Tia Sukenik is realizing entrepreneurial success as a franchise owner of Challenge Island, an educational program that brings fun to children while enhancing their skills in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). By Rochelle Miller
Huntington Ranks #10 of Top 100 Franchises Available for Less Than $150K.
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider, was recently named #10 on Entrepreneur’s 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchises List. This list recognizes franchise opportunities available to aspiring business owners with a start-up investment of less than $150,000. For over 40 years, Huntington has fulfilled its mission to give every student the best education possible and has approximately 300 independently owned and operated locations in 41 states.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for the value that our company provides not only to students but to local business owners and entrepreneurs across the country whose work truly impacts communities and countless numbers of students and families,” said Anne Huntington, President of Huntington Learning Center.
“The recent changes in our educational climate have created an even greater need for the resources Huntington provides, including individualized tutoring and test prep programs designed to build academic skills, confidence and motivation to succeed in and out of school,” continued Huntington. “With our brand’s new virtual learning capabilities, the growth we expect to see for our franchisees as they lead the way in supporting at-home learning across the U.S. is an exciting prospect. We hope to see more business owners with a like-minded passion for learning and providing students with the best education possible join our system.”
Entrepreneur’s 2020 Top Low-Cost Franchises List is based on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 score that is calculated through a comprehensive analysis of more than 150 data points that are collected from corporations ranging from size and growth and franchise support to brand strength, financial strength and stability. Huntington was named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 earlier this year and ranked #39, moving up nine spots from 2019.
Franchisees that invest in a Huntington Learning Center location can expect to see, on average, 53% more revenue than industry competitors. Huntington boasts over four decades of success led by a strong tenured team and the founding Huntington family.
Huntington Learning Center is expanding. Markets with immediate franchise opportunities are available across the country. To learn more about owning a Huntington Learning Center franchise, visit https://www.huntingtonfranchise.com/ or call 1-866-206-4547 to speak with a representative.
About Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington’s accredited programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com.
One-to-one Tutoring Program offers E-Learning Capabilities as Families Prepare for Coronavirus
TORONTO — As countries are working to contain the coronavirus and prevent its spread, concerns have quickly been turning to the health and safety of students in classrooms across the nation. Medical experts have begun to coalesce around the importance of “social distancing” but what does this mean for the students across our country? One global provider of online tutoring, Tutor Doctor, has begun to get a glimpse of where the coronavirus may be heading as it relates to education.
“We’ve already begun to see our online tutors and platform being used by students and families due to travel quarantines” said Frank Milner, President of Tutor Doctor. “Fortunately, our online platform is simple for tutors and students of any age to use.”
The company is already seeing a 120 percent increase in demand for online tutoring since news of the outbreak emerged.
“This is just the beginning and we can handle much higher demand spikes than this,” Milner stated. “But we’re not taking anything for granted. We are already in communication with our 94,000 tutors to ensure they’re well-prepared for what’s to come.”
Schools in China, the Middle East and Europe have or are beginning to consider suspending class. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to prepare for potential school closure due to the threat of outbreak in the United States. While this may be a direction taken to keep children healthy, it also interrupts children’s studies, social interaction, and academic progress which leaves families seeking alternatives.
Families are looking for more than just an online resource, but a true academic experience best fitting their children. Even in the online space, a tutor must know how to connect with their student, tailoring their program while continuously providing guidance and valuable learning skills.
Another valuable feature in online learning is the ability to record every session, so the student can review it later. This helps students retain information and refresh their memory before an important exam or assignment. Tutor Doctor’s education team found this feature especially valuable to students who may have their class schedule fragmented or interrupted for unforeseen circumstances, as it allows them to jump back in where they left off.
For more information about Tutor Doctor’s online tutoring program, visit https://www.tutordoctor.com/our-programs/online-tutoring/.
About Tutor Doctor
With more than 600 territories in 15 countries, Tutor Doctor was named the No. 1 In-Home Tutoring Franchise by Entrepreneur.com in 2016. Founded as an alternative to the “one-to-many” teaching model most extra-curricular learning centers offer, Tutor Doctor provides a personalized one-to-one, in-home tutoring service to students of all ages. Now with offices internationally, the Tutor Doctor vision is becoming a reality, positively impacting students and their families worldwide. With the belief that all students can achieve academic success through two components – academic foundation building and academic discipline – Tutor Doctor will continue to lead the private tutoring industry. For more information on Tutor Doctor, please visit www.tutordoctor.com. To find out about franchise opportunities, please visit, www.tutordoctoropportunity.com.
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider with approximately 300 locations nationwide, has been named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry. Huntington Learning Center claims the #39 spot for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. This marks the company’s highest ranking yet – moving up nine spots from 2019.
“We are honored to be named to such a prestigious list, and to be in the company of the country’s most successful franchise-based organizations,” said Anne Huntington, President of Huntington Learning Center. “When we began franchising in 1985, eight years after the company started, we knew that we had the people, processes and procedures in place to make it successful. We continue to work hard to grow our franchise presence, increase profitability at the center level, and engage our franchisees around our shared mission of giving every student the best education possible.”
Huntington Learning Center is currently undergoing its largest franchise expansion to date, opening up more than 40 franchising opportunities across the Northeast region. To date, more than 50% of these franchise locations have been sold.
“Our franchising model is successful because our individualized programs are proven to get results,” said Huntington. “In 2019, students who participated in Huntington’s test prep programs reported an average increase of 229 points on the SAT and 5.4 points on the ACT, and over $71,000 in scholarship offers. We’re proud of our work and will continue to invest in our growth.”
To view Huntington Learning Center in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2020 issue of Entrepreneur, which is currently on newsstands.
About Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities, visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.
2019 Represents a Year of Significant Growth, Leadership Changes and Awards for the Leading Tutoring and Test Prep Company
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the leading tutoring and test prep company with approximately 300 locations across the country, recently announced the results of its annual SAT, ACT and scholarships survey for 2019. On average, students who participated in Huntington’s standardized test prep programs reported an increase of 229 points on the SAT, and 5.4 points on the ACT. Additionally, Huntington students reported receiving over $71,000 in scholarships on average, up from $57,000 in 2018. Total scholarships awarded to Huntington students surveyed was $187 million, up from $140 million in 2018.
“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students, parents, tutors and franchisees over the past year,” said Anne Huntington, President of Huntington Learning Center. “Our individualized programs have a proven track record of success, and we’re honored to be able to have a positive impact on so many students’ lives.”
These scores bring to a close a year of celebration for Huntington, which in 2019 received top honors from Training Magazine for its employer-sponsored training and development programs. Additionally, Huntington Learning Center was named a Top Franchise by both Entrepreneur Magazine and the Franchise Business Review, and received top honors from Newsweek for its excellent customer service.
Also this year, Anne Huntington was named President of Huntington Learning Center, and was honored as Woman of the Year in Franchising by the Stevie Awards, as well as named to NJBiz’s prestigious 40 Under 40 List and the Education Power 50 List. Anne and her mother, Huntington Co-Founder and CEO Eileen Huntington, were also named to Franchise Dictionary’s 50 Women of Wonder List.
2019 was a period of notable growth and expansion for the company, which opened up more than 40 franchising opportunities across the Northeast region — the company’s most significant period of franchise expansion since its inception in 1977. To date, more than 50% of these franchise locations have been sold.
For information about Huntington Learning Center franchise opportunities, please visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com or call 1-800-653-8400.
About Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.
Huntington Will Lead Franchise Expansion, Digital Transformation, Organizational Change Management
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep company, announced today the promotion of Anne Huntington to President. Anne, who most recently held the role of Vice President of Business Development, will be responsible for leading the company’s continued franchise expansion, overseeing its digital transformation efforts, developing strategic partnerships, directing organizational change, and serving as the company’s public-facing representative. She will also continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.
“As co-founder of Huntington Learning Center and as a mother, I am incredibly proud of everything that Anne has achieved and look forward to what is to come,” said Eileen Huntington, CEO.
“Anne has brought an inspiring energy and a fresh vision to our business. I know that Huntington’s future is bright with Anne as President,” said Dr. Raymond Huntington, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
As the active second generation of Huntington family leadership, Anne has dedicated herself to the company’s mission to give every student the best education possible, and its vision of world-class student results and franchisee profitability. Anne joined Huntington in 2014 as a Director and was promoted to Head of Public-Private Partnerships in 2015. In that role, Anne developed and launched Huntington’s Compensatory Education Services program, a program designed to support special education students who have been denied their federal right to a free and appropriate education. To date, this program has hundreds of active participants and is available at select Huntington Learning Centers nationwide.
“I grew up in the Huntington Learning Center system, and I understand firsthand how important our work is,” said Anne Huntington. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to preserve the legacy that my parents built, to innovate and strengthen our company’s foundation, and to continue our mission that positively impacts students, families and communities across the country.”
Since her elevation to Vice President of Business Development in 2017, Anne has focused on bringing disruption and innovation to the storied company, both internally and externally. In March 2019, Anne spearheaded a strategic plan to open up 40 new franchising opportunities and 30-plus refranchising opportunities within the New York Metro market, which represents the largest franchise and refranchising expansion in the company’s 42-year history. Once sold through, these locations will represent a nearly 25% expansion of the company’s 300+ locations across the country. Additionally, Anne is currently leading a digital transformation effort that will streamline Huntington’s operations and bring additional services to its students and franchisees.
In 2019, Anne was named to the NJBIZ 40 Under 40 List, which honors the movers and shakers making their mark in New Jersey business as well as a finalist for the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, recognized as one of the world’s premier business awards. She was also named to the 2018 New York Moves Power Women List, which honors women from around the country who are making a difference by advocating for women’s rights, social fairness and equal opportunity in their respective industries. Also in 2019 and under Anne’s leadership, Huntington Learning Center was recognized as a Top 500 Franchise and a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur, as a Top 50 Franchise by Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, and as a recipient of America’s Best Customer Service from Newsweek.
Simultaneously, Anne has built on her strong record of philanthropic work in the fields of education and business, including serving as a member of the Chairman’s Council for Teaching Matters, as a board member and secretary of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and as a member of the Women’s Franchise Committee of the International Franchise Association, and being involved with CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates).
In addition to her work with Huntington Learning Center, Anne also serves on the Art Advisory Board for the Coalition for the Homeless and as co-chair of the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim. She was also an associate producer on HBO’s The Price of Everything, which was recently nominated for a News & Documentary Emmy Award.
About Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Founded in 1977 by Ray and Eileen Huntington, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. With 300 locations across the country, Huntington’s franchise revenue is 50% greater than that of its nearest competitor. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.
by Jill Abrahamsen
Yassen Nikolov loves his work. As General Manager of Funtopia, North America, he feels good about helping children lead active and healthy lives. An active entertainment center, Funtopia gets kids moving and off their devices. “There’s nothing better than seeing happy kids running around and having fun,” Nikolov says.
In his home country of Bulgaria, rock climbing is a huge sport. In fact, Nikolov started his journey into the business as part of The Walltopia Group, the largest producer of climbing walls in the world. The company offers wildly creative, custom-made rock walls that run the gamut from traditional rope and bouldering walls to military walls and speed walls. The company also produces themed, kid-centric “fun walls,” which were the inspiration for Funtopia.
Making fun a priority
Nikolov and his partners recognized the need for an active entertainment center where kids could get exercise in a fun and safe way. Funtopia was launched in Bulgaria in 2012 and Nikolov became General Manager of North America in 2015. Using the climbing walls as a foundation, they included several mini-concepts to the mix, including rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields. “Offering variety keeps it interesting,” Nikolov says. Visitors experience imaginative scenarios such as riding dinosaurs, jumping off skyscrapers, or climbing beanstalks. “At Funtopia, kids get to use their muscles and their imaginations,” he adds.
Funtopia’s dedication to healthy lifestyles doesn’t stop at rope courses. For example, there’s no junk food at the snack bar. “We offer only healthy options like baked chicken, fruit smoothies, and juices made without sugar,” Nikolov says.
Funtopia franchises are spreading around the globe, including locations in Australia, Israel, and Pakistan. Since 2016, franchise opportunities have been offered in the U.S. and Canada. Franchisees enjoy a feel-good business in a growing market, ongoing support, and training. “This is a great opportunity for an investor, but it has to be the right fit,” says Nikolov. “We like to see some passion for the business. Most importantly, we want franchisees who follow the system and like our culture.”
For more information, visit www.funtopiaworld.com.
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by Jill Abrahamsen
Yassen Nikolov loves his work. As General Manager of Funtopia, North America, he feels good about helping children lead active and healthy lives. An active entertainment center, Funtopia gets kids moving and off their devices. “There’s nothing better than seeing happy kids running around and having fun,” Nikolov says.
In his home country of Bulgaria, rock climbing is a huge sport. In fact, Nikolov started his journey into the business as part of The Walltopia Group, the largest producer of climbing walls in the world. The company offers wildly creative, custom-made rock walls that run the gamut from traditional rope and bouldering walls to military walls and speed walls. The company also produces themed, kid-centric “fun walls,” which were the inspiration for Funtopia.
Making fun a priority
Nikolov and his partners recognized the need for an active entertainment center where kids could get exercise in a fun and safe way. Funtopia was launched in Bulgaria in 2012 and Nikolov became General Manager of North America in 2015. Using the climbing walls as a foundation, they included several mini-concepts to the mix, including rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields. “Offering variety keeps it interesting,” Nikolov says. Visitors experience imaginative scenarios such as riding dinosaurs, jumping off skyscrapers, or climbing beanstalks. “At Funtopia, kids get to use their muscles and their imaginations,” he adds.
Funtopia’s dedication to healthy lifestyles doesn’t stop at rope courses. For example, there’s no junk food at the snack bar. “We offer only healthy options like baked chicken, fruit smoothies, and juices made without sugar,” Nikolov says.
Funtopia franchises are spreading around the globe, including locations in Australia, Israel, and Pakistan. Since 2016, franchise opportunities have been offered in the U.S. and Canada. Franchisees enjoy a feel-good business in a growing market, ongoing support, and training. “This is a great opportunity for an investor, but it has to be the right fit,” says Nikolov. “We like to see some passion for the business. Most importantly, we want franchisees who follow the system and like our culture.”
For more information, visit www.funtopiaworld.com.
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Strategic Plan Marks Largest Expansionary Period in 42-Year-Old Company’s History
ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the leading tutoring and test prep provider with more than 300 locations across the country, announced today that it will begin rapid franchise growth in the New York Metropolitan area – the same region where the company first opened its doors in 1977. This period of significant expansion will present over 40 new franchising opportunities in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, in addition to 30-plus re-franchising opportunities for the existing company-owned centers in the area.
“This is a pivotal moment in Huntington’s history,” said Anne Huntington, Vice President of Business Development and Member of the Board of Directors. “We are excited for the opportunity to significantly expand our reach within this market and continue the mission that our co-founders, my parents, began 42 years ago, which is to give every student the best education possible. As the next generation of Huntington leadership, I am proud to carry the legacy they’ve built into the future.”
Huntington Learning Center is the #1 revenue-producing tutoring franchise in the United States, with revenues that are 53% higher on average than its closest competitor. Frequently awarded with accolades for its best-in-class results, Huntington was recognized this year as a Top 500 Franchise and a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur, as a Top 50 Franchise by Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, and as a recipient of America’s Best Customer Service from Newsweek.
“We have worked hard to develop truly turnkey franchising opportunities for aspiring business owners since we first made the decision to franchise in 1985,” said Eileen Huntington, Co-Founder and CEO of Huntington Learning Center. “We’ve continued to iterate and perfect our operations over the years and believe that the time is now right for an expansion of this magnitude.”
Huntington franchisees not only have the opportunity to make an impact in their communities but are provided with comprehensive training and support to launch the business, including step-by-step guidance in terms of operations, marketing, finance management and the knowledge of an experienced and dedicated team. Huntington offers a best-in-class financing option, as well as a reduced franchise fee for active duty and US military veterans.
For information about Huntington Learning Center franchise opportunities, please visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com or call 1-800-653-8400.
Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.