Ep. 191: The Power of Story with Brenda and Geordie McClay

In this episode, host Kris Murray welcomes Brenda and Geordie McClay, the dynamic husband-wife team behind Bright Ideas Child Care and Learning Center. Brenda and Geordie share their remarkable journey, from Brenda's initial desire to be an elementary school teacher to opening their first childcare center in 2009 and expanding to a second location in 2020. The McClays discuss the challenges they’ve faced, particularly with hiring quality staff during the pandemic, and the strategies they’ve employed to overcome these hurdles. This includes partnering with local high schools to develop an apprenticeship program, leveraging social media to showcase their positive culture, and implementing a robust referral bonus system. Geordie also shares his insights on the value of the Academy’s men's group, which has provided him with a supportive network of like-minded individuals as he transitions into a more active role in the business. Additionally, Brenda and Geordie emphasize the importance of building a strong, family-oriented culture and the power of community partnerships in enhancing their program.

 

Key Takeaways:

[8:40] Brenda and Geordie’s path from home daycare to multi-center childcare program.

[10:00] Geordie shares his background in the Coast Guard and his transition to supporting Brenda in the childcare business.

[12:36] Family fact: the McClays have six children!

[16:41] Brenda discusses the difficulties in hiring quality staff and the impact of COVID-19 on the hiring process, along with different recruitment strategies.

[19:00] Brenda mentions their partnership with local high schools to recruit Co-op students and provide apprentice programs.

[20:51] Their intentional use of social media to showcase the fun and positive aspects of their program.

[24:58] Their referral reward program.

[26:39] Showcasing the family aspect of it.

[28:30] The Academy’s men’s group and the support it provides for men in the childcare industry.

[31:26] Gaining confidence and focus from joining the Academy.

[37:30] Working together as a husband and wife duo.

[40:13] The partnership with the local public preschool and the benefits it brings to their teachers and students.

[43:13] Support can show up in a variety of ways.

[45:53] What does it mean to be an “energy bus school”?

 

Quotes:

• “I thought that having a center was the big dream, and I had achieved it. So, I guess when I joined the Academy, I realized that I could dream bigger than that.” — Brenda [8:52]

• “We have worked hard to pour into our staff and show them that we care about them and their contribution. Without them, we couldn’t do it.” — Brenda [17:17]

• “I found that the more we showcase the fun things that we’re doing, the more successful we are in finding a good match for us.” — Brenda [17:50]

• “I think it’s important for us to get our high school students and young adults excited about the field, yes, because it’s an amazing field.” — Brenda [20:23]

• “I think as a community, we need to be together, whether we’re in the same town or the same state, we should all be here for the children.” — Brenda [31:08]

• “The only way to scale the business and be able to impact more people and more children is to figure out where you’re the bottleneck and start replacing yourself in the areas that are not your unique brilliance.” — Kris [35:40]

 

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Bright Ideas Childcare 

The Energy Bus