Preschool Franchise Blends Academics, Performing Arts and Compassionate Care
The Building Kidz preschool franchise stands out for its thoughtful approach to early childhood education, but what makes the brand even more special is the story behind it.
Building Kidz began in 2003 after founder and CEO Vineeta Bhandari’s daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and had to leave preschool. Faced with that challenge, Bhandari stepped away from a successful career as a financial consultant and opened her own school. What started as a mother’s determination to create a better environment for children soon grew into a brand built on education, creativity and heart.
Over the next decade, Building Kidz expanded across the San Francisco Bay Area, and Bhandari remained closely involved in shaping the brand’s direction. Today, she continues to lead important efforts in marketing, curriculum development and financial support for franchisees. Her passion for helping children also inspired Building Futures Worldwide, a nonprofit that receives 25% of corporate profits — with no required contribution from franchisees — to support underprivileged children in the U.S. and around the world.
As the company expanded, Bhandari knew she needed a strong executive team. In 2014, she partnered with tech industry leaders Sangeet Karamchandani and Sanjay Gehani (above). With their corporate and global experience, the three set out to create world-class opportunities for children. As chief operating officer, Karamchandani leads the team that trains and supports franchisees across all areas of operations. As chief revenue officer, Gehani oversees franchise development, finance, accounting and HR.
When Gehani talks about Building Kidz, his enthusiasm is contagious. His tall, commanding presence (he stands 6 feet, 4 inches) is matched by an even greater passion for the mission. He has found his calling by blending passion, purpose and the arts to help children thrive. For him, it’s about building something meaningful with franchisees who share the same drive. “This isn’t a passive investment. It’s a passion investment,” Gehani says. “We want to work with people who are engaged and want to build something both profitable and meaningful.”
Michael Peterson, who guides franchise development, says that message, along with the company’s nonprofit initiative, hits home with candidates. “It’s very rare that someone goes through our process and doesn’t say, ‘I love that you do that,’” Peterson says.
A Flexible and Profitable Model
Building Kidz offers a flexible business model that meets franchisees where they are. Unlike many concepts that require a specific-sized building or costly new construction, Building Kidz gives owners options and directly addresses real estate challenges.
Campuses range from about 1,500 square feet to more than 13,000 square feet and can operate in stand-alone buildings, converted homes, retail centers, church spaces and business complexes, among other locations. The brand also enjoys industry-leading EBITDA margins and offers another path to ownership through the acquisition and rebranding of existing private preschools. “Around 70 percent of our franchisees have been able to go to market through acquisition and rebranding,” Gehani says. “It accelerates time to market, reduces risk and gives them ROI on day one.” This flexibility is paired with comprehensive training and support. “Our franchisees are supported in all aspects of the business, from operations and marketing to finance. They get access to resources usually only seen in much larger systems,” Peterson says.
Focus on the Arts
Gehani is especially proud of Building Kidz’s arts-based curriculum, a key differentiator for the brand. Starting at age 2, children participate in weekly music, dance and theater classes that culminate in semiannual Broadway-style productions. These experiences not only set Building Kidz apart, but also help children develop confidence, teamwork and communication skills. “We haven’t identified another preschool that creates the environments we create for children,” Gehani says. “They’re learning math and science through music and dance, and they’re also exposed to a second language through our semi-immersive Spanish program. The goal is to stimulate brain development by engaging multiple areas at once, helping children grow holistically.”
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, children involved in the arts show stronger academic performance, higher test scores and better problem-solving skills than their peers. Parents and franchisees alike value this holistic approach. “It’s not just a preschool,” Peterson says. “Franchisees become partners to parents in the development of their children. That’s powerful.”
Building Kidz operates more than 50 schools across 10 states and has set a goal of opening 150 campuses over the next decade while preserving its values-driven approach that defines its success. For Gehani, its about more than numbers. “We don’t want franchisees who are just looking at spreadsheets. We want to work with people who leverage Building Kidz as a vehicle to create a legacy for their families, their communities and children around the world.”
Peterson agrees. “There is no perfect franchisee or franchisor; we are looking for the perfect fit. When people connect with our mission and values, it’s something special.”
About the Building Kidz School Franchise
Building Kidz is an early childhood education franchise that blends academics, performing arts and compassionate care to create a well-rounded experience for children and families. Founded by Vineeta Bhandari, the brand grew from a deeply personal story and has expanded into a mission-driven franchise focused on creativity, purpose and impact. In addition to its preschool model, Building Kidz stands out for its commitment to giving back through Building Futures Worldwide, a nonprofit supported by 25% of corporate profits. For franchisees, the brand offers the chance to build a meaningful business centered on education, community and helping children thrive.
Learn more about the Building Kidz franchise.
