Experienced consulting for child-focused businesses

We help founders validate, strengthen, and scale child-focused brands.

Who We Serve

Emerging and growth-stage child-focused businesses

education

enrichment

Music

Art

Sports

Reading

Tutoring And more!

How to Work With Us

Three clear ways to start working with Wheelhouse — each with defined pricing.

Functional Audit

Business Audit

Feasibility Study or Strategy Session

Ongoing Consulting

Only 16% of franchise brands reach the critical 100-unit threshold within 10 years.

International Franchise Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only work with child-focused brands?

Yes. Wheelhouse is built specifically for child- and family-focused businesses. Our expertise comes from decades of experience launching, scaling, and supporting enrichment, education, and family service brands.

What’s included in the $10k Feasibility Study?

We conduct a full concept and scalability review: market research, competitive analysis, financial modeling, and a strategy session with our partners. The goal is to answer: Is my brand ready to scale, and how?

How is the $5k Business Audit different?

The Business Audit is for brands that already have traction. We review your finance, marketing, and operations systems, identify risks and gaps, and deliver a roadmap for stronger performance.

What happens in a $1k Functional Audit?

You pick one function—Finance, Marketing, Operations, Sales, or Development. We dig into just that area and deliver practical recommendations you can implement immediately.

Do you take equity or long-term contracts?

No. Our engagements are project-based and transparent. If you want to continue working with us after an audit, you can move into ongoing consulting on your terms.

What does ongoing consulting look like?

We offer structured advisory retainers, execution pods, and launch enablement support. These are built on recurring rhythms—90-day sprints, weekly check-ins, dashboards, and playbooks—so you have clarity and accountability at every stage.

How quickly can we get started?

Most projects begin within 2–3 weeks of initial contact. Audits typically take 30–45 days, while ongoing consulting runs on a monthly cadence.

52% of franchises that started ten years ago had 50 or fewer franchise locations.

Franchise Grade

How We Engage

Step 1:

Defined deliverables

Step 2:

90-day sprints

Step 3:

Weekly reviews

Step 4:

Shared tools

White Papers

Whitepaper 1

Whitepaper 2

Whitepaper 3

Our Partners

Testimonials

“Finding the right CFO who connects with your mission and is integrity driven will change your world as a CEO and leader.”

“Working with Wheelhouse has been amazing. They have helped us to clarify our direction and strengthen our impact. They bring real franchise experience from the child enrichment space, practical tools, and the accountability to make it happen. [The team is] a rare mix of strategy and heart that is helping us grow with purpose."

“Just a quick note to say how much I appreciate your support already. I know we are just starting to scratch the surface, but we are all so impressed with your team: your expertise, responsiveness, and willingness to help.”

Our Team

Justin Nihiser

CEO

Justin is the former CEO of Code Ninjas and has served as COO of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and VP of International Operations and Development at School of Rock. He is an expert in franchise leadership and operations with proven success in scaling and managing franchise networks. Additionally, Justin has private equity experience with Sterling Partners, Crane Street Capital, and Eagle Merchant Partners.

Matthew Rogers

marketing executive

Matt is a seasoned marketing executive with leadership roles at BYJU’S, Anheuser-Busch, and Code Ninjas. He possesses expertise in full-stack marketing, brand development, and market penetration. Additionally, he has private equity experience with the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, Edison Partners, Sequoia Capital, and BlackRock.

Barry Gibson

financial leader

Barry has over 20 years of operationally focused financial leadership experience across three continents, having worked with a variety of companies including RF Hotels, Heineken, Accenture, and Aggreko. He also brings valuable private equity experience with firms such as American Industrial Partners, TDR, I Squared, and EMP.