Career mom Kathy Livingston founded Oliver’s Nannies in 2018 when she realized that childcare options in her area were astonishingly limited. By Lizzy Yeserski
Special Section: Women in Franchising
Career mom Kathy Livingston founded Oliver’s Nannies in 2018 when she realized that childcare options in her area were astonishingly limited.
“Day cares had year-long wait lists. It felt like the options were through word of mouth, knowing neighbors, piecing together things,” explained Livingston. “And, I thought parents need something easier to be a really great parent and a great version of yourself.”
As an in-home staffing agency, Oliver’s Nannies provides dependable child care around-the-clock, and it’s customized to fit families’ needs. All of the company’s nannies are W-2 employees.
“The ways that parents utilize our services are fun to see,” Livingston said. “Sometimes it’s date nights, sick kids home from school, driving to activities, but there are other times where parents need a little more freedom.”
Having navigated the franchising industry since 2008, Livingston has a passion for operational support.
“Franchises are opportunities for people to be entrepreneurs, to have growth, work-life balance, give back to their community and ultimately have a return on investment,” Livingston said. “When we started franchising Oliver’s Nannies in 2023, I was able to bring all that to the table to maintain our brand image and make a great financial opportunity for franchisees.”
Furthermore, Livingston has a unique perspective on navigating gender-biased roadblocks as a woman in business.
“I’ve seen amazing progress in the acceptance of women in business, and I think the fairest comment to make is we’re all human beings,” Livingston said. “We need to consider opportunities not based on gender but on the opportunity that’s at our feet.”
To that end, Livingston highlighted that Oliver’s Nannies is a solid opportunity for any entrepreneur looking to offer a solution to the nationwide child care shortage. In fact, statistics from the Center for American Progress say that 51% of the U.S. population lives in a childcare desert.
“Everybody likes the term ‘industry disruptor.’ I think we are. There’s not much direct competition for what we do, employing and placing nannies with a hands-on staffing approach,” said Livingston. “We’re a unique brand, and we’re at the forefront of it. There are great territories available, so get in on the front end for something that’s taking off!”
Lizzy Yeserski