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RECENT INTERVIEW WITH DOUG HOWARD
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CEO Interview with Doug Howard, Drama Kids International, Inc.
View More Drama Kids International Franchise Information
Doug Howard
CEO/President
Drama Kids International, Inc.
As a son of an elementary school teacher, Doug knew the tremendous positive impact a teacher can make on children, and in the 1980's he saw the growing demand for child related enrichment programs from private companies. It was the beginning of organized home school programs, private charter schools, and software reading games. Partnerships were forming between corporate America and public education. As Doug says, "it was a wonderful opportunity to jump into an exciting new industry. The new education industry would be both profitable and would offer great programs and educational services to benefit children. It combined my love for child development with my love for building business organizations. I simply had to jump on board; there was no time to waste."
In 1993, Doug was hired as Corporate Controller of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. and led the company's efforts to go public, acquire new educational companies, and build their leading tutorial franchise system. In 1997, he became Vice President of Sylvan Learning Centers and focused himself on franchisee relations, support, and system growth, and helped build a small franchise system from less than 175 units in 1993 to over 800 units in 1999 when Sylvan was recognized by Success Magazine as the Number 1 children services franchise system in the USA.
It was a great success story, but it was only the beginning. In 1999, Doug met Helen O'Grady, founder of the Helen O'Grady Children's Drama Academy from Perth Australia. Helen's company had 100 franchise owners operating in 8 countries around the world, and she was meeting with Sylvan to explore franchising her program throughout the United States. Sylvan management decided to focus on internet education programs, Doug however, thought differently. "When I met Helen and saw her program, I quickly realized that her program would change each child who participated in it through the fun, self-esteem building approach of Helen's creative drama program. I knew that her program was of exceptional quality, was incredibly unique, and had the perfect operating model for franchise system success. Furthermore, it had been tried and tested internationally with success and the time was right to launch it in the United States." In 2000, Doug left his executive post with Sylvan to bring Drama Kids International, Inc to the US market.
What is Drama Kids?
Before you can understand what Drama Kids is, I first tell people that they must understand what Drama Kids is NOT. In other words, you must throw away all preconceptions about what you know a drama program to be - such as having a small number of key characters, elaborate stages and costumes, three months of repetitive practice and line memorization, stressful dress rehearsals leading up to a performance etc. Drama Kids is NONE OF THIS.
Drama Kids is an ongoing program of self development. Children and young adults experience fast-paced, highly interactive drama activities in one hour lessons that are uniquely designed to build speaking skills, confidence, self-esteem and a positive, enthusiastic approach to life. Mid year parent presentations, spring productions, and summer camp programs are included as part of the curriculum. Children tend to stay in the program for many months and in many cases for many years. Drama Kids uses a wide variety of original new lessons each class to develop all students, both quiet children and outgoing children, from ages 5 through 17. All students participate fully, all students get recognized and praised by the teacher during each class and all of our students gain in confidence, speaking skills, and self esteem.
I will be happy to tell you our "secret" formula for success. The reason we are the largest and most successful children's drama program in the world is because our teachers place their entire focus on the student experience at Drama Kids - not the performance. It's not about creating elaborate productions and getting rave reviews by audience and theatre critics. The focus is building our student's positive feelings about themselves, building their communication skills, and having them understand their true potential in life through the creativity and fun of drama.
What makes Drama Kids International a Great Choice for Franchise Owners?
Drama Kids provides an exceptional program for children and teenagers and is an excellent business model. The business advantages include a 13 year cycle of curriculum, plays, productions and drama activities so that a child will never repeat any DKI lesson regardless of their length of stay in our program (many kids stay for 3 years or more as they like it so much). In addition, the program requires a low investment level with excellent upside potential and an experienced training and support team that has built the world's most successful creative drama educational program.
How fast are you building out your US franchise system?
Some franchise systems make the mistake of awarding too many franchises too quickly in an effort to "strike while the iron is hot". Consequently, they short cut their training process and provide insufficient support to franchise owners. I have always found this to be a big mistake. Our management team is in this for the long haul. As a result we want to do it right, not rushed. In the past four years, we have chosen to accept no more than one new owner per month and made sure that the owners we select all have the same qualities and principles that we believe in. I believe that if we do things the right way - by taking care of our franchise owners and making sure they are happy at Drama Kids, then solid growth will occur naturally down the road in an organized and well managed process.
What Are You Looking For in New Franchise Owners?
We are looking for remarkable people who want to build a strong business that brings a wonderful program to children. Ideally, their background should include some teaching or child development experience as we want each owner to feel comfortable in front of parents and children. We want to see a real passion for children and a strong desire to make a positive difference with your life and in your business. We value these attributes much more than drama experience. In fact, drama experience is nice, but not required at all for DKI franchise ownership. Character matters most - a high integrity, goal oriented person who has a passion for developing children and young adults is our best franchise owner.
What Do You Find Most Gratifying About Drama Kids?
I am not afraid to say that we have big dreams and plans about the powerful positive impact that Drama Kids International can have on children in each community across America. All children need to feel empowered; they need to receive praise for trying new tasks and accepting new challenges. They need to know that they have real value and limitless potential. It is so gratifying to be part of a family of franchise owners who share the same commitment and for having a quality program that builds these skills in children. The testimonials, cards, and emails we receive from parents and students in our program back this up daily. We share them around our system and it reinforces our belief in what Drama Kids is all about and what it can become in America.
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