Casey Miller
Casey Miller has no qualms in taking over the family business. “I’m very blessed to be in this position, and I don’t take it for granted,” he said. “I have really just embraced it and enjoyed it.”
Miller is the newly appointed CEO of educational child care concept Kiddie Academy. The franchise has 347 locations nationwide and plans to open another 30 units this year.
Miller joined Kiddie Academy in 2013, working in franchise development, operations and construction, most recently serving as executive vice president. A Kiddie Academy graduate himself, Miller’s connection goes further back; his grandparents founded the company in 1981, and his father is its executive chairman.
“I’ve always had an interest in the business,” he said. “I grew up with my dad always telling me about the business, and he would actually sit down with me and my brother and give us little business courses.”
These experiences, along with fatherhood, drive Miller’s philosophy as CEO. “It’s such an important time of socialization for kids to learn how to work with others and play with others and share … Actually being a parent now, knowing how deeply you feel and love your child and want the best for them has been a huge positive influence on me,” he said.
Driving franchise growth is at the forefront of Miller’s initiatives. Kiddie Academy increased its corporate headcount by more than 20 percent in 2024, growing learning and development departments aimed at training franchisees and directors and providing teachers with training materials. The company also reinforced its education team and operations support.
Kiddie Academy is prioritizing its regional training programs, with 22 two-day trainings scheduled across the country this year for franchisees to network and learn.
Keeping curriculum fresh and up to date is important to Miller, and he hopes to achieve accreditation for the entire system. The curriculum aligns with Kiddie Academy’s “Life Essentials” campaign, which emphasizes six values: character, confidence, curiosity, connection, critical thinking and creative expression.
A self-described “lifelong learner,” Miller’s desire to know the ins and outs of Kiddie Academy is all the more possible as CEO.
“I don’t want to be out of the know with any particular part of the business,” he said. “I think that you’ll never fully learn every aspect of everything, but my goal is to continue to work closely, not just oversee teams, but work side-by-side with the teams on particular projects so that I can really understand and assist as best I can.”