Rising Stars: Meet Myron McCant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Myron McCant.

Hi Myron, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
KD Academy originated as a home-based business then called The Kiddie Depot Daycare by Penny Dale McCant in 2005. After meeting Penny in 2010, we began to explore opportunities to scale the business into a commercial space. January 2012, we signed the lease on a commercial space at 2603 East 28th Street, Kansas City, MO. Penny and I “personally” renovated the 3000sqft facility with an investment of $59,000 and opened the doors for business in August 2012. After three months of opening, we realized the business was growing at an exponential rate and our normal hours of operation 6:00 am-6:00 pm were at capacity. Several patrons began to express their need for extended hours of service so the ownership extended its hours to cover a second shift operating till 12:00 midnight. Within a few months, the request continued for overnight or 3rd shift employees and we answered the market demand by creating a full 24hr service center for childcare.

Within the following business year, we realized we had accumulated a waiting list of 300+ children. Our attention to lost opportunity and revenue prompted us to begin seeking satellite/new locations to meet market demands. At that time, we realized how essential these services were to families and employers who had 2nd and 3rd shift employees.

April 2017, the owners moved the business and signed the lease on a location at 3501 Woodland Ave, consisting of approx 4500sqft, and realized another investment of $64,000 into (leased space).

In early 2018, the ownership was again at capacity and decided it was time to explore opportunities to build and own a facility that would allow growth and expansion. Within that year MacPen Enterprises, LLC Commercial Development was formed and we acquired 90% of the east side block of 21st and Prospect Ave. The City of Kansas City developed an initiative for development on Kansas city’s east side called Central City Economic Development Fund in which we responded to the RFP and were fortunate to be selected as an awardee. With this initiative and our personal capital injection, we were finally on our way to building our new state-of-the-art facility that today is located at 2141 Prospect Ave.

The new center was completed in August 2021. We received our occupancy and licensed to operate in late September/ early October 2021. Today we occupy the new 14,000 sqft facility that has a capacity of 450 students every 24hrs. Fortunately but unfortunately, we have begun a new waiting list in many areas of the facility with four times the capacity.

Good problems to have!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of our greatest challenges was moving to the second location (3501 Woodland). Because we were faced with 56% increase in rental rates and a $10,000 lease renewal fee. Because we would not comply, we were provided a notice to evacuate the premises in 30 days.

I and two previous employees renovated the 4500sqft facility at 16hrs/day for 28 consecutive days. Moved all furniture and equipment on Saturday and Sunday, had an inspection on Monday, and resumed service Tuesday.

The New Development

The greatest challenge for this facility was the difficulty of obtaining financing. We were turned down by five different lenders. The prior location’s revenue was a proven model showing we could service the debt of the new development and cash flow “immediately”. In addition, we had no debt! We persisted and were financed by Security Bank of KC.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Operated as a Sales professional for a local Envelope manufacturer and printing company for 20 years. Unfortunately didn’t get to complete college. No real source of professional training. Developed business acumen by engaging mentors and professionals that had accomplished the lifestyle I desired for myself and my family. Many accomplishments were a result of persistence and perseverance.

How do you think about happiness?
Creating and facilitating opportunities for the less fortunate. For those who desired but didn’t know how or weren’t provided the resources or expand their life’s opportunities

Spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren…

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.kdacademykc.com
• Instagram: kiddie Depot – KD Academy
• Facebook: Kiddie Depot-KD Academy

Image Credits
Nominated one of the Top Ten 2022 Small Business of the Year by The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce