Aadesh Jain, CEO, Kids Gurukul

Kids Gurukul, a brand dealing with toy libraries for kids has recently started its first play school and has taken the franchise route for expansion. In an interview Aadesh Jain, CEO, Kids Gurukul shares his aspirations and hopes for the latest venture of the company.

Abha Garyali (AG): Tell us something about the inception, growth and success of Kids Gurukul Play School?    
Aadesh Jain (AJ): Kids Gurukul came into existence in the year 2010. After the successful launch of our 100+ centres of toy library, we thought of starting a play school with international standard and we finally did it. In the first playschool, we had a full batch in just three days.  We planned to start one more batch with the same capacity and we got a fabulous response. We also have activity centre with different activities for kids along with the playschool. These were the few steps towards success.

AG: What inspired you to take up the franchise route for the playschool?    
AJ: After witnessing the huge response for our playschool and activity centre module, we planned for the franchising module as it is the best way for expansion.   

AG: What is the USP of Kids Gurukul Play School?    
AJ: Being a new brand in playschools, what sets us apart is our research based child holistic curriculum. We believe that each child at our playschool learns practically and that is why we emphasise more on activities. Our child teacher involvement is 8:1.    
    
AG: What are the qualities and criteria for the selection of your prospective franchisees? Would there be any preferences regarding genders of aspiring franchisees?    
AJ: We are looking out for franchisees with good education and social background. Affection and interest towards the kids is one of the most important factors that we are looking for. We would be preferring women as franchisees.    

AG: How many franchisees do you have and in which cities in India?    
AJ: We presently have one playschool but are coming up with seven franchised units in few months. These will be opened in Vadodara, Surat, Delhi, Jalna, Pune, Bengaluru and Sholapur.  Kids Gurukul (Toy Library) has 114 franchisees and our number is growing day-by-day.

AG: In what ways do you support and train your franchisees?    
AJ: There is regular training sessions for our franchisees, our master franchisees guide the unit franchisee in events, we provide all the required stationary and material help with an ease of designing and printing promotional material. Online help is provided 24x7. 

AG: How much investment is required by an aspiring franchisee?    
AJ: Our investment varies for different cities. It starts from Rs three lakh and goes up to 10 lakh. 

AG: What are your future plans in terms of expansion through franchising?    
AJ: Today, people wish to buy a franchise instead of starting an independent business. Kids Gurukul is one of the most reputed brands in the Toy Library sector as people have faith in us. We have already set out on a successful journey and signed up a number of playschools today. We hope to have 100+ by the next academic year.    
    
AG: What are the challenges that can be faced by a franchisee in this business? How can they overcome these challenges?    
AJ: Competition with the other brands who are there in the market from the last few years is the only challenge faced by the franchisee. But if you are confident and sure about the product you are having you can overcome such challenge.