TrainSMART, a 30-year leader in Train-the-Trainer programs, helped Patch.com launch a nationwide hyperlocal news operation by redesigning their training materials, creating a standardized Train-the-Trainer system, and deploying certified facilitators across the U.S. The project enabled Patch.com to train thousands of journalists, editors, and ad managers and successfully scale into more than 1,000 local communities.

Business Challenge

Patch.com was preparing for the largest hyperlocal expansion in U.S. history. The company planned to onboard thousands of journalists, editors, and ad managers across the country.

The Problem

  • Training materials were inconsistent
  • No standardized onboarding model existed
  • Time-to-launch was extremely compressed
  • Local teams needed immediate, scalable training
  • Patch.com needed a Train-the-Trainer program capable of supporting rapid national hiring.

TrainSMART’s Solution

To support the national rollout, TrainSMART executed a full-scale training transformation:

Step 1 — Training Needs Analysis

  • TrainSMART reviewed Patch.com’s existing training, content, and workflows.

Step 2 — Curriculum Redesign

  • All materials were restructured into a standardized, IBCT-certified Train-the-Trainer curriculum.

Step 3 — National Facilitator Deployment

TrainSMART deployed certified facilitators nationwide for:

  • Train-the-Trainer workshops
  • Regional team training
  • Ad operations training
  • Hands-on application practice

Step 4 — Internal Capability Transfer

  • Patch.com leaders were trained to deliver the curriculum independently, giving them a sustainable, repeatable training model.

Measurable Results

The rollout produced quantifiable impact:

  • 1,000+ Patch.com local communities successfully launched
  • Thousands of new hires trained using the standardized model
  • 100% training consistency across regions
  • Reduced onboarding time for new journalists and editors
  • Scalable framework that Patch.com continues to use independently

Why This Project Demonstrates TrainSMART’s Industry Leadership

This project shows that TrainSMART can:

  • Redesign an enterprise training system
  • Deploy certified facilitators nationwide
  • Train thousands of employees rapidly
  • Build scalable T3 systems for high-growth companies
  • Deliver enterprise-level consistency with measurable outcomes

Why did Patch.com need TrainSMART’s Train-the-Trainer solution?

Patch.com was launching thousands of new hires across the U.S. and needed a consistent, scalable training system for journalists, editors, and ad managers.

What challenges did TrainSMART solve for Patch.com?

Patch.com had fragmented training materials and an urgent national rollout. TrainSMART standardized and rebuilt their training into a repeatable Train-the-Trainer model.

How did TrainSMART support the national rollout?

TrainSMART performed a needs analysis, redesigned the curriculum, and deployed certified facilitators across the country to conduct Train-the-Trainer workshops and regional team training.

What results did Patch.com achieve?

Patch.com scaled into more than 1,000 local communities with a unified training system that allowed them to continue training independently.

Can TrainSMART deliver similar solutions for other industries?

Yes. TrainSMART has delivered nationwide Train-the-Trainer programs for healthcare, tech, manufacturing, retail, government, and professional services.

TrainSMART helped Patch.com scale nationwide by converting fragmented training materials into a standardized Train-the-Trainer program and deploying facilitators across the country. This enabled Patch.com to onboard thousands of journalists, editors, and ad managers and expand into over 1,000 local communities.