But this is not always the case. Franchisees at Stagecoach Performing Arts come from diverse walks of life and choose the brand after recognising the incredible business opportunity that its tried-and-tested business model provides.
Whilst developing the skills of young people and equipping them with Creative Courage for Life, many professionals have also seen the brand as a lucrative business opportunity to utilise their expertise and build new careers as successful franchisees. Here, CEO Andy Knights talks with Kristi Wenaus, the Master Franchisee for Canada, about her diverse career journey and how her extensive experience has played a key role in establishing successful Stagecoach schools across the country.
As a successful entrepreneur, Kristi is more than familiar with the formalities and processes involved with business ownership. Her varied career includes almost a decade with Princess Cruise Lines as well as leadership roles in International Business Development for brands like Hilton and Marriott. Her most recent work, as a small business leadership coach, aligns perfectly with the work that she is doing now, coaching the Canadian network of franchisees on how to grow their businesses.
“When I launched my franchise in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in summer 2019, Stagecoach was a relatively unknown name in my area – we opened with one school and 25 students,” said Kristi. “Five years and 500 students taught per week later, I became Master Franchisee for the whole of Canada earlier this year. I’m a proud advocate of everything Stagecoach stands for – equipping children with both quality performing arts skills but also the confidence to excel in life. The demand for this service in Canada continues to grow, and I’m excited to contribute to the nationwide expansion of Stagecoach.
“My skillset is beneficial to my career with Stagecoach because I know what it takes to build brand awareness and increase market appeal to a mass audience. I also have experience working for myself, having successfully grown various small enterprises with my husband, Chris. I was looking for my next business opportunity when I came across Stagecoach. I grew up in the theatre and credit my arts education as a child as part of the reason why I am the confident woman I am today, so naturally a business opportunity that combined my two passions really appealed to me.”
Having invested in her initial franchise just eight months before the pandemic, Kristi continued to build her student numbers and, therefore, school numbers. By her third year she had launched her fifth school in her second territory, further solidifying her position as a valued and established member of the international network of 300 franchisees around the globe.
“The performing arts industry is attracting a growing number of children across Canada, driving up the demand for our services at Stagecoach. We continue to make a difference in children’s lives by proving quality education and a safe place to express yourself to those not necessarily interested in extra-curricular activities that are so often offered in Canada, such as sports. As demand continues to grow, I’m proud to be at the forefront, driving Stagecoach forwards,” added Kristi.
A franchise that is made up of individuals with similar backgrounds and experiences will eventually stagnate. When everyone is producing the same ideas based on the same experiences, you will not discover innovation, and innovation is the source of growth. Everyone has unique abilities to contribute and help a franchise grow so, at Stagecoach, we have consistently recognised the benefit of recruiting people from all professional backgrounds.
Kristi truly embodies what it means to be a role model. She not only understands the importance of giving young people the confidence to shine, both on and off the stage, but she is also a proud advocate for our high-quality business investment model. Her journey to becoming Master Franchisee is a testament to how the diverse tapestry of talent that franchisees bring from all industries can bring valuable insight and expertise to a new role.
