Growth is not one-size-fits-all—and in today’s household staffing landscape, the decision to expand into multiple markets or deepen your dominance in one is both strategic and deeply personal.

In this dynamic, debate-style session, four experienced agency leaders take the stage to explore both sides of the equation. Two speakers will advocate for multi-location expansion, sharing how satellite offices can increase revenue streams, broaden talent pools, and elevate brand visibility across regions. Opposing them, two speakers will present the case for staying rooted—arguing that market saturation, operational excellence, and brand authority within a single location can yield stronger margins, tighter systems, and more sustainable growth.

Together, they will unpack the real-world implications of each approach, including operational complexity, staffing infrastructure, client acquisition, market dilution, leadership bandwidth, and financial risk versus reward.

This session is designed to challenge assumptions, sharpen your strategic thinking, and help you evaluate what growth truly looks like for your agency.

Whether you’re considering expansion or refining your current footprint, you’ll leave with clarity, perspective, and the confidence to choose a path that aligns with your vision, capacity, and long-term goals.

Lydia Thibodeau is a nationally recognized childcare industry expert and entrepreneur with more than 11 years of experience building and leading successful nanny placement agencies. Since launching the first branch of Sommet in Chicago, Lydia has become known for her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to matching exceptional caregivers with families, particularly those navigating complex household dynamics or specialized care needs. Today, she leads Sommet’s internal team and oversees placements in Boston, Chicago, Washington, DC, and New York, as well as select placements nationwide. Lydia is especially passionate about supporting families in the special needs community and has extensive experience helping families find compassionate, highly skilled caregivers for children with developmental, behavioral, emotional, and medical needs. She believes deeply in the impact that the right caregiver can have on an entire family.

A respected voice in the industry, Lydia has presented at both the International Nanny Association (INA) Conference and the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies (APNA) Conference. Her expertise has been featured in and quoted by The New York Times, Forbes, The Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, and WGN Radio. Lydia holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois Chicago and lives outside of Boston with her two amazing sons and wildly energetic dog. Outside of work, she enjoys running, reading, and inspiring other female entrepreneurs.