The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Bejal and Mohit Patel as 2024 Franchisees of the Year, representing Primrose Schools, the nation's premier early education and care provider. The Patels, a husband-and-wife team, are the proud owners of Primrose School of Evergreen in San Jose, California. They were recognized for their outstanding performance in the franchising industry at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"We are incredibly proud to see Bejal and Mohit honored with this esteemed award," said Jo Kirchner, CEO at Primrose Schools. "The Patels consistently demonstrate exceptional service excellence, Balanced Learning^® implementation and school performance, elevating the franchise system and enhancing our ability to serve more children."

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture and assisting their fellow franchise owners.

"Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising," said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Bejal and Mohit Patel with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute their tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve."

The Patels exemplify what it means to lead the way for a premium franchise brand, spending significant hours with their team, including teachers and school leadership staff, to deliver a high-quality early education and care experience to every family who walks through their school's doors. Their service excellence and implementation of the Primrose-exclusive Balanced Learning^® curriculum holds strong, and their school held one of the highest occupancy rates across all markets throughout every month of the year in 2024.

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition, which is a testament to our teachers, school leadership and staff members who help us deliver an unparalleled early education and care experience to children and families every day," said Bejal and Mohit Patel. "This award represents our collective commitment to excellence, innovation and passion and is a reminder that success is built on trusted relationships and the unwavering support of our franchise community."