The Goddard School offers early childhood education for children ranging from six weeks old to six years old. They also provide after-school care for children up to nine years of age. Using the most current academically-endorsed methods, The Goddard School strives to make learning fun while teaching children the skills they need for long-term success in school and life. With over 500 franchised schools throughout the country, The Goddard School has become known for its high-quality, play-based learning program and the Ashland, Virginia location is no exception. Since its establishment, The Goddard School of Ashland has earned an excellent reputation in the community with an experienced staff that has been with the school for over 10 years.
Husband and wife partners, Eric and Susan Glymph, were looking for a business they could work in together. Susan earned her BS in Education from Indiana University and has worked as a preschool teacher, student-teacher, and substitute teacher. Eric’s background includes various leadership roles within Fortune 500 companies, startup organizations, and even his own financial support business. In addition, he also works as an adjunct instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University where he teaches entrepreneurial finance and business strategy. Knowing Eric and Susan’s background and desire to purchase a business, a friend introduced them to the owners of The Goddard School of Ashland who were getting ready to retire. Eric and Susan loved the idea of purchasing The Goddard School and immediately began the process of obtaining financing. Because of the size of the transaction, they knew they wanted an SBA loan.
Unfortunately, their loan process encountered several hurdles and delays as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. After being turned away from multiple banks, Eric reached out to Dennis Wagner, a Business Development Officer at FNB Small Business Finance. Dennis jumped right in to see how he could help get the deal done. “Dennis was the conductor making sure all parties involved were in sync and meeting deadlines,” said Eric, “In the end, when two other banks couldn’t come through for us, Dennis and the FNB team were able to get us approval in 35 days which is probably a record for closing a business transaction this large!”
Eric and Susan had this to say about their experience working with Dennis Wagner and FNB Small Business Finance:
We would absolutely recommend Dennis Wagner and FNB Small Business Finance! Dennis and the entire FNB team were exceptional in this process. Not only did they help us navigate the SBA process, but also the new requirements put in place due to COVID-19. We couldn’t have done it without Dennis and all the others at FNB.
We wish Eric and Susan the best of luck in their new adventure at The Goddard School of Ashland!
