Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman recognized for entrepreneurial vision that established one of the most successful early childcare franchises today
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Richard Weissman, Co- Founder, CEO and Chairman of The Learning Experience, as its 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year. One of the highest honors bestowed by IFA, Weissman is recognized for his entrepreneurial vision that led him to establish one of the world's leading childcare franchises with more than 420 locations in 31 states across the U.S., as well as three locations in the U.K.
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“Richard Weissman's vision to build one of the most successful and rapidly growing franchises in the early education sector from the ground up is a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines franchising,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “Through his vision, passion, and dedication to high-quality childcare and innovative educational practices, Richard has not only built a thriving business but has also made a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and communities.”
Weissman got his start in business mopping floors and locking doors at his parents' childcare center. After he and his father acquired an international childcare franchise, they later retired from that venture, eventually launching The Learning Experience in 2002 and began franchising the brand the following year. Today, the franchise he launched with his family has become one of the most trusted brands in the childcare industry and one of the fastest-growing franchises in the category. The Learning Experience is known for its high-quality childcare, innovative early education curriculum, and colorful cast of nearly 100 proprietary characters that drive learning and development through the eyes of a child while helping children develop intellectually, socially, and cognitively.
“It is indeed an honor to be recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by IFA, an organization that plays such an integral role in highlighting and supporting the success of franchise businesses,” said Weissman. “I am humbled by a deep understanding of our brand's far-reaching influence and impact, and my vision is inspired daily by our dedicated franchisees and team members who keep our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of our children, their families, and the communities we serve at the forefront of all that we do and achieve.”
As CEO and Chairman, Weissman has successfully led The Learning Experience through a constantly changing world and countless challenges over the years, including the Great Recession, two private equity acquisitions, international expansion, and a global pandemic. Through it all, he continued to grow the franchise beyond expectations while maintaining a clear vision for the future of the company, expanding rapidly, cultivating a distinct brand, making it a franchise of choice for fellow entrepreneurs, and leading the childcare industry by providing best-in-class curriculum to more than 50,000 children.
With more than 420 locations operating in 31 states, 66% of The Learning Experience centers are owned by multi-unit franchise owners. Additionally, the company is expanding at an impressive pace, opening an average of 1.5 new centers per week, with more than 250 locations currently in development. In addition to its rapid U.S. growth, The Learning Experience launched its international expansion in 2020, opening its first location in the U.K. and laying the foundation for further global growth.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be given at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Feb. 10-13, 2025. The award honors a founder or franchising executive who has successfully built or grown a business in the franchise sector – exemplifying the “entrepreneurial spirit” that franchising represents. The honoree is a franchisor, franchisee, or supplier who is currently managing and building a successful business and demonstrates a willingness to undertake the risk associated with developing and growing a new franchise business. Their contributions have not only grown a successful business but also helped shape the future of franchising, inspiring other entrepreneurs in their endeavors.
To view past recipients of the IFA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, go here.
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SOURCE The Learning Experience
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