Meet Nan Rikard

Nan Rikard has spent her entire 40+ year career in early childhood education, building and supporting programs rooted in quality, growth, and long-term sustainability.

Nan began her career as the Owner/Director of Gilbert Daycare and Learning Center in 1988. She later served as Chief Operating Officer of The Sunshine House in 1997 and, in 2010, founded Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA), which grew into one of the nation’s leading early education providers.

In 2018, Nan sold her ownership in BBMA with the support of HINGE Advisors and transitioned from operator to advisor, bringing her firsthand experience to owners navigating complex decisions about growth, partnerships, and exit planning.

Today, Nan serves as a Transaction Advisor at HINGE, where she supports childcare owners and multi-site operators across the country with acquisitions, divestitures, and long-term strategic planning. Having been involved in more than 200 early education transactions, she is known for her practical insight, operator empathy, and ability to help founders maximize the value of the businesses they’ve built while preserving their legacy and mission.