R1SE Founders: ‘Shark Tank’ Breakthrough Sparks National Opportunities

Trevor and Heather Szafranski’s appearance on Shark Tank, which aired on Wednesday, March 25, marked a pivotal moment for the Freeland-based founders of R1SE: Education and Recreation. The couple secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran, who invested $300,000 in exchange for 15% of the company. This partnership has brought national attention to R1SE, a business that combines academic support, mentorship, and recreation for students.

The experience on Shark Tank was more than just a television appearance for the Szafranskis. It became a symbol of what can be achieved when communities and leaders unite. Trevor Szafranski described the moment as surreal, emphasizing that standing on the stage where many billion-dollar companies have stood before them was an honor. He also highlighted the significance of receiving praise from five Sharks, calling it a “golden stamp” for their company.

R1SE was founded seven years ago in Freeland after Trevor left a 15-year career in education to create a student-centered program that supports both children and working parents. The company now operates in Freeland and Midland, serving around 120 students daily through before- and after-school programming. A third facility is currently under construction in Frankenmuth.

During their pitch, the Szafranskis sought $300,000 for 10% of the company. They explained how R1SE helps students with homework, test preparation, projects, and leadership habits, while also providing recreational spaces that make learning engaging. The Sharks were enthusiastic about the concept, with several praising it before Corcoran emerged as the investor.

Heather Szafranski expressed her excitement about being on the show, noting that they had been fans of Shark Tank for years and never imagined they would appear on it. She described the experience of hearing validation from the Sharks as amazing and emphasized their excitement about partnering with Corcoran, who she believes has the skills and experience to help scale the business.

One of the most surprising moments for Trevor came from Kevin O’Leary. Known for his blunt criticisms, O’Leary called R1SE “brilliant” and “unprecedented” in his 17 years on Shark Tank. In fact, he plans to do a case study on R1SE at Harvard, which Trevor found to be another wow revelation.

With Corcoran as a partner, interest in R1SE has grown beyond Michigan. Trevor noted that Corcoran’s background in real estate and franchising makes her the perfect partner for the company. He also mentioned that superintendents and community leaders across the country have reached out, with requests coming from areas such as Boston, Florida, Texas, and California.

For the Szafranskis, this demand reflects the larger mission behind R1SE. Trevor emphasized that while they are expanding across the country, they will prioritize districts and communities that request their services. He believes that building a bright future requires unity within a community and is excited about the opportunities to collaborate with the best.

Max Milne covers community news as community editor at the Midland Daily News. Email him at max.milne@hearst.com.