The Winning Franchisee | Long-time Business Educator Opens Her Own Business; Sylvan Learning Set To Open In Blue Diamond/ Mountain’s Edge This Fall

As a young mom, Tina Herrera wanted to instill the importance of education in her son’s life. While searching for the best after-school tutoring program for her son, she found Sylvan Learning* and quickly enrolled him into their math program. Mrs. Herrera was incredibly impressed by Sylvan’s quality of work and attention to her son’s learning needs. Because the young mom wanted to be directly involved with her son’s education, she began volunteering at the center. Thriving on the daily interaction with students and energy with colleagues, she decided she belonged in the classroom. 

Mrs. Herrera attained her teaching license and transitioned from a 15-year career in the finance industry to become a Career Technical/Business Education teacher.

Now, Mrs. Herrera is making the next career move. This fall, she will be transitioning from center director at Sylvan Learning in Henderson, NV, to the owner of a new center in Blue Diamond/Mountain’s Edge. The addition of this location will help support families throughout the Las Vegas territory.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

TINA HERRERA: Before joining the Sylvan team, I originally worked in the finance industry for over 15 years. Later, I transitioned to education when my son turned six and started first grade. As a mom, I wanted to become more directly involved with his education and school. Having volunteered at his school, I obtained my teaching license. I became the BOE (Business and Office Education) instructor, teaching high school students various aspects of real-world business scenarios, including Business Law 101, public speaking, and MS applications, to serving as FBLA, and yearbook advisor.  

I love the interaction and great energy of working with young people. They are so smart and capable of imparting great knowledge among themselves and to adults willing to take the time to share in their wisdom as they share in ours. Becoming a franchise owner made sense because, having been employed with Sylvan Learning for 10 years, I had a very good idea of what the "next step" of transitioning from center director to franchise ownership would look like.  I listened and learned all I could about actually serving as a center owner and helping to share Sylvan in my community and with new families.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

HERRERA: If I had to share knowledge with others interested in making that leap to owning a center, I'd say take the time to learn all you can about Sylvan's wonderful proven staying power and strong brand recognition across the country and abroad.  

Sylvan has over 40 years of experience helping families find the best academic programs for their kids. Because Sylvan relies upon qualified and certified tutors, parents can be confident that their children are receiving the best and most professional tutoring in the industry. The pure joy of seeing kids gain valuable confidence in themselves and their abilities is priceless. 

1851: What makes you stand out as a business owner in your local community?

HERRERA: My "never meet a stranger" attitude and my dedication to networking with my local business community will help shape the success of my new business.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

HERRERA: If there is one thing I want others to know, it's the fact that building trust is something not to be taken for granted.  Families have to believe in you, your service, and your promises to provide outstanding personalized instruction for their children and stand behind the products and services we provide with confidence.