Matt Speranza and Dave Horrell, both former executives at Sherwin-Williams, have shifted their focus from the paint industry to early childhood education, marking a significant step in their careers. On November 11, they led the groundbreaking ceremony for The Goddard School in Estero, Florida, the first of four planned locations in Southwest Florida.
The 14,000-square-foot facility will be built by Stultz Construction at 10100 Arcos Avenue, near Three Oaks Parkway and Corkscrew Road. The Goddard School is part of a national network of about 640 early childhood development centers, and Estero will be the 14th school in Speranza’s expanding franchise portfolio.
Speranza, who owns the rights to 20 Goddard School locations, is the company’s largest franchisee. His existing schools are located in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. The Estero location will be Speranza’s first in Florida, joining 22 other Goddard Schools in the state, although none are operated by Speranza’s group.
The group is also planning additional locations in Southwest Florida, including one in Fort Myers at 13541 Goldenwood Drive, and another in Collier County, at 8200 Immokalee Road, next to Gulf Coast High School.
Horrell, who recently transitioned from an insurance career with Allstate, has rejoined Speranza as a business partner. The two previously worked together at Sherwin-Williams. Horrell spent two years training for his role at Goddard in Pittsburgh, where he currently oversees payroll and benefits for Speranza’s 300 employees. The Estero location will employ around 30 people.
“The demand for quality child care is huge right now, with many families relying on dual incomes,” Speranza said. “Our program, the Wonders of Learning, is unlike anything offered by other childcare providers. It’s something we’re excited to bring to Florida and Estero.”
Speranza’s group has yet to announce tuition fees for the Estero school, but other Goddard Schools charge between $1,200 and $3,200 per month, depending on the child’s age.
The land for the Estero school was purchased for $975,000, with an estimated $5 million in construction costs. The school is expected to open by the end of 2025.
Horrell is optimistic about the location, citing its strategic positioning in a high-traffic area that will help attract families. “We hope the Estero community embraces us,” he said. “We’re committed to providing high-quality education, and we’re excited to grow our presence here.”
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