Does longevity in franchising matter to potential franchisees? Here’s why long-standing brands such as Oxford Learning make a wise investment choice.
In 2024, Oxford Learning celebrated a remarkable milestone of four decades of being in business operations in Canada. Celebrating a 40th anniversary is no small feat in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. This milestone reflects both survival and thriving in an environment where most companies struggle to last even a decade.
The average lifespan of a US S&P company is 15 years. Sixty years ago, it was closer to 70 years. [source]. Unfortunately, the statistics are not much better for small businesses. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy, only about one in three small companies reach 10 years of operations. [source]
Values, Philosophy & Mission
Oxford Learning began in 1984 with one mission: to revolutionize the educational landscape through a cognitive-based approach to learning. The founding mission wasn’t just about tutoring or rote memorization; it was about understanding how students learn and leveraging cognitive skills to tailor educational experiences to the individual.
Surviving the ups and downs of an ever-changing economy is a testament to the viability of Oxford Learning’s core philosophy. Helping students develop stronger thinking and learning skills, think critically, and become empowered to become independent learners through personalized instruction.
Innovation, Flexibility & Adaptability
Education has changed a lot since Oxford Learning began in the mid-1980s. However, adapting to those changes and continually meeting the needs of an ever-changing marketplace is a cornerstone of any scalable organization, and education is no different.
Oxford Learning’s focus on strong cognitive skills and personalized learning is a key feature of its adaptability to changes in the educational landscape. By shifting the focus to the personal learning experience, Oxford Learning programs help students build more robust cognitive skills, regardless of grades, subjects, or changing educational standards.
As the educational marketplace changes, capable students, active thinkers equipped with mental skills and the confidence to face challenges head-on, will have success no matter where life takes them. This approach to cognitive, personalized learning is at the heart of Oxford Learning’s program resiliency and adaptability in the marketplace.
Benefits of Longevity in Franchising
An organization’s longevity indicates a wise investment for potential franchisees looking to open a franchise business. It provides many benefits for new franchisees, especially in uncertain times.
- Stability & Security: When markets are uncertain, aligning with an organization with a decades-long history indicates resiliency and adaptability.
- Established Name: Well-established brands have increased marketplace recognition, helping to engage a customer base more readily in new communities
- Vigorous Support Systems: Shaped by experience over the years, a well-established support system is a hallmark of an established brand, helping new franchisees leverage the tools and resources needed to be successful.
- Processes & Policies: An longstanding brand has established procedures and proven processes, which provides a framework for success in any territory.
- Track Record of Success: A long-standing brand signals a reduced failure risks for new franchisees, making it a more reliable investment.
Looking into the Future
When potential franchisees research business opportunities, their due diligence should always include examining an organization’s lifespan. Oxford Learning’s longevity is a testament to the success of its programs in helping students succeed and to its franchisee support and management systems, which ensure franchisees have the tools they need to succeed.
For any new franchisee embarking on a franchising journey, Oxford Learning’s four decades of experience show that an investment in Oxford Learning is an investment that can–and has– stood the test of time.
Learn more about the Oxford Learning franchise opportunity.