Recent Posts
Nov 18, 2024
Co-Founder and CEO, Chris McCuiston, Talks Growth in California
As we continue to expand our brand and grow within North America, we're swimming full speed ahead towards California!
With our first California school already open and operating, and many more with owners looking for real estate or under construction, w...
Nov 12, 2024
Franchise Opportunities to Bring Additional Water Safety to California
In just the last 5 years, drowning rates in California have increased by 25.5%. Even worse, 75% of fatal drownings were children under the age of 5. As drowning is now the leading cause of injury-related death for children under 5 years old, we know exactl...
Oct 11, 2024
2024 Goldfish Owners Celebration
That's a wrap on our 2024 Goldfish Owners Celebration! Last month, Goldfish franchisees, franchise leadership team members, vendor partners, and brand ambassadors packed their bags and landed in sunny Arizona for a few days of collaboration, networking, an...
Aug 20, 2024
Building a Culture of Accountability and WOW Customer Service
Recently, Franchise Owners, and their managers from our franchised swim schools all over the United States and Canada came together in Michigan to learn, share, and celebrate at the 2024 School Leadership Summit, all with one purpose- creating an Every Day...
Jul 24, 2024
Franchise Ownership Opportunities in California
As we continue to develop new learn-to-swim schools across North America, the need in California is as strong as ever. There are 2.7 million children under the age of 5 living in California, with not enough swim schools to properly teach them the skills th...
Jun 20, 2024
Using Data to Drive Extraordinary Results
As we hit the halfway point in 2024, it gives us a moment to reflect on all of the FINtastic efforts and accomplishments of our team in the first two quarters. We’ve opened 9 new schools, launched our 3rd Safer Swimmer Pledge campaign resulting in 27,346...
Mar 08, 2024
Investment Group Created After Finding Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School is more than an investment. It’s a business you can build and pass on to your children, it fuels the life goals of our franchisees and is a new adventure for an entrepreneur that needs a change. For consumers, it’s also a safe, fun...
Mar 06, 2024
Goldfish Swim School Earns Spot on the Inc. Regionals 2024 List
The Inc. Regionals honor the fastest-growing private companies in America and we are thrilled to have made the list in spot number 65 for the Midwest region! The news comes on the heels of receiving recognition from Entrepreneur and Franchise Times, starti...
Mar 05, 2024
Goldfish Swim School Ranked Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500Ⓡ
We’re so excited to be making such a big splash in 2024 as we land another award from Entrepreneur Magazine! We have o-FISH-ally ranked among the top franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500 AND have landed the spot as the...
Feb 09, 2024
Goldfish Swim School’s State of the Company Podcast
New locations. More students. Increased performance. These are just a few of the topics that Co-Founder and CEO Chris McCuiston and President Andrew McCuiston address in their Q2 State of the Company Podcast. Hear first-hand how Goldfish Swim School mainta...
Jan 03, 2024
Franchise Times Fast & Serious
We are so excited to share that Goldfish Swim School has been ranked #20 on the Franchise Times Fast and Serious list!
The Franchise Times Fast and Serious list awards franchises that are both fast-growing and have staying power, utilizing a 10-poi...
Nov 17, 2023
Why California Works
With Goldfish Swim Schools across the United States and in Canada, few markets are yet to be tapped into. We’ve swum our way into 33 states, and now our sights are set on California!
The Need in California
Let’s be honest: every state has childre...
Nov 02, 2023
Core Value Award Winners Announced
Charleston, South Carolina, was the place to be for Goldfish Swim School owners, vendor partners, and Franchise team members as they gathered to celebrate the 2023 Owner's Celebration. The town was painted in our signature blue and orange as we spent three...
Sep 13, 2023
Core Values Permeate Our System and Are Worth Celebrating!
“Part of what makes Goldfish Swim School such a strong-knit community of owners and operators is the consistency of our Core Values,” shares Chris McCuiston, CEO and Co-Founder.
The intentional development of the Goldfish Swim School business starte...
Aug 09, 2023
Goldfish Swim School – Sets Owners & Managers Up for Success.
Last week, Goldfish Swim School Franchising leadership hosted over 300 owners, school managers, and partners for their School Leadership Summit (SLS) – a conference focused on ensuring a GOLDEN EXPERIENCE for all Goldfish Swim School members.
School l...
Aug 09, 2023
Extraordinary Results – Goldfish Makes the Inc 5000 Again!
Celebration is in the air at Goldfish Swim School, as we’ve been recognized again for our Extraordinary Results! Goldfish Swim School is in the top 0.5% of all privately held companies in terms of growth for 2023. “Being included in the Inc 5000 is a w...
Jul 09, 2023
Goldfish is Best of the Best- According to Entrepreneur
We can almost always find a reason to Celebrate. After all, it is one of our Core Values! This year, we’ve been lucky to have a lot of reasons to Celebrate, including a handful of awards! As of this month, two new awards have made their way into our port...
Jun 09, 2023
The Brand. The Model. The Curriculum.
“The brand. The model. The curriculum. It’s the best out there.” says Katie Grisley, co-owner, alongside her husband Lars, of three Goldfish Swim School locations in Utah. The duo wasn’t looking for a new franchise opportunity when Goldfish fell in...
May 08, 2023
State of the Company
Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going - 90 days at a time! In the latest State of the Company podcast, Goldfish Swim School CEO and Co-Founder Chris McCuiston and President of Goldfish Swim School, Andrew McCuiston, discuss what the last 90 days have brought Goldfish - new locations opening, brand campaigns launching, and big wins for the brand
Apr 03, 2023
Owner Collaboration
It’s no secret that buying into a franchise system is an investment. From the time you reach out for the first exploratory phone call, to working through the entire award process, to signing a lease, to opening the location’s doors, you’re committing...
Mar 09, 2023
Multi-Concept Franchise Owners Share Their Criteria for Franchise Investments
Ken Merideth and David Goodman are no strangers to business leadership. This dynamic duo met while working in Investment Banking and decided to make a bold choice and go into business for themselves. Now 6 years into this journey, the team o...
Mar 09, 2023
Building More Than Demand – Goldfish Swim School Launches new Branding Campaign
Ending 2022, our team was swimming to the finish line in creating a new brand campaign for our schools, members and communities to enjoy as the new year started. Like every brand campaign our team creates, this one had to be big, bold, and purposeful, lead...
Nov 09, 2022
#CELEBRATE the 2022 GSS Core Value Award Winners!
After nearly two years apart, the much-anticipated 2022 Goldfish Owners’ Celebration was the perfect opportunity for our owners, vendor partners, and Franchise Team to dive back into sharing best practices and impactful mission stories, networking with o...
Nov 09, 2022
Overheard at the 2022 Owners’ Celebration
Over one million hours of lessons taught and over 250 locations open or in development, the 2022 Goldfish Swim School® Owners’ Celebration has evolved into a truly unprecedented event. “Our owners' needs have changed from the early years; many owners ...
Sep 22, 2022
School Leadership Summit Helps Goldfish Owners and Managers Race to Success
When researching a franchise for your investment, be sure to discuss in detail their training program. Make sure it includes a robust way to continue to strengthen your skills and build your team beyond the initial opening or introductory training.
At G...
Aug 09, 2022
Single-Unit, Multi-Unit, or Multi-Concept Ownership – What model best fits your wealth-building goals?
Franchise ownership has grown dramatically over the past two decades. Through this period of great growth, franchising has moved from simply replacing an income to building multi-generational wealth for families. Many franchisees find that the business pro...
Aug 09, 2022
Goldfish Swim School’s GOLDEN EXPERIENCE Reaches Beyond Our Swimmers and Parents
Critical to the success of any consumer brand is evolving the business to meet and exceed the needs of its customers. That is no exception when your business is to serve franchisees. At the Goldfish Swim School Franchise Office, our teams work to provide a...
Aug 09, 2022
Goldfish Swim School Locations Awarded Grant by USA Swimming Foundation
We are excited to announce that we have been awarded grant funding by the USA Swimming Foundation to not only one but to two Goldfish locations! As part of the 2020 program for their Make a Splash local partners, these grants were awarded to two, more than...
Jul 09, 2022
Goldfish Swim School with Global Franchise Podcast
Global Franchise Magazine’s Podcast featured co-founders Chris and Jenny McCuiston, learning more about the journey they’ve gone on in the 16 years since Goldfish was created, and what kind of partners they’re looking for when curating the franchise...
Jun 09, 2022
The value in our numbers – How KPIs help fuel growth
With 131 locations in the U.S. and over 100 in development, Goldfish Swim School is the country’s leading learn-to-swim franchise. Recently, Goldfish was recognized as no. 1 in the swimming lessons category and no. 53 overall on Entrepreneur's&...
Jun 09, 2022
Goldfish Swim School Introduces Their State of the Company Podcast
At Goldfish, growth is planned. If you follow the Goldfish Brand, you will see tremendous growth in locations, revenue, and new franchise owners joining our swim force. We follow a program, as do many of our franchisees, called the Entrepreneurial Operatin...
May 09, 2022
Goldfish Swim School is Making Waves to Prevent Drownings
The month of May has long held the joy of knowing Summer is soon approaching. As May is recognized as National Water Safety Awareness month, there’s a flurry of activity underway in Goldfish Communities across the country. Families will be headed to the ...
Apr 09, 2022
Using a Franchise Disclosure Document to Understand the Opportunity
Choosing to invest in a franchise business is a huge decision. For many, the choice to become a franchisee enables them to control their own destiny and grow a financially rewarding business. To help ensure buyers understand the business they are buying, t...
Mar 09, 2022
International Franchise Association Names Four Goldfish Swim School Franchisees as 2022 Franchisee of the Year Recipients
TROY, Mich. – Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, the premier learn-to-swim franchise concept, announces four of its standout franchisees – Scott Payne, Dana Schuchardt, Amy Strozier and Alex Tyler – as recipients of the Internation...
Mar 09, 2022
Franchising Is an Industry of Dream Makers
Goldfish Swim School® Leadership and Franchisees recently attended the International Franchise Association’s 2022 Conference. For Goldfish Franchisees, it was a chance to be recognized by the whole Franchise Industry for their outstanding performance. F...
Feb 09, 2022
Lead: Leading with the Heart. How Couples Master Business Ownership and Family.
Today, 53% of all family-owned businesses have spouses at the helm.* For many couples, joint business ownership is the path to their desired lifestyle. From helping meet a couple’s financial dreams to being in control of one’s destiny and schedule, cou...
Jan 09, 2022
5 Fin-tastic Moments of 2021 Worthy of Celebrating
Taking the time to Celebrate! Life’s Accomplishments is a Core Value at Goldfish Swim School. Throughout our franchise organization, Goldfish owners and team members take great pride in being there as children celebrate success within our progr...
Jan 07, 2022
Goldfish Swim School Ranked Among Top Franchises In Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500®
Goldfish Swim School was recognized as one of the top 500 Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. The 43rd annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500® is a highly ...
Nov 09, 2021
Getting Back in the Swim of Things: 2021 Goldfish Core Value Award Winners!
Celebrate Getting Back in the Swim of Things!
Core Values Drive Excellence and Growth
for Goldfish Swim School Franchisees and Members
At Goldfish, Core Values drive how we work together, our decision-making and our performance. As we’ve grown ...
Aug 09, 2021
4 Reasons to Open a Goldfish Swim School Franchise
Fifteen years ago, Goldfish Swim School opened its flagship location in Birmingham, MI and made a splash that created waves in the learn to swim industry! Today, Goldfish Swim School can be found in 120 communities across North America and has established ...
Apr 09, 2021
Leadership Spotlight: Meet Goldfish Swim School’s VP of Franchising, Dan Israel
While there are many reasons why Goldfish Swim School is the champion choice in the learn-to-swim industry, our leadership team plays a strong role in our brand’s success.
Meet our Vice President of Franchising, Dan Israel—a former competitive swimm...
Mar 08, 2021
Women Making Waves in Franchising
With more than 100 schools across North America, Goldfish Swim School can be found coast to coast. As our Goldfish Family continues to grow, we want to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing people behind the business who are making waves for water safet...
Jan 09, 2021
Goldfish Swim Ranks #11 on Franchise Times’ Smartest-Growing Brands List
Last year, Goldfish Swim School, like many other brands, was affected by the global pandemic that rocked our economy and forced us to temporarily shut down operations for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. However, this challenging time enabl...
Dec 09, 2020
VP of Marketing Shana Krisan Talks to 360 Magazine
VP of Marketing Shana Krisan Talks to 360 Magazine About the Golden Experience
Goldfish Swim School has always been dedicated to creating a customer experience tailored for busy parents searching for an ideal place to get their kids comfortable in the w...
Dec 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Shows Promising Future in Greater Houston
As the premier learn-to-swim franchise concept, we are excited to continue our growth as 2020 comes to an end. We recently announced a new multi-unit signed franchise agreement in Texas that will allow us to expand our reach. With 110-plus locations open a...
Dec 09, 2020
Competitive Swimmer Turns Passion into Profitable Career Path With Goldfish Swim School
As the son of a competitive swimmer, Alex Tyler grew up near the water and has been swimming since before he could walk.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he began swimming competitively at the age of three and later went on to join Northwestern Un...
Dec 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Closes 2020 With a SPLASH
In 2006, we took a leap of faith and opened our first Goldfish Swim School. Despite the unknowns, we jumped in feet first not knowing what the future would hold.
What started as a mission to help children be safer in and around water, and an idea to tra...
Nov 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Recognized on Franchise Times Top 200+ List
Goldfish Swim School is proud to be recognized on The Franchise Times Top 200+®, a prestigious ranking of the 500 largest U.S.-based franchise brands. This annual list is the only one of its scope that ranks by global system-wide sales, based on the previ...
Oct 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Wins Franchise Marketing Leadership Award
Each year, the Franchise Innovation Awards recognize the franchise brands that are creating and implementing the most original and successful business innovation strategies and tactics in the United States. In addition to taking home Silver for Cause M...
Sep 10, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Featured on Live with Kelly and Ryan!
As a mother of four, Olympic swimming trials qualifier, and life-long swimmer, Jenny McCuiston realized the need for quality swim lessons focused solely on children in a safe, fun, and engaging environment. She and her husband, Chris, traveled the country ...
Sep 09, 2020
Family Takes Leap of Faith & Opens Goldfish Swim School Amidst Pandemic
When the Flemings family took a leap of faith and decided to open a Goldfish Swim School in Rogers, AR, they knew the profound impact it was going to have, not only on their family, but on the thousands of families in their community whose children would b...
Sep 09, 2020
Our Continued Commitment to Our Community of Members and Franchisees
As we continue to trek through these unprecedented times, Goldfish Swim School continues to lean on our core principles and values to ensure we are delivering exceptional experiences to our customers and their families.Recently, Goldfish Swim School has be...
Jul 09, 2020
President of Goldfish Swim School Featured on Franchise Bible Coach Radio
We are beyond excited to share that Andrew McCuiston, President of Goldfish Swim School, was recently featured on an episode of Franchise Bible Radio. Having a real passion for our business and mission, Andrew has proven himself to be an integral part of o...
Jun 09, 2020
How Goldfish Will Ensure Health & Safety as We Begin to Welcome Back Students
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr3Din8CEBI
We’re beyond excited to be able to welcome back our teams, families, and, most importantly, our swimmers to our schools! As we begin to reopen, the safety and overall well-being of students, guests, and tea...
Jun 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Continues to Support Communities Via Virtual Activities
As we navigate this uncertainty together, as a community first and foremost, one thing has remained certain: It is more important than ever to innovate new ways we can support the members of our communities from the safety of their own homes.
During the...
May 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Talks Water Safety on the News & Instagram Live
In honor of National Water Safety Month, our Co-Founder and CEO Chris McCuiston shared some tips for drowning prevention and pool safety with televised audiences. In the interview segments with local news affiliates, Chris also talked about Goldfish at Hom...
Mar 09, 2020
How Integrity, Compassion and Trust Are Career Goals at Goldfish Swim School
At Goldfish Swim School, our core values include having and displaying integrity, compassion and trust at every turn – from the corporate level all the way to the individual franchisees and employees. It's about evoking a feeling, which is part...
Feb 09, 2020
Celebrate: Milestones to Opening the Doors of Your Goldfish Swim School Franchise
You've decided you want to become a franchise owner, and you did your research. Because of your love of swimming and drive to open a kids’ activity franchise, you determined that a swim school franchise is what you want – and then discovered that Goldf...
Feb 09, 2020
What’s Your Purpose? Finding a Career to Match Your Purpose
Have you reached the point in your life where you want to know what your purpose is, and live your life in such a way to truly fulfill that purpose? You can!
Determining your true purpose starts with stripping away any doubts or fears and getting right ...
Jan 09, 2020
Goldfish Swim School Franchise Celebrates 100th Location!
We’re excited to announce that we’re opening our 100th location! As a swimming school franchise, that’s an amazing achievement—only 17% of franchise brands reach 100 locations, and only 1% of those franchises reach 100 locations in 10 years as we ...
Jan 09, 2020
Change Your Life in 2020: Own a Goldfish Swim School Franchise
A new year, a new decade: It's time to change your life – personally, professionally and financially – in 2020. Take those New Year's resolutions and instead turn those lifelong goals you've had for yourself into a reality.
If your resolutions inclu...
Jan 09, 2020
A Career that Gives You a GOLDEN Experience Everyday
Want to have a GOLDEN experience every day, at work? You can when you own a Goldfish Swim School franchise!
Fulfill your Dreams
Do you have a passion for swimming? Do you want to work with kids? Do you dream of doing something meaningful, and chang...
Dec 09, 2019
Gifting Value to Children When You Own A Goldfish Swim School Franchise
Do you want your career to be fulfilling – not only financially, but to your soul? A Goldfish Swim School franchise allows you to be part of something bigger: Gifting value to children.
A passion for changing lives
Owning a Goldfish Swim School fra...
Dec 09, 2019
Extraordinary Results: Opening a Goldfish Swim School Franchise
Do you want to buy a franchise? Dive into a swim school franchise and open your own Goldfish Swim School franchise, because it provides you a chance for extraordinary results!
Initial Investment
At Goldfish Swim School, we award franchises to applic...
Nov 09, 2019
Franchise Opportunities: Giving Back with Goldfish Swim School
Choosing a franchise business to open takes careful thought and consideration into what is fulfilling for you both professionally and personally. Opening your own Goldfish Swim School franchise allows you be thankful for all you have while giving back to t...