Franchising in Focus with Richie Huffman: Recent Episodes
Richie Huffman
Welcome to Parenting and Teaching with Richie Huffman! I'm Richie Huffman, President and CEO of Celebree Preschools. On these podcasts we'll be talking to real parents and teachers about what's going on at home, in the classroom and everything in between. I hope you find these conversations informative, helpful, sometimes funny and sometimes serious. So let's go ahead and get started.
What does it take to leave a successful corporate career and build a business of your own?
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman sits down with Tim Barger, owner of the coming soon Celebree School of Matthews, to discuss his transition from corporate leadership to franchise ownership.
Tim shares how his background in athletics, staffing, consulting, and team development shaped his leadership philosophy and inspired him to build a business centered on growing people and making a meaningful impact in his community.
Key takeaways include:
• How a team-first mindset strengthens businesses • Why great leaders develop future leaders • Overcoming self-doubt when pursuing entrepreneurship • Using past experience to prepare for business ownership • Choosing a franchise opportunity that aligns with your purpose
This episode offers valuable insight for anyone considering entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, or their next chapter in leadership.
This episode, I sit down with Ryan Snitzer, co-owner of Celebree School of Fate, to talk about what it means to build a business, a family, and a future, all at the same time.
Ryan and Krysta are part of a new generation of entrepreneurs choosing to take ownership of their future early.As young parents and business owners, Ryan and his co-owner and wife Krysta made the decision to step into franchising with a clear purpose: to create opportunity for their family that naturally fits in with their life while also bringing something meaningful to their community.
Ryan shares the mindset behind becoming a franchise owner, the responsibility that comes with building a business as a family, and how he and Krysta balance ambition, leadership, parenthood, and community impact.
We talk about the power of starting young, choosing the right business opportunity, trusting proven systems, and having a clear "why" behind the work. For aspiring entrepreneurs, young families considering business ownership, or anyone exploring franchising as a path to financial freedom and impact, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to bet on yourself and build something bigger than you.
Tune in for a real conversation about entrepreneurship, family business, franchise ownership, leadership, and creating a future on your own terms.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman sits down with Karl Neumaier, owner of Celebree School of Tulsa, to discuss entrepreneurship, franchise ownership, leadership development, and the transition from corporate executive to business owner.
After nearly 30 years in corporate leadership, including serving as COO for North America at a global company, Karl made the leap into franchising with Celebree School. He shares how his background in operations, supply chain, team development, and corporate communications shaped the way he leads his school, supports his employees, serves families, and creates impact in the Tulsa community.
Richie and Karl also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, from building brand awareness in a new market to recruiting and retaining strong team members, creating a positive school culture, and learning how to lead without the full support structure of a large corporation.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, franchise owner, business leader, or someone exploring the next chapter of your career, this conversation offers honest insight into purpose-driven leadership, business ownership, and building a company where people can grow.
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:bf308402-955d-45c8-b9a3-9fb857f80475-45" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:bf308402-955d-45c8-b9a3-9fb857f80475-45" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> We're kicking off our new mini-series with multi-unit franchise owner Jason Skidmore and his daughter Madison Skidmore, who recently joined the family business.
Learn the importance of separating family relationships from business roles, building trust through performance, using KPIs to create accountability, and preparing the next generation to lead with confidence and respect.
For anyone building a business, leading a franchise, or thinking about succession and legacy, this conversation is packed with real insight on how to grow together without losing sight of what matters most.
Tune in for a powerful conversation about franchising, family business succession, next-generation leadership, mentorship, accountability, and building a legacy that lasts.
What separates good leaders from championship leaders? In this episode, Richie Huffman sits down with mentor, advisor, and strategist Chris Steer to unpack a powerful truth inspired by legendary coach Bill Walsh: "Champions behave like champions before they are champions."
They explore the mindset behind high performance.
You'll hear insights on:
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Why systems (not personalities) create sustainable growth
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How identifying bottlenecks and tightening feedback loops accelerates results
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The role of coaching in scaling leadership - The discipline required to create true entrepreneurial freedom
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What it means to lead with a healthy heart—in business and in life
This episode is for entrepreneurs, franchise owners, CEOs, and growth-minded leaders who want to build organizations that win repeatedly—while building personal lives that matter just as much.
If you're ready to think bigger, simplify what matters most, and lead with greater clarity and intention, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Listen now and start behaving like the champion you're becoming.
🎧 Podcast Description: In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, I sit down with Lauren Moran Zazzetta, our Senior Director of Marketing, franchisee mentor, and yes, my niece. But this isn't a feel-good family story. This is about what it really takes to lead inside a family business, and why we don't believe in free passes, only high standards.
We talk about:
- Why working with family means raising expectations, not lowering them
- How to build trust and culture when the personal and professional overlap
- What real leadership looks like when the mission matters more than the title
- How legacy isn't given, it's earned
This one's for the leaders, the entrepreneurs, and the next-gen business owners creating something bigger than themselves.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, I sit down with Jessi Brelsford, a Harvard grad who traded Wall Street hustle for cupcake classes—and built a national franchise in the process. Jessi is the founder and CEO of Taste Buds Kitchen, a creative culinary entertainment company that's redefining family-friendly experiences across the U.S.
We dive into her journey from corporate to kitchen, the mindset it takes to leave comfort behind and build something meaningful, and how her leadership has evolved over 19 years in business. Jessi shares how she's empowering other aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those escaping the corporate world—to create their own legacies through franchising.
From building teams to building empires, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk about what it means to grow, lead, and stay true to yourself along the way.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
- Why personal growth and business growth go hand in hand
- What makes a successful franchise owner (and what doesn't)
- How to lead with authenticity and create real impact in your community
If you're building something bold—or thinking about it—this one's for you.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie sits down with Mason Viener, CIO of VienerX, to explore how data, technology, and AI are transforming the way entrepreneurs build and lead organizations. From setting up computer systems at just 14 to leading technology innovation and implementation at 24, Mason shares his journey growing his family business and actionable insights every business owner can use.
👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why defining your vision of success matters before you can truly “Enrich Your Empire.”
✅ How fewer than 10% of companies use their software to its fullest potential (and what you can do about it).
✅ How to leverage business intelligence dashboards and data sets to make smarter decisions.
✅ The critical difference between treating vendors as partners vs. transactions.
✅ Real talk on AI in entrepreneurship: from custom AI agents in meetings to the future of machine learning in small businesses.
Whether you’re a startup founder, growth-minded entrepreneur, or established business leader, this episode is packed with practical strategies for using technology, AI, and leadership to create a lasting impact on your business.
In this episode, I sit down with Parth and Krishna Kikani: a dynamic husband-and-wife duo building their legacy through entrepreneurship, real estate, and early childhood education.
Owner-operators of the future Celebree School of Cross Creek Ranch, the Kikanis share how they’ve aligned their personal values, long-term family vision, and business strategy to create lasting generational wealth. Learn how Krishna’s transition from India to the U.S. shaped her entrepreneurial journey, and how Parth’s business experience fuels their shared ambition.
You’ll discover:
- How couples can thrive in business together by complementing each other’s strengths
- Why franchising in education was the perfect fit for their long-term goals
- The Kikani family's 4-pillar wealth strategy: Business, Real Estate, Stocks, and Philanthropy
- Real talk on confidence, culture, and navigating family expectations as entrepreneurs
- Their vision for opening multiple businesses, including their first Celebree School location!
Whether you’re a franchise owner, couplepreneur, or aspiring empire-builder, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your next move.
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ygmcb6fNAZs
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman sits down with Adam Geistler, co-founder of Youth Athletes United, to unpack the blueprint behind acquiring and scaling a purpose-driven franchise brand that now impacts over 400,000 children annually.
Adam didn’t follow the traditional startup path. Instead, he embraced acquisition entrepreneurship, leveraging decades of experience in corporate sports brands like Everlast and Authentic Brands Group to acquire existing businesses and turn them into a thriving franchise system. Through brands like Soccer Stars, Amazing Athletes, and TGA (Tennis, Golf, Pickleball), Adam and his partners built a values-first company focused on early childhood development, physical literacy, and community enrichment.
This episode is packed with real, tactical insights for:
- Franchise owners looking to scale with intention
- Entrepreneurs considering acquisition over starting from scratch
- Leaders building culture-rich, mission-driven organizations
- Educators and operators passionate about children’s development through sports
💬 Key Takeaways:
- How to transition from a corporate role into business ownership
- Why buying a business can be smarter (and more scalable) than starting one
- The mindset shifts required to build trust and loyalty with franchisees
- The importance of "changing nothing, improving everything" during acquisition
- How to blend business growth with genuine community impact
Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting to explore franchising, Adam’s story will inspire you to lead with purpose, build meaningful partnerships, and scale in a way that makes a difference.
🔗 Stay connected with Richie on Instagram and LinkedIn for more insights on leadership, franchising, and legacy building. @richiehuffmancelebree
Ever wondered what it takes to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving national franchise brand? This week on Enrich Your Empire, we sat down with Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar-one of North America’s leading beauty and wellness franchises. We explore Vanessa’s unconventional path from the corporate world and nonprofit fundraising into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of franchise ownership and franchise brand leadership.
Vanessa shares how she transitioned into entrepreneurship through family influence, eventually taking the reins of Blo Blow Dry Bar and growing it into a franchise brand with over 120 open locations and 50 more in development across the U.S. and Canada. This episode is a goldmine for aspiring business owners, franchisees, and anyone considering the leap from corporate careers to entrepreneurship.
🎯 Learn how to assess whether franchising is the right entrepreneurial path.
💡 Get insider tips on what makes a great franchisee, from mindset to operational excellence.
📈 Understand how to build scalable franchise systems and lead a growing franchise network.
🔥 Hear real-world advice on franchise vetting, unit-level success, and building a legacy brand.
Whether you’re researching how to start a franchise, looking for franchise business opportunities, or seeking leadership tips for entrepreneurs, this episode delivers actionable insight into what it truly takes to thrive as a franchise operator and franchisor.
In this power-packed episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman, Founder of Huffman Family Brands, sits down with CFO Allan Greenberg to unveil their newest venture: HWG Properties—a real estate investment arm designed to help Celebree franchisees, families, and investors build lasting wealth.
Discover how this innovative model empowers entrepreneurs to invest in income-producing real estate, optimize their tax strategies, and create generational wealth. Richie and Alan dive deep into the benefits of owning vs. leasing, the importance of investing with discipline, and how HWG mitigates risk by aligning franchise ownership with real estate opportunities.
Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a future franchisee, this episode is a blueprint for transforming your entrepreneurial efforts into long-term financial freedom.
🔑 Topics Covered:
-Why real estate is the ultimate legacy-building tool
-The vision and structure behind HWG Properties
-Key benefits: cash flow, tax deductions, and equity
-Risk mitigation and franchise integration strategy
-How to get involved in real estate investing through HWG
🎯 Ideal for: Franchisees | Entrepreneurs | Real Estate Investors | Financial Planners | Small Business Owners
🌐 Learn more: https://hwgproperties.com
📲 Follow Richie: Instagram + LinkedIn → @RichieHuffmanCelebree
#Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting #GenerationalWealth #Celebree #HWGProperties #FranchiseSuccess #BusinessGrowth #TaxStrategy
Hear the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Alex Filipuk, founder of Ideal Siding, in this must-listen episode of Enrich Your Empire with Richie Huffman. Learn how a computer science graduate from Belarus transformed his career from washing dishes to building a multi-million dollar franchise business in North America. Key Insights for Entrepreneurs:
- Overcoming immigrant challenges in business
- Digital marketing strategies for lead generation
- Franchise development and scaling techniques
- Mindset shifts for successful entrepreneurship
- Building a business from scratch with minimal resources
Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and business leaders seeking practical insights on turning challenges into opportunities. Hear firsthand how strategic thinking, persistence, and adaptability can drive extraordinary business success.
Whether you're a startup founder, small business owner, or corporate professional looking to launch your own venture, this episode provides actionable strategies and motivational lessons from a proven entrepreneur who defied the odds. Don't miss this powerful story of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit!
As an entrepreneur, building a thriving franchise business requires a unique set of leadership skills and operational strategies. In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, you'll go behind the scenes with Mark Lubin, the Chief Development Officer of Celebree Enterprises, to uncover the secrets to their rapid franchise expansion.
Learn how to take a proactive approach to talent acquisition and team alignment, ensuring your marketing, sales, construction, and real estate divisions work seamlessly together. Learn how to foster a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging constant feedback from franchise partners to refine your processes. Beyond operational excellence, you'll gain insights into the critical role of integrity and grit in building a high-performing franchise team.
If you're exploring franchise opportunities or looking to level up your entrepreneurial business, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and leadership principles you can apply to enrich your own business empire. Tune in to unlock the franchise leader's playbook for rapid, sustainable growth.
Great leaders don’t just build businesses—they build strong families. In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman reveals how the same leadership, goal-setting, and strategic planning that drive business success can be applied to parenting and family life.
Joined by his wife, Dawn Huffman, and guest host Sam Commodari, Richie discusses how business owners and family entrepreneurs can create a vision-driven household, maintain work-life balance, and ensure their family is aligned with their long-term goals.
🔹 Key Takeaways for Working Parents & Business Owners:
- How to implement business leadership principles in parenting and family life.
- The power of quarterly family meetings to align values, goals, and expectations.
- Why family businesses thrive when personal and professional lives are in sync.
- The role of mentorship and leadership development in raising independent, goal-driven kids.
- How work-life integration leads to long-term success in both business and family.
Whether you're a family business owner, entrepreneur, or working parent, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help you build a legacy that extends beyond your business.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to lead your family like you lead your company!
#FamilyBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Parenting #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #LegacyBuilding #GoalSetting #BusinessGrowth #RaisingLeaders #SuccessMindset
In this episode, Richie Huffman sits down with the President of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Matt Haller. This is a must-listen for any entrepreneur considering franchising their business, as well as current franchise owners looking to grow and improve their franchise system. Richie and Matt discuss the important role the IFA plays in protecting, enhancing and promoting franchising as a business model. He shares how the IFA educates and supports both franchisors and franchisees, helping them navigate the complexities of franchising and build successful businesses.
Entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights on the key factors to consider before franchising, including the importance of proving your concept and understanding the long-term commitment required. Overall, this episode highlights the crucial role the IFA plays in supporting the franchise industry and fostering entrepreneurship. Both aspiring and seasoned franchise professionals will come away with a better understanding of how to leverage the IFA to grow their business and overcome industry challenges.
In this episode, you'll discover powerful insights into cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset that drives consistent progress and growth for your business. Hear from seasoned business leader and CEO Richie Huffman and his mentor, Chris Steer, as they reflect on the lessons learned in 2024 and share their strategies for maintaining momentum and achieving success.
Key takeaways include:
- Mastering the art of small, daily wins and continuous improvement - rather than focusing solely on big, one-time achievements.
- Balancing the high-intensity demands of entrepreneurship with the need for a more balanced presence at home.
- Leveraging the power of company culture to drive performance and create a supportive community.
- Building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, such as franchise partners, and tapping into those connections for mutual benefit.
- Integrating philanthropy and legacy-building into your entrepreneurial vision.
Whether you're a seasoned business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration to help you navigate the ups and downs of your journey. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on achieving sustainable growth and fulfillment in both your professional and personal life.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, Richie Huffman sits down with Kelly Hammond, Chief Strategy Officer at Fishman PR, to discuss the power of proactive public relations (PR) and how to build an effective PR strategy that drives lasting brand impact. Kelly shares insights on overcoming common misconceptions about PR, including the importance of proactive, ongoing brand storytelling versus reactive, crisis-driven PR.
The conversation also covers tips for measuring PR success, leveraging executive expertise for thought leadership, and choosing the right PR agency partner. Kelly provides actionable advice to help business leaders maximize their PR investment and transform their brand through strategic, data-driven PR efforts.
Whether you're a franchise brand looking to boost local visibility or an emerging company seeking national awareness, this episode offers valuable insights to develop a winning PR strategy that delivers measurable results.
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Brittany Gentry, an entrepreneur and owner of Celebree School of East Louisville, to discuss her journey of personal growth, entrepreneurship, and building a legacy. Brittany shares the impact of her mentor, Doc Gentry, and the lessons she’s learned from her family’s entrepreneurial roots. She opens up about overcoming fears, navigating challenges, and finding confidence as she and her family prepare to open their first Celebree School in Louisville.
From stories of family farm tours and family partnerships with Richie Huffman to the hurdles of construction and the importance of tough conversations, Brittany provides a candid look at the realities of starting a franchise business. She also highlights the value of supportive networks, personal growth, and embracing risk to achieve success.
Tune in for a conversation full of inspiration, practical advice, and a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about building successful businesses—it’s about building a better future for your families, your communities, and yourself. Don’t miss this episode that celebrates resilience, legacy, and the power of taking the leap!
👉 Follow @RichieHuffmanCelebree on social media for updates on future episodes and content.
*We honor the memory of James Michael Gentry (Doc), Brittany’s grandfather and business partner in this journey. His vision and dedication helped lay the foundation for this school, and his legacy will live on through the incredible work Brittany is continuing.
Ever wondered why some franchise partnerships thrive while others falter? Tune in to uncover why "Meet the Team Day" is a game-changing step in the franchise process. This exclusive two-day event is your golden opportunity to connect with the executive team, experience the support system firsthand, and gauge the true potential of your future franchise.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire, I'm joined by Celebree School's VP of Franchise Sales and Development Kim Wolff. We’ll reveal how this event is not just a meet-and-greet but a vital part of assessing potential future success. Learn how engaging deeply with the executive team, asking the right questions, and even visiting competitors can make all the difference.
Plus, hear inspiring success stories from franchisees who took the plunge after this pivotal experience. Don’t miss out—this episode will show you why "Meet the Team Day" could be the key to your next big business move and how it sets the stage for long-term success.
In this episode of Enrich Your Empire with Richie Huffman, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lauren Moran Zazzetta, Senior Director of Marketing for Celebree School. We delved into the critical role that building strong community connections plays in the success of any business, start-up, franchise, or otherwise. Lauren shared her insights on how to authentically engage with local communities, create lasting business partnerships, and leverage these business relationships to elevate your brand. Whether you’re an entrepreneur just starting your business or looking to strengthen your existing network, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you make meaningful connections and grow your business.
In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by two inspiring guests, Celebree School Franchise Partners, Katie Young and Kelli Amrein. Katie and Kelli exemplify the potential for growth within Celebree, having transitioned from roles as teachers and school directors to now thriving as franchise partners and school owners. We discuss the pivotal moment they considered franchising, the challenges of owning a business, and the rewards of owning a business versus simply running it. Katie and Kelli also share their strategies for integrating personal growth into their business model and offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. They offer invaluable advice to those considering franchising, highlighting crucial questions to ask during the sales process. Whether you’re considering franchising or looking to elevate your business, this episode provides valuable insights into turning passion into profit.
In this episode, we delve into the heart of family and entrepreneurship with a special guest, my son Evan Huffman. Facilitated by our family mentor and advisor Chris Steer, Evan and I explore the entrepreneurial values we hold as a family, and the importance financial literacy for generational wealth. My approach to parenting is unique, integrating business strategies and ideas into our everyday family life and emphasizing the importance of a wealth mindset and practical financial education from a young age. With Evan beginning to explore the family business, we explore what this transition signifies for their future dynamics, reflecting on the continuity of values and entrepreneurial spirit within the family lineage. Join us as we uncover the intersection of family values and business acumen, offering insights into fostering a legacy of success and shared aspirations across generations.
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman Podcast! In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome Scott Greenberg, acclaimed author of The Wealthy Franchisee and his latest book, Stop the Shift Show. Join us as we delve into the essential attributes that define a successful franchise owner and explore the growth mindset that is critical for achieving business success and wealth creation. Scott offers invaluable insights and practical advice for every aspiring entrepreneur, making this episode a must-listen for business owners and those looking to enhance their entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiration to elevate your business to new heights!
Join us for an enlightening episode as Celebree School Chief Talent Officer, Lisa Bricker, shares the secret sauce to hiring and retaining top talent: company culture.
Lisa offers invaluable insights on how having a well-defined mission and vision can inspire and align your team, emphasizing the importance of finding the right employees who not only possess the necessary skills but also resonate with the company’s core values. Learn strategies for effectively communicating your mission and vision to ensure every team member feels connected to the organization's goals, starting from the initial job description to the interview process to lifelong employee retention.
Get ready to transform your company's culture and achieve greater success for your business!
Welcome back to the new and improved Richie Huffman Podcast. We’ve got a very special guest this episode…the one and only Chief Energy Officer and business advisor to the stars, Chris Steer!
Chris and I delve deep into the art of business mentorship, uncovering the essential elements that foster success, trust, and effective leadership within our organization. Join us as we explore strategies to build the elusive Trust Circle and unlock the secrets to becoming the best business and team leader you can be. We’ll explore how leading from afar is the best strategy for a successful high-level leader, and how to navigate the unique challenges that come with it.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business executive, or someone in between, this episode is your go-to resource for navigating the complex world of leadership and business growth. Grab your headphones and let’s dive in!
It’s hard to believe that as we kickoff 2024, we’re in our 30th year of Celebree School. In this episode, I sat down with Allison Tsomos, Celebree’s Chief Operating Officer, and someone who's been in this business with me for 24 years and a guiding force throughout this entire journey.
Allison and I dive deep into all of the valuable lessons we’ve learned throughout the past 30 years, like how we discovered the true power of our promise to Grow People Big or Small, and the strength that a close-knit school family can offer to communities.
But more importantly, we'll uncover how we've taken these lessons and transformed them into a proven roadmap. This isn't just about our success; it's about empowering our franchise partners to forge their own legacies and build the same success that we’ve seen over the last three decades.
So, stay tuned as we unravel the secrets behind Celebree School's 30 years of excellence and discover how these experiences are guiding the future of Celebree School.
In this episode of The Richie Huffman Podcast, we’re diving into the unique dynamics that come with being in a family business. I had the privilege of sitting down with Lou and Mike Sapperstein, a Celebree franchise father-son duo whose journey from accountants to entrepreneurs has been nothing short of inspiring.
As they transitioned from days spent crunching numbers as boss and employee to nurturing young minds as business partners, Mike and Lou explore exactly how their relationship has evolved over the years, and all they’ve learned about each other and themselves along the way. Come with me as we as we dive deep into their entrepreneurship journey: what inspired them to take the leap, and the keys to how they’ve gotten to where they are today. Grab your headphones and listen now!
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman podcast! This episode is all about wealth creation. If you’re looking to build wealth for yourself and your family, keep listening because this is the podcast for you. I’ve invited my private wealth advisor, Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, and good friend Michelle Mayer to join me as we explore the ins and outs of financial planning. From diversification to risk management and so much more, Michelle offers her expert insights on where to start and how to grow your personal wealth. Grab your headphones and let's dive in!
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman Podcast! Today we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of architectural design, guided by our preferred architecture firm JAM-ARCH. Joining me today is Owner, Founder, and Principal of JAM-ARCH, [pause] and a visionary in the realm of preschool and franchise building design, Justin Mahalik.
We'll uncover the key considerations in achieving consistent and appealing designs across multiple locations, and explore the benefits that prototypes bring to the franchising space. We’ll delve into the many nuances that go into designing a preschool setting that is functional, engaging, and caters to the needs of the children, the families, the teachers, and the alike. We’ll explore new developments in the education industry and how to make our designs more inclusive for neuro-diverse children.
So, grab your headphones and join us for an illuminating exploration into the world of architectural design in the preschool and franchise spaces.
In this episode of the Richie Huffman Podcast, we unravel the hidden potential within your organization's most prized asset: your team. In this episode, we're joined by Lisa Bricker, Chief Talent Officer of Celebree School, as we explore the pivotal connection between staff support, professional growth opportunities, and your business's success. From Career Pathways to Employee Investment Cycles, Bricker shares invaluable insights on employee recruitment and retention, and empowering your team to not only reach their greatest potential but also drive your company's growth to new heights. Listen now!
On this episode of The Richie Huffman Podcast, I sat down with our Principle Broker, Adam Schindler, to discuss the ever-changing world of commercial real estate. Schindler, a seasoned Principle, or 'Master', Broker and commercial real estate expert, shares his insights on what to look for when scouting prime locations, our Celebree success stories and how we got there, and tips to help you navigate the intricacies of the real estate process. Whether you're an aspiring franchisee, entrepreneur, or business enthusiast, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to any B2C industry. Join us on this riveting conversation that promises to inspire and motivate, providing actionable takeaways about choosing the perfect location for your business in an increasingly comptitive commercial real estate world.
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with Celebree School's Director of Enrollments Phil Beam as we explored the transformative shift from a call center to an enrollment team mindset. Join us as we uncover how team engagement, personalized journeys, and effective feedback dissemination has revolutionized our brand, leading to enhanced experiences for our families and remarkable growth. We delved deep into Phil's insights and discovered the secrets behind his success. If you're looking to unlock the potential of your own team and create memorable experiences for your customers, this is the podcast for you. So, without further ado, let's dive right in and uncover the transformative power of an enrollment team mindset with Phil as our guide.
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman Podcast, this episode, I spoke with business partners Freddy Naidu and Andrew Vu. Freddy and Andrew will be opening their Celebree School location in Dallas Texas, adding to their business portfolio and continuing to expand on their legacy. Freddy and Andrew come from the world of fitness and body building, where they have learned all about hard work, perseverance, and built the foundation for what has since become an immensely successful business partnership. I love the energy and drive that they bring to everything that they do, and I am proud to have them in our Celebree School family.
Welcome back to the Richie Huffman Podcast. This episode, I spoke with another one of our incredible franchise partners, Salma Tejani, about her experience as a female business owner and Entrepreneur. Salma and her husband have already found tremendous success as partners at the Tejani Group in Houston, Texas, and decided to expand their portfolio by investing in a Celebree School. We spoke about Salmas inspirations, her mentors through life and all the things that she has learned during her experience as a successful female business owner and entrepreneur. It is a true pleasure to work with partners like Salma, and I hope that she inspires you the way that she inspired me during our conversation.
This month I spoke with a longtime friend of mine turned Celebree School Franchisee, Jason Skidmore, about his journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Jason and I have walked a similar path in life, and we were able to share our experiences with getting our first business’ off the ground, the importance of having strong mentors, and how to plan for and maintain consistent growth. Jason invested in his first Celebree School in 2019, and now has 2 locations open with one more coming this summer, and he doesn’t plan on stopping there. Jason is living proof that hard work works, and this conversation is full of examples of how to make that happen.
We’re here with another awesome franchisee interview today. I sat down with Vakul Goel, owner/operator and future multi-unit franchisee with us here at Celebree to talk about his journey in the corporate world and what attracted him to taking control of his destiny by investing in Celebree School. Vakul has followed the procedures and used the tools laid out for him, and he is seeing the results each and every day in his Celebree School. I am so grateful to be on this journey alongside Vakul, and I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did.
I sat down for a talk with one of our Celebree School franchise partners, Jessica Wiley-Ritzmann. We talked about her dreams of being involved in early childhood education, and how the pandemic was the push her family needed to take the leap and open their very own Celebree School. Jessica had some great insight about the challenges a new franchisee is faced with, how to manage a team, and create an environment that helps everyone involved to reach their full potential. It was an awesome conversation that made me so proud to be on this journey with people like Jessica. I hope you enjoy, and don't forget to follow me on my other social media accounts and share this episode!
Instagram: @richiehuffmancelebree
Linked In: Richard Huffman
TikTok: @richiehuffman01
www.Celebree.com/franchising
Richie Huffman, CEO of Celebree School, shares advice for those who want create wealth. You'll learn about goal setting, milestones, and the proper mindset to achieve your wealth goals!
CEO of Celebree School Richie Huffman discusses successful strategies that apply to both your business and your personal life.
Celebree School CEO Richie Huffman discusses the relationship between your mindset and executing on your goals.
The Celebree School team is in the middle of a red hot Franchise conference and expo season. CEO Richie Huffman shares his 5 best tips for franchise brands to make the most of your shows!
Celebree School CEO Richie Huffman shares the news of how his team has hit the milestone of 50 franchises sold in just 2 years.
Richie Huffman shares the number one best practice for franchise owners: don't try to outsmart the system and take advantage of the successful model that's been set up for you.
Richie Huffman shares a bit of his backstory, the brand’s story, and why Celebree is growing people big and small!!
In this episode, we speak with Chelsea Davies about the importance of PARENT INVOLVEMENT with children, especially during their developmental years.
We learn about the “Million Fathers March” and how a simple thing like this can have such a profound impact on children and families everywhere.
This episode is a must watch!
In this episode, we speak with Groove Kidz about the importance of MOVEMENT for children, especially during their developmental years.
We learn about some cool things to do at home and in the classroom to get kids excited about exercise and moving their bodies for optimal health.
This episode is a must watch!
In this episode, we speak with Chris Peusch about Universal Pre-K here in Maryland and the questionable outcomes from such an event.
We hear a lot of credible information directly from Chris Peusch about this concept and what that means for Maryland families.
This episode is a must watch!
In this episode, we speak with Abby Gittin about all of her natural tips and tricks to having a healthy pregnancy. At the time of recording, Abby is 36 weeks pregnant and still doing crossfit, eating all natural, whole foods, and receiving reiki on a regular basis.
We are fascinated and very impressed with her approach to a natural, healthy pregnancy and we’re happy to share this information with you!
This episode is a must watch!
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►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Barb O'Neill about her techniques for Transforming Challenging Behavior that she's picked up over the past 25 years in this industry. These strategies are very simple and quick to implement for Parents & Teachers everywhere!
This episode is a must watch!
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►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak about Millennials and the patterns we’re noticing when it comes to having kids & starting a family. We find out that Ali, herself, is a millennial and we discuss the major things holding this generation (Millennials) back from beginning their family life and following in the footsteps of past generations. The fact that times are changing is not good, neither bad. It just is. And we are excited to share our perspective on what’s happening! This episode is a must watch!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Mackenzie Irvin, with Special Olympics of Maryland. She is on a mission to spread awareness about the amazing things the Special Olympics are doing to empower people of all ages, from 2 year olds learning motor skills to 82 year old power lifters. This episode is a must watch!!
Helpful resources include:
https://www.somd.org/compete/young-athletes/
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Kristi Stevens, Founder of the blog, SHOPTINI. She is on a mission to share her lifestyle of fashion, family, traveling and being happy, stylishly, with as many people as possible!
This episode is a lot of fun because Kristi’s outlook and approach to life in this world of social media is awesome! This episode is a must watch!!
Helpful resources include:
https://www.Mom365.com
https://www.shoptini.com
https://www.instagram.com/shoptini
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Lisa Wiederlight, of SafeMinds.org. She is on a mission to share her story of having a child with Autism and what’s she’s learned on her journey. This episode is very important because Lisa talks about a lot of helpful resources and perspectives for Parents & Teachers that are caring for children with Autism and best practices when it comes to communication. This episode is a must watch!!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Monyka Berrocosa, Executive Director of the John Brick Mental Health Foundation. She is on a mission to help educate people (especially Parents & Teachers) about the importance of Mental Health and how it differs from Mental Illness. This episode is very important because Monyka provides a few key perspectives on how we can get children on a strong, healthy path from a young age. This episode is a must watch!!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Katie Young, Director of Celebree Fallston about the importance of playing. Children (and adults) need play. It allows us to be happier and is one of the best ways for children to learn, both in and out of the classroom. This episode is a must watch!!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Stacy Fritz, co-owner of Fit 2 Order. She is on a mission to spread health and wellbeing to as many people as she can. This episode is very exciting because she introduces us to MINDFULNESS and the amazing health benefits associated with this ancient practice. This episode is a must watch!!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with 4th grader, Wilson Smith, on what it's like to be a student in today's school system. We learn all about the subjects that interest him most, and how he has a business at 9 years old. This is a fun filled podcast that we're excited to share with you!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, you'll learn about the new childcare subsidy that has been passed in Maryland this 2018 that allows more Maryland families access to quality childcare.
We're very excited to share this with you!
►Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we speak with Stefanie Shurer about her experience switching from being a public school teacher to being in the early childhood education space. This is a fun filled podcast that we're excited to share with you!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, Richie & Ali speak about the top things any parent or teacher should look for in a daycare before making any commitments. The environment our children are taught in is very important, this episode will provide you some helpful tips on your parenting / teaching journey.
►Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we'll be talking about Raising Twins with Ashley TIburzi. It's a very fun episode, full of laughs and great insight into Ashley's lifestyle. We're excited for this to help you on your parenting journey.
►Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, we're honored to speak with Teacher of the Year, Brendan Penn about his strategy in the classroom and the importance of STEM.
You can learn more over at, www.celebree.com/stem
►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
In this episode, we'll be discussing the importance of Pre-Schools being accredited. We're honored to have Jennifer Nizer joining us on this podcast. Looking forward to sharing this very important insight with you!
►Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this podcast episode, Richie Huffman speaks with Lisa Bricker, a Mom of 3 and a Chief Talent Officer responsible for 850 employees about Work Life Balance.
They discuss everything from being focused at work, being present at home and rapping in car during commutes. It's a great time!
►►► Where to follow and listen to Richie Huffman:
►► PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teaching-with-richie-huffman/id1399172469?mt=2
►► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richiehuffmancelebree
►► WEBSITE: http://richiehuffman.com
►► FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richiehuffmancelebree/
►► LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-b344727
In this episode, you'll learn about Richie Huffman and why he's a credible figure in the Parenting & Teaching space. Our goal for this podcast is to begin helping on your journey as a Parent / Teacher in a modern world.
Being the President & CEO of Celebree Preschools for the past 25 years, Richie has helped thousands of Parents raise happy, healthy children while also being a father of 5 himself. We're excited to share this experience with you!