Podcast Summary: The Entrepreneur DNA

Episode: From Entrepreneur to Educator: The Business of Starting a School
Host: Justin Colby
Guest: Chris Georgetti
Date: October 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Justin Colby sits down with Chris Georgetti, a specialist in helping entrepreneurs launch accredited and licensed colleges, trade schools, and educational institutions both in the U.S. and globally. The conversation demystifies the complex business of starting a school—from navigating licensing and accreditation to understanding the financial, regulatory, and operational requirements. The episode aims to inspire entrepreneurs who want to make a significant and legitimate impact in education.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Unknown Path to Starting a School

• Licensing vs. Accreditation ([01:22]–[02:15])

  • Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the critical steps to legitimate school creation.
  • “A lot of people, when they start a college or university or even a trade school…they really don't know where to start.” – Chris Georgetti [01:22]
  • State licensing is the first essential step; accreditation comes later.

• Who Should Consider this Path? ([02:38]–[03:21])

  • Entrepreneurial drive, will, desire, and financial backing are necessary.
  • Even fully online colleges require significant investment and state approval.

Online vs. Brick-and-Mortar Institutions

• Trends ([03:38]–[03:45])

  • 70% of new schools are fully online, 30% still pursue brick-and-mortar.
  • There's a profound shift towards virtual but brick-and-mortar remains vital, especially post-COVID.

• Facility Requirements ([04:13]–[05:06])

  • States require a physical location to be secured—even for virtual schools (example: Florida's 26-point requirement).
  • Tax IDs, leases, and local approvals must be in place before application.

The Impact and Value of Accreditation

• Credential Value ([06:21]–[07:13])

  • Accredited programs go beyond "watch and learn" by requiring testing and measureable outcomes.
  • The fulfillment of seeing graduates succeed is highlighted as a major reward.

  “There is no better accomplishment than watching a set of graduates walk across that stage…you know that what you have done means something.” – Chris Georgetti [07:12]

Chris Georgetti's Background and Mentorship

• Origin Story ([08:08]–[09:26])
  • Started as faculty in 1997, rose to campus president and vice president of operations, eventually overseeing schools in Puerto Rico and Florida.
  • Mentorship emphasis:

    “Student comes first. Don’t ever forget it…they come first, last, and always.” – Chris Georgetti [09:08]

Financial Realities and the Business Case

• Startup Costs ([12:10]–[12:54])

  • Large colleges can cost $200M+ (e.g., Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM)).
  • An online school typically needs at least $100,000 in capital.
  • Case Example: OCOM – 180,000 sq ft, $85M build, $200M total investment, 190–200 students. ([10:37]–[12:03])

• Licensing & Accreditation Timelines ([13:01]–[13:35])

  • License first, operate for 2 years, then apply for accreditation (another 18–24 months).
  • Accredited schools can access federal (Title IV) funding; license-only schools cannot.

  • "You're talking about being operational for four to five years before you ever get that accreditation grant." – Chris Georgetti [13:35]

For-Profit vs. Non-Profit and Regulatory Nuances

• Who Needs to Comply? ([14:49]–[16:09])

  • State schools don’t follow this process, but for-profits like Grand Canyon University do.
  • Recruiting students in multiple states requires multiple licenses—costs can escalate rapidly.

• Potential Pitfalls ([16:23]–[17:02])

  • Title IV funding is a double-edged sword; bad actors can take advantage, drawing regulatory (and public) backlash.

  • “In the for-profit sector, these are taxpayers. In the state school systems, those are tax users.” – Sam (Chris’ partner, cited by Chris) [16:46]

Portfolio of Schools and Vertical Trends

• Types of Institutions ([17:21]–[20:14])

  • Current client base: heavy emphasis on medical (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), allied health, and trade (welding, HVAC, Electrical).
  • Pivot Example: Coastal Technical Institute broadened from nursing to include technical trades after new ownership and rebranding.

• Growth in Trades and Allied Health ([20:05]–[20:34])

  • The future is bright for entrepreneur-driven, blue-collar, and allied health education.

Process, Pitfalls, and Due Diligence

• Client Selection & Success Record ([22:46]–[23:14])

  • 100% approval record—achieved by declining clients without proper backing or preparation.

  "We have a hundred percent perfect record...because we don't just take everybody. It's not about the money to us." – Chris Georgetti [22:46]

• Timeframes and Requirements ([23:59]–[24:42])

  • 2 months to prepare an application, 4 months for approval (if facility, zoning, and required documents are in order).
  • Potential setbacks even for online schools if building is not zoned correctly ([25:05]–[25:35]).

Industry Risks & Enforcement

• Bad Actors and Regulatory Enforcement ([27:04]–[28:01])
  • Federal crackdowns (e.g., Florida’s “Nightingale investigation” into nursing schools).
  • Importance of reputation and avoiding shortcuts.

Chris' “Secret Sauce” for Success

• Process Discipline ([28:29]–[30:40])

  • Due diligence with clients; clear kickoff calls and accountability.
  • Biweekly calls, detailed timelines, hands-on guidance for two months.
  • Preparing clients for regulatory meetings and celebrating success.

  "That's the secret sauce... We help them with a lot of this, but if they don't understand it, they'll never be able to complete it." – Chris Georgetti [29:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On fulfillment:
  “There is no better accomplishment than watching a set of graduates walk across that stage.” – Chris Georgetti [07:12]

• On student focus:
  “Student comes first. Don’t ever forget it…they come first, last, and always.” – Chris Georgetti [09:08]

• On scalability and cost:
  “An online school, if they have about $100,000, they'll be okay. It's very doable.” – Chris Georgetti [12:36]

• On their perfect record:
  "We have a hundred percent perfect record...because we don't just take everybody. It's not about the money to us." – Chris Georgetti [22:46]

• On why entrepreneurs should care about accreditation:
  “If you really genuinely care about them learning, then do it that way.” – Justin Colby [06:55]

• Advice on process:
  “Set the timelines for each of the items, hold biweekly calls with them. Hold them accountable... Sometimes they need a kick in the ass, you know, to get things done.” – Chris Georgetti [29:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to Chris Georgetti and Licensing Basics: [01:01]–[03:45]
• Virtual vs. Brick & Mortar Education: [03:45]–[05:10]
• Licensing Requirements in Florida: [04:13]–[05:06]
• Path from Educator to Accredited School: [06:21]–[07:13]
• Chris’ Background & Student-First Philosophy: [08:08]–[09:26]
• Financials & Real-Life Example (OCOM): [10:08]–[12:03]
• Licensing, Accreditation, and Timelines: [13:01]–[13:35]
• For-Profit vs. Non-Profit, Regulatory Trends: [14:49]–[16:09]
• Scope of Schools and Growth Trends: [17:21]–[20:14]
• Operational Guidance & 100% Approval Record: [22:46]–[23:14]
• Process, Zoning, and Unusual Barriers: [24:42]–[25:35]
• Industry Growth, Enforcement, and Risks: [27:04]–[28:01]
• The “Secret Sauce” for Success: [28:29]–[30:40]

Final Thoughts

This episode is a rare behind-the-curtain look into the business of starting accredited education institutions as an entrepreneur. Chris Georgetti’s expertise and unique process illuminate how impactful—and lucrative—education can be when approached with rigor, ethics, and a student-centered philosophy. Whether you’re a domain expert or a business builder, listening to Chris is a masterclass in educational entrepreneurship.

Connect with Chris Georgetti:
Facebook & LinkedIn: Search “Chris Georgetti” (spelled G-E-O-R-G-E-T-T-I)

Location: Recorded in Saba Restaurant, Evermore Resort, Orlando