Episode 211 with Jennifer House and Jenni Grawvunder — Chasing Cows and Building Dreams Into a 12-Center Empire

2025-09-25

Kris welcomes “The Jens”, aka Jennifer House (CEO) and Jenni Grawvunder (COO) of Children’s Choice Preschool, to share the remarkable story behind their 12-center child care empire in San Diego County. What started as a nonprofit program with 25 children has grown into a thriving operation serving nearly 1,300 kids across 11 centers (with a 12th on the way) and supported by a team of over 300 staff. From pet chickens to RV-based school openings, the Jens talk about blending practical business strategy with fun, managing both nonprofit and for-profit centers, building culture through grace and accountability, and how a vivid vision exercise helped reawaken their passion (and their animal sanctuary dreams). They also share some great advice on marketing, building a community, and not staying stuck as a leader.

From pet chickens to RV-based school openings, the Jens talk about blending practical business strategy with fun, managing both nonprofit and for-profit centers, building culture through grace and accountability, and how a vivid vision exercise helped reawaken their passion (and their animal sanctuary dreams). They also share some great advice on marketing, building a community, and not staying stuck as a leader.

Key Takeaways:

[8:24] The Jens join Kris from sunny San Diego.

[9:37] Jen House reflects on starting Children’s Choice in 1998 as a nonprofit with 25 children.

[10:11] They now operate 11 schools, with the 12th in escrow.

[11:27] Jenni G shares how she started as an aide in 2008 and worked her way up.

[12:28] The hilarious Yellow Pages story of how Jenni found her job and showed up with a posse.

[13:35] They now care for nearly 1,300 children and manage over 300 employees.

[14:25] The pet mascots of Children’s Choice.

[17:29] How a vivid vision exercise during a mastermind reignited Jen’s goals.

[18:08] Why events, parent engagement, and low ratios keep them nearly full.

[19:56] How they separate their nonprofit and for-profit businesses.

[22:55] Culture tips: give grace, hold accountability, and never stop training.

[23:51] Why adaptability has been key to their continued growth.

[24:05] Their dynamic: Jen is the visionary; Jenni is the implementer and numbers brain.

[26:34] Jenni recalls stepping up as a leader during COVID after Jen’s family loss.

[28:18] Jen reflects on shedding the nonprofit scarcity mindset and embracing self-worth.

[30:15] Their marketing strategy includes events, banners, mailers, and constant hustle.

[33:38] Why they gave up enrollment specialists and returned to director-led tours.

[36:02] Jenni’s personal journey of staying in California and building a life she never imagined.

[37:33] Their next move? An RV to launch school #12 on the road.

[39:12] The Jens share their fun facts, including chasing cows and running a puppet business.

Quotes:

“I told her, when I interviewed with her the first day, I said, ‘I’m gonna run one of your schools one day.’ And here I am.” — Jenni Grawvunder [11:43]

“You say give grace, but we also have to hold accountability.” — Jennifer House [23:13]

“Everything that we do, we learn from, we grow from, and who I am today is because of the things that I went through.” — Jennifer House [35:17]

“You’re always marketing. Even when you’re full, you keep marketing.” — Jennifer House [32:52]