Ep. 219 - Having a Seat at the Right Table Is Everything with Kyleigh Tolman and Keaton Ross

Kyleigh Tolman and Keaton Ross are the powerhouse sister duo behind Klever Kidz Academy in rural Southeast Oklahoma. With three centers and over 300 children served, Kyleigh and Keaton have built something deeply rooted in family, community, and intentional leadership.

 

During their chat with Kris, they share how they’ve infused fun, core values, and heart into their culture, from heart-shaped tattoos with their leadership team to parent survival kits and walkout-proof staff meetings. They also open up about enrollment challenges in rural areas, personal development routines, and how finding the right community has shaped their success. This episode is a playbook in purpose-driven leadership and the impact of building a strong internal culture in early education.

 

Key Takeaways:

[4:48] Kyleigh started Klever Kidz Academy in 2011, and Keaton joined in 2023; together, they now lead three centers serving over 290 children.

[6:32] As co-owners and sisters, they divide responsibilities based on strengths and have found a rhythm that balances business and family.

[8:32] Kyleigh shares the origin of the Klever Kidz name and her early passion for creating a safe, loving environment for children.

[11:10] The sisters share personal insights about their families and the importance of maintaining a supportive work-life balance.

[11:52] The leadership team bonded so deeply they got matching heart-shaped tattoos — on their left feet!

[14:02] They’ve built a close-knit team culture grounded in core values, with staff meetings so engaging that no one wants to leave.

[20:48] In a unique Oklahoma model, they’ve built contracts and partnerships that help sustain their rural enrollment.

[22:34] Their personal development practices include books like The Miracle Morning and strong morning routines to lead with intention.

[25:09] Facing inflation, low birth rates, and local competition, they’ve used strategic enrollment tools like waived fees and parent survival kits.

[29:11] They prioritize building strong relationships with licensing reps and being visible in their communities.

[31:11] Their marketing strategy includes going back to basics and focusing on human connection and word-of-mouth.

[32:30] The Parent Survival Kit is a small but thoughtful gift for new families that makes a lasting impression.

[35:07] Their biggest advice: build a trusting, collaborative relationship with your licensing rep. It pays off long-term.

 

Quotes:

“Heart-shaped tattoos because we lead with heart.” — Kylie [12:21]

 

“We always try to make sure we have the right people in the right seats.” — Kylie [13:49]

 

“I’d say we are really a close-knit leadership team. We’re like a family, and then we are intentional about that, and that’s one of our core values as well. And we’re always incorporating our core values and making sure our leadership team is instilling those core values into our staff.” — Kylie [14:16]

 

“We are their family. We are that connection they’re looking for.” — Kylie [20:17]

 

“Align yourself with the right people and then implement as fast as you can without burning out. It’s a hard one, but it is possible.” — Kris [38:49]

 

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

Hal Elrod — The Miracle Morning 

Klever Kidz Academy