Meet the Johns Creek General Manager: Travis Hughes

While our Big Blue swim instructors make swim lessons so special for your kids, it's the managers who keep our swim school operations running so smoothly day-to-day. Travis Hughes is the General Manager at Big Blue Swim School Johns Creek. Travis may be new to the team, but at any given time, you can find Travis on the pool deck, behind the front desk, in the lobby talking to families, or sometimes in the pool lending a helping hand. He clearly has a passion for aquatics and teaching the life-saving skill of kids swimming! In this interview, Travis shares his background and gives insight into what it's like to work at Big Blue Swim School. We encourage you to give it a read, and say hi to Travis next time you see him at the pool!

How long have you worked at Big Blue Swim School?

I started working at Big Blue virtually on April 1st and on site on April 12th.

What led you to work at Big Blue?

I relocated to Atlanta from South Texas to join my wife, who recently received a great promotion with the American Red Cross. My career path has been centered around recreation and aquatics for over 25 years. I've worked in municipal parks and recreation departments, university recreation departments, and I've also taught in public schools and managed after school programs.

I discovered Big Blue Swim School during my job search in the Atlanta area and thought it would be a great fit. During the interview process, I immediately recognized the quality and professionalism of the people who founded and manage this organization. This isn't my first rodeo, so working with good people is a must for me.

During my first week on site, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working shoulder-to-shoulder with the awesome team at Big Blue Swim School to offer the best swim lessons in Johns Creek. But the most fun has been my time working with swimmers in the water!

What is your favorite swimming memory?

I have so many favorite swimming memories! When I was a little kid in South Texas in the summer, the temperatures were usually around 100 degrees. All I wanted to do was go to the public pool with my cousins and cool off. The pool was an oasis to me and always the highlight of my day when we could go. That experience gave me a positive attitude toward swimming, which led to my love for aquatics and desire to work in a profession that included that passion.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have been a scuba diving instructor for 25 years. I love to explore new dive destinations. I also started playing rugby in college and have continued playing and coaching club rugby ever since. I'm hoping to connect with a team in the Atlanta area soon!

What is a fun fact that Big Blue families should know about you?

I graduated from Texas A&M and my wife graduated from the University of Texas...so we sometimes don't talk much on college football Saturdays ;)