The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies the “entrepreneurial spirit,” which is a key element of franchising. The 2024 recipient is Richard Weissman, co-founder, CEO, and Chairman of The Learning Experience®.
Richard Weissman, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman of The Learning Experience®, has been a pivotal figure in early childhood education. His journey from working in his family’s childcare center to leading the fastest-growing childcare franchise in the U.S. exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to positively impacting children and their families.
Early Endeavors and Entrepreneurial Growth
In 1980, Weissman’s parents established a private preschool in Boca Raton, Florida. As a teenager, Weissman contributed by performing various tasks, including mopping floors. In 1987, he and his father acquired Tutor Time, a childcare company they expanded to more than 200 centers across 25 states and four countries before retiring from the venture in the late 1990s.
After a period on Wall Street, Weissman returned to the family business with his parents, establishing The Learning Experience brand in 2002 with franchising beginning in 2003. The Weissman family focused on providing high-quality childcare combined with a proprietary early education curriculum. Weissman’s mother Linda developed the concept of using a character called Bubbles the Elephant® to engage and educate children. This established the foundation for a learning experience like no other.
Innovations in Childcare and Education
Weissman’s innovative approach has been instrumental in TLE’s success. He introduced a unique real estate model, collaborating with developers to build centers tailored to TLE’s specifications, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations.
Additionally, Weissman emphasized the integration of technology in education. The popularity of the brand’s mascot, Bubbles the Elephant, has led to the creation of the “Bubbles and Friends” animated series on YouTube, boasting over 450 episodes and almost half a billion subscribers, extending TLE’s educational reach beyond the classroom.
TLE’s one-of-a-kind philanthropy curriculum reflects Weissman’s belief in an innovative mindset that challenges traditional educational models. By introducing philanthropy at an early age, TLE has modernized how values education is approached in childcare centers. Through this curriculum, TLE sets itself apart in the childcare industry, demonstrating how education can shape not only bright minds but also compassionate hearts.
Recognition and Future Vision
Over the last two decades, TLE has received numerous recognitions and has topped franchise rankings in Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur magazine, reflecting Weissman’s commitment to building long-term value through innovation and purpose-driven growth.
Weissman is also committed to philanthropy. As a long-serving board member of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, he has played a crucial role in granting wishes for children with critical illnesses. Through TLE’s partnership with Make-A-Wish, the company has donated more than $7 million, positively impacting numerous children and their families.
Under Weissman’s leadership, TLE has experienced significant growth. As of 2024, the franchise operates more than 400 centers across 35 states in the U.S. and has expanded internationally with centers in the U.K. The company has more than 250 locations under development, reflecting its robust expansion strategy.
Looking ahead, Weissman continues to focus on expanding TLE’s reach and enhancing its educational offerings. With a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children, their families, and the communities they serve, TLE is poised to remain a leader in early childhood education under Weissman’s visionary guidance.