Jerod and Patricia Wooldridge started Mariposa Learning Center, located in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, in 2004. Mariposa is a bilingual and nationally accredited learning center. The Wooldridge's believe in the positive impact that language can have on a child’s life. At Mariposa, family is at the core of everything they do, and they strive to give opportunities for children to develop fully as thriving, well-rounded children.
Jerod and Patricia took the opportunity to expand and relocate their learning center adjacent to a new elementary school. Utilizing an SBA 504 loan provided by WBD and financing from One Community Bank, the Wooldridges were able to build a brand new facility for their center. The project added several jobs to the community of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. It will also aid in the rural development of Dane County.
The Wooldridge's provided answers to some questions posed to them recently about their business. A special thanks to both Jerod and Patricia in taking time out of their busy schedule to offer this insight on starting and running their business, expansion efforts and advice for business owners. They have come a long way through their commitment and hard work, and a little bit of help from WBD, the SBA and the SBDC.
WBD: Can you tell us about your business - how it started, keys to success, challenges?
"After a near life-ending car crash in 2004, I made the decision to stay at home with my daughter. Mariposa was born out of necessity as we needed a way to replace my lost income, but I also wanted to spend all my time with my baby girl. My initial plans were to continue with childcare until my youngest went to kindergarten, and I honestly just fell in love with what I did for a living. I did not foresee the business growing into what it is today. With that being said, “piloting” the concept in my home was a key step in the process of starting my business. It allowed to me to learn more about the industry and regulations in a financially low-risk environment (worst case, I would stop providing care and find another job). From the in-home center, Mariposa expanded to a modest commercial space in 2014 which allowed for ~40 children at its maximum. In 2020, Mariposa moved to its current location, a 12,000 square foot building with enough space for over 100 children.
A strong business plan at each stage has been our key to success. If a business plan is done properly, it should really make you think about your growth and how you will execute on that growth. We have always stuck to a slow and steady growth plan. We have always tried to scale in a way that allowed us to cash-flow the day-to-day business operations as much as possible; buying equipment, hiring staff and filling spaces as the business finances allowed. The biggest challenge has been learning how to be employers. You will make mistakes, but it is how you handle those mistakes that makes all the difference. It is important to take care of your employees as they are the foundation of your organization and figuring out how to do that right takes time and experience."
WBD: What projects, both real estate and equipment, has WBD and namely the SBA 504 program worked with you on and how has it enabled you to meet your expansion goals – production, new products, better serve customers?
"WBD and the SBA 504 program were essential for our expansion to our current site in 2020. As stated above, we try to cash-flow the expansion of operations in our model of growth; however, following this model does not leave extra cash on hand for real estate. That is where having a partner like WBD is critical. They were not just there to help us secure funding, but played a key role in challenging us to think about the growth, the funds needed and the application of those funds to the overall project scope. Nick and the team at WBD were champions of our project and we could not have done it without their input and support along the way. The 504 program provides an avenue for small business owners to grow without having to overextend themselves financially. As most small business owners know, much of your profits in the early stages of growth go back into the business, leaving you light on cash. Helping to cut that contribution in the funding process allowed us to expand the business to a scale that will now put us in the position to start to grow the profit side of the business."
WBD: Did you have a good experience working with WBD? Would you work with us again?
"Mariposa had a great experience working with WBD and would certainly work with them again in the future! The team at WBD was a partner and champion of our efforts to grow our business. Obviously, they help to provide funding, but their contribution went well beyond that. Their experience in the business lending realm provided insight that helped guide us along the way."
WBD: What have been your keys to success so far – employees, timing, hard work? Challenges?
"Owning your own business comes with many keys to success and challenges, making it hard to narrow down the list for either category. For success, great sacrifice and hard work always pays off no matter the industry, but if your business requires employees, we would put that at the front of the list. Although their names may not be on any of the contracts or legal documents, employees are your biggest partners in establishing and growing your business. They are the foundation that establishes the quality and strength of your business. When you succeed, they should reap the benefits of that success. With that being said, employees are also one of the biggest challenges of growing a business. Identifying and retaining talent is an arduous process. As an owner, you must be willing to part ways with employees who do not fit your vision and team culture. It is a disservice to you, your employees, and clients to retain someone who is not working out. On the flip side of that, you must foster and reward those who do fit your vision. You are in this together and everyone should benefit from the success of the business. Employees are the keystone to any business’s success."
WBD: Do you have any advice for other business owners in taking that next step to growing their business?
"One word, network. At least for us, we when first started to expand Mariposa, we tried to do it all on our own. We would rarely seek advice and just thought grinding it out ourselves was part of being a small business owner (and to some extent, it is). As we prepared for expansion, we started to realize that folks in all these different areas were willing to help and excited to be a part of your success. You should take time to talk to different bankers, builders, insurance agents, accountants, lawyers and when you find the right fit, make those folks part of your team. If the right team is chosen, you will find success as each of them help propel you in the right direction. Another resource not on that list, but just as critical for us, was the SBDC (Small Business Development Center at the UW-Madison). Their team of business professionals helped us work through so many different challenges. From writing a strong business plan to assessing the pros and cons of many decisions along the way, SBDC was a partner we leaned heavily on then and even today. The best part, their services are 100% free!"
We're so glad that everything has worked out for Mariposa, what a great story! Thanks again for sharing your experience working with us. For our readers, please visit www.mariposalearning.com for more information. And remember to support your local small businesses.
