What happens when you stop trying to serve every school and start solving one urgent problem for the right schools?

It’s the positioning shift most founders resist—but it’s the exact move that transforms “just another vendor” into a mission-critical partner.

That’s why this episode of Breaking the Grade is essential listening: Josh sits down with Paul King—Founder & Director of Neighborhood Educational Partners (NEP) and Founder of King Education, who pivoted from one-on-one tutoring to landing public school contracts by solving one high-stakes problem—boosting Algebra 1 Regents pass rates in high schools stuck below 50%.

Here’s why his story changes the game for education sales:

✅ He landed 4 school pilots in one semester by targeting a pain principals couldn’t ignore—low pass rates that risk state takeover or job loss.
✅ He learned the hard way after a failed SAT prep program showed him his mission wasn’t serving the affluent but addressing systemic inequity.
✅ He turned pilot data into renewals and an invitation to present in front of 60 NYC DOE officials—proof that results drive bigger opportunities.

Paul’s story is a blueprint for education founders who want clarity that generates leads—and leads that actually convert.
🔑 5 Big Takeaways for Education Founders

1️⃣ Why Broad Messaging Blocks Growth
Trying to “do it all” muddled Paul’s offer and made it hard for schools to understand why they should hire him.

2️⃣ The Pivot That Unlocked Real Leads
Paul traded private clients for contracts by solving one painful, measurable problem: failing Algebra Regents scores.

3️⃣ How to Leverage Pilots Into Pipeline
Four small pilots became data-driven proof points that fueled renewals and opened doors to bigger district contracts.

4️⃣ Messaging = Revenue
Clear, specific offers aren’t just marketing—they’re what get superintendents and principals to return your call.

5️⃣ Urgency That Creates Demand
For schools, failing Regents scores mean lost graduations, receivership, even closure. By targeting that pain, Paul positioned himself as the partner they couldn’t afford to ignore.

If your outreach feels generic and your pitches aren’t sticking, this episode gives you the framework to niche down, stand out, and start closing the partners who truly need you.

📩 Want help defining your niche so the right schools find you? DM me “Niche” and I’ll show you how to turn focused messaging into leads that close.

📤 Know a founder trying to serve everyone and reaching no one? Send them this episode—it might be the push they need.

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Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so more education founders can turn clarity into contracts.

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