Joe Farrage owns what may be San Diego’s most unusual franchise. Folks don’t go there to eat, gas their vehicles or mail their packages. They call Mad Science of San Diego when they want an educational program — perhaps a field trip, a project for gifted students or after-school activity — or a summer camp or birthday party for kids.

Farrage himself is not a “mad scientist,” but knows where to find the experts who are. That’s why his business has grown from two (Farrage and his partner Tom Trott) in 1996 to nine full-time and 80-plus part-time employees, with a 40 percent growth in annual revenue over that time.

In 2001, Farrage’s was the first of 125 Mad Science franchises to gross more than $1 million. His was the top producing of the franchises in 1999 and 2000 as well.

In political work for five years, Farrage was a council representative and economic policy adviser to Supervisor Ron Roberts. He earned a business degree in finance from San Diego State University.

“As a politician,” he says, “I didn’t like always having to solve problems.” Seeking a complete career change, Farrage saw a need for science and math. “Combining business and politics, I saw Mad Science as a good fit.

“Young or old, we all have attitudes toward science. I wanted to take the barrier away and make science positive for kids,” says 36-year-old single Farrage. San Diego was one of the first franchises and a test for the Mad Science concept, which originated in Montreal. Now more than 100 franchises are operating worldwide, he says.

Farrage is the marketing and sales director for Mad Science of San Diego. His partner handles the company’s operations. In addition to the schools’ programs, Mad Science is starting kids’ clubs through hotels including the Hotel del Coronado and Bahia Resort.

— Sandy Pasqua