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Celebree School Franchisee Katie Young Honored as Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

By: Celebree School |  1 Shares     116 Reads

• Celebree School of Nottingham Owner Recognized for Excellence in Business, a Commitment to her Community, and Providing Opportunities for Others

• The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest franchise association

• Young honored Alongside Peers in Franchising at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas

February 12, 2025 // Franchising.com // BALTIMORE – Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, announces Katie Young, owner of Celebree School of Nottingham, has been named a 2024 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association’s (IFA). The IFA honored Young for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Katie Young with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute her tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve.”

With a degree in early childhood education and a minor in business, Young found her true calling with Celebree School. When Celebree launched its franchise model, she knew she had to seize the opportunity to become the first franchisee, and in 2019 invested everything into her own Celebree location in Nottingham. Opening with nearly 40 enrollments and reaching 90% capacity by the summer of her first year, Young’s success with the brand showcases her commitment to providing quality education while fostering a welcoming community for children and families. As a mother of four, Young advocates for women in business, particularly mothers, and encourages them to embrace the dual roles of entrepreneurship and family.

“This recognition is a true honor and a testament to the dedication of the entire team behind our school,” said Young. “I’ve dedicated my life to early childhood education, and Celebree School was where I cemented this passion. Jumping in as the brand’s first franchisee and investing everything into my school was a risk I’m so thankful I took. I am incredibly grateful for Celebree School for providing my team and me with the tools and resources we have to grow and succeed.” 

Founded in 1994 by Richard Huffman with a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree began franchising in 2019. Today, Celebree boasts 55 open schools across the country, over 82 franchisees awarded over 160 sites, and an enrollment of more than 7,200 children on a weekly basis. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines.

“From the moment Katie joined us as our first franchisee, she has exemplified what it means to be a Celebree School franchise owner,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “Her remarkable success since opening her doors, combined with her dedication to her community and the franchising industry, makes her highly deserving of this recognition. We are incredibly proud of the lasting impact she continues to make.”

Celebree School is seeking qualified, engaged individuals seeking single and multi-unit opportunities who are involved in their communities, have a passion for childhood education and are eager to explore the world of franchising. For more information of franchising opportunities visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising/.

There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

About Celebree School

Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

SOURCE Celebree School

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