Waldorf’s Cardamone takes home award

Michael Cardamone, owner of the Huntington Learning Center in Waldorf, has been named Huntington’s Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. The award recognizes outstanding IFA member-company franchise owner-operators, as selected by the parent company, according to a news release.

This is Cardamone’s first time being recognized as IFA Franchisee of the Year. Each fall, the annual meeting brings together hundreds of franchising leaders to lobby Capitol Hill and engage in important discussions with congressional representatives about issues that impact franchising.

“I’m humbled and very honored to receive this award from the IFA,” Cardamone said in the release. “I have been a part of the Huntington family for a long time, and it has been a wonderful journey to see the company grow and expand into new markets. What has made our center successful, I believe, is that my entire staff and I sincerely believe in what we do. This organization helps thousands of children every year, and it means a lot to me to work with young people in my own community and help them improve in school, prepare for college and build new skills. It is meaningful work, and I’m flattered by this accolade.”

Cardamone opened the Waldorf Huntington center in 1999. He is a mentor to new owners in the Huntington franchise system, serves on the Franchise Advisory Council and has worked with Huntington’s corporate marketing team on the company’s rebranding efforts.

Huntington co-founder and Chairman Raymond Huntington described Cardamone as a respected leader within the organization.

“Michael is an asset to Huntington Learning Centers and very deserving of this award,” he said in the release. “The Waldorf Huntington is a shining example of a well-run center that achieves a high success rate with the students who walk through its doors.”