With more than 500 franchises nationwide, Primrose Schools provides high-quality early education and child care programs for children from six weeks up to 12 years old. Their Balanced Learning® approach, character development focus, onsite chef-prepared meals, and strong school-family partnership set them apart as they prepare children not just for school, but for life.
Darlene and Robert Griffin are the proud new franchise owners of the Primrose School of Stafford at Embrey Mill. Darlene, a first-generation college graduate with a doctorate in Health Administration, has devoted over 25 years to empowering youth and families through counseling, education, and community programming across the United States and abroad. Her life’s work has centered on creating safe, nurturing spaces where children are seen, supported, and prepared for lifelong success. Robert is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and a Microsoft Executive with experience leading global teams and overseeing multi-billion-dollar acquisition operations. He brings business strategy, vision, operational excellence, and servant leadership to everything he touches while being deeply committed to mentorship, community outreach, and expanding access to opportunity for the next generation. In 2022, Darlene and Robert felt a strong calling to bring a trusted, high-quality early education model to Stafford, Virginia. For Darlene, the Primrose School of Stafford at Embrey Mill is more than a business — it’s the embodiment of a calling to give back, to create generational opportunity, and to pay forward every moment of belief that helped her break barriers. Together, they are building a home for future leaders, dreamers, and doers — starting from six weeks old.
As the process to business ownership began for Darlene and Robert, the SBA loan became the obvious financing solution that would provide the most strategic path to finance a purpose-built school, balancing affordability, support, and long-term investment in the Stafford community. After connecting with more than 40 banks, they were introduced to Brendan McMoran, one of our experienced Business Development Officers at FNB Small Business Finance, and from day one, he stood out. Brendan provided precise answers, responded with urgency, and showed a genuine commitment to helping navigate every question and decision with clarity and care.
Darlene and Robert had this to say about their experience:
Brendan has been exceptional — professional, proactive, transparent, and fully invested in our success. He gave us confidence every step of the way, bringing expertise and trust to a complex process. Not only would we recommend Brendan, but we already have!
Wishing the Griffins all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter with the Primrose School — here’s to continued impact and inspiration on your journey ahead!
