E236 The Realities of Expansion: Balancing Growth and Relationships in Child Care with Jessica Kelley
Release Date: 12/02/2025
Child Care Genius Podcast
Are you trying to grow your child care profits—but worried it will come at the expense of your staff or the quality of care you provide? This is one of the most common challenges owners face, and in this episode, Brian and Carol tackle it head-on with practical, real-world strategies that actually work. Tune in to this episode of the Ask Brian and Carol series as they answer a listener’s question about increasing profitability without cutting corners. Listen in as they break down key steps like raising tuition strategically, maximizing enrollment, and using your current capacity more...
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What if the way you talk to yourself is shaping your leadership, your team, and even your enrollment results? In this Friday Training episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, Brian Duprey breaks down the powerful role of positive self-talk and how it directly impacts stress, decision-making, and overall success as a child care owner. Tune in to this episode to learn how shifting your internal dialogue can strengthen your mindset, boost confidence during tours, and help you lead your team with clarity and calm—even during challenging seasons. Listen in as Brian shares practical...
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What if the money you’re already spending in your child care business could fund free travel around the world? The Friday Child Care Genius Training Podcast is back with a brand-new episode after a period of reruns while Brian Duprey recovered from surgery. In this episode, Brian shares a practical strategy for turning everyday business expenses into powerful rewards using airline credit cards—helping child care owners earn miles, unlock travel perks, and even fly first class without paying first-class prices. If you want simple ways to keep more money in your pocket while getting more...
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What does a strong marriage have to do with building a successful life and business? In this special episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, Brian Duprey takes a moment away from the usual business conversations to share something much more personal. As Carol celebrates her birthday week, Brian reflects on the incredible partnership they’ve built over 35 years of marriage and the simple habits that have helped keep their relationship strong. Tune in to this episode as Brian shares heartfelt stories about Carol, the love of his life. From weekly flowers and opening car doors to...
info_outlineExpanding your child care business is more than just adding another location—it’s about growing your impact, your leadership, and your heart for families.
In this week’s episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, special host Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, fills in for Brian and Carol Duprey to chat with Jessica Kelley, a seasoned child care owner from Clarksville, Tennessee. With over 23 years of experience and a second location now underway, Jessica shares her story of growth, community connection, and leadership grounded in relationships.
Listen in as Sindye and Jessica discuss the challenges and rewards of family-run businesses, from balancing roles with a spouse to building strong teacher-parent relationships that make every family feel like part of the Red Barn Child Care family. Jessica opens up about the lessons she’s learned through expansion, what makes her center a beloved part of the community, and how she’s adapting her marketing and management strategies for the next phase of growth.
You’ll also hear Jessica’s heartfelt take on empowering her team, delegating effectively, and the importance of having a coach and community to lean on when business gets tough. Whether you’re dreaming of expansion, fine-tuning your leadership, or simply seeking inspiration from another passionate owner, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and encouragement.
Tune in now for a candid, inspiring discussion that reminds us that success in child care isn’t just about growth—it’s about people, purpose, and the heart behind it all.
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