During these unknown times as the nation struggles with COVID-19, few franchise brands are growing. However, Big Blue Swim School has found a way to continue awarding franchises, signing four deals for a total of 14 units in March alone. The company has signed for 22 units so far this year.
“Despite the challenges that people and businesses are facing right now, Big Blue Swim School remains an incredibly compelling business opportunity,” said Big Blue Swim School chief development officer Scott Thompson. “Teaching children to swim is a vital life skill, and is something parents will need regardless of the economic climate. We are seeing incredible interest from qualified franchise partners in markets across the U.S.”
In March, Big Blue Swim School signed deals for three units in Michigan, five schools in New York and Connecticut, three units in Pittsburgh and three units in Hartford, Connecticut.
Hiag Avsharian will bring Michigan’s first Big Blue Swim School to Southeast Michigan, with plans to open four pools in the cities of Ann Arbor, Northville, Canton and Royal Oak in the next five years.
For franchise partners, Big Blue delivers numerous differentiators including LessonBuddy, a proprietary enterprise system that allows partners to manage the business remotely and offers parents the ultimate flexibility in scheduling lessons. Other top-tier franchisor support services include data-driven site selection, construction, technology and marketing.
Another differentiator is that Big Blue Swim School only hires full-time, highly trained swim associates, differentiating them from most kids’ concepts. Children are taught by caring professionals who are more easily retained than a part-time employee, while also helping to maintain consistency as children have fun and build trust with their instructor.
Founder and President Chris DeJong opened the first Big Blue Swim School in Wilmette, Illinois, and opened four other pools in the Chicago area during the next five years. Now, with an aggressive franchise growth plan in place Big Blue has already signed 81 units in 18 states across the country. With a goal of reaching 150 units by 2021, the brand is uniquely positioned to be the leader in the $3 billion learn-to-swim industry.
