1851

Boston native <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-cohen-a872a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-gary-cohen-big-blue-swim-school-boston-2716630" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gary Cohen</a> has always loved water sports and spending time at the beach, but after his young daughter almost drowned at a public swimming pool, Cohen’s passion turned more towards water safety, ultimately leading to a new career in business ownership.&nbsp;Cohen is now leveraging his experience in corporate strategy consulting and finance to bring fast-growing swim school franchise <a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-gary-cohen-big-blue-swim-school-boston-2716630" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a> to Boston and empower kids with the skills they need to feel confident in the water. Cohen’s first location will open in mid-2022.<h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?</h4>Gary Cohen: I grew up in the North Shore Boston area in Marblehead, which is a big water town, and growing up, my family was constantly at the beach swimming and boating. After graduating from college, I dove headfirst into the corporate world where I worked in strategy consulting for a variety of different companies. About halfway through my professional career, I pivoted into the financial services industry and found that I enjoyed assessing financial strengths and weaknesses of companies, but as an outside investor, it was difficult to roll up my sleeves to drive direct changes at companies.<h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising, and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?</h4>Cohen: While working on the corporate side of things, I started itching to own a company and began looking into businesses that might be a good fit. After working under others for so long, I was excited by the idea of being able to create and lead a team.<h4>1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?</h4>Cohen: After working in both strategy consulting and the financial services industry, I realized I wanted to make the jump into business ownership. At first, I was a bit agnostic in deciding between the franchise industry and developing a business on my own, but after understanding the benefits that come along with franchising, I was sold.<h4>1851: How did you perform your research?</h4>Cohen: After being introduced to the brand, I spoke with the corporate team about the brand's mission, growth opportunities and finances, and everything just seemed to click into place. If I was going to dedicate time, effort and financial resources into a company, it was vital for me to see that the corporate team and I were aligned.<h4>1851: Why did you pick <a href="https://1851franchise.com/bigblueswimschool">Big Blue Swim School</a>? What excited you most about the brand’s potential?</h4>Cohen: I have a real passion for the mission of this enterprise. With the correct mission, youth sports can absolutely be fun and build confidence in children. Additionally, after living on the East Coast next to the beach, it is easy to see how vital learning how to swim is for these kids. I have two daughters who grew up constantly in the water, and yet, one of my daughters almost drowned in a public swimming pool when she was three years old. Receiving that dreaded phone call is every parent’s worst nightmare, and it is my hope to better teach children how to swim.<h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4>Cohen: From a business perspective, it made more sense to buy the entire market rather than a single location. It is a new market, and I think we have the chance to grow into a well-recognized brand in Massachusetts. We are eager to see how the business grows, and we hope to open at least one new location a year over the next several years.<h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4>Cohen: If you are going to devote time, money and resources into a company, it is important to be aligned with the corporate team on values. It was clear to me that the Big Blue corporate team and I saw eye to eye, and that was a large reason I felt comfortable diving in.<h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4>Cohen: I have two daughters who keep my wife and I very busy. When I am not working, I love spending time with the family, and all four of us have always enjoyed spending time on the water, whether that be swimming, boating or at the beach.ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL<a href="https://bigblueswimschool.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-gary-cohen-big-blue-swim-school-boston-2716630" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a> was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. In 2020, the brand expanded its presence to Atlanta. Big Blue is currently growing through franchising with plans to have a minimum of 150 pools sold by the end of 2021. Big Blue Swim School's real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit <a href="http://yourbigmomentstartshere.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-gary-cohen-big-blue-swim-school-boston-2716630" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com</a>.

The Great Franchisee: Gary Cohen, Big Blue Swim School, Boston

1851 Franchise

The former corporate strategist was inspired to join the fast-growing swim school brand after his daughter nearly drowned.

the-great-franchisee-gary-cohen-big-blue-swim-school-boston

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave's - BBQ Holdings - What Now Atlanta Agg - December 2024 - 1851 Franchise

What Now Atlanta: Local Doctor Bringing Famous Dave’s to Metro Atlanta

what-now-atlanta-local-doctor-bringing-famous-daves-to-metro-atlanta

CHOP5

CHOP5’s Full Bellies Program: A Commitment to Community and Healthy Eating

chop5s-full-bellies-program-a-commitment-to-community-and-healthy-eating

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Poised To Address 2025 Fitness Demand Trends

fitness-premier-247-clubs-poised-to-address-2025-fitness-demand-trends

The Brass Tap

Raleigh Magazine: The Brass Tap Opens First North Carolina Location

raleigh-magazine-the-brass-tap-opens-first-north-carolina-location

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise, Crown Point, IN: Matt Glaros (Business Partner) & Jeffrey Meyers (Owner).

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Jeffrey Meyers Talks First-Year Growth

minuteman-press-franchise-owner-jeffrey-meyers-talks-first-year-growth

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

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Economic Indicators to Watch: CPI, PPI and Jobless Claims Insights for Franchisors and Franchisees

economic-indicators-to-watch-cpi-ppi-and-jobless-claims-insights-for-franchisors-and-franchisees

Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks Stall, but Franchises Can Still Act

global-plastic-pollution-treaty-talks-stall-but-franchises-can-still-act

California Restaurant Minimum Wage Hike - 1851 Franchise News Agg

California Restaurants Struggle with $20 Minimum Wage Hike

california-restaurants-struggle-with-20-minimum-wage-hike

McDonald’s Launches New McValue Platform Nationwide in 2025

mcdonalds-launches-new-mcvalue-platform-nationwide-in-2025

Subway CEO John Chidsey Announces Retirement After Five-Year Tenure

subway-ceo-john-chidsey-announces-retirement-after-five-year-tenure

McDonald's Veterans Bring BIGGBY® COFFEE to Portage, Indiana, with a Drive-Thru-Only Experience

mcdonalds-veterans-bring-biggby-coffee-to-portage-indiana-with-a-drive-thru-only-experience

Why This Franchisee Moved from Mexico City to San Antonio to Open Right at Home 

why-this-franchisee-moved-from-mexico-city-to-san-antonio-to-open-right-at-home

CPAs and Gameday Men’s Health Franchisees Open BooXkeeping Franchise in Las Vegas

cpas-and-gameday-mens-health-franchisees-open-booxkeeping-franchise-in-las-vegas

Multi-Unit Papa Murphy’s Franchise Gears Up for Sixth Store Opening in Sioux Falls

multi-unit-papa-murphys-franchise-gears-up-for-sixth-store-opening-in-sioux-falls

How to Get Your Kids Involved in Your Franchise Business - 1851 Franchise

How To Get Your Kids Involved in Your Franchise Business

how-to-get-your-kids-involved-in-your-franchise-business

Jeff Brazier Drives Kiddie Academy’s Growth with Strategic Leadership and Franchisee Support

jeff-brazier-drives-kiddie-academys-growth-with-strategic-leadership-and-franchisee-support

Bobby Mascia - Green Ridge Wealth Planning - Succession Plan for Family Franchise - 1851 Franchise

How To Create a Succession Plan for Your Family Franchise

how-to-create-a-succession-plan-for-your-family-franchise

The Great Franchisee: Gary Cohen, Big Blue Swim School, Boston

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS