Ryan Carson – TreeHouse
Ryan Carson founded the education company Treehouse in 2011. The company is an online technology school that allows for individuals to learn various technology platforms. The learning is conducted via learning videos.
Carson has a background in technology, as he is a graduate of the computer science program from Colorado State University. His first experience in the world of technology came in the early 2000s as he worked for a design agency in the UK.
His first business experience came in 2004 – teamed up with his wife Gillian, they created Carsonified. The concept behind Carsonified was to train and teach web designers and developers. The idea was developed from his experience while working at a design company. Another feature of Carsonified was the creation of apps. Also, the product could host live streaming event such as workshops. Ryan and Gillian sold them company in order to focus on a new project. He also founded Drop Send.
This project was names Treehouse. Carson took the concept of video-tutorials to learn. He blended this was the need for individuals to learn about how to use certain technology platforms. The combination of video-tutorials and technology lead to the company, Treehouse. According to the mission statement of Treehouse, the company’s mission is to provide affordable technology education. This is evidence in the monthly “tution” of $25-40 according to the plan. Currently, the company has about 140,000 members who are using Treehouse to learn various technologies.
The culture at Treehouse is something that is very important to the company. The company has very few managers as it gives its employees autonomy in order to complete their required tasks. Also, the company uses a 4-day work week model. Carson believes that this helps to reduce burnout and stress for employees. The culture that Carson has employed has been a benefit to his company.
Treehouse is can be accessed online through a web browser or you can connect to it from an ipad, iphone, or android devices.
According to Crunchbase, “He is driven not only to succeed, but to help everyone around him succeed as well. With his tremendously effective work/life balance, Ryan steers the company ship and still makes family time a high priority. He is a leader and a champion of self-directed learning, inspiring others to take the helm of their own education.“