Leading early education advisory firm drives strategic transaction to advance the growth of a nationally recognized franchisor

GREENVILLE, S.C., Jan. 2, 2026 — , the country’s leading authority on expanding and selling childcare businesses and real estate, is pleased to announce it has successfully arranged a strategic investment partnership for LeafSpring Schools. LeafSpring is a nationally known early childhood education franchise operating 16 schools across Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas.

“For 35 years, LeafSpring has grown with deliberate intent and purpose. This action is another significant step forward in our journey,” states LeafSpring CEO Vance Spilman. “Our innovative programs are in high demand, and there’s a clear chance to foster meaningful, long-term growth as our franchisees provide exceptional care and education to an increasing number of families.”

Established in 1989 by Registered Nurse Gail W. Johnson, LeafSpring is recognized as an industry trailblazer for its exceptional play-based curriculum, children’s leadership program, and Get Well Place, which provides on-site care for mildly or chronically ill children while their caregivers work.

Making the Deal Happen: The Critical Role of an Early Education Transaction Advisor
Acknowledging the size of the opportunity, Johnson and Spilman enlisted HINGE Advisors to represent LeafSpring in locating an investor that matches their mission and values and to steer the strategic investment to a successful conclusion. Using a unique, confidential marketing process, the HINGE team generated interest from over 75 pre-screened early education operators and investors and handled multiple competing proposals. LeafSpring finally chose a strategic partner that will allow for additional investment in talent, infrastructure, and technology.

“We’ve been acquainted with Gail and Vance for 15 years. It’s been an honor to assist them on their journey and, most importantly, to secure such a fulfilling deal for them,” says Kathy Ligon, Founder and CEO of HINGE Advisors. “This is thrilling news for LeafSpring’s franchisees, staff, families, and the entire early education community.”

The mechanics of early education platform deals are extremely complicated, Ligon explains. From highly detailed valuations, strategic positioning, and conducting a competitive process to managing complex negotiations and thorough due diligence, she emphasizes the crucial role advisors play in making these opportunities a reality.

“Having an experienced, industry-focused advisor who understands the process is vital for ECE owners and leadership teams seeking to grow or sell,” Ligon adds.

Having completed more early education transactions than any other advisor in the U.S., HINGE Advisors is the most experienced firm representing multi-location early childhood education organizations in large platform deals. The award-winning company has arranged many large deals in recent years, including:

• Obtaining an investment partner for , one of the fastest-growing companies in America
• Facilitating the  of The Malvern School’s 27 Pennsylvania and New Jersey locations to a top international early education provider
• Assisting a 15-site  in securing a growth partner to continue its expansion in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond

Behind the Process
The LeafSpring deal was overseen by a cross-functional team of HINGE’s early education specialists, including CEO Kathy Ligon, Transaction Advisor Laurie Denny, Senior Financial Analyst Rusty Bailey, Diligence Manager Melissa Davis, and Transaction Marketing Director Annie Nicholson.

“LeafSpring has become an industry leader by thinking creatively and prioritizing quality above all else. It was a genuine honor to help them maximize this high-potential opportunity and pave the way for even more impactful growth ahead,” Denny says.

“Deciding to have HINGE represent us was simple,” Spilman says. “They are the leading advisor in the early education industry, and everything they did for us was extremely valuable. HINGE played a key role in helping us shape LeafSpring’s next chapter while letting us focus on our day-to-day operations. We’re delighted with how everything turned out and feel confident about the future.”

If you’re an early education business or real estate owner seeking advice on growing or selling, get in touch with HINGE Advisors for a free consultation. Learn more at .

About HINGE Early Education Advisors
HINGE Early Education Advisors is the country’s top expert in expanding and selling childcare businesses. The HINGE team — made up of former childcare business owners, financial experts, and commercial and real estate brokers — has over 300 years of combined industry experience and proudly maintains strong connections with more than 650 active early education business buyers and investors. Using a tested process, HINGE has completed more school transactions than any other advisor in the nation, helping childcare owners get the highest value for their businesses and real estate. Learn more at .

Media Contact:
Pamela Caruolo
For HINGE Early Education Advisors

484.574.2946

SOURCE HINGE Advisors