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 Califor