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ABOUT OUR FAMILY BUSINESS
The Paradigm Company was founded by Peter & June Watt in January 1984, in Boise, Idaho, to publish
books for Samuel Blumenfeld, author of such books as Alpha-Phonics and How To Tutor. They have
continued to offer what they feel are the best possible materials to educate young children, especially in the
so-called "3-Rs," reading, handwriting and arithmetic.
During that 24-year span they have constantly added experience in helping families, especially homeschooling
families, to successfully educate their children. To hold to a Christian perspective has always been their goal.
Paradigm's products over the years have been sold throughout the USA and the world; on virtually every continent.
Paradigm's original website (alpha-phonics.com) is seen by nearly 70,000 unique visitors annually, producing nearly
a million-and-a-quarter "hits" per year. Their new sister website (mcguffeyreaders.com) called McGuffey's Readers
World, features selected tried and true old-fashioned teaching materials like Ray's Arithmetic, Harvey's Grammar,
Webster's 1828 Dictionary and, of course, several versions of the timeless McGuffey's Readers sets. The new website,
while only up since April 2006, is generating visitors at the rate of over 6,000 per year.
One of the special features of their business is to make themselves available nearly 24/7 to their potential or
actual customers who have questions about selecting or using Paradigm's materials. Potential and actual customers
have grown accustomed to calling the Watts by phone even on evenings or weekends and speaking to a "live" person.
If not in that manner they were able to leave a message on the answering machine and know they would get a return
call quickly. It has not been uncommon for Peter or June to return a call and speak to a parent-in-need for a
half-hour or more. Occasionally they have counseled someone to continue using or to purchase a competing product
because it would be best for their needs. There has never been a charge for this assistance. In order to assure continuity they have worked their children and even grandchildren into their business.
(Please scroll down for photo gallery of 12 photos)
Peter & June's Family:Middle: Daughter-in-law, Darik's wife Michelle; granddaughter Hailey (Darik); June; daughter-in-law Tracy (Deran) holding grandson Christopher. Front: Granddaughter Karyssa (Darik); Madalyn Rose (Deran).
August 11, 2007
L-to-R: 12 yr. old Karyssa; oldest son Mark; Peter; June
13 yr. old Hailey
15 yr. old Jaryn, taught with "Alpha-Phonics."
6 yr. old Madalyn Rose packaging books. She was taught with "Alpha-Phonics."
12 yr. old Karyssa with her dad Darik. Karyssa was taught with Alpha-Phonics
June at her desk
Paradigm's Webmaster & Tech Manager Phil Hurley
The grandchildren "Raising the Colors" the family gave grampa Peter for his birthday. 3 yr. old Christopher hasn't found a job in the business yet but he undoubtedly will soon.
Christopher (almost 5) now has found his place in the family business. November 2007 |
