Catholic School Leaders Podcast:What Black Friday Teaches Us About Recruitment in Catholic Schools
Host: John Mihalyo

As Black Friday ads start flooding inboxes and stores jump straight into holiday sales, John invites Catholic school leaders to look at what these shopping “mega-events” can teach us about enrollment. From excitement and anticipation to joy and commitment, the emotions shoppers experience on Black Friday mirror what families should feel during your school’s recruitment process.

In this episode, John unpacks how schools can harness that same energy to build stronger interest, deeper engagement, and meaningful partnerships with future families.

In This Episode

• Excitement: Are you building buzz around next school year the way retailers build hype for Black Friday?
• Anticipation: What are you doing today to make future families eager for their “first day” with you?
• Visitors: Just like holiday shoppers, some families are ready to enroll—and others are just browsing. How are you welcoming both?
• Joy: When families tour, are they leaving with the feeling that they’ve found something special?
• Happiness & Mission: Enrollment should feel like joining a community rooted in faith, joy, and partnership—not just signing paperwork.

John challenges leaders to bring Black Friday–level enthusiasm into their recruitment efforts and create schools where families feel the same happiness every day that they feel when an exciting package arrives at their doorstep.

Connect With John

Looking to build enrollment excitement at your school?
Set up a conversation with John by clicking here!

📍 Website: www.elementaryadvancement.com