/ staff feature

Meet Tom Dolan, Big Blue Swim School's President of Corporate Pools

For this month's staff feature, we have a very special guest: former competitive swimmer, two-time Olympic medalist, former world record holder, and current President of Corporate Pools at Big Blue, Tom Dolan! We hope you enjoy getting to know Tom by reading more below!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I grew up and currently reside in Arlington, Virginia, with my wife, Maryellen, and our four children – Hannah (11), Nora (9), Fitz (7), and Connor (6). Growing up, I was actively involved in tons of sports, thanks in part to my parents' rule that we had to participate in two (or more) sports or activities until our freshman year of high school.  Only then could we decide to focus on just one sport.  This upbringing instilled in me a sense of balance in sports and life.  My youth sports experiences not only fueled my competitive spirit but also nurtured my ability to motivate and collaborate with others.

I was fortunate enough to swim at the University of Michigan, Go Blue!  I was part of a team NCCA championship my sophomore year which then propelled me to compete in two Olympic Games, 1996 and 2000.  I was honored to win the first gold medal for the USA in Atlanta in 1996 in the 400 IM.  I defended my gold medal by winning again in 2000 at the Sydney, Australia Olympics while breaking my own world record.  I also won a silver medal in the 200 IM while breaking the American record.

There was no greater honor in my swimming career than being able to represent the USA!

Tom and his four kids

Can you tell us more about your background post-professional swimming?

I went to college at the University of Michigan and have loved and pursued entrepreneurship for as long as I can remember. After retiring from swimming, I worked in an investment bank for 5 years until I decided to start my own swim school. I traveled the world to study various swim school models and even lived in Australia prior to starting the Tom Dolan Swim School in Virginia.

How long have you been part of Big Blue Swim School?

My Tom Dolan Swim School Team and I officially joined L5 Swim in September of 2021. L5 Swim then joined Big Blue corporate in January 2024.

What does your job/ role at Big Blue entail?

I am the President of our Corporate Pools.  I am honored every day to lead an amazing team of people across our 19 locations operating in 6 states.

What is your favorite part about Big Blue?

My favorite part about Big Blue is, by FAR, the incredible people!!!! We have a fantastic team across all departments who have a passion for delivering life-changing experiences for our customers.

Do you have a favorite moment that you’ve been a part of during your time at Big Blue?

My favorite BB moment is the Opening Day of any of our new schools.  It is such an honor to bring our amazing team and business to every community we serve.  I am always blown away by the response that we receive from new customers in a new market.  We really do provide a life skill that teaches kids skills for life!  It is an amazing honor to introduce Big Blue to new parts of the country!

Tom conducting a media interview at the recent opening of Big Blue's North Druid Hills location

What kind of things do you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my wife and four kids – Hannah 11, Nora, 9, Fitz 7, and Connor 6.

I also love playing golf, which was the last sport I gave up for swimming, when I was in high school.

How would your team/ others describe you?

I think my team would describe me as a passionate person who thrives on competition and team comradery. I also believe in striving for wins each day while making sure everyone feels appreciated and supported....some laughs along the way are also especially important!

As you can see, Big Blue is incredibly lucky to have Tom Dolan on the team! Stay tuned and follow us on Instagram and TikTok as we'll be sharing more about Tom as well as some of Big Blue's other former professional swimmers!