A Longtime Passion for Education Led to Franchise Ownership
Brijeeta Patel always had a passion for education. But she took a different path early on — earning a degree in paralegal studies and working at a law firm before stepping away from her career to raise her three children. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” she says. “But I was raised in a family that didn’t really see teaching as a strong career choice. So I ended up going the law route instead.”
That desire to work with kids never went away. Years later, it finally had the chance to grow. Today, Patel owns Building Kidz of San Ramon, a thriving preschool that allows her to do meaningful work while working toward financial independence. When her youngest child was old enough and she felt ready to return to work, Patel searched for something that would allow her to stay involved with her family while doing something she truly cared about. A conversation with family friend and Building Kidz partner Sanjay Gehani helped point her in a new direction. “I did a lot of research and really liked what I saw in the curriculum,” she says. “It was the kind of program I’d want for my own kids.”
Launching Right Before COVID
It took two years to find the right location, but Patel eventually secured a preschool site not far from home. She opened Building Kidz of San Ramon in January 2020 — just weeks before COVID-19 forced everything to shut down. “We were only open for a month and a half before we had to close,” she says. “We reopened in May with just five kids. It was tough. The regulations kept changing, teachers came and went. It was a huge learning curve.”
She credits the Building Kidz franchise support team with helping her get through it. “They were there every step of the way, helping us navigate the new rules and challenges.”
A Franchise With a Mission
Founded in 2003, Building Kidz began as a single preschool in California and has since grown into a nationally recognized franchise network of schools serving infants through kindergarten and offering after-school programs for older children. The company’s mission is to deliver high-quality early childhood education while integrating performing arts into the daily curriculum. This unique approach is designed to help children build confidence, creativity and a love for learning.
The Building Kidz franchise model is built around flexibility, scalability and purpose. Many locations, like Patel’s, operate with a director-led model, allowing owners to maintain a hands-on role or step back as needed. The franchise also offers guidance in securing licensing and real estate, two of the biggest hurdles for those entering the early education space.
Patel spends most morning sat the school. She handles tours and marketing while her director and assistant director take care of daily operations. Her role is more flexible now, but she still checks in regularly and stays involved with both staff and families. “I’ve set it up so the school can run without me, but I like being here,” she says. “I’m hands-on when I need to be and my team knows I’ve got their back.”
One of the things that drew Patel to Building Kidz was its focus on performing arts. The curriculum blends academics with music, dance and theater — a mix she believes helps children build confidence and express themselves. “We just had our school musical,” she says. “The kids lit up onstage and even my team got emotional. That kind of moment reminds you why this work matters.”
Looking Ahead
Patel says the business continues to grow mostly through word of mouth. “Our parents talk about us. They refer their friends. That’s the best kind of marketing.” She still sees room to grow — both financially and professionally. “Success looks different for everyone. For me, it’s about doing something I enjoy, helping my family and knowing I’ve built something I believe in.”
And when she’s not at the school, she’s at the basketball court cheering on her kids or driving someone to practice. “We’re a busy family, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she says. “This business fits into our life in the best way possible.”
Learn more about the Building Kidz franchise.
