When you talk to anyone at Goldfish Swim School about what makes the brand so special, the same answer comes out time and time again: the people. Behind every smiling swimmer, confident parent, and thriving school is a team fueled by passion — and leading that culture of support is Nikki Thomas, our Director of Training.

With nearly 20 years of experience growing alongside Goldfish, Nikki has helped shape a system where franchisees feel prepared, encouraged, and empowered.

From Lifeguard to Leader

Aquatics has always been a part of Nikki’s DNA. As a competitive swimmer and lifeguard, she developed an early passion for the water. Sixteen years ago, Goldfish Swim School became the perfect place for her to blend that passion with purpose.

“I’ve always loved being in and around the water,” Nikki shares. “To be a part of an organization that not only shares that passion but also works every day to keep kids safe — it’s been such a rewarding journey.“

What Sets Goldfish Apart

After years of growth and expansion, Nikki believes two ingredients continue to define Goldfish:

The Mission: To teach children to be safer and more confident in and around the water by providing a fun, engaging, and play-based learning environment using our proprietary Science of SwimPlay® curriculum, which also aims to develop essential life skills and cognitive abilities.

The People: Franchisees and their teams bring unmatched energy, creativity, and care to their schools.

“That combination of serious purpose and genuine fun is what makes Goldfish so special,” she explains.

Building a Foundation for Franchisee Success

In her role, Nikki leads the training team that not only prepares new owners and their teams to open and thrive, but also helps existing owners consistently provide a Golden Experience. That means developing resources, guiding operations, and instilling a culture of safety, which carries through every swim lesson.

“Training is about more than opening doors — it’s about setting schools up to exceed expectations,” she says. “From instilling a culture of safety to strengthening operations, we want franchisees to feel prepared and supported every step of the way.”

For franchisees, that support translates into stronger teams, happier families, and healthier businesses.

Fueling Growth through Connection

Training for Nikki isn’t just about systems and manuals — it’s about people. She’s known for building genuine relationships with owners, celebrating their wins, and being a trusted sounding board when challenges arise.

“I love getting to know our franchisees and their families,” she says. “When people know they’re supported, it creates stronger partnerships and ensures no one is ever navigating this journey alone.“

Bringing Energy — Backed by Safety

If you ask her peers, Nikki is famous for two things: her contagious energy and her unwavering commitment to safety.

“You’ll usually hear me before you see me,” she laughs. “I love bringing excitement — but I’ll also happily talk for hours about rescue techniques or safety protocols.“

The balance of energy and expertise is exactly why franchisees value her leadership.

Why Nikki’s Work Matters for Franchisees

At its core, Nikki’s role is about helping franchisees build the kind of schools that change lives — safe, fun environments where kids learn skills that last a lifetime.

“I get to see the impact our work has on kids and families every day,” Nikki reflects. “That’s what makes this role so fulfilling — and why I’ll always be cheering our franchisees on.”

The Goldfish Difference, Carried Forward

For current and future franchisees, Nikki represents a piece of what makes Goldfish Swim School such a special opportunity: a proven model, passionate leaders, and support from day one. With her guidance, franchisees are empowered to make waves — in their business and their communities.