When Katie Lee opened the very first Goldfish Swim School franchise school 18 years ago, success looked simple: get the doors open and get the pool filled with kids. Today, it looks really different.

As a leader within BHB Operations, now the largest multi-unit ownership group in the Goldfish Swim School system, Katie oversees more than 30 schools. Her focus has shifted from opening one location to leading teams, developing leaders, and ensuring every school delivers the same high-quality Golden Experience families have come to expect.

Her journey started the same way many franchisees do: with a leap of faith.

Building Together

As Goldfish Swim School’s very first franchisee, Katie didn’t just follow a system; she helped build it.

“There wasn’t a roadmap yet,” she shares. “We grew together.”

That early collaboration shaped how Katie approaches her business today. She intentionally built BHB Operations to mirror the structure of the franchisor, creating a strong foundation of directors and leaders who oversee key areas like swim lesson quality and human resources.

The result: a scalable, sustainable operation that supports both growth and consistency across every location.

“It’s always felt like a true partnership,” Katie says. “There’s a lot of communication, and we’re constantly working together to make things better.”

Redefining Success

In the early days, success meant getting one school up and running. Now, it’s so much bigger.

“It’s about leading people well,” Katie explains. “Making sure our teams feel supported, and that every family has an amazing experience when they walk through our doors.”

With dozens of schools under her leadership, Katie’s role has evolved into one centered on mentorship, strategy, and culture. She’s built an infrastructure that allows her team to thrive and ensures that every detail, down to each child’s experience in the pool, is prioritized.

That attention to detail is what she believes truly sets Goldfish apart.

“We care about the little things,” she says. “Every child matters, and that shows up in everything we do.”

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Looking back, Katie is quick to acknowledge that growth didn’t come without challenges.

“I wish I had known more about leading a team in the beginning,” she says. “That’s something I’ve learned over the last 18 years.”

That learning curve helped shape the leader she is today, one who prioritizes development, communication, and building strong teams. And while the role has evolved, one thing is certain: “This is the hardest job I’ve ever had,” she shares. “But it’s also the most rewarding.”

Building a Life, Not Just a Business

For Katie, success isn’t just measured in the number of schools she owns. It’s also reflected in the life she’s been able to build. Goldfish Swim School has given her the flexibility to be both a dedicated leader and a present mom, something she doesn’t take for granted.

“I work really hard, and my kids and husband get to see that,” she says. “But they also get to enjoy the rewards of it.”

That balance, between leadership, family, and personal growth, is what makes her journey so meaningful.

From opening the very first franchise location to leading one of the largest ownership groups in the system, Katie’s story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and when growth is embraced every step of the way.