Meet Brandon Slade | Founder and CIO of Untapped Learning

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Slade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Untapped Learning was deeply personal. Having struggled with academics throughout my school years and later receiving an ADHD diagnosis in college, I recognized a gap in the education system for students who think differently. I envisioned creating the supportive environment I wished I had access to during my own academic struggles – a place where students with executive function challenges, particularly those with ADHD and dyslexia, could thrive. This vision, combined with my 12 years of experience teaching special education, drove me to establish Untapped Learning as a haven for students who needed a different approach to learning and skill development.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work at Untapped Learning is incredibly rewarding, especially when I see students realize they aren’t broken but simply think differently. We help them systematize their weaknesses and double down on their strengths, which sets us apart from traditional tutoring services. I’m most proud of the transformations we witness—students who once struggled now thrive academically and personally.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. The biggest challenge has been individualizing our program for each student while ensuring they all receive the best possible service. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s crucial to our mission. I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to learning, especially for students with executive function challenges.

The journey has taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and empathy. I want the world to know that Untapped Learning isn’t just a tutoring service – we’re a support system for students who think differently. Our story is one of understanding, growth, and unlocking potential in ways traditional education often overlooks. We believe that every student has unique gifts, and our job is to help them discover and harness those gifts for success in school and life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely want to show them the best of what our area has to offer, especially the beautiful outdoors and unique experiences. We’d start with a hike in Boulder – there are so many great trails with breathtaking views of the Flatirons. After working up a sweat, we’d head to Portal in Boulder for an invigorating ice plunge followed by relaxing sauna sessions. We’d probably repeat this cycle a few times – it’s an incredible way to rejuvenate both body and mind.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tyler Slade, Sam Fredricksmeyer, Karen Wilkinson, Maddie Webb, Emiko Patterson

Website: https://www.untappedlearning.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-slade-ef/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untappedlearning

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh4i8NKzH_SXWT-zBKnd0Pw