Amanda Medders, Founder of Tri-Ed Tutoring

On Independence Day, I thought it was fitting to highlight the type of business success story we find only in the United States.  Amanda Medders, the 26 year-old Founder of Tri-Ed Tutoring, a DC area home tutoring business, epitomizes what is possible with the right combination of dedication, hard work, and in Amanda’s case, brains.

Originally a pre-med major, Amanda quickly realized her love for math, science and all things academic made her better suited for a career in education.  At age 23, and just out of a Masters program, Amanda founded Tri-Ed Tutoring using the experience as a private tutor she gained during her college years.  After six months of tutoring all the Tri-Ed students on her own, she had enough business to warrant hiring outside contractors and began turning a profit soon after.  The following year her older sister joined Amanda as the only other full-time employee, handling the marketing and networking aspects of the business, a partnership that has proved to be invaluable.

Founded just three years ago with only $3000 in startup capital, Tri-Ed Tutoring now boasts over $100K in yearly revenues after reaching profitability within one year.  At 26, Amanda is her own boss and works eight hours a day in a profession she is passionate about.  I call that Independence at its best.  Happy 4th.

1.  You say that education is your passion.  How does that translate into the success you have had so far, and so quickly, with Tri-ed?

Starting a business requires a huge time commitment at the onset. If I wasn’t passionate about what I do, I think I would have burnt out within the first year. It is really a privilege to be trusted enough by parents to be a part of their children’s education. I believe that our passion for education is apparent and the reason why parents put their trust in us.

2.  Competition is everywhere in the world of education.  What sets your tutoring services apart from other big names like Kaplan?

What people tend to like about us is that all of our services are customized to fit each student. We really believe that getting to know each family and their unique goals is the best way to help them work towards accomplishing those goals. Because each person has a different learning style, we do not have a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum. By developing a personal relationship, we are able to alter our instruction and study plans to fit each student more effectively.

3.  If you had to put a label on yourself, would you consider yourself more an educator or an entrepreneur?

My background is in education so I would typically consider myself more of an educator. I have never taken a business class in my life so starting a business has been a huge learning experience. However, I love the variety and challenge that comes with being an entrepreneur.
4.  You are a self-proclaimed foodie.  What is your favorite place to eat in DC?

Hmmmm…that is a really tough question! I really like trying all the fusion restaurants in DC. Mie n Yu in Georgetown is one of my favorites. It has great, unique food and makes you feel like you’re in Morocco. However, if I am in a classic steak and potatoes kind of mood, I would say Ruth’s Chris (sizzling butter…yum)!

5.  Your older sister is both your business partner and your roommate.  Does your close relationship ever get in the way of business?

If anything, our close relationship makes living and working together an ideal situation. There is no one that I would rather have as a partner or a roommate. We are able to say what we are really thinking without any worry of offending the other person. If she thinks an idea I have is ridiculous, she’ll let me know, we’ll laugh at ourselves, and move on to the next (hopefully better) idea!

6. Since you started your business so young, is it hard finding others your age with whom you can relate?

Not really. I feel like one of my strengths is the ability to relate to a wide variety of people.

7. Describe the ideal person who would complement both your life and your business.

It would have to be someone who is both supportive of and believes in me and the business. The ideal person would be positive and inspire me to continue to be better both personally and professionally. Most importantly, he has to be able to make me laugh and be able to laugh at himself.

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

If you had asked me 5 years ago or even last year, I would have had my whole life planned out and been determined to stick to that plan. Now, I realize that I am not really sure and, although that idea used to terrify me, I now find that I am excited about the prospect of the unknown. I’ve learned that life rarely sticks to my plan but almost always ends up better than I could have dreamed up on my own.

Amanda’s Bio:

Amanda Medders is the founder of Tri-Ed Tutoring. Together with her sister and partner, Jamie Medders, she provides in-home tutoring services for students of all ages in the DC metropolitan area. She holds a Master’s in Teaching and is licensed to teach in the state of Virginia. With 7+ years of teaching and tutoring experience, Amanda has a passion for education.

Want to connect with Amanda?  Follow her on Twitter!