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Today’s episode is one of my favorites that we’ve done. My guest Jody Zabriskie is an Empire level member here in the Child Care Success Academy with 23 years of experience in the industry. She’s based outside of Salt Lake City and recently expanded to five locations of her centers, A to Building Blocks, having started from a small center with just 27 enrollments. Our discussion really highlights the power of positivity and leadership; two of Jody’s greatest strengths. You’ll be amazed by the trust she has in her team along with her commitment to accountability and honest communication. We also talk about what her biggest challenge has been, what makes her brand unique, and what the name means. This episode will really inspire you to stop making excuses, lead by example, and grow your program!   Key Takeaways: [9:39] Jody shares the story of how she got started in child care at the age of 11 and how her journey in ECE has continued to evolve ever since. [11:22] Jody shares how many centers she currently has, and the capacity of each one and why they vary greatly in size. [15:29] Jody explains what makes A to Z Building Blocks’ program unique and how the name came to be. [19:37] Kris asks Jody about what her dreams and plans are for continued expansion and growth. [23:44] Jody shares when/how she discovered Kris and CCSC, and how long she has been following their practices.  [25:25] Kris and Jody discuss the importance of networking and being involved in your community in order to help your brand grow. [30:02] Jody discusses how she felt like “the lonely entrepreneur at the top” and how it shifted Jody’s mindset. [35:47] Kris asks Jody to share what her biggest challenge has been during her journey in the industry so far.  [39:51] Jody shares what she implements to promote a positive culture for staff. [44:49] Kris asks Jody to share how she defines a Child Care Rockstar. [46:00] Jody shares her favorite resources for learning more about how to grow your business.   Quotes: “I never thought I would be where I am today.” — Jody “The only thing that I wanted is to make sure that children had a great place to be.” — Jody “Before I started the Child Care Success Academy I was done. I was going to stop at my third one.” — Jody “Sometimes as an owner, it can be lonely at the top.” — Jody “You need to have deal flow. You need to have things going on and be a mover and a shaker.” — Kris “If your state does not have an association that promotes your facilities or childcare (the industry), you need to get on board. And you need to develop an association.” — Jody “My team… they’re amazing because I allowed them their lanes and I do my lane.” — Jody “It’s just amazing when you find your lane and you allow your people to flourish, it will shine. It will shine if you allow them to.” — Jody “It all starts with you. If there’s something going wrong in your company, you need to look at yourself first.” — Jody “Your attitude can make or break you.” — Jody “It’s all about putting people in the right seats and communicating that to your team.” — Jody “If you’re complaining about your employees, guess what? You’ve just told everyone that it’s okay to complain.” — Jody  “It really is about the people.” — Jody “Put people where they need to be and they’ll flourish for you. I promise.” — Jody “The Child Care Rockstar does not necessarily mean one thing. The Child Care Rockstar is just… love what you do.” — Jody   Sponsored By: PBaJ TV — Don’t forget to mention Kris Murray for a special offer!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit The Child Care Startup Challenge with Kris Murray and Friends A to Z Building Blocks Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself, by Mike Michalowicz Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential, by John C. Maxwell