Franchisee Spotlight: Juanita Leung

A native of Hong Kong, Leung moved to San Francisco in 1983 and received a degree in marketing and sales management from San Francisco State University. Leung did advertising sales for several years before making a career change into commercial real estate marketing. In 2000 she decided to become a real estate agent and was later recruited into an account management position for Fidelity National Title for 7 years. In 2010 she went back into real estate sales for Prudential. In 2012 she was named one of Prudential’s top 7 producers.

How did you learn about the brand?

I was searching for education franchises on Google and looked into a number of concepts. After I saw Engineering for Kids I was immediately intrigued. I liked that they were a younger company and I saw a lot of opportunity for growth.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

I have two children the ages of 3 and 5 and my in-laws are retired teachers so that was a big part of why I wanted an education business. We felt that with children falling behind in math and science in the U.S. this would be a good opportunity to try and change that! We also saw this as viable and lucrative business.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

I have been part of a few non-profit real estate organizations for the past nine years holding a number of different positions promoting minority ownership. I am also looking at the public libraries to offer free engineering programs in the community.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

We have a site for a center and we’re looking to get that up and running.  We’d like to open a number of centers in the next couple years and our vision is to be able to bring Engineering for Kids overseas if the opportunity arises.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

I like to sing and I've been taking voice lessons for the past five years.  I like to sing opera and I love to play the piano.

Franchisee Spotlight: Shu-Ling Garver

Shu-ling Garver, a native of China, came to the U.S. in 1986 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from a university in Shanghai. Once arriving in the United States, she received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Engineering. Garver has worked for Intel since 1989 as an engineering manager and marketing manager enabling the industry with Intel Architecture. At Intel, she also dedicated herself to engaging female engineers, mentoring them and getting young girls involved in the industry.

How did you learn about the brand?

While I was looking for a franchise online, I found that Engineering for Kids is very intriguing. I had already been working closely in that field and wanted an opportunity in an education franchise. It made sense to me.

Why did you choose an opportunity with Engineering for Kids?

I've always had a passion for engineering. Providing engineering awareness to our next generation and getting them excited about it truly excites me. Along with my significant other, Bret, being an educator, it seemed like this was a great opportunity to give back to the community and build a reputable business. Moreover, I felt the two of us together is a perfect fit to achieve our dreams.

What makes your business unique in the community?

It’s very unique because there are very few others in the community offering this kind of education for children. The schools are over budgeted and there aren't many after-school programs that are fun and this educational.  I also feel the strength of having Bret and me leading this business in Portland area; besides my engineering impact for the young generation, he is a unique great teacher with the patience for children.

Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?

We are closely involved with the Portland Public School District, the Lake Oswego School District and the Beaverton School District within our territory. We provide cash donations and free classes sometimes when needed. We are currently engaged with Zimmerman Community Center in Portland to provide classes for children who are homeless as well.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?

I work full-time at Intel. It is very hard to find someone else to help with managing this business to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves. I found myself working all the time with no time left for myself and what makes it even more challenging is that I have to manage two teen agers at home. I love what I do and I’m excited to continue to build Engineering for Kids in our community.

What are your expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Engineering for Kids?

I am an over achiever all my life. Bret often jokes that I am constantly going 90 miles an hour because there is no stopping for me. One of the growth goals is to create a center. Casey, our operations manager and I have been talking a lot about it. We want to build the company to be a household name like Subway or McDonald’s.

Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

My highest priority is staying in shape. I work out. I also love to go on cruises all around the world!

Engineering for Kids Parties

Engineering For Kids parties will entertain your guests with hands-on engineering projects! Invite your friends for a fun, action packed party that is sure to thrill all who attend!

"Thank You for the opportunity to have Kurt's birthday party at Engineering for Kids. Kurt had a great time and I think all of the kids in attendance did as well. I have to tell you it was the easiest party I have ever had for Kurt."

Mother of Kurt (10 years old)

“I just wanted to let you know that Hunter's party was a great success. Michael and Josh were fantastic. They really engaged the kids and it was refreshing to meet two such smart, friendly young gentlemen. Keep up the good work. I have some great photos if you need some!”

Mother of Hunter (8 years old)

Build your perfect Birthday Party (parties and options may vary by location)

1. Choose your location
   We can come to you or suggest a location
2. Choose your date and time
3. Choose the 60-90 minute Engineering Activity
   Examples:
   • LEGO® Robotics Party - Your child and their party guests will get to program robots to perform in a robotics challenge. Kids will not get to keep the robots at the end of this party.
   • Blast Off Rocket Party - Kids will each get to design and build their own straw rocket and learn about Newton's Third Law of Motion in the process. Rockets will be launched from our special launching pad. Kids will get to keep their rocket at the end of the party.
   • Levitron Party - Kids discover how Magnetic Levitation trains work by making their own that they get to race and keep at the end of the party.
4. Choose an optional 30-minute add-on
   Examples:
   • "Make your own" Ice Cream Activity, Play Dough Activity, or Building Roller Coasters Activity
5. Choose optional party extras
   Examples:
   • Slime Party Favors, Goody Bag Favors, Cupcakes, Engineering for Kids t-shirt, Pizza, Juice Boxes, and Paper Products

Click our Locations tab on our website for information on parties available in your area!

Engineering for Kids Featured on Fox & Friends

Engineering for Kids was recently featured on Fox & Friends during the "On the Job Hunt" segment. 

EFK was featured as a company looking to fill about 260 jobs from directors to education staff. The segment also discussed specifically what Engineering for Kids does as well as the variety of classes they offer. Fox Business reporter Cheryl Casone strongly advocates for enrollment for any kid that understands numbers on any level.

Click HERE to view the segment (EFK coverage begins at the 1:51 mark).