When young mum Lei Cui decided to swap her role with an international oil services firm for the autonomy and flexibility of being her own boss, she also wanted the backing of a supportive business.

Lei’s lifelong passion for education drew her to the Kumon brand. She saw that Kumon’s global success would provide her with a smooth transition into her new career.

“I was jumping into something new and needed support and knowing this is successful all over the world gave me more confidence,” says Lei, who bought Kumon Claremont Education Centre three and a half years ago.

“I chose the brand because of its principles of daily practice and self-learning. You have to put hard work into anything you want to do, and the self-learning skills can equip young students for life,” she says.

“It’s also a career that gives back to the community and shapes the future for children; I love watching them grow and succeed.”

Franchisee support is crucial to Kumon’s success

Kumon field development consultant Renita Lee has first-hand experience with the brand’s success in helping children achieve their academic potential.

“I am an ex-Kumon student and had a really good experience as a child, it improved my maths skills considerably,” she says.

When Renita shifted her career from the profit-and-sales-driven world of banking, she relished the people-focused culture at Kumon.

“What stood out about Kumon is its focus on what’s best for the child, families, and always putting clients’ and employees’ wellbeing first. Of course, we still need to grow and develop and make a profit, but it’s important to establish productive and positive relationships with franchisees,” she says.

Renita works with 10 metro-based franchisees across Perth and believes collaboration is key to a successful relationship.

A supportive relationship is key

“As a company, we are focused on strong connections and knowledge sharing across franchisees, the field development team and other team members, constantly learning from each other.

“Our interests are aligned, and the nature of the relationship is a big part of why this is so successful.”

For any field development consultant contributing to and observing the growth and development of franchisees’ businesses is a huge mark of success.

“Franchisees come to us when they have challenges but also when they celebrate the wins. I feel it’s an achievement that they are willing to share their journey,” she says.

Each franchisee has a dedicated consultant who is their first point of contact for advice or practical help.

“It’s not just a one-way street though. Field consultants stay in regular contact, following the progress of their franchisees. We regularly share best practice and guide franchisees to the next level of centre development,” says Renita.

At the beginning of each year, there is an extensive consultation with the franchisee to shape a centre development plan for the year. This includes the franchisee’s goals and outlines the process to achieving these targets, and the timeframe.

Customised communications and support

Renita says the team tailors communications to the franchisee’s needs and challenges at any particular time.

“We all want sustainable business growth and the successful implementation of Kumon’s method and its philosophies. A trusting, professional relationship is a common goal,” Renita says.

Customised support is the key to the brand’s strong franchisor/franchisee relationship and that relationship has proved invaluable for Lei.

“I was a newcomer in education and received extensive support, from visits to help me set up the centre to guidance on how I could fit into the role smoothly. As I gained confidence, they adjusted their approach,” Lei says.

“Now there is less mentoring and more support as a consultant, helping me spot errors, analysing difficulties and offering personalised feedback.”

Lei says field development consultants’ experience across different centres means they can share strategies that have worked for other franchisees.

Strategies for success are part of the support provided at Kumon

“As business owners, we are required to address aspects that are our weaknesses. For me, that is dealing with conflict and managing staff. My consultant has found strategies that enable me to handle these situations,” Lei reveals.

“I received training materials for the recruiting process, and guidance on how best to communicate in difficult situations.

“Always having extra input helps work through issues more thoroughly,” she says. “I see my consultant as a very supportive team member. If we need to fine tune the recruiting process or improve the centre flow, for instance, we arrange specified meetings to brainstorm and find solutions.”

For Lei, developing positive professional relationships with her field development consultant has been crucial to her success.

“Our relationship evolved from mentoring and guidance to collaborative partnership,” she explains.

“We are on a journey where we learn and grow together and we always manage to work to find a solution. This has strengthened our relationship and contributed to the success of my Kumon business,” Lei says.