1851

<a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-big-blue-swim-school-positions-high-profile-franchise-partners-to-remotely-operate-and-scale-quickly-2713868" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a> was founded in 2009 by national champion swimmer Chris DeJong, opening its first pool in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017 <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-on-pace-to-hit-150-units-by-2021-thanks-to-backing-from-level-5-capital-partners-2710793">Level 5 Capital Partners</a> acquired a stake in the brand to help <a href="http://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool">Big Blue Swim School</a> achieve its goal of growing to 150 pools by 2021 through franchising. Big Blue’s industry-leading opportunity appeals to experienced, passionate, multi-unit franchise partners who are looking to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-school-s-semi-absentee-investor-model-allows-franchise-partners-to-maximize-their-time-and-their-capital-2710471">maximize their capital and scale their business</a>. The brand’s data-driven real estate strategy, proprietary enterprise system, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/five-reasons-why-investors-should-be-looking-at-big-blue-swim-school-in-2019-2709470">LessonBuddy™</a>, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position these high-profile franchise partners for long-term success.One example of Big Blue’s committed franchise partners are the Denver-based entrepreneurs Wendy and Erik Skaalerud. The Skaaleruds <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-signs-5-unit-deal-with-former-orangetheory-fitness-franchisees-to-develop-the-brand-in-denver-2709622#stories">signed a five-unit deal in March 2019</a>, becoming Big Blue’s first franchise partners. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/wendy-and-erik-skaalerud-sign-lease-for-denver-areas-first-big-blue-swim-school-in-centennial-colorado-2711907#stories">Last year, the husband-and-wife pair signed a lease for their first pool</a>, which will be located at the intersection of Himalaya and Smoky Hill Roads in Centennial, Colorado. As they prepare to open the Centennial Big Blue Swim School, they continue scouting real estate for their additional Big Blue pools in the surrounding areas.&nbsp;“We opened a boutique finance consulting firm 15 years ago—Capital Lending—with a focus on helping startup franchises and small business owners get off the ground financially,” said Wendy. “In the process of helping prospective franchise partners find the ideal opportunities, we learned firsthand how the best franchise concepts operate. Through that experience, we met a lot of the leaders in the franchising space, including the founders of <a href="https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-big-blue-swim-school-positions-high-profile-franchise-partners-to-remotely-operate-and-scale-quickly-2713868" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Orangetheory Fitness</a>. After becoming one of the earliest franchisees of Orangetheory Fitness, we went on to manage 30 locations as the area developers of Colorado and owned and operated seven units before selling.”When looking for their next franchising endeavor, the couple learned about Big Blue, and were attracted to the high-quality investment opportunity and best-in-class consumer offering.“We were first introduced to Big Blue through a multi-unit franchise show,” said Wendy. “I was originally approached to assist with financing for their concept, but after further conversations, it was clear that Big Blue offered a compelling investment opportunity for franchise partners. We chose to get involved with Big Blue as franchise partners because we felt it aligned well with our values—<a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-celebrates-opening-of-north-center-location-with-ice-cream-social-on-march-16th-2709385#stories">it is a service-based health and wellness business that delivers a life-saving skill everyone needs to acquire</a>.”In addition to Big Blue’s mission-driven approach, which helps to build confidence by teaching a necessary and critical life skill, the Skaaleruds were attracted to the brand’s proven business model. “Big Blue offers a recession-resistant model with solid lasting power in the market,” said Erik Skaalerud. “We feel strongly that Big Blue, even in its early stage, has implemented a solid strategy and team that <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/become-part-of-the-next-franchise-success-story-with-big-blue-swim-school-2712801#stories">supports each owner’s growth and sustainability over time</a>.”This proven business model also includes an <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-s-parent-friendly-class-scheduling-model-maximizes-franchisee-profitability-2709667">optimized facility layout</a>, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-schools-item-19-how-a-gold-medal-investment-translates-to-industry-leading-financials-2710789">strong unit-level economics</a>, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-school-provides-a-simplistic-turn-key-franchise-opportunity-2709488">turnkey operations</a> and significant <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/how-big-blue-swim-schools-depth-of-leadership-positions-the-brand-for-success-2709666#franchisor">leadership support</a>.In regards to leadership, Wendy notes that the Big Blue team brings top-tier experience and opportunity to franchise partners. “The brand’s majority owners at Level 5 Capital Partners and Big Blue’s leadership team are extremely knowledgeable about franchising, with Level 5 having been a large scale owner-operator of CorePower Yoga. It shows in their approach to all aspects of operations,” she said. “The brand’s mission and values align extremely well with ours, as they recognize that taking care of our people is the top priority. They are exceptional at building teams, and it shows in each of the divisions we have had the opportunity to work with.”With plans to bring five pools to the Denver metropolitan area, the Skaaleruds are taking advantage of Big Blue’s industry-leading approach to real estate. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/why-real-estate-developers-are-looking-into-owning-big-blue-swim-schools-2710791#mostRecent">Big Blue leverages its team of real estate professionals to assist in site selection, construction, and facilities management</a>. The team uses market knowledge and a data-driven real estate assessment methodology to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool/big-blue-swim-school-targets-dallas-based-on-prime-real-estate-opportunities-hosting-qualified-candidates-ready-to-jump-into-a-solid-franchise-offering-2710015#stories">identify prime locations in trade areas across the country</a>. Each location is analyzed to fit the brand’s member profile. This approach allows franchise partners to scale quickly across multiple units and, ultimately, contributes to Big Blue’s rapid growth.“We are working with the real estate team to locate the best sites in Colorado,” said Wendy. “They are assisting us with the process of scouring the commercial inventory to find the best locations. In addition, they are managing the buildout of our first location as we get ready to market our first pool slated to open in 2020. We plan to have five pool communities open in the next four years. We don’t have plans to open other franchises aside from Big Blue at this time because we are focused on bringing the best swim school product we can to Colorado.”Since opening in 2009, Big Blue has worked to change the way <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-big-blue-swim-school-positions-high-profile-franchise-partners-to-remotely-operate-and-scale-quickly-2713868" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swim lessons</a> are taught. “Everything we do is focused on showing kids they can do anything through the magic of weekly swim lessons,” said DeJong. “This mission drives every operation at Big Blue, and we think Erik and Wendy will deliver that mission with passion and enthusiasm.”With an aggressive growth plan in place and six locations opened, Big Blue has already signed 80 units across the country. With the company’s goal of reaching 150 units by 2021, the brand is uniquely positioned to become the leader in the $3 billion learn-to-swim industry.&nbsp;Wendy and Erik are just two of the brand’s franchise partners who recognize their ability to make a difference for community families by teaching water safety through confidence-building activities and having fun. “Erik and I made a life commitment to align with people of integrity, kindness, grace, and authenticity, and the team at Big Blue fits the bill completely,” said Wendy. “With the help of Big Blue’s leadership team and proven business model, we are excited to create a whole culture of quality swimmers and open the door to a new level of swim instruction in Colorado.”Multi-unit franchise opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $80,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue Swim School is $2,329,223 to $3,636,998 (refer to item 7 in FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School, visit<a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-big-blue-swim-school-positions-high-profile-franchise-partners-to-remotely-operate-and-scale-quickly-2713868" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.</a>

How Big Blue Swim School Positions High-Profile Franchise Partners to Remotely Operate and Scale Quickly

1851 Franchise

Denver-based franchise partners and former Orangetheory Fitness franchisees Wendy and Erik Skaalerud are an example of the emerging swim school brand’s high-caliber franchise partners.


This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

how-big-blue-swim-school-positions-high-profile-franchise-partners-to-remotely-operate-and-scale-quickly

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

KLA Schools

KLA Schools of Beachwalk Hosts Admissions Kick-Off Celebration

kla-schools-of-beachwalk-hosts-admissions-kick-off-celebration

Good Day Columbus: Home Insurance Expert Reveals Why Central Ohio Premiums Are Rising and How to Combat Costs

rising-home-insurance-costs-ohio

CapitalSpring

Primetime Fitness Expands Crunch Portfolio With CapitalSpring’s Backing

primetime-fitness-expands-crunch-portfolio-with-capitalsprings-backing

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees Scale to Multiple Locations

how-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-scale-to-multiple-locations

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

Young Entrepreneur Parth Patel Is Bringing Paris Baguette to the Cleveland Area

young-entrepreneur-parth-patel-is-bringing-paris-baguette-to-the-cleveland-area

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

How Big Blue Swim School Positions High-Profile Franchise Partners to Remotely Operate and Scale Quickly

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS