1851

Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Peter Vanderkaay and his brother, NCAA champion swimmer, Alex Vanderkaay, are partnering with an ownership group set to open four <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=vanderkaay-brothers-join-ownership-group-opening-big-blue-swim-school-franchises-in-metro-detroit-2716356" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a> franchise locations across metro Detroit. The first location is scheduled to break ground next year in Sterling Heights, MI. The Vanderkaays were introduced to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool">Big Blue’s</a> best-in-class consumer offering and strong investment opportunity by Peter and Alex’s friend, and former college teammate, Chris DeJong, the brand’s founder.&nbsp;Peter was a member of the United States Olympic team in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He won gold medals in the 800-meter freestyle relay in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. Individually, he won bronze medals in the 200-meter freestyle at 2008 Summer Olympics and the 400-meter freestyle at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Alex, also a former competitive swimmer and University of Michigan teammate to Peter and Chris, was an NCAA champion in the 400-yard individual medley in 2007 and 2008. He also won a silver medal in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2007 World University Games, as well as the gold medal in the 200-meter IM and the silver medal in the 400-meter IM during the 2009 World University Games.“The ability to learn how to swim and enjoy the water, which I’ve had most of my life, is incredibly important,” said Peter. "I wish Big Blue had been around when I was a kid — warm, 90-degree water, small class sizes, and well-trained instructors makes for a great learning experience. We are really excited for the opportunity to develop the next generation of young swimmers in our hometown of Detroit through our partnership with Big Blue.”The ownership team, led by experienced franchisees Jeff and Dawn Schneider, plan to make a splash in metro Detroit with a best-in-class offering for families. In their first franchising venture, the Vanderkaays are joined by friends and former teammates, Andrew Taylor and Randy Lam, who both lead successful swimming careers at the University of Georgia. Andrew and Randy swam alongside the Vanderkaays as teammates of the Oakland Live Y’ers Swim Team in the early to late nineties during their formative swimming years in metro Detroit where they all trained under renowned local coaching legend, Jeff Cooper.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Michigan-based team of swimming stars joins a growing roster of national swimming athletes involved with Big Blue Swim School. Earlier this year, Tom Dolan, two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer in the 400-meter Individual Medley, joined Big Blue Swim School to expand and manage pools in Northern Virginia and along the East Coast. “Adding Peter and Alex to the Big Blue family is really great to see. I’m excited to see them bring their passion for swimming to the families of Southeast Michigan through the Big Blue model.”&nbsp;The Vanderkaays and their partners look forward to tapping into the support and expertise provided by Big Blue. As one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, Big Blue offers a great experience for families. From the easy-to-use mobile app that tracks progress to their flexible make-up lesson policy, the model really understands the needs of busy parents,” said Alex. “Big Blue’s professional instructors, proven curriculum, family-centric facilities, and proprietary technology gives parents and franchisees the tools they need to help kids become safer, more-confident swimmers.”“As competitive swimmers passionate about sharing their love for swimming, this partnership team is sure to bring Big Blue’s best-in-class service to a whole new level,” said DeJong.&nbsp; “Peter, Alex, Andrew and Randy all have incredible passion for swimming and their expertise and love for the sport make them a perfect addition to the Big Blue team as we continue growing the brand toward our goal of 400 locations nationwide.”There are currently agreements to develop four locations in Southeast Michigan, and the brand can add another four in the Detroit metropolitan area. Big Blue is also looking for franchise partners who want to make a difference in their communities with a goal of changing the swim-lesson experience for families across the United States.&nbsp;With 152 franchise locations sold in 20 states, Big Blue is on its way to becoming the premiere learn-to-swim option for families across the country.&nbsp;ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL&nbsp;Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong and now has pools in Chicago, Atlanta, Denver and Northern Virginia. Big Blue offers an unparalleled swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by professional instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and family-friendly facilities. Big Blue creates and celebrates Big Moments in the pool which lead to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. To learn more visit <a href="http://www.bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=vanderkaay-brothers-join-ownership-group-opening-big-blue-swim-school-franchises-in-metro-detroit-2716356" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.BigBlueSwimSchool.com</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&amp%3Burl=https%3A%2F%2Fswimswam.com%2Fbio%2Fpeter-vanderkaay%2F&amp%3Bpsig=AOvVaw2tANEMgehQ6XSz-4942MjA&amp%3Bust=1639586865045000&amp%3Bsource=images&amp%3Bcd=vfe&amp%3Bved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCJjz4Jrf4_QCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=vanderkaay-brothers-join-ownership-group-opening-big-blue-swim-school-franchises-in-metro-detroit-2716356" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Photo Credit</a>

Vanderkaay Brothers Join Ownership Group Opening Big Blue Swim School Franchises in Metro Detroit

1851 Franchise

The competitive swimming champions to inspire a new generation of swimmers in their hometown of Metro Detroit.

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

vanderkaay-brothers-join-ownership-group-opening-big-blue-swim-school-franchises-in-metro-detroit

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

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 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

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Vanderkaay Brothers Join Ownership Group Opening Big Blue Swim School Franchises in Metro Detroit

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS