Bricks 4 Kidz CEO Laid Solid Foundation for Franchise Growth

Headquartered in St. Augustine, Fla., Bricks 4 Kidz provides an extraordinary atmosphere for children to learn, build and play with LEGO Bricks. It offers activities for children ages 3-13, including after-school enrichment classes, week-long summer camps, birthday parties and pre-school classes.

Founded by Michelle Cote, it was Creative Learning Corporation CEO Brian Pappas who helped bring the Bricks 4 Kidz franchise to life. Pappa’s vision was to take a simple after school class and create a global presence with the award-winning Bricks 4 Kidz franchise opportunity benefitting children worldwide. In our Q&A with Pappas, we find out the secrets to his success and where he sees the franchise in five years.


What’s special about the Bricks 4 Kidz franchise?

Our cornerstone teaching tool, LEGO Bricks are so popular with multiple generations that sales, both consumer and franchise facing are very fundamental, crossing varied socio-economic and geographic boundaries, with ease.

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What is the idea behind the franchise?

Bricks 4 Kidz uses LEGO Bricks and over 200 proprietary model plans to teach children the principles of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in engaging camps, classes, in-school workshops and birthday parties.

How does it compare to its competition?

Bricks 4 Kidz has many more franchises than any of our competitors (750+ in 38 countries and growing) and we have won several awards, including the #1 Children’s Enrichment Program.

Who benefits most from Bricks 4 Kidz?

The biggest beneficiaries are the 2 million-plus children that have participated in Bricks 4 Kidz, thousands of schools, teachers and parents. Children are learning from an early age with our creative play activities for pre-k though our robotics and stop-motion camps for teens.

Where do you see Bricks 4 Kidz in five years?

We are looking for more expansion into Asia and Europe.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a franchisee?

Days differ greatly depending on the season. Camps keep owners very busy during the summer and school break months, while the school year sees more business in the after-school and weekend hours. Class size and length vary greatly as well with birthday parties usually lasting between 90-120 minutes each. No matter what the day holds, you can be assured that there will be a lot of learning, laughing, building and excitement.

What’s your background?

I started in the franchise industry back in the late 70s, eventually purchasing the company and successfully grew it from a few local units to 178, globally – before selling it and focusing on my franchise consulting business.

What motivates you to keep going?

To see the success of small business owners and entrepreneurs who are just starting out with a Bricks 4 Kidz franchise.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

I am very happy with the trajectory of my career thus far.

Please tell us your secret to success…

Determination, vision and focus coupled with the ability to staff a corporate office with the talented personnel, willing to support the hundreds of global owners.

What is the worst job you have ever had and what did you learn from it?

I have learned from all my jobs.

What is one thing that really excites you?

Meeting with the new owners during our training weeks each month here in St. Augustine.

Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Your career is something that gives you back exactly what you put into it. If you strive for success every day, it will show.

Where can people find out more about Bricks 4 Kidz?

Visit the website here.

Where can people find Bricks 4 Kidz on social media?

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