Anne Huntington is the second generation of her family’s business, Huntington Learning Center. Based in New Jersey, they have over 300 locations in 41 states. The business was started by Anne’s parents, Dr. Ray and Eileen Huntington in 1977.
In this episode, Anne shares her journey to joining the family business, where she currently serves as Vice President of Business Development. She talks about the relationship she has with her parents in the office and how the family sets professional boundaries. Having grown up in the family business (she jokes that she is Learning Center #17), Anne shares her experience being in ad campaigns as a child, and also being a young client and how that experience provided valuable insights into how the business works.
Anne is passionate about art and dedicated the first decade of her career to fundraising for arts organizations and curating exhibits across the country. She pivoted to join the family business in 2014, but has remained true to her passion through an impressive list of board and special committee activities that include the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim Museum and the Future Leadership Council at the Whitney Museum.
Find Anne on LinkedIn and Instagram.
In this episode:
- Meet Anne Huntington
- Why Anne decided to join the family business
- Melding passion and business
- Finding the confidence to be who you are
- Lessons learned from transitioning into the business
- How Huntington Learning Center came to be
- The first generations continued involvement
- What it was like growing up in the family business
- Anne’s plans for growing the family business
- Where to find Anne
- Bonus questions
Guest Bio
Anne Huntington brings a unique perspective and depth of experience to Huntington Learning Center. As Vice President of Business Development, Anne develops and executes programs and partnerships that position the company to help more students. Anne works with each department to ensure the company’s vision is carried out. Prior to this position, Anne served as Head of Public-Private Partnerships and Director within the family business. Anne brings more than ten years of proven experience in sales and business development within the education and art industries.
Before joining Huntington Learning Center in 2014, Anne launched and remains the Principal of AMH, a creative agency for contemporary art and culture. In this capacity, she has curated over 30 exhibits across the country with organizations to help build awareness and raise millions of dollars for various causes. Anne is also an active chair and member of numerous education and arts-based groups such as the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim Museum, the Future Leadership Council at the Whitney Museum, the Women’s Franchise Committee for the International Franchise Association, NYC’s Coalition for the Homeless, Teaching Matters, Learning Disabilities Association of the Americas, CHADD and COPAA. Anne received a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University.
Notable & Quotable:
It was important to me and my family that I have experience outside of the family business. —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
At work, I call them Ray and Eileen. On holidays they’re mom and dad. —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
You learn the most through failure. —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
It’s important to consider what’s your time worth? —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
Growing up, I was a student at a few of our different centers. The interesting thing was that I saw things there that maybe my parents didn’t see. —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
In every conversation, I work to be as present as possible. —Anne Huntington #successfulgenerations
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Lewis Howes School of Greatness Podcast
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