Preeti and Vic Gulati, owners of Kiddie Academy® of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Vernon Hills, have been named 2026 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA).
Presented annually, the IFA Franchisee of the Year award recognizes Franchisees who demonstrate excellence in entrepreneurship, workforce development, community involvement, and support of fellow franchisees. The Gulatis will be recognized during the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, 2026.
About Preeti and Vic Gulati
As owners of three Kiddie Academy franchises in the Chicagoland area, Preeti and Vic Gulati have established a strong track record of operational excellence and community engagement. Their Academies serve local families through high-quality educational child care programs while supporting the growth and development of their educators and staff.
In addition to their work within their Academies, the Gulatis are active members of the Kiddie Academy franchise community, regularly sharing insights and best practices with fellow Franchise Owners.
About the IFA Franchisee of the Year Award
Each year, the International Franchise Association recognizes Franchisees from member brands across the country whose contributions help strengthen the franchise business model. Recipients are selected based on their business leadership, community involvement, workforce development efforts, and service to others.
According to the IFA, approximately 832,000 franchise establishments operate across the United States, supporting nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output.
Own a Kiddie Academy franchise
The Kiddie Academy System includes more than 380 Academies operating across 40 states and the District of Columbia. The success of Franchise Owners like Preeti and Vic Gulati reflects the impact educational child care businesses can have within their local communities while creating opportunities for growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
If you’re interested in learning more about franchise ownership opportunities with the Kiddie Academy brand, complete our confidential, no-obligation Preliminary Questionnaire.
