Introducing the Couple Behind the New Code Ninjas Center in Wellesley, MA
Ryan and Annie are shining light on the future of STEM by bringing Code Ninjas to families in their community.
Combining Ryan’s passion for technology and Annie’s expertise working with students, this couple is creating a positive and engaging culture at their Code Ninjas center in Wellesley, MA. They are proud to be addressing the STEM gap in public schools with such a fun and educational opportunity.
Please tell us a little about yourself — background, interests, family, and anything else you want share.
Owner Ryan Schaffer and General Manager Annie Duong were raised on opposite coasts of the country; Ryan in Northern New Jersey and Annie in Southern California. The couple finally crossed paths 10 years ago when Ryan was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California while enlisted in the Marine Corps.
Together they hope to use their diverse backgrounds to help the youth of Wellesley, MA build lifelong STEM skills.
Now, Ryan and Annie enjoy an active lifestyle filled with hiking, races, camping, and traveling. The two foodies love to try new cuisines wherever they go. All in all, they can be described as a quirky, fun-loving couple who believe life is dull without laughter. Together they hope to use their diverse backgrounds to help the youth of Wellesley, MA build lifelong STEM skills.
What was your profession or career leading up to joining the Code Ninjas franchise?
From a very young age, Ryan had an affinity for electronics and STEM. He attended Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in Computer Science. During his employment at a previous startup company, Ryan enjoyed the fast-paced, innovative atmosphere and reveled in seeing the exponential growth firsthand.
For nearly 13 years, Annie has worked within student affairs departments assisting both undergraduate and graduate level students at local universities in the Greater Boston area. She looks forward to educating kids in subjects that will help them to excel all the way up to their college career (and potentially beyond!).
What made you decide to become a Code Ninjas franchise owner?
There is currently a major skill gap between what is provided in public schools and what students require to succeed in the evolving data economy before us. We are glad to be able to address this issue with something as fun and educational as Code Ninjas. This especially speaks to Ryan because he learned technology as a child by making the process entertaining, and unfortunately there aren’t many interesting opportunities available for kids to acquire these skills today.
We are glad to be able to address the skill gap with something as fun and educational as Code Ninjas.
What are you most excited about as a Code Ninjas franchisee?
We are excited to see the creativity that students bring to the program. Coding gives children the opportunity to express themselves in ways that are not available in traditional formats. In addition to these creative projects, we look forward to watching the students grow and become passionate about subjects we enjoy as well.
As STEM becomes a growing requirement in schools, we are thrilled to provide an environment where kids can learn about coding and have a fun time doing it.
Living in Boston, MA, we are surrounded by some of the most prestigious universities in the country. While there are many STEM programs available in college, none of them have taken the long-term approach that Code Ninjas does by engaging children early on. As STEM becomes a growing requirement in schools, we are thrilled to provide an environment where kids can learn about coding and have a fun time doing it.
What do you think will be the most challenging part of being a Code Ninjas franchisee?
Before opening a Code Ninjas location, there is a long list of things to accomplish. For instance, finding a perfect site, gathering necessary paperwork and permits, actively participating in marketing, and purchasing materials. The challenges, especially as first-time franchise owners, are facing the unknown and figuring out how to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. However, the excitement from friends and family provided us with the motivation to continue working hard to open our Code Ninjas center. We realize there will be other challenges down the road, but we look forward to learning and growing from those obstacles.
What advice do you have for anyone considering owning a Code Ninjas franchise?
Do your research! Come up with a plan that you’re comfortable with and stick to it. If you have doubts, talk to the Code Ninjas team!
Code Ninjas in Wellesley, MA is now open. Visit their website and like their Facebook page for updates.
At Code Ninjas, kids ages 7–14 learn coding, robotics, and problem solving in a FUN, supportive, and social environment. With hundreds of locations nationwide, Code Ninjas provides the next generation with the life-changing STEM skills they’ll need in the future. Code Ninjas: Kids have fun, parents see results.
