With pent up demand from families itching to get out of the house, the emerging swim school franchise opens on a Rocky Mountain high note.

It’s official: Big Blue Swim School’s Colorado debut is one for the record books. Located in Centennial, roughly 20 minutes southeast of downtown Denver, the franchise partner-owned operation opened with nearly 1,982 pre-registered children, more than any other location debut to date.

For owners Wendy and Erik Skaalerud, who first signed on with the franchise in 2019, the strong opening numbers are even better than what they anticipated. 

“It feels good to have so many people ready to join us in our mission,” said Erik. “It’s magical. It’s like building a rocket and watching it take off for the first time.”

Chicago-based Big Blue Swim School offers effective swim lessons for families with children ages three months to 12 years old, taught by highly trained professional swim associates. Big Blue ensures kids are being educated on swim safety as well as ensuring parents schedule and reschedule lessons with ease through its proprietary technology. 

The brand is opening new franchise locations across the country. Big Blue currently has commitments for 161 schools across 22 states, aiming for 170 commitments by the end of the year. 

As seasoned franchise industry vets, the Skaaleruds have an eye for a good opportunity. The couple started a franchising finance company in the early 2000s before becoming early franchise partners in mega-popular Orangetheory Fitness, operating locations and helping develop many more.

When they looked for their next franchising opportunity, the Skaaleruds discovered Big Blue Swim School and immediately became hooked on both the business plan and the brand’s mission.

“Wendy and I looked at it together, and we were sold,” said Erik.  “When we did a tour and met the senior leadership, we immediately liked the business and what they’re providing to the community. It just felt like a great business opportunity that is actually making a difference in the lives of families they serve,” said Erik. 

“The vibrancy of the community Eric and Wendy have created in Centennial is so inspiring, and the pre-enrollment numbers are just astounding,” said Chris DeJong, founder and president of Big Blue. “I attended the grand opening celebration, and the energy in the pool and in the whole building was just palpable. You can sense all the excitement. The Skaaleruds represent the kind of franchise partners we look to join our franchise system.”

For the Skaaleruds, the Big Blue corporate team was essential in helping them open this location. From guiding them to pick the perfect site (a former Safeway supermarket) to overseeing the site construction, they feel they could not have asked for a better support system. 

“The process has been amazing,” said Erik. “Our partners at Big Blue’s corporate office were absolutely integral to our ability to open with these kinds of numbers and with this level of success right out the gate. They’ve offered great support every step of the way, including everything from social media advertising to staff training to the construction itself.”

With their first Big Blue store open, the Skaaleruds have future locations on their radar. “We bought five units, and we’re aiming to deliver all five in four years,” said Erik. “I feel like we are right on track to do that.”

Multi-unit franchise opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $80,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue Swim School is $2,334,223 to $3,641,998 (refer to item 7 in FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School, visit https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.