Sal Cusanza, 58
Sylvan Learning
Baton Rouge + Denham Springs + Gonzales + Hammond + Covington + Metairie + Slidell
THE FRANCHISE
Started in 1979 and now with more than 800 locations worldwide, Sylvan Learning offers personalized instruction for K-12 with programs like math, reading, writing, test prep, robotics and coding.
July 2001
Cusanza purchased the Sylvan North Shore territory, which included Covington, Hammond and Slidell, following six months of researching franchises before leaving health care consulting.
March 2002
Cusanza bought the New Orleans and Metairie territories five months after seeking advice from the previous franchisee, who had told him, “Make a lot of money so you can buy me out.”
August 2005
The New Orleans East location of Sylvan is destroyed by Hurricane Katrina; all Cusanza salvaged from the center was $5.
October 2009
After the majority owner of Sylvan in Baton Rouge passes away in August, the owner’s family approaches Cusanza to buy the business. Cusanza initially declines but later decides to make the purchase.
January 2015
Cusanza opens his Sylvan center in Denham Springs.
THE LONG VIEW
“Anybody who is looking to buy a franchise, they really need to do their homework. Understanding the franchise agreement, licensing, how it is operated, and the management is critical.”
“You can talk to the management of the franchise, they’ll tell you one thing. When you talk to individual franchisees, you’ll learn more.”
PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION: (match with July 2001) (need a photo of his Sylvan building in BR)
“I was looking to purchase a business. About the same time, my son had some learning difficulties. I started looking at tutoring businesses. I saw Sylvan, and I liked the model. Everyday you’re helping children.”
PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION (iStock No. 23028957) (match with March 2002)
“You always will need more cash than you think you need.”
PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION (iStock No. 43705814) (match with August 2005)
“After Katrina, in the Slidell center we had some roof leaks. The carpet was destroyed. I couldn’t get any other carpet. I operated for five months without carpet. Through that whole time, not one parent said a word. They were so happy we were open.”
PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION: (iStock No.28924076) (match with October 2009)
“Sylvan has really kept their materials updated. All of our materials are on iPads. We don’t have to carry the thousands of books we used to.”
PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION: (iStock No. 18467694) (match with January 2015)
“[At our centers you’ll see] a kid who is having a tough time. Then they bring in a good report card. They start making good grades and their personality comes out and they are happy. It is extremely rewarding.”
