20 | Building a Program Schools Actually Want with Jeff Kerestes

In this week's episode of The Enrichment Entrepreneur, Arielle is joined by Jeff Kerestes, founder and CEO of The Ukulele Project, a music education program now serving 25 schools across Portland and Vancouver. Jeff's path to entrepreneurship was anything but traditional, beginning with a career as a professional musician before a series of unexpected changes led him into the world of after-school enrichment. Along the way, he learned that great programming alone is not enough...schools need to want it, families need to value it, and the right partnerships need to be in place for a program to thrive. Arielle and Jeff share lessons from expanding into new locations, identifying which partnerships are worth pursuing, and understanding the difference between demand that pulls you forward and growth that has to be pushed uphill. They also discuss how curriculum, instructor support, and consistent delivery become increasingly important as a program grows. If you're building an enrichment business and trying to create something schools genuinely want, this conversation is worth a listen and if it resonates, share it with another operator who needs to hear it.Episode Highlights03:18 Finding product-market fit and building a program schools actively want06:09 Why the source of a referral matters more than most operators realize07:35 The role school and PTA support play in program success09:08 Lessons learned from expanding too quickly into new locations10:44 The hidden cost of canceled programs and losing customers permanently12:05 Why schools should be evaluated as carefully as instructors and staff20:18 Using play-based learning to increase engagement and skill development25:47 Building curriculum, training, and systems that support growth across multiple sitesResources mentioned- The Ukulele Project: www.theukuleleproject.com- Girls on the Run- Suzuki Method music education approach - enrops: Dr. Arielle Hammond is building the all-in-one platform this industry has been missing. We’re talking scheduling, instructor management, and parent communication all in one place. I built it because we need it. Go to getenrops.com to get on the list.Guest bioJeff Kerestes is the founder and CEO of The Ukulele Project, a music enrichment program serving schools across Portland and Vancouver. A professional musician by trade, Jeff built The Ukulele Project around a simple idea: music should be accessible, engaging, and fun. Through a game-based curriculum and a strong focus on confidence, creativity, and community, his programs help students develop musical skills while building a lifelong connection to music. Where to Find JeffYou can learn more about Jeff Kerestes and The Ukulele Project by visiting theukulelerroject.com. There, you'll find information about their school-based music programs, teaching approach, and opportunities for students to experience music through play, creativity, and community. You can also connect with Jeff on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @theukuleleprojectonline. That's a wrap. If this episode gave you something — an idea, a laugh, a story — share it with one person who needs it. Leave us a five star review because it helps other enrichment entrepreneurs find this show. Got a question or a story worth telling? Head to getenrops.com/podcast — you can submit your questions, apply to be a guest, and access resources to help you launch and grow your business. Again, that's getenrops.com/podcast. Until next time — keep learning, keep building.