Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success with Richie Huffman

Building Family Legacy and the Keys to Early Education Success

with Richie Huffman

In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker talks with Richie Huffman, the founder, president, and CEO of Celebrate Schools, and a leader in early childhood education. The discussion delves into Richie's entrepreneurial journey, approaches to building a family legacy, and the innovative ways he runs his family akin to a business. The conversation highlights the importance of family vision, quarterly family huddles, and good stewardship. Richie shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of early education and emphasizes parental involvement in children’s education. Additionally, Chris promotes the Family Business Executive Forum, a resource offering expert advice on overcoming challenges in family businesses. 

Richard O. Huffman is the founder, President, and CEO of Celebree Schools. Richie founded Celebree in 1994, growing our brand from a single preschool into the company we are today. In his current role, Richie shares his expertise, insights, and leadership with Celebree School franchisees, while continuing to shape Celebree’s short-term and long-term vision.

 Over the course of more than two decades, Richie has grown Celebree from a single location into Maryland’s largest privately held chain of childcare centers. With Celebree’s entry into the franchise sector, Richie now shares the secrets to his success with Celebree franchisees. In his work with Celebree School franchise owners, Richie shares more than 20 years of industry experience and entrepreneurial expertise. He offers direct support to franchisees as they develop their locations while challenging assumptions that could impede their business. He is committed to the success of every franchisee and is available on a daily basis for one-on-one support.

As the President and CEO of Celebree Schools, Richie continues to guide the core vision of our brand: a vision that embraces change, innovation, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. Thanks to Richie’s combination of leadership and experience, Celebree continues to set industry standards within the early childhood education sector. Richie has also shaped Celebree’s dynamic corporate culture, helping us attract some of the most forward-thinking leaders and executives in our industry.

 

 What You’ll Learn

·       Emphasizing the importance of building a family legacy and raising children with strong values and stewardship.

·       The role of parents in shaping a child's future

·       The significance of family vision and mission 

 

Timestamps

·       04:04 Richie's Entrepreneurial Journey

·       10:41 Building a Family Legacy

·       15:01 Family Vision and Mission

·       25:25 The Importance of Early Education

·       34:44 Setting Expectations and Covenants

·       40:04 Where to Learn More

 

Memorable Quotes

·       “I knew at a very young age, I knew 2 things. I knew that I wanted to do it my way. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I knew I probably would not do well working for somebody else. And at a very young age, I knew one thing and I struggle with saying this, but I have to say it was true. I knew that I wanted to be wealthy.”  [04:54] 

·       “I’m not a know it all. I know nothing. Right? Which is another right? I know nothing and that's my philosophy. I surround myself with really, really great people that are committed as much as I am to achieving the vision of the mission.” [14:27]

·        I reach over. I take his cell phone and I ask him the next. I ask him the same question over again. Now, let's try this again.  What did you do yesterday in history class?  And now at least I got a 50 percent chance because I just put the distraction away. [32:08]

  

Websites:

Richie Huffman Instagram

Celebree School

fambizforum.com.

www.chrisyonker.com.