Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmers Chris DeJong and John Lonergan to provide a measurable curriculum for students to learn an essential life skill in a comfortable and fun environment. Learn more about our big moments below.
big blue’s big moments
2008
Chris and John meet and begin plans to teach swimming. The first lesson John ever taught was to current Big Blue board member Tim Flannery’s daughter.
2009
Big Blue Swim School officially launched out of Our Lady of Perpetual Help swimming pool.
2012
In April, the Wilmette, Illinois location opens. Parents fund a stand-alone facility – teaching 1,500 lessons a week within a year.
2015
In January, the Buffalo Grove, Illinois location opens.
2017
In February, Level 5 Investment. In October, the Hoffman Estates, Illinois location opens.
2019
In March, the Chicago Flagship/Franchisee Training location opens.
2020
Big Blue Swim School opened a location in Johns Creek, GA.
2023
Big Blue Swim School has awarded 249 franchises as of November 2023.
our brand purpose + promise
our mission
We show kids they can do anything
by unlocking their full potential
in the water.
OUR BRAND VALUES
Show Passion
for Our Mission
be the change you want to see
Reach Beyond
Your Grasp
be better today
than you were yesterday
Embrace
Our Differences
be inclusive
Radiate Energy
be the sun
Go the
Extra Mile
be awesome
Make Teamwork
Happen
be a champion for others
Leadership
SCOTT SANDERS
SCOTT SANDERS
CEO
- More than 15 years' experience in executive roles and technology companies
- Board member and investor in several technology businesses
- B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
CHRIS DEJONG
CHRIS DEJONG
Founder and President
- Five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer and American record holder in 800 freestyle relay
- Competed for eight years as a member of the U.S. National Swim Team, with multiple All-American and All-Big Ten recognitions
- B.A. in English from the University of Michigan
CASEY MORFORD
CASEY MORFORD
CTO
- Competitive swimmer for 13 years, most prominently for the University of Evansville
- M.S. in Computer Engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, with 14 years of experience in IT and web application development for both private enterprises and the public education sector
- Original architect of Big Blue Swim School’s LessonBuddy™ platform
BROOKE MALLICK
BROOKE MALLICK
CMO
- Former Global Director at PepsiCo with brand management, consumer engagement, and innovation experience for iconic brands Gatorade and Quaker®
- Previously a marketing strategy consultant at The Cambridge Group focused on Fortune 500 clients in CPG and Retail industries
- B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Northwestern University
JENNIFER FALBO
JENNIFER FALBO
Director of Human Resources
- Over 15 years in Human Resources Management for Fortune 500 organizations in Customer Service, Technology and Media
- Previous HR leadership role with DISH Network, supporting service locations nationwide
- Received an undergraduate degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Loyola University
DENNIS CAMPBELL
DENNIS CAMPBELL
VP of Franchise Development
- Bought his first franchise in early 2008
- Over the past 13 years, has had many cross functional roles including operations and development globally in 15 countries