We recently connected with Mike Bronsky and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

As a part of building a team in schools, Teresa and I are very sincere about not only the qualifications, skills and abilities of a new team member at our school but 2 other items that we believe can be even more significant. We consider the character and integrity of a teacher or office staff. We would never hire a teacher to teach for a student at our school that we would not want to teach our own children. Additionally, we also would never hire a teacher for our school that we would not trust to care for our grandchildren. We believe that many people can have the qualifications, skills and abilities to be a teacher, but if they lack these other 2 items we do not believe that they would be an ideal team member at Bridge Builder Academy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At the heart of Bridge Builder Academy is the belief that education should be as unique as the individual. This ethos is the driving force behind their one-on-one instruction model, which ensures that every lesson, every piece of curriculum, and every educational goal is aligned with the student’s personal learning style, pace, and interests. Bridge Builder Academy offers individualized education that turns learning into a tailor-made experience for each student, especially those that are gifted and talented, have learning differences or who are on the autism spectrum.
Bridge Builder Academy was recently nominated for an award from D Magazine for Private Schools because of our innovative approach to education, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students through hands-on projects and real-world applications in an inviting environment in Richardson, Texas.  Additionally, its inclusive and supportive learning environment promotes diversity and collaboration, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one size no longer fits all. Students today bring diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and aspirations to the classroom,
highlighting the need for personalized learning programs that cater to individual needs and foster holistic growth. Bridge Builder Academy has met this need through their one-on-one instruction format where teachers are able to foster the unique learning needs for each student.

Bridge Builder Academy has created a place where students can find acceptance and encouragement despite their differences from other students.  In a world that is constantly trying to make you fit into the same box that everyone else is in, Bridge Builder Academy helps students understand that it is okay to be themselves.
Bridge Builder Academy has made significant strides in addressing an important community issue for underserved students. By equipping these children with valuable educational and life skills, BBA is not only empowering them to pursue future career opportunities but also bridging the digital divide in their community. This initiative has the potential to break the cycle of poverty and enhance the chances of these children landing good-paying jobs well into the future.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Bridge Builder Academy’s board is made up of business and community leaders, as well as educators.  This allows them to draw on the experiences of multiple industries, without being singly focused on education.  BBA’s staff is specially selected to meet the specific needs of the students each year as the student body changes.  By offering the staff the same opportunities for flexibility in their schedule that is offered to the students, they are able to create a better work/life balance for themselves.  With that work/life balance comes more dedication to the work environment, less overall stress, and better collaboration between teachers.

Bridge Builder Academy has showcased robust leadership through its strategic vision, clear communication, and proactive decision-making. Its effective board, with many decades of cumulative experience serving non-profit endeavors, comprises diverse expertise, ensuring comprehensive oversight and guidance. Collaborating closely with staff, the BBA executive leaders and Board foster a culture of fiscal responsibility by optimizing resources and adhering to ethical standards, thus maintaining a strong organizational integrity.

Because BBA hires all staff under a part-time status, they are able to hire more teachers to meet the variety of needs of the student body.  Thus, allowing them to match teachers and students with greater success.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Over the course of my life I have faced many difficulties and struggles. From being born into poverty and growing up as a child and adolescent with vicious physical and mental violence from my step-father I faced forces that I had to daily know beyond my circumstances that God had a greater purpose for me and my life. I left home while still a teenager because I had decided that I could no longer put up with the constant abuse, I was forced to live on the streets and even in a dumpster.

I was able to put myself through college on my own and start growing beyond where it felt like the world wanted me to go. I was not going to allow the constant voices of my step-father hold me back and make me believe that I would “never make anything of myself” prevent me from being successful in life.

Even as an adult I have faced physical difficulties including 3 major spinal surgeries, yet I constantly remind myself that God has greater purposes for me and my life. I believe I have found a lot of successes including along with my wife Teresa Bronsky and the Head of School at Bridge Builder Academy, we have become respected and greatly requested leaders in education. We serve on many public and private committees, serving our community helping lift others up to be successful including other schools.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgebuilderacademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgebuilderacademy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeBuilderAcademy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgebuilderacademy
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/builderbacademy