We had the good fortune of connecting with Trevor Szafranski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trevor, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At R1SE, we’re changing the lives of students and parents alike. Parents today have more on their schedules than any previous generation. As a result, they are constantly scrambling to fulfill their unsustainable obligations. Therefore, at R1SE, we help students soar in and out of the classroom, rewarding them with unrivaled recreation. With all academics complete upon pick-up, parents get their lives back, as we free up invaluable hours each day for them. Parents win. Kids win. Our community wins as we help community leaders be high performers in their industry while mentoring the “leaders of tomorrow” who will one day impact the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At R1SE, we work with all types of students, not only supporting them academically (homework, test prep, organization, success habits, tutoring) but mentoring them to be the “leaders of tomorrow.” We inspire straight A students to reach higher. We help “average students” realize they are anything but average. And we show struggling students that they are incredibly talented and rare as we find their passions and strengthen their weaknesses. Those “low” students are soon sharing As with those perceived to be at the top and then we soar together with confidence. Once academics are complete, they enjoy recreation spaces and a social experience that always leaves parents asking, “Do you ever rent this out for adult parties?” We don’t, but we’re thrilled that they are giving their kids a brighter future and memories that’ll last a lifetime.

The thing that differentiates R1SE is that we’re not only providing a first-ever facility/service, but we’re doing so with incredibly generous, selfless educators. It isn’t something we just say because it sounds good. We truly do what we do to better the lives of others. Sure, our company is innovative, modern, and cool but it’s the people that make R1SE special. We have educators reaching out weekly wanting to join our team and we’re fortunate to be able to hand pick the best of the best.

Is it easy? We’re doing something that has never been attempted before. There isn’t a blueprint to follow or a company that paved the path before us. Therefore, we literally have to create every process, system, etc. from scratch. We’re perfecting so much beyond the surface and most people don’t see these things.  It’s not easy, but I’m glad. Challenges sharpen us and it’s pretty fun being pioneers

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, we are in two cities with a third (Frankenmuth) on the way. Therefore, if someone were visiting, I’d have to take them on the three city tour. We’d begin in Midland with stops at Molasses, Enjoy Bakery, a tour of Dow, and a walk on the Tridge. We’d follow that down the infamous M47 of Freeland for more food and shopping at 2nd Street Sports Pub, The Other Side, the Cabin, Super Cute, and Baynes. Lastly, our evening would end walking down the beautiful streets of Frankenmuth walking in and out of their one-of-a-kind shops. Bronner’s, Zehnder’s, and the Bavarian Inn are musts, but we’re not sure how we will have room for more food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be able to do what I do without the sacrifices and countless hours my wife, Heather devotes to our company when most people are sleeping. Equally important, our Directors Nick Horn, Rebecca Dubuque, Kristin Gerbe, Chris Wenzel, Jessica Kubiak, Ally DeLeeuw, and my right hand, Shelby Latty make this dream work.

Website: r1seup.com

Twitter: @MrR1SE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R1SEFreeland

Youtube: @R1SEUp1

Image Credits
Anthony Roth of Tranzitions

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