This Franchisee Is Cooking up Some Lessons in Life for Her Young Clientele Nora Wachter-Lerner survived cancer and decided that for her next gig, she was leaving the corporate world and going back to the kitchen.

By Entrepreneur Staff

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272463
Nora Wachter-Lerner

Franchise Players is Entrepreneur's Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees.

Young Chefs Academy offers cooking classes to children in a safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity. But food is only part of the lessons learned. "The kitchen is the pulse of the home . . . where we learn about life and each other," says Julie Burleson, founder of YCA, who notes that Academy classes also teach kitchen safety, etiquette, table-setting, menu planning and more. That multiple focus appealed to Argentina immigrant and Texas-based franchisee Nora Wachter-Lerner, who decided to leave the corporate world and her CPA career following a frightening bout with cancer.

"I have been cooking all my life," Wachter-Lerner says, so YCA was a clear choice. But what she especially liked was how the Academy's curriculum "doesn't stop at teaching kids how to cook. It opens the door to a new world of emotional and intellectual maturity for our students." Now, she says, she can't wait to spread those values to more kids.

Name: Nora Wachter-Lerner

Franchise owned: Young Chefs Academy, Frisco, Texas.

How long have you owned a franchise?

I have owned a franchise for five years.

Related: Franchise Players: Why One Franchise Wasn't Enough

Why franchising?

When starting up as a small business owner, there is so much to do. Franchising gives you some structure and takes care of some of the infrastructure you would need to create along the road.

What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?

I was a CPA, in international consulting.

Why did you choose this particular franchise?

During my time as a tax consultant, I was diagnosed with cancer. I have recovered since then, but that was hard for my entire family. My daughter, who is now 11, encouraged me to leave my office job and teach. Today, she sometimes helps out as my teaching assistant. I have been cooking my entire life. It is very dear to me, so opening a Young Chefs Academy was the clear choice. I also admire the company's founder, Julie Burleson. She has given franchise owners a chance to teach kids of all ages invaluable life lessons, with a rewarding concept that is both fun and fulfilling.

How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business?

I bought a location that was already open for business. [According to the company, franchising with Young Chefs Academy typically requires a franchise fee of $39,900. Qualifying veterans receive a discount on the initial franchising fee of $5,000. And the average initial investment to get up and running is between $66,500 and $122,000.]

Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research?

My research was much more than sitting online or looking through city records, although I did plenty of that. I got to know my community by volunteering in the area and speaking with other professionals and franchisees. I also relied on my previous experience in corporate America.

Related: Meet the Chefs Who Are Bringing Quality Food to the Masses

What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?

The biggest challenge was modifying the interior [of my location] to get the license transferred. I did not expect this to happen since the location was open and in business the day before I took over.

What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?

Do it! My advice for individuals who want to own their own franchise is to choose one that you are passionate about and go for it.

Related: Franchise Players: 'Cupcake Wars' Champ Takes on Franchising

What's next for you and your business?

I plan to open multiple Young Chefs Academy locations in the area. Our curriculum doesn't stop at teaching kids how to cook. It opens the door to a new world of emotional and intellectual maturity for our students. I am very passionate about the way this concept touches people's lives in such a positive and lasting way, and I want to share that with more people.

Wavy Line
Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Editor's Pick

A Leader's Most Powerful Tool Is Executive Capital. Here's What It Is — and How to Earn It.
Lock
One Man's Casual Side Hustle Became an International Phenomenon — And It's on Track to See $15 Million in Revenue This Year
Lock
3 Reasons to Keep Posting on LinkedIn, Even If Nobody Is Engaging With You
Why a Strong Chief Financial Officer Is Crucial for Your Franchise — and What to Look for When Hiring One

Related Topics

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.

Growing a Business

My Startup Scored a Multimillion-Dollar Contract With a Fortune 100 Client in Just 3 Years. Here's What We Learned.

There's no perfect litmus test to gauge if you're ready to go after big business or not — but if you don't take the risk, you'll never realize the reward.

Marketing

5 Questions to Ask a PR Pro Before Hiring Them

You probably haven't considered asking these questions, but they're a great way to find the right PR firm for your business.

Growing a Business

The Inevitable Challenges You'll Face as Your Business Grows — and How to Handle Them

There's going to be some discomfort as your business expands, but it doesn't have to stop you from achieving massive success.

Marketing

This Location-Based Marketing Technique Is the Key to Boosting Retail Sales

Let's take an in-depth look at geofencing marketing and how it's helping retail locations drive foot traffic and boost sales.