Ep. 211 - Chasing Cows and Building Dreams Into a 12-Center Empire with Jennifer House and Jenni Grawvunder

Kris welcomes “The Jens”, aka Jennifer House (CEO) and Jenni Grawvunder (COO) of Children’s Choice Preschool, to share the remarkable story behind their 12-center child care empire in San Diego County. What started as a nonprofit program with 25 children has grown into a thriving operation serving nearly 1,300 kids across 11 centers (with a 12th on the way) and supported by a team of over 300 staff.

 

From pet chickens to RV-based school openings, the Jens talk about blending practical business strategy with fun, managing both nonprofit and for-profit centers, building culture through grace and accountability, and how a vivid vision exercise helped reawaken their passion (and their animal sanctuary dreams). They also share some great advice on marketing, building a community, and not staying stuck as a leader.

 

Key Takeaways:

[8:24] The Jens join Kris from sunny San Diego.

[9:37] Jen House reflects on starting Children’s Choice in 1998 as a nonprofit with 25 children.

[10:11] They now operate 11 schools, with the 12th in escrow.

[11:27] Jenni G shares how she started as an aide in 2008 and worked her way up.

[12:28] The hilarious Yellow Pages story of how Jenni found her job and showed up with a posse.

[13:35] They now care for nearly 1,300 children and manage over 300 employees.

[14:25] The pet mascots of Children’s Choice.

[17:29] How a vivid vision exercise during a mastermind reignited Jen’s goals.

[18:08] Why events, parent engagement, and low ratios keep them nearly full.

[19:56] How they separate their nonprofit and for-profit businesses.

[22:55] Culture tips: give grace, hold accountability, and never stop training.

[23:51] Why adaptability has been key to their continued growth.

[24:05] Their dynamic: Jen is the visionary; Jenni is the implementer and numbers brain.

[26:34] Jenni recalls stepping up as a leader during COVID after Jen’s family loss.

[28:18] Jen reflects on shedding the nonprofit scarcity mindset and embracing self-worth.

[30:15] Their marketing strategy includes events, banners, mailers, and constant hustle.

[33:38] Why they gave up enrollment specialists and returned to director-led tours.

[36:02] Jenni’s personal journey of staying in California and building a life she never imagined.

[37:33] Their next move? An RV to launch school #12 on the road.

[39:12] The Jens share their fun facts, including chasing cows and running a puppet business.

 

Quotes:

“I told her, when I interviewed with her the first day, I said, ‘I’m gonna run one of your schools one day.’ And here I am.” — Jenni Grawvunder [11:43]

 

“You say give grace, but we also have to hold accountability.” — Jennifer House [23:13]

 

“Everything that we do, we learn from, we grow from, and who I am today is because of the things that I went through.” — Jennifer House [35:17]

 

“You’re always marketing. Even when you’re full, you keep marketing.” — Jennifer House [32:52]

 

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

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

LocaliQ

Trainual

Children’s Choice Preschool

Children’s Choice Academy