Episode 248 | Josh Druhan | Franklin Yard | Part 2 |The Knowledge Entrepreneurs Show

In this episode of the Knowledge Entrepreneurs Show, Jag speaks with Josh Druhan, COO and co-founder of Franklin Yard, a premier test prep company. Josh shares his unexpected journey into education and how he went from tutoring part-time to co-founding a company that changes how students approach standardized tests. Franklin Yard’s unique approach focuses on individualized learning experiences for each student, powered by exceptional tutors and tailored programs. Josh reveals how his company is navigating the evolution of test prep, from personalized tutor-student matching to embracing the shift towards digital testing.

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Key Topics Covered

• Building a Test Prep Company from the Ground Up
  Josh details the transition from tutoring to co-founding Franklin Yard, including the challenges they faced in building a business with limited capital and scaling with purpose.
  
  
• Why Tutor-Student Matching Is More Than Just a ‘Fit’
  Learn how Franklin Yard’s approach to matching students with the right tutor goes beyond just personality and academic strengths—creating the perfect learning environment for each student’s unique needs.
  
  
• The Changing Test Landscape: Digital SAT, ACT, and Beyond
  Josh dives deep into how digital tests and adaptive testing are changing the way students prepare for standardized tests and how Franklin Yard is adapting to these changes.
  
  
• The Power of Human Connection in Test Prep
  Explore how Franklin Yard’s tutors form relationships with students that lead to transformative academic results—and how technology is used to support, not replace, that relationship.
  
  
• The Key Role of AI in Modern Test Prep
  Josh shares his vision for integrating AI into tutoring, but with a focus on complementing human interaction to streamline administrative work and enhance tutor effectiveness.
  
  
• Challenges and Growth: The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship
  Josh reflects on the early struggles of Franklin Yard, navigating financial limitations, difficult decisions, and growing pains—ultimately shaping his leadership style.
  
  
• The Human Touch: How Emotional Intelligence Powers Franklin Yard
  Josh explains why Franklin Yard hires tutors not only for their academic expertise but also for their emotional intelligence and their ability to form meaningful connections with students.
  
  

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Conclusion

This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operational challenges and breakthroughs of a successful tutoring company that is redefining test prep. Josh’s approach—prioritizing human connection, innovative learning methods, and personalized tutoring—shows that standardized testing doesn’t have to be an impersonal, one-size-fits-all process. From the early years of Franklin Yard to navigating the changing landscape of digital tests and AI integration, Josh's insights reveal how embracing change while maintaining a strong human-centered focus leads to outstanding results for students.

But the most valuable insights—the specific methods Franklin Yard uses to match students with tutors, the strategies they employ to improve test scores dramatically, and the bold decisions that have shaped the company’s future—are just a taste of what this episode offers.

Listen to the full episode to discover actionable strategies, innovative tutoring techniques, and the personal journey that transformed Josh’s passion for tutoring into a thriving business that’s helping students unlock their full potential.

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