Toward the end of 2018, Chicago-based children's swim school brand Big Blue Swim School announced that it planned to hit 150 locations by 2021 by offering franchise opportunities to growth-focused partners across the US. So far, the brand is on track to meet its goal in 2019 as it has signed three large multi-unit deals for a total of 16 new locations: three in Utah, five in Colorado, six in Minnesota and 10 in Illinois. This past March, the swim school also opened its fifth corporate location in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. This was the strongest opening of the system so far, with over 1,400 memberships sold before the doors even opened.
Experienced franchisees Erik and Wendy Skaalerud are the new franchisees with five new schools in Colorado, while Brittany and Zack Groesbeck are opening three schools in Utah. Shorewood Development Group, alongside Louis Schriber III--who has five children enrolled at one of the brand's locations--are bringing 16 schools to Minnesota and Illinois.
In addition to their aggressive franchisee search, this swim school franchise business has also been building its executive leadership team. At the start of the year, Brooke Mallick joined the franchiser as VP of Marketing, Justin Waltz was named VP of Franchise Operations, and industry vet Catherine Monson became a part of its Board of Directors.
Brand Chief Development Officer Scott Thompson said the company has kicked 2019 off at a great start with its new agreements across several markets and the additions to its leadership team. To keep this going, the CDO and his team have been a part of many significant franchise conferences this year, including the International Franchise Association Conference in February and the Great American Franchise Expo in March.
As 2019 continues to unfold, this franchise plans to exhibit at the International Franchise Expo in May and will be holding several "Dive-In Day" events for investors. According to Thompson, this rapidly-growing franchise is on track to hit 150 locations by the close of 2021.
Established in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong, this brand offers swim lessons to children on a whole new level. There are still franchise opportunities available in many markets, and the initial total investment ranges from $1,825,500 to $3,687,000.
