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| A Full Service Educational Facility |
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Business Timeline 1985
As a teacher, Beverly Stewart has a vision of reaching every student. Her six years of experience in a traditional classroom have shown her this is not always the most effective method of instruction. So, in 1985 she establishes Back to Basics Tutoring Service. Working from her one-bedroom apartment, she takes a tremendous risk leaving a successful teaching career. However, her passion for quality education forces her to take the plunge. |
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1988
Back to Basics grows faster than anticipated. By 1988, the company offers over 30 traditional subjects and employs 12 tutors. |
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1989
In just four short years, Back to Basics has grown so large that a permanent tutoring center is necessary to accommodate all of its students and staff. In 1989, Back to Basics purchases a three-story building at 1824 North Scott Street in Wilmington, Delaware. |
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1990
Originally begun as a traditional tutoring service, in 1990 Back to Basics makes a leap into the corporate world. Professional corporate education, including English as a Second Language (ESL), OATB Preparation (Office Assessment Test Battery), and writing skills, is in high demand. |
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1991
Stewart's entrepreneurial spirit pays off! After only six years in business Back to Basics is named as one of the "Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies" by the Philadelphia Business Journal and is featured in the publication. |
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1995
Stewart's growing business attracts national attention. The company's growth, distinctive teaching philosophy and continued expansion of services are featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.
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1997
Again, offerings are expanded. Back to Basics begins to work frequently with hotel chains and restaurants, helping improve employee/employer communication with English as a Second Language (ESL) and foreign language instruction. The company introduces translating and interpreting services. |
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1998
Beverly Stewart is voted "Delaware's "Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year" by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Capitol Review.
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1999
The company enters the entirely new field of daycare worker training. Back to Basics is named as a state-authorized educational facility by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing. Helping daycare workers realize their professional goals, Back to Basics instructs in a broad range of education and development topics. |
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2000
Beverly Stewart is asked to speak at the prestigious International Association of Educators Practitioners and Providers (AEPP) Conference. She addresses over 300 of the elite in education from around the world. At the same time, The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference by Don Leisey and Chuck Lavaroni is published. They devote an entire chapter to the founding and growth of Back to Basics.Having outgrown the North Scott Street building, Back to Basics expands yet again to the 6 Stone Hill Road address. The move increases classroom and office space by 250%. In conjunction with the move, Back to Basics Tutoring Service, Inc. is renamed Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. to reflect the dramatic increase in educational offerings. |
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2001
Beverly Stewart is named as a 2001 recipient of the "She Knows Where She's Going" award, sponsored by Girls Inc. and Wilmington Women in Business. The award honors outstanding women for their contributions to their profession and the community, and for acting as exemplary role models for young women.
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2002
Director Beverly Stewart's alma mater, the University of Delaware, honors her with the "Outstanding Alumni Award" sponsored by the College of Human Services, Education, and Public Policy. The honor is awarded for superior achievements in a chosen field, exemplary community service, and continued support of the University. |
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2003
Back to Basics is named the 98th largest employer in the State of Delaware and earns a spot on the prestigious "Delaware 100" list, sponsored by The Business Ledger. The publication also names Back to Basics as the 7th largest woman-owned business in the state. Beverly Stewart begins to expand her role as a sought-after business consultant and motivational speaker, and is frequently quoted as an education expert by publications such as The New York Times. Beverly Stewart is named a "Business Hot Shot" by Delaware Today magazine. The list is an annual barometer of Delaware "business people to watch for the coming year." Stewart is also named as a Top Three Finalist for the "James P. Boyle Award," a national award recognizing educational entrepreneurs, sponsored by the Education Industry Association (EIA). Stewart also earns the title Director Emeritus of the Wilmington Women in Business Fresh Start Scholarship Board. |
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2004
Back to Basics moves up the ladder of Delaware firms from 98th to 90th in the distinguished "Delaware 100" list of Delaware's largest employers. The firm is also named the 7th largest woman-owned business in the state for the second consecutive year and the 16th largest privately held company in the state. Beverly Stewart is honored by the Delaware Small Business Administration as the "2004 Small Businessperson of the Year." The honor is bestowed upon Stewart based on consistent, measurable growth of her firm and her innovative approach to business. Back to Basics and one of its long-standing tutors are quoted in Consumer Digest magazine. |
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2005
The story of how Beverly Stewart began her firm is the subject of a chapter in the nationally released book What No One Ever Tells You About Financing Your Own Business. According to author Jan Norman, Stewart's story was included to help entrepreneurs of all types of businesses identify ways to obtain and most effectively use capital.Locally, Stewart continues to share her knowledge and experience through numerous interviews and articles including in The News Journal, Delaware Parent and Comcast News CN8. |
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2006
The firm employs over 100 professional degreed tutors, instructs in over 50 subjects, and has fulfilled the diverse educational needs of over 9,500 students in the tri-state area.
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