Client highlight: Otter Learning

We at KPMG Spark are so proud to work with so many amazing businesses and brands. Today we are highlighting Otter Learning which is a network of early childhood schools in Florida and Tennessee. Spark is proud to serve Otter Learning as it continues to expand its business by utilizing our KPMG Spark bookkeepers.

Chase Begor and Spencer Kushner are the founders and CEOs of Otter Learning. They manage a seasoned team of educators with a passion for providing high-quality education to children ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Otter Learning consistently strives to provide a unique learning environment in growing communities through a focus on academic excellence, a safe learning environment, and a dedicated and passionate team of educators. Overall, Chase and Spencer seek to offer children an opportunity to develop skills that will prepare them to become global citizens. Chase and Spencer created the concept of Otter Learning to provide children and their families the highest quality environment to prepare for life beyond the classroom.  We asked Chase and Spencer a few questions to better understand Otter Learning and its mission.

Q. What do you believe is the reason for your success?

“As an owner and operator of early childhood education schools throughout the U.S., we aim to ensure the social and academic development for all students and that is a responsibility we take very seriously. As Founders and CEOs of this business, we try to be self-aware about where our strengths lie and when we need to rely on the expertise of other team members. We are lucky to be able to work with wonderful and experienced educators who provide a nurturing environment that helps to set our schools apart. We also firmly ascribe to the philosophy that no task is too big or small to handle.”

Q. How do you continue to grow your business?

“We are highly focused on the quality of our existing schools so that we continue to attract new families while simultaneously evaluating high-performing, community-oriented schools to add to the Otter Learning network. When we purchase a new school, we focus on "elevating" the offering through investments in staff development, technology, marketing, policy implementation, curriculum development and facility upgrades. This contrasts with many other new owners who would attempt to rebrand, replace management, or change the school’s philosophy. Many of the schools that we acquire were founded decades ago, with a significant presence in the local communities that they serve and we would like to preserve and enhance their legacy as best we can.”

Q. What attribute is most important to your business and employees?

“High-quality early childhood education truly is a partnership between students, parents and teachers. Teachers need to be provided the tools and consistent support to be great at their jobs so that the children in their care can be stimulated, engaged and joyful. We realized that happy teachers create happy children and happy children create happy parents who were able to go about their days with peace of mind. These are the basic principles we have kept in mind while developing a strong management and leadership team and we have not looked back since.”

Working with KPMG Spark

KPMG Spark can be a valuable resource for growing businesses like Otter Learning. With KPMG Spark you get a dedicated bookkeeper and manager on your team who are available to answer any questions. Our technology automates back-office tasks and lets you see your income, expenses and other financial information at the click of a button. And, you have the breadth, strength and experience of KPMG on your side. We handle the bookkeeping so you can focus on your business. Check out our website for more information about KPMG Spark and learn how having an online bookkeeper can help you spend less time on bookkeeping and more time on growing your business. 

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Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

The following information is not intended to be “written advice concerning one or more Federal tax matters” subject to the requirements of section 10.37(a)(2) of Treasury Department Circular 230. The information contained herein is of a general nature and based on authorities that are subject to change. Applicability of the information to specific situations should be determined through consultation with your tax adviser.