Franchisee Spotlight: Sam and Mirna Abraham of Big Blue Swim School

Sam and Mirna Abraham both grew up in Northern New Jersey, Sam in Bergen County and Mirna in East Brunswick. Sam graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in molecular biology, biochemistry and computer science. He has led career in software engineering and development and is currently the Executive Director of Investing and Wealth Management Technology at a major financial institution. Mirna graduated from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York to become a physician’s assistant. She has been working as a healthcare provider for the last 10 years.

Sam and Mirna both come from entrepreneurial families. Business ownership was something they always looked into, especially franchising. The couple liked that franchising is going into business for yourself but not by yourself. Big Blue Swim School stood out to them after they had been sending their five-year-old daughter to a competitor, realizing Big Blue had the solution to all of the competitor’s problems operationally.

Together, Sam and Mirna are thrilled to be bringing the brand to Woodbridge, Clark and Watchung and offering parents an easy, flexible place to teach their children an essential life skill. From their children’s own experience, they know the classes give them inspiring confidence at a young age.

1851 Franchise: Tell us a little bit about your background

Sam Abraham: I was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey. I went to Rutgers University where I studied molecular biology and biochemistry and computer science.

Mirna Abraham: I was raised in East Brunswick. I went to Long Island University in Brooklyn where I studied to become a physician assistant.

1851: Why did you choose to go into franchising, and how did you decide on Blue Big Swim School? 

Sam: We come from an entrepreneurial family. Several of our family members have all owned and ran their own businesses.

We spent probably a year and half looking at different options. As the corporate team told us, franchising is going into business for yourself but not by yourself. We looked at different service industry brands, pretty much everything except for food. We sent our daughter to swim school at one of the competitors and had an idea of where our friends were interested in taking their kids.

Big Blue stood out because it was advancing at an incredible pace. We didn't want to buy ourselves a job, we wanted to find something that fits our lifestyle. I can’t emphasize enough how awesome the franchise leadership has been.

Mirna: Given the fact that we experienced the competitor, Goldfish, really helped. Every problem they had, Big Blue fixed. Everything from managing membership to scheduling classes was something Big Blue had the solution for that Goldfish didn’t.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to the community?  

Sam: Swimming is an essential life skill that you are bringing to your community. Our daughter really loved swimming, even looking at our 2½-year-old swimming is so amazing. They felt so inspired and it gives them the confidence that they feel like they can do things. Swimming is a great experience to bring to children.

Coming from my background in software, we recognized that not only did Big Blue provide a great swim system for children to excel but LessonBuddy™ is an amazing piece of software that truly differentiates Big Blue. Parents have busy lives, it's hard to find time to do things for your kids. Convenience and time saving is a big factor for parents to decide if they can manage it in their own lives. LessonBuddy makes all swim lessons fit seamlessly into parents’ lives.

New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states. Within the 15-minute drive there are plenty of young families.

We have entered into 3-units. As of now we have our hands full, but we may potentially buy a 4th. The cost isn't small but it builds a competitive moat around you. The glory of Big Blue is that it is more expensive. We are blessed to be able to purchase these units. We just started the real estate search. The reality is it will take about nine months to sign and another nine to open. We are hoping for an aggressive timeline, Big Blue usually says it will take around 18-24 months.

1851: Do you own, or have you owned, any other businesses or franchises? 

Mirna: We have a small real estate business but nothing to this level.

1851: Do you work with any local partners in your community?

Sam: After we establish a location, we will have our feet on the ground to learn more about the actual locations. We plan to engage with the local schools and organizations in the areas we secure real estate.

1851: Are there any products or programs Big Blue offers that you are especially excited about?

Sam: I fell in love with LessonBuddy. It is an amazing tool that we truly believe will make this an exciting business and easy to run. It is years away for anyone else to provide technology like this. Big Blue is so far ahead and like I said before, the corporate team is absolutely amazing.