In this exclusive Q&A, we learn more about Code Ninjas, the fastest-growing kids coding franchise, from its CEO and founder, David Graham.
Franchise Chatter (FC): Can you tell us more about Code Ninjas?
David Graham (DG): Code Ninjas is a franchise concept that provides an exciting, encouraging environment for kids to gain valuable life skills including coding, math, logic, and problem solving. These skills are taught in a fun way by playing and building video games – prompting kids to want to return to the centers and bring their friends, while creating tangible results for parents to see.
FC: What programs do you offer?
DG: We provide a wide variety of program options to best suit our franchisees and the communities they serve. These include drop-in classes, after-school programs, coding camps, and birthday parties. There’s also a Parent’s Night Out program on Friday nights where kids are dropped off for a fun night of games with friends, while parents get to enjoy a much-deserved night out.
What makes our programs unique is that they’re focused on fun. Our curriculum is game-based, and lets kids advance from white to black belt, just like they would in a real dojo. Kids can’t get enough, and parents are amazed by their children’s progress. That’s why we consider ourselves an edutainment franchise.
FC: Why is it so important for kids to learn how to code?
DG: As technology becomes more pervasive with advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and new software developments, the number of tech jobs is climbing – far outnumbering the number of applicants. Experts warn that 1 million programming jobs will be left open by 2020.
Recognizing this gap in the industry, it’s vital that kids learn how to code to be able to adapt to the technological landscape and be ready for the jobs of the future. Even if a child does not pursue a career in computer programming, learning to code teaches valuable life skills including logical thinking, problem solving, and overcoming failure. They learn that they can do more than just use technology, but actually play a key role in creating it.
FC: What sets Code Ninjas apart from other franchises?
DG: From an operations perspective, Code Ninjas was built to be a franchise from day one, so franchising is in our DNA. That means everything we do is designed to be beneficial and scalable to franchisees, from support, to center build-out, to our point-of-sale system.
Our model is a big differentiator as well. Our core promise, Kids have fun, parents see results, sums it up. That’s our secret sauce. Although there are other franchises related to the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields, no other brand hits that sweet spot.
FC: What makes Code Ninjas an attractive opportunity for potential franchisees?
DG: We’ve been fortunate to experience phenomenal growth, awarding more than 100 franchise agreements in our first year alone. That’s because we have the right team, with decades of experience in franchising, programming, and teaching code; we have the right concept, combining kids’ love of video games with parents who want the best for their children; and we’re at the right time, with kids coding in high demand for the foreseeable future. It’s validating for us that entrepreneurs are vetting us out and recognizing that we’re doing things right.
Once they join the Code Ninjas family, our franchisees appreciate the training, support, collaboration, and the fact that we continually listen to their feedback and use it to improve and evolve the franchise. They also find it exciting and rewarding to bring coding education to their communities as part of the nation’s fastest-growing kids coding franchise.
FC: How can people learn more about Code Ninjas and its franchising opportunities?
DG: People can learn more about our franchise opportunities by visiting www.codeninjasfranchise.com/.
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