with Linda HassapisLinda Hassapis is the owner of Magical Beginnings daycares and learning centers, with six locations around the Boston area. Linda shares her beginnings in the industry from opening up a childcare facility in her home to now growing Magical Beginnings with a full staff and bustling capacity. Linda talks about the importance of teamwork, how her culture got even stronger throughout the pandemic, and ways they have communicated with their families to make sure there is nothing but trust and confidence in sending their children to school. Key Takeaways: [7:12] Magical Beginnings has six l...
2020-08-2039 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 79 - Leadership and Mindset Shifts from an ECE Veteran with Pamela PiekarskiPamela Piekarski is the President and CEO of Exploring Minds Academy, which has two programs in two different states: Colorado and Kansas. Pamela joins the show this week to discuss her journey into ECE as a Kindergarten teacher in 1978, and share a few amazing golden nuggets of advice and wisdom she has gained from a long and successful career. Pamela talks about her work in Bilingual studies, the value of a coach and mentoring peer group, and how we can feel confident about raising tuition rates. She and Kris also talk about the foundational pieces to have in place...
2020-08-1354 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 78 - Best Practices for Successful Licensing Visits with Ronnae WilliamsAs a previous licensing consultant herself and now part of the Child Care Success team, Ronnae Williams has some great insight into how child care leaders can make the best of licensing. She shares practical tips to get organized and in a positive mindset, both of which will set up a good foundation for a visit from a licensing representative. Ronnae also has helped large chains and franchise organizations with everything including marketing to enrollment and stresses how not just knowing the rules, but really understanding them can make a world of a difference. Key T...
2020-08-0648 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 77 - Four Steps to Get Out of the Overwhelm Loop with Kris MurrayIt's a common feeling for entrepreneurs, business owners, and directors to feel completely overwhelmed and unable to get to the core of their purpose because they are so busy on the 'hot mess express' putting out fires every day. Kris takes this week's episode to give a road map to get out of the loop of overwhelm with four practical steps. She also shares details about the 5-Day Crush Your Fall Enrollment program, and why this super affordable game charger of a program may be the best thing you can do for your business, this year.
2020-07-3040 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 76 - Keys to Happiness: Eliminating Fear, Drama, and Negative Beliefs From Your Life Forever with Jody MarquisIn this powerful and super fun episode, Jody Marquis joins Kris to take a deep dive into mind-blowing concepts such as important questions to ask both yourself and your team, tips for language and scripts when having difficult situations, and shifts we can do to get out of the Drama Triangle and into receiving abundance. Jody also explains the importance of doing self-work when working with kids and shares more on how the Chance for Change Institute works with leaders to transform themselves through their mindset, beliefs, and habits. Key Takeaways: [6:28] The Chance...
2020-07-1652 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 75 - Secrets to Maintaining Full Enrollment During a Crisis with Alvin AyusaAlvin Ayusa is a true example of a Child Care Rockstar, immigrating from the Philippines and living separated from his family for ten years, to now owning two locations in California at 90% enrollment. Alvin shares how his background in systems and software automation helped him understand integral practices in marketing and enrollment, and how the Leadership Mastery class helped him develop a high-level culture. Alvin and Kris discuss some of the amazing action items Just 4 Kids took, including adjusting phone scripts and virtual tours, spreading community goodwill, and clear communication. Key Takeaways: [6:33] Alvin...
2020-07-0951 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 74 - What to Do When The World Doesn't Go Your Way with Tym the TrainerTym the Trainer has been holding Early Childhood Education workshops and cruises for over ten years and leads his own school brand in Texas, with six locations. Tym joins the show to talk about innovation in school systems, conscious discipline, and navigating the new paradigm in our world to do things differently and innovate post-pandemic. Tym and Kris also discuss how we can think outside the box in the new normal and appreciate the pause button we've been given. Key Takeaways: [10:34] Tym and his team started their programs with a focus on creating...
2020-07-0256 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 73 - How Profit and High Quality Can Go Hand In Hand with Vernon MasonThis week features a special working-happy-hour episode with beloved guest Vernon Mason. Vernon has been an early childhood administrator for over 20 years and also owned four centers with locations in North Carolina before selling them to a national buyer. Vernon and Kris talk about the future of early childhood and how quality ties in with profitability. Vernon also shares his love for visiting schools on professional development day, and how we can stay connected to our staff and culture while we adjust to getting back to school in the pandemic. Key Takeaways: This is a...
2020-06-251h 04
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 72 - COVID-19 and The Early Childhood Business Climate: Trends and Innovations with Ron SpreeuwenbergRon Spreeuwenberg, CEO of Co-Founder of HiMama and host of The Preschool Podcast, joins Kris on the show this week. Ron talks about how HiMama is providing answers and support in the COVID-19 crisis, the surprising results from their survey, and what five things your school can do to come out of the crisis the most successfully and financially viable as possible. Key Takeaways: [4:45] Kris just made a huge dream come to life. After wanting to live in a river home for more than 12 years, she will be living in a beautiful river h...
2020-06-1849 min
HERE with Felicia ConnerConversation with Jennifer Reed, Podcaster and Elizabeth Dole FellowIt was an honor talking with Jennifer Reed who is a mother, wife and caregiver to her Navy veteran husband, podcaster listed as top 50 mom podcasters in Podcast Magazine, AND a 2020 Elizabeth Dole Fellow for the state of Arkansas!She is an amazing woman who has overcome domestic abuse and childhood emotional trauma and has dedicated her life to shedding light on women and moms going through different seasons of life and making the normal struggles we all go through normal and not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. She is also a huge supporter and a...
2020-06-1556 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 71 - Case Study of a True Child Care Leadership Journey with Gary PeirceThis week, Kris talks with another international guest, Gary Peirce, who is the owner of Hopes & Dreams Nursery in the Isle of Man, a tiny island between Ireland and the UK. Gary gets opens up and gets vulnerable on what it's really like to run the school together as a husband and wife duo, with his wife Laura leading the charge on the school curriculum. Gary also talks about the mindset change that occurred as he grew from being an owner to a leader and the detailed story of amazing core value development that has happened within their business...
2020-06-1159 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 70 - Why Lifelong Learning Makes You a Better Leader with Ryan HawkThis week, Kris is joined by Ryan Hawk, author, speaker, thought leader, and host of The Learning Leader Show, a podcast that has millions of listeners and much industry acclaim. Ryan talks about his rising role as an NFL Quarterback, and how he pivoted to creating a show that allows him to have deep and thoughtful conversations with top leaders from all over the world. Ryan gives us a glimpse into what the world of leadership holds for early learning leaders, and practical lessons to provide to your business and beyond. He also shares a few of his favorite...
2020-06-0446 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 69 - Improving Health and Safety Processes in the Current Times with Martin BingThe state of the world presently is placing an emphasis on schools upping their game in many ways, with the quality of health and safety being at the forefront of importance. Martin Bing joins the show this week to talk about how his company, 1Place Childcare, provides a tool for leaders and schools to feel secure about their compliance, training, processes, and procedures. 1Place can make sure your plans are well executed and that staff is well trained to ensure a consistently high level of health and safety. Martin and Kris also talk about what new protocols they are...
2020-05-3049 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 68 - How To Build Goodwill In Your Community And Get The Lions Share Of Inquiries with Bruce SpurrBruce Spurr, Co-Founder of Grow Your Center, joins the show today. Kris and Bruce talk about what sets Grow Your Center apart as the only world-class digital marketing agency serving the early childhood industry exclusively. Bruce shares what advertising and marketing trends he is seeing that are working in the child care industry, how schools can add value in their advertising while they are still closed. He also explains the importance of producing goodwill content and how the Three H's of social media will help you build rapport and stay top of mind with families in the future.
2020-05-2058 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 67 - Finding Hope and Stirring Up Your Own Inspiration with Donna Thornton-RobertsThis week, Kris is joined by friend and seasoned veteran of the early learning industry, Donna Thorton-Roberts. Donna shares some of her knowledge about being effective, prepared, and proactive during this time, along with some wisdom she personally has gained from going through some tough times in her career, which included going from three to nineteen schools in six years. Donna and Kris also talk about the importance of hiring the right people, offering services to the community, and developing a plan to hit the ground running when society opens back up. Key Takeaways:
2020-05-0758 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 66 - How Dedication and Intention Make All the Difference with Lori SemkeLori Semke is the Executive Director at Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool in Minnesota. She joins the show to share her game-changing strategies on weathering the storm as a team during tough times, why dedication and intention in enrollment really do make the difference, and what it is like working as a part of a Visionary/Integrator team with her schools owner and previous guest Dawn Uribe. Lori also shares her experience taking home the Director of the Year Award this past October at The Child Care Success Summit™ and how that honor has inspired her mission even further. ...
2020-04-2353 minHERE with Felicia ConnerConversation with Filmmaker Jennifer Ilene PerryIn episode 6 I have the joy of talking with documentary filmmaker, Jennifer Ilene Perry. Her new film "The Goddess Within" is a beautiful "high art feature documentary film on female sexuality." We talk about her film, female sexuality, fate, magic and more.My Review of the film:I have to say, I am in awe of your film. It so beautifully and powerfully portrays, not only the female body but also the pain, joy, struggle, and power of women. The women in your movie are so brave and honest, I was captivated by their stories and...
2020-04-081h 46
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 65 - Money and Mindset: Surviving the COVID-19 Crisis with Kris MurrayDespite the challenging times we are currently in, Kris reminds us that there are ways we can use our time productively and even shift from feeling powerless to powerful. She uses this episode to share tips and strategies to create awareness about our financial situation and our mindset, and also discusses the Paycheck Protection Program, how to use a cash forecasting sheet, and case studies of successful companies that have used innovation to thrive during similar times in history. Key Takeaways: [4:01] Kris explains a program called the Paycheck Protection Program, which you can ch...
2020-04-0842 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 64 - Legally Protecting Your School with Ron McGuckinRon McGuckin has gained a national reputation as the "Child Care Lawyer," and trains thousands of child care professionals on a variety of issues including personal, administration, management, and legal issues. He joins the show to talk about how he got into child care and came to own Ronald McGuckin and Associates Law Firm, and what kinds of processes people should have in place for managing employee behavior. He also addresses the new issues that arise dealing with COVID-19, and ways we can best protect our classrooms and staff to ensure everyone stays on the same message and mission.
2020-03-251h 01
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 63 - Passion and Purpose with Leslie SchreiberLeslie Shriver, Empire member of The Child Care Success Academy and owner of Small Wonders Discovery and Learning Center in Ohio, joins the show about how they stand out from the competition in a rural area, getting freedom in the day-to-day of your business, and the strategy she used to expand from one to five locations since 2011. Key Takeaways: [1:02] Started in 2011 with one center and has grown to five. They are about 85% full, which for her is great. She was a teacher and administrator of a center and has been in the field s...
2020-03-1249 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 62 - Nurturing a Culture of Responsibility and Fairness with Veronica NelsonVeronica Nelson of Child Time, Inc. schools in Salt Lake City joins the show to talk about leading through example, what benefits she has experienced as a Child Care Success Academy Empire member, and what happens when owners have to step back in the day-to-day business. Ronnie and Kris also have a vulnerable and authentic conversation about how to know when it's time to let a staff member go, and how to build a strong environment that encourages honesty and loyalty. Key Takeaways: [:55] Child Time, Inc. now has four locations in the Salt L...
2020-02-261h 02
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 61 - Implementing Core Values From Top to Bottom with Karla McCurryKarla McCurry and her husband Doug own Palm Beach Preschools in Florida, now with three bustling and successful locations. Karla joins the show to talk with Kris about the lessons she learned after deciding to become a preschool owner, and how their school focuses on social-emotional learning in a play-based environment. Karla shares how she hires and trains based upon Palm Beach Preschool's core values, and how learning how to manage people well is one of the biggest components that have led them to success. Key Takeaways: [1:19] Palm Beach Preschool is a play-based...
2020-02-1150 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 60 - Rockstars Never Give Up with Danielle PaigeDanielle Paige opened Academic Explorers in Roosevelt, New York, and has built the business to a place where she is at 95% full capacity, and able to work remotely with an extremely capable and dedicated team. She joins the show to talk about the systems and leadership components she put into place that have made the most difference, and how she is able to successfully run her school from Philadelphia. Danielle also talks about how a true rockstar never gives up, and the lessons she learned from experience that she would recommend to those that are just starting out.
2020-01-2942 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 59 - Empowering Staff, Understanding Data, and Committing to Culture with Neydary ZambranoNeydary Zambrano won Owner of the Year at the 2019 Child Care Success Summit, and this week she shares her wisdom on growing enrollment, marketing, staff happiness, and culture. Neydary talks about the metamorphosis her school, Magic Memories, has gone through in 2019, now with nine locations throughout Pennsylvania. She and Kris also talk about the responsibility that a true child care rockstar has, how CRM has helped her track and understand data, and the importance of empowering directors and teachers. Key Takeaways: [1:09] Magic Memories started as one center with 65 children and now has nine l...
2020-01-1648 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 58 - Crisis, Communication, and Planning with Jane HulbertJane Hulbert of The Jane Group joins the show to talk about her crisis communication firm, and how she landed working in education. Jane shares her background working at large companies like McDonald's, and how it prepared her for helping educational leaders put together a plan of action for times of crisis. Jane discusses the importance of doing the right thing, the events that shifted crisis communication in schools, and the main steps leaders and their team should take in times of crisis. Key Takeaways: The Jane Group is a crisis communication consulting f...
2020-01-0246 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 57 - Where There's a Will There's a Way with Victoria LynchVictoria Lynch and her team at First Discovery Children's Academy in Virginia are having what she feels is the best year yet, and she explains what exactly her process has been for their expansion, growth, and most importantly — fun. Victoria shares with Kris how game-changing it was to finally hire an Executive Director, her methods for delegating, and which of her marketing efforts provided the largest enrollment boosts. Victoria also shares the wisdom she has learned since beginning her journey with First Academy and why a true child care rockstar never gives up on their dreams. Key...
2019-12-1846 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 58 - Scaling Up Your School in Every Way with Nina LemonNina Lemon, Owner and Founder of the Lemon Tree Academy in Georgia, has the enthusiasm and commitment to action and implementation of a true Child Care Rockstar. She talks with Kris about how she went from a pediatric nurse to a businesswoman with two full locations, the biggest challenges she faced as she scaled up and out, and how her love of HGTV plays into making her centers a welcoming environment for children and their families. Key Takeaways: Nina has been in child care for six years and grew up around kids as part of...
2019-12-0538 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 55 - Getting to Know Judy Bradby, Child Care Rockstar Winner 2019 with Judy BradbyThis week, Kris is thrilled to chat with Judy Bradby, winner of the 2019 Child Care Rockstar Award. As a Pediatric Nurse with over 30 years of experience, Judy saw a need for a place for children who had no other place to go to learn and grow. She opened up LeaRN Lily Child Development Center and through much trial and error and overcoming adversity, now has tripled her enrollment in just 8 months. Judy talks about her nursing background, her mission behind LeaRN Lily, the mistakes she learned along the way, and her vision for the future to provide medical daycare...
2019-11-1945 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 54 - 3 Key Principles of Think & Grow Rich with Kris MurrayKris starts this week off with a big announcement — her new book, Rockstar Stories, is out and available! She then dives into the three principles of one of the most important success strategy books out there today, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill. These three principles and their associated action items are the foundation for manifesting your dream life and creating a space where the universe rewards you with what it is you actually seek. Then, Kris gives two real-life examples of what happens when you follow the principles, and also why persistence is key if it doesn't go...
2019-11-0648 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 53 - Culture, Metrics, and Execution with Lisa GiancarliLisa Giancarli is the Executive Director and Owner of Over the Rainbow Child Development Center, located in Bordentown, New Jersey. Lisa followed her passion to own her own business and fell in love with childcare after acquiring the center in 2011. She talks about the improvements she and her husband made when starting Over the Rainbow from the bottom up, the specific things she has done to create a culture in line with the overall company vision, and the benefits she received when really looking at her metrics and taking action steps based upon them. Key...
2019-10-0849 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 52 - What We Need to Know About School Security with Jason RussellThis week, Jason Russell, former police officer, Secret Service agent and current founder of Secure Education Consultants, talks to us about the important subject of school security. Jason merged his experience in security and crisis communication with his wife's knowledge of child care centers and early education to bring a unique service to the market. Jason shares with Kris what exactly SEC does, the assessment process he goes through to make sure schools are secure, the common gaps in security he sees, and how we can move forward to ensure our schools have the highest level of security.
2019-09-2451 min
Authentic InfluenceCiti Global Consumer CMO Jennifer Breithaupt on Brands as Life PartnersOn today's episode, Citi Global Consumer Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Breithaupt joins Adam Conner for a conversation on how the financial giant is striving to become a life partner to its customers.
Today, you'll learn:
Jen's thoughts on the importance of authenticity
How Citi holds 12,000 events a year for its customers
How to become a truly emotive brand
SeeHerHearHer
How to leverage employees as brand advocates
How to become a more authentic marketer
Be sure to stay subscribed for more content and thought leadership like this, and do please leave a rating and...
2019-09-2300 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 51 - Making a Difference in a Big Way Smart Goals, Engagement, and Singing our Way to Success with Marcia St. Hilaire FinnMarcia St. Hilaire Finn, Managing Owner and Director of Bright Star Early Care and Preschool, lights up wherever she is with her enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitude. She joins the show to talk about her start in Dominica and how she ended up in Washington D.C., her advice on setting smart goals, and shares her logistics on her teacher engagement and culture of fun and dedication. Marcia also discusses how her background in Pediatric Nursing helps Bright Star stand out, along with their attention to serving the children and their families using music, language studies, and healthy living.
2019-09-1148 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 50 - Asset Creation for Long Term Success with Kris MurrayKris Murray shares how the Child Care Success Company works with leaders all over the globe to help them create their road map for a lifetime of business success. She reflects on the last decade of growing the company and celebrates the success and the impact she's made on the industry. She talks in detail about her proven process, "The Kris Murray Method," and how you can model it in your own brand. Kris shares the assets you need to develop for best results in your own business growth, and the importance of using automation when you can. She...
2019-08-2749 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 49 - How to Spot Teacher Burnout, and How to Manage It with Lety Carvajal and Raul PineyroLety and Raoul of Springview Academy in Florida join the show today to talk about working as a married couple, the cute story of how they met and became a partnership, and spotting teacher burnout. They are both highly focused on professional development, active leadership and creating a culture that serves children and their families yet also provides the staff with a healthy amount of freedom and autonomy. They also talk about how they went from 125 children to 350, almost tripling their attendance, and the strategies of success that keep them at the top of their game.
2019-08-1357 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 48 - Why It's Important to Have World Class Cameras In Your Program with Bobby FranzoBobby Franzo, Co-Founder and team lead of pb&j TV, joins the show this week. One of the best practices that we would like to see utilized as a tool to help reduce risk and have full enrollment is to have cameras in the classroom. Bobby and the pb&j team is leading the charge of this industry, using state of the art technology and cutting edge services. Bobby talks about why he and his brother founded pb&j, what he learned in growing the business for over 10 years, and how having cameras in the school sets you apart...
2019-07-3051 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 47 - Playing for a Living with Glenn MorshowerOne of the busiest character actors in Hollywood today, Glenn Morshower, joins the show to talk with Kris. Glenn has appeared in over 200 film and television projects in a career spanning four decades including the FOX hit series 24. Glenn talks about discovering his love for theatre at a young age, and some career highlights that catapulted him forward. He also shares his wonder and optimistic perspective on life, gives us permission to be silly and joyful, and to focus on gratitude when looking to expand and manifest abundance. Key Takeaways: [4:17] Glenn discovered his l...
2019-07-1752 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 46 - Scaling Up with Mike GaratoniMike Garatoni of Growing Kids Learning Centers in Indiana joins the show to talk about scaling up, growing, and advice for schools of any size to grow and expand even more. He and his wife Beth found high-quality care quite limited as parents themselves and knew they wanted to help be part of the solution. Mike and Kris talk about the importance of starting from the end goal and working back, delegation, how he empowers his directors, and challenges they faced in the early scale-up phases. They also talk about simple tweaks that have made a huge difference and...
2019-07-021h 01
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 45 - Embracing Your Story with Les BrownMany of you saw Les Brown speak live at the Child Care Success Summit in Dallas, and saw first-hand how his words can be life-changing and bring you to both laughter and tears. Today he joins the show to talk with Kris about the influences on his own life and path, his tenets for quality and joy in our lives, and why embracing and sharing our story is critical to really shape the lives of children and their families. Les is one of the world's most renowned motivational speakers and is a highly-sought-after resource in business circles ranging from...
2019-06-2733 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 44 - Tell Your Story, and Then Never Stop Telling It with Alison Pfeister and Alexandra KroonIn this inspirational episode, we hear from Kris's very first client Alison Pfeister and her daughter Alexandra Kroon. Their school, the TLC Academy for Young Children in Hudson, Ohio is a family owned business, founded by Alison and her husband in 1989 after the birth of Alexandra, who now serves as the director. Alison shares the story of how TLC continues to be successful after many years, highlights of her journey as an early child care business owner, and provides resources and inspiration for building a culture of play, respect, and transparency. Key Takeaways: [2:52] B...
2019-06-0655 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 43 - Overcoming Adversity and Bringing Out the Best In People with Leann and Jake ChamberlainThis episode we are joined by Leann and Jake Chamberlain, husband and wife team that run Brighton Montessori in Brighton, Michigan. Leann was the recent winner of the Child Care Rockstar contest, and her vulnerable and authentic approach won the hearts of everyone there. They talk about what it felt like to get out of their comfort zone to enter the contest, the ways they continue to grow their enrollment and connect with the community, the unique challenges of working at a Montessori, and what's next for the dynamic duo. Key Takeaways: [3:21] Leann...
2019-05-231h 04
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 42 - The Value of Embracing Sales with Eric LofholmEric Lofholm is President and CEO of Eric Lofholm International, an organization he founded to professionally train people on the art and science of selling. Eric has used his own successful sales background to help anyone dramatically improve in all areas, including income and happiness. He joins the show today to talk about enrollment building and how his system can apply to a classroom setting. He also discusses the influence of silence, selling equaling service, and pre-framing the sale. Key Takeaways: [4:41] Eric went from being on quota probation to being a top producer o...
2019-05-0658 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 41 - Creating a Culture Where Children Come First with Jennifer VazquezJennifer Vazquez, Owner of A Sunny Start Preschool, joins the show today. She talks about the culture of caring, how she sets herself apart from the competition in her three full locations in the Miami area, attracting great employees, and marketing techniques that have made the biggest changes in her enrollment growth. Key Takeaways: [3:41] A Sunny Start Preschool has three locations in Florida, with all three schools being full at capacity. Jennifer prides her entire team on offering a great experience that focuses on the child first. [7:46] Jennifer looks to hire...
2019-04-231h 01
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 40 - Social Proof is Everything In Child Care Marketing with Troy HowardTroy Howard, with the customer reviews and referrals system SoTellUs, joins the show to talk about his passion for combining technology and marketing and how it led him to become an entrepreneur and industry disruptor in the online review space. He and Kris talk about creating social proof, why reviews are so important to us in marketing, reviews and referrals, how to handle negative reviews, and the most powerful elements inside a review. Key Takeaways: [12:25] SoTellUs started as a website design company and then became more of an online ad agency. In 2009, they d...
2019-04-1056 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 39 - What You Should Know About Preschool Insurance with Samantha PhillipsKnowing what insurance policies to have and making sure your coverage is the highest quality is of the utmost importance for a child care business owner. Today, Kris talks with Samantha Phillips of Aleaf Insurance about the three top biggest insurance mistakes she sees in the child care field that are common or very concerning in insurance policies and how we can best address them. They also talk about what policies you should have — no matter the size of your school, case studies of actual child care owners changing their insurance to provide better coverage, and how to avoid si...
2019-03-2657 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 38 - Implementation and Speed To Results with Michelle Smith-LankMichelle Smith-Lank has been in the Child Care Success Academy for several years and a true definition of a Child Care Rockstar. She talks about how she got into the field and came to open Kids World Learning Center and the lessons in growth, marketing, and expansion she has learned throughout her career. Key Takeaways: [1:32] When Michelle purchased Kids World originally, they were licensed for 69 children; now they are licensed for 156. [5:25] Michelle had a strong business background in Scholastic items and as a college representative and brought that knowledge to opening he...
2019-03-1356 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 37 - Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategies for Child Care with Kris Murray on The Preschool PodcastIn this week's episode, we flip the podcast and replay the conversation Kris recently had with Ron Spreeuwenburg from The Preschool Podcast. They discuss why marketing strategies are important for child care, the change in the landscape of how people should market, and the two main buckets to be sure your strategy is covering. Kris also discusses how to build trust and rapport with potential and existing parents, and why it's okay to show the whole world how cool and innovative your work is. Key Takeaways: [1:22] The Preschool Podcast is brought to you b...
2019-02-2740 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 36 - Why a Values-Based Approach is a Game Changer for Companies Big and Small with Ann RhoadesAnn Rhoades joins the show to discuss her extremely important and successful careers at Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, and shares more about the extraordinary service she and her team at People Ink provide for leaders looking to shape and define their culture. A highly sought-after speaker and author behind the book Built on Values, she provides inspiration and strategic direction for many companies around the world. Ann talks about why core values are integral to the success of the culture, how we define and determine a great culture, interviewing tips for hiring players aligned with the company value systems...
2019-02-1246 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 35 - Bringing Positivity and Integrity into Child Care with Jennifer SlavinJennifer Slavin is the Vice President of Operations at Magic Memories Child Development Centers. She has been working with children and entrepreneurial since she started her own business at age 11, "Best Babysitter." Today, she discusses her path from starting as Director to growing with the company in the now three locations. She and Kris talk about the importance of having a director that holds everything together like glue, hiring based on core values, how her strategy of onboarding evolved, and how they have developed their culture. Jennifer leads with positivity and connection and shares how she manages conflict resolution...
2019-01-2956 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 34 - Giving Children the World with Dawn UribeDawn Uribe, the owner of Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool, joins Kris today to talk about her vast expansion mode and how she came to the vision of owning a Spanish immersion school. Dawn is a game changer in her marketplace and she has some great golden nuggets on how to drive your vision forward with a system for freedom, why it's necessary to schedule in time to focus on goals, how to finance your expansion, delegate to your team, and break through fear. She also discusses challenges that are unique to her situation and gives some practical tips...
2019-01-1553 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 33 - Goal Setting and Strategic Planning with Kris MurrayThis week, Kris shares a tried and true roadmap for exactly how she sets and achieves goals. If you are looking to make 2019 the best year yet, listen in, as you will get concrete examples to apply to your personal and professional life. Kris gives great insight on how to get traction towards actually accomplishing your goals, the importance of a tribe, and ways to stay accountable once things are in motion. Key Takeaways: [2:12] Thank you for all your support in this podcast in 2018; we are growing big in 2019! We are the top p...
2019-01-0335 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioMargins, Culture, and Servant Leadership with Tony D’AgostinoEntrepreneur and early learning veteran Tony D’Agostino joins us today to talk about understanding margins and your numbers, his ‘near-death’ experience in the childcare business, how to deal with a crisis, and toxic employees. Tony and Kris also discuss how to develop a culture where everyone on the team is accountable with shared values and the challenges currently in hiring and retention in the child care business field. Tony also discusses the mission behind Inspire! Care 360 and the three-pronged approach in helping leaders manage their people, brand, and purchasing. As a bonus, you’ll also hear about Tony’s rock and...
2018-12-1900 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 31 - A Roadmap to Creating a Culture of Excellence and Collaboration with Sindye AlexanderDo you have people that show up inspired by your vision? Questions to ask yourself as you build a business and a legacy that stands for excellence in the field. Kris welcomes the Director of Marketing and Child Care Extraordinaire Sindye Alexander, who started out as a client and then grew her center in Michigan from the beginning of doing home daycare. They talk about how Sindye started the business as a way to earn income while spending time with her kids, the impact culture has on both its own business and the community around it, and a peek...
2018-12-0657 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 30 - Implementing the EOS Model with Heart with Stuart RobertsonStuart Robinson is a brilliant yet heart-centered entrepreneur and business coach. Today, Stuart talks with Kris about forming his tech company at the age of 27, selling it in 2015 and his new path as an EOS Professional Implementer. He first had experience with EOS as a business owner before he made it his full-time passion. They talk about the EOS model and why it makes businesses more scalable, profitable and effective, the Six Components, case studies of clients he has helped and ideas for business owners to effectively solve critical issues. Key Takeaways: [1:44] EOS...
2018-11-2150 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 29 - Creating Montessori Centers of Excellence in London and Beyond with Arike AiyetigboArike Aiyetigbo, Founder and Director of Fountain Montessori Preschool, joins the show from her office and home of the school in London, England. Originally, from Nigeria, Arike is a passionate educator whose mission is to grow her influence by partnering with like-minded parents. She shares her journey how she got into the business of nurseries as a mom herself and saw a gap in what she needed, how she has expanded and grown in the business over the past 11 years, and what she would do differently. Arike also speaks about her branding, the nursery and childcare market in the...
2018-11-0833 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 28 - The Circle of Partnership with Charlie Marcotty and Marcy LeeCharlie Marcotty and Marcy Lee, co-owners of the First Circle Learning Center in Lexington, Mass, join the show today to discuss the key lessons they have learned from over 21 years in early childhood expertise. They bring the excitement, enthusiasm, and partnership in everything they do, and have gone from a school with artificial plants hanging from the ceiling to a school with full enrollment and a waitlist. Today, they talk about filling a gap of adding more education and administration to the child care aspect, how they divide and conquer in their partnership, and the action items and goals...
2018-10-2550 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 26 - A Non-Traditional (and fun) Approach to Child Care with Andrea WortmanAndrea Wortman is all about doing things from a non-traditional and slow but steady approach. She runs an after-school program in the Portland, Oregon area with 11 locations, and has worked with the school systems to forge a relationship where she is contracted to take space and run her after-school programs out of the schools. We talk about a different model of how to do effective, fun and profitable early learning in an after-school program that doesn't require you to buy any real estate. We also discuss the challenges that come with this model; how Andrea...
2018-09-2750 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 25 - Is M-A-T-H a Four-Letter Word in Your Business with Kris MurrayYou may think of it as a dirty word, but really, it can be the key to peace of mind, freedom, and clarity in your business. It's Math. Today, Kris will inspire you to get started tracking so you can live a lifestyle of abundance and make your teachers happier by giving them more benefits, which in turn equals happy kids and happy parents. She gives specific examples and real-world case studies of simple equations to put your money and time into the business where it's most needed and gives the four categories of metrics. Enjoy the episode and...
2018-09-1333 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 24 - Fitness, Fun, and a Fancy School Bus with Josh VisserToday's guest is Josh Visser, a proponent of education and play within an active learning environment. Josh and Kris talk about his school, De Kinderen Huis, and its mission to provide growth through movement and play-based discovery. He also talks about his cool hobbies including his impressive Rubik's Cube and school bus renovating skills, his process for getting inspired and inspiring his team around him, and how he saw and decided to pursue a child-care opportunity. Josh and his team have set themselves apart in the market and built a vibrant and abundant school with over 50 children enrolled in...
2018-08-3050 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 23 - A Relentless Focus on Positive, Healthy Culture with Joe and Lucy LawrenceJoe and Lucy, owners and founders of Little Sprouts in Wisconsin, have an intentionality in everything they do, whether it's their international flavor, their passion for staying mindful for eco-consciousness, or how they develop their team to show consistent leadership and cohesive culture. They talk with Kris today about working together successfully as a married couple, challenges they have faced and overcome as entrepreneurs, and what's next on the horizon for their team. Key Takeaways: [3:31] Leading up to building their center, Joe and Lucy were putting in 18-hour days themselves making sure the f...
2018-08-1645 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 22 - Strategy in Growth with Lucy CookLucy Cook, Co-Owner of Amaze Education Group, calls in from Australia as the special first international Child Care Rockstar Radio guest. Lucy talks about how she stays sane in running and growing her business to nine locations, the creative way her team communicates with the families, what her corporate office looks like, and the importance of a rock star team and a strong staff culture to keep you going. Lucy is also an expert in outdoor education, and how to stay connected with your staff and clients as you scale. Key Takeaways: [8:10] Lucy...
2018-08-0254 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 21 - How to Win in Digital Marketing with Bruce Spurr In today's episode, Digital Marketing Expert and real-life Rocket Scientist Bruce Spurr joins Kris for a talk on how to win the digital marketing game using Facebook ads, Google Maps, and Google Search. They touch upon how to get your school to stand out, even above the "big boys" of advertising, ways to leverage your ad no matter how small your budget, what consists of a great ad, and how to use digital marketing to keep your enrollment high or fill the empty spaces. He and Kris reminisce of the olden days before social media, and ways...
2018-07-1959 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 20 - The Epitome of Hustle with Don AlleyDon Alley is the owner of Center Stage Preschool in Ashburn, VA, and is an example of the results that unfold when you focus and dream big. Don has 30 years of experience in martial arts and has been running his three karate schools successfully for the last twenty years. He built his preschool from scratch in 2016 and quickly filled his location. He joins Kris for a great chat including ways to use playfulness and personality to stand out of the crowd and set yourself apart with high-level marketing assets, expert tips on how to delegate successfully, his future plans...
2018-07-0552 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 19 - How to Get Great Reviews and Handle the Bad Ones with Sharon FosterSharon Foster, owner and operator of Bells Ferry Learning Center, joins Kris today for a conversation on how to build positive parent relationships, customer service, and how owners and staff can protect themselves during bad reviews or negative social media comments. They discuss strategies on enforcing policies, the proper mindset regarding payment, and when it's okay to respond to a negative review, and tips of what to say so you stay responsive and professional, yet firm in your own values and vision. Sharon also shares the ways she has had to pivot her vision as both a leader and...
2018-06-2250 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 18 - Family First with Steve LloydSteve Lloyd, visionary and co-owner of Busy Little Hands Learning Center, is a model of growing by leaps and bounds when you apply the right mindset, practices, and leadership in your school. Steve talks with Kris about his unconventional journey into child care, and how he and his mother Jessica have morphed and expanded Busy Little Hands with the help of some amazing and highly engaged staff. It's a deep dive into the culture, core values, service standards, employee retention, motivating millennials, healthy communication habits, and how to create a pleasurable atmosphere with everyone involved being empowered and accountable.
2018-06-0756 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 17 - The Beauty of Opportunity with Nan RikardNan Rikard, owner and founder of Big Blue Marble Academy, is an incredible powerhouse with an instinct for good business and a big, giving heart. She talks with Kris about her journey of over 30 years in the EEC industry, her passion on giving back in her own family, how she grew to 24 childcare locations in just a few years and assembled such a strong team with a bonded mission and vision in making a positive impact on the world. She shares the three things that are a must when looking for a new site and tips and tricks for...
2018-05-2452 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 16 - Service Through Leadership with Julie RoyJulie Roy joins Kris today to share her experience of how she started as an educator in Canada and went on to own nine centers of the Montessori Educational Centers in Omaha, Nebraska. They talk about concrete strategies for how to grow your business, as Julie's now has a waiting list and is looking to expand into even more locations in the upcoming years. Kris and Julie also share how to structure your corporate office to give you support to grow, how often you really need to be in your location, mindset traps to be careful to avoid, and...
2018-05-1046 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 15 - Committed to Growth and Development with Ben PoswalkToday's episode features a great talk with Ben Poswalk, Executive Director of Paradise Place Preschool. Ben came to Kris as her only local client in Crested Butte, Colorado, with some challenges in the enrollment, marketing, and staffing departments. Once Ben got rolling he not only doubled his enrollment and increased his income by 70%, but won Marketer of the Year and now is making a huge impact in the lives of his children, his staff, and school. Kris talks with Ben about his own mindset shift, how he communicates his own "why" and how it impacted the energy...
2018-04-0546 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 14 - Resources and Support for Childhood Education with Ron SpreeuwenbergIn today's episode, Kris features Ron Spreeuwenberg. Ron is the co-founder and CEO of HiMama, an app for daycares that allows parents to better connect with their children during the day. Ron is a heart-centered leader serving the early childhood education industry with technology and interconnecting his community. He talks with Kris about what inspired him to get into early childhood and create the HiMama app, the balance between visibility and empowerment, the innovation of his benchmark survey, his own adventures in podcasting, and how he is committed to the vision of helping childhood education get more support and...
2018-03-2244 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 13 - Defining Your Dream Life, Delegation, and Working From the Beach with Jennifer ConnerToday, Kris and special guest, Jennifer Conner from AppleTree Kids, uncover the secret sauce on how to manage your preschools from the beach, or wherever your dream life may take you. They give the inside scoop how to delegate appropriately, grow from within, empower your teams and have backup systems in place so that you can have the freedom to grow your business and just work on the things that you love. Jennifer is a master of delegation, a model of business success, and now proudly has two locations with a waiting list and a very committed and dedicated...
2018-03-0151 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 12 - Fun, Flexibility, and Family with Tameenah AdamsToday, Kris has the pleasure of talking with Tameenah Adams, owner and leader of Happy Faces Early Learning Academy. Tameenah is a true rock star and shares her core values, vision, and how she has become a transparent and empowered leader that people want to follow. Between her family at Happy Faces and her own seven children, Tameenah plays with some game-changing strategies, high values and a vision that is open to adapt to her environment. She loves promoting herself and her business out in the community and commits herself to being of service and sharing her gifts to...
2018-02-1540 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 11 - Grow Your Enrollment, Improve the Industry and Change the World with Chuck GibbsKris is joined by very special guest, friend, skiing buddy, and founder of ChildCare CRM software, Chuck Gibbs. Kris and Chuck have much in common. They both started their businesses around early 2010 and are here eight years later, still great friends with a love for Colorado, working hand-in-hand on impacting the childcare industry and helping others toward their goals and dreams. In this episode, they do a deep dive on what you should be measuring in your business, some game-changing resources you can apply to your business, case studies and success stories on CRM, the specifics of how business...
2018-02-0146 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 10 - Stay Recession Proof and Financially Healthy: A Compass and a Heart with Kris MurrayKris opens up today's episode with a thank you to all of her past guests and a fun recap of the amazing conversations over the past nine episodes. Next, she gives tips and keys on how to financially protect yourself and become recession proof. Then, she gives the top two essential tips on how to have a full house, and why you need to get started today. Finally, an exciting new announcement regarding the Enrollment Bootcamp Challenge! Key Takeaways: [1:47] Kris gives a thank you to all of her past guests in 2017 and gives a...
2018-01-1844 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 9 - Expansion, Leadership and Just Plain Old Fun with Vernon MasonIn today's episode, Kris is joined with one of her favorite friends in the industry, Vernon Mason. Vernon has over 25 years of experience in early childhood. He shares with us his journey of how he started and some of the key points that allowed him to grow from a school of 30 into now five locations. Vernon is an inspiration as a leader and rockstar! Vernon makes it fun and open, from making the snacks in a classroom to helping directors find the confidence and skills to be great leaders themselves. They also cover hiring and letting employees go, his...
2017-12-2848 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 8 - Partners in Every Way with Brian and Carol DupreyToday Kris is joined with very special and inspiring guests, Brian and Carol Duprey! Brian Duprey is a seasoned 20-year veteran in the childcare industry. Along with his wife Carol, they have opened and operated eight different childcare centers in central Maine and currently, own five schools. They have been married for over 26 years and have five children and four grandchildren. We talk with Brian and Carol about their very inspiring mindset and attitude, overcoming challenges along the way of becoming business leaders, strategies they use when hiring great teachers, and how after all these years of working together...
2017-12-2150 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 7 - Overcoming Challenges with Kym PomaresKym Pomares has blossomed into an amazing force as the owner of Courthouse Academy in Virginia Beach. She is an inspiration, always combining work and play and is now leading her school as a culture of excellence and doing great things. Courthouse Academy is a traditional & Spanish Immersion Preschool and Elementary School. She is always growing and making a bigger impact in the world, and opens up in an honest and candid conversation about the challenges she has overcome throughout her time in this industry, and how she handled them and persevered like a true rockstar.
2017-12-0737 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 6 - Changing the Life of the Child and Changing the World with Holly Elissa BrunoI am thrilled to bring you Holly Elissa Bruno on today's episode. She has a huge heart and has seven decades of wisdom to bring to you in times of change. She is an expert in legal issues as a "recovering attorney," and has great advice on how to run a business with clear policies that protect you. We talk to Holly about persistence through challenges, the curved line of our paths, how knowing the law manages our expectations, trends and innovation within the industry, and being of support to the unique and authentic leaders making a difference in...
2017-11-231h 01
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 5 - The Power of Innovation and Collaboration with Marnie ForestieriMy guest today is an early childhood business powerhouse, whom I have yet to meet in person but who has inspired me and many others in the field. Marnie Forestieri is Chief Learning Officer and Co-Founder at Amazing Explorers Academy in Florida, which she helped build from the ground up and now has two busy and thriving locations. She tells us about her journey, how STEM folds into her mission of innovation and problem-solving in early childhood, and the group approach and empowerment process of hiring new teachers, all the way up to the onboarding process. Marnie brought her...
2017-11-0948 min
Child Care Rockstar RadioEp. 4 - Complexity, Technology, and Competitive Advantage with Evan GoldmanOur episode this week is chock full of industry insights, innovative ideas, and nuggets of wisdom that you can plug right into your child care or preschool business! We are joined by the amazing Evan Goldman from Early Education Group. Evan is a true veteran in the industry and his take on the growth and change in the landscape is truly inspiring. He shares his family's impressive background in high-quality early education and then he and Kris do a deep dive on several topics related to the business of early learning. Tune in to hear Evan's advice on how...
2017-10-2652 min