If you’ve ever struggled to find high-quality child care, you’re not alone. According to Zippia, about half of Americans struggle with finding child care, and that is the exact reason Kathy Livingston and Sergio Mormile founded Oliver’s Nannies. By Shelby Green
Caregivers nationwide are invited to virtual career fairs.
DENVER — From coast to coast, and hundreds of cities in between, College Nannies + Sitters is putting out the call for more caregivers. College Nannies is already the largest employer of nannies and sitters in the United States, and the company is hiring to meet increasing demand.
“As parents return to the office full-time or on hybrid schedules, their need for care solutions is growing, and we want to help,” says Joe Loch, Brand President of College Nannies + Sitters. “We are looking for passionate people to join our care team so we can provide families with much-needed support.”
College Nannies is hosting a series of national virtual career fairs with the next one happening on August 25th. Anyone who loves working with children is encouraged to upload their resume and meet with their local office at collegenanniesandsitters.easyvirtualfair.com.
“Whether someone brings experience as a camp counselor, neighborhood babysitter, education major or a lifetime of experience as a caregiver, joining our team rounds out their work experience and lets their skills shine — all while making a difference for children and families,” says Laura Davis, Franchise Owner for College Nannies + Sitters.
All of College Nannies’ locations across 30 states have immediate full-time and part-time positions available. Caregivers are employees of College Nannies and receive a consistent paycheck, supportive management team and professional development opportunities. Families are fully vetted for a safe work environment.
The virtual career fairs will be held on August 25th and September 29th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Advance registration is recommended but not required.
About College Nannies + Sitters:
With over 180 territories in 30 states, College Nannies + Sitters is the nation’s most respected, complete and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident, well-adjusted kids. Since 2001, local professional teams across the country have helped thousands of busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter or have help on hand with a part-time or full-time nanny. College Nannies is a wholly owned subsidiary in the Bright Horizons Family of Childcare Solutions and is ranked as one of the top 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2020. For more information, visit: Collegenanniesandsitters.com.
Demand for caregivers grows nationwide as parents return to work.
DENVER — From coast to coast, and hundreds of cities in between, College Nannies + Sitters is putting out the call for more caregivers. College Nannies is already the largest employer of nannies and sitters in the United States, and the company is hiring to meet increasing demand.
“With the return to the office or hybrid work, families need care solutions now more than ever,” says Joe Loch, Brand President of College Nannies + Sitters. “If you are passionate about children, we are looking for you to join our care team.”
College Nannies is hosting a series of national virtual career fairs starting July 28th. Anyone who loves working with children is encouraged to upload their resume and meet with their local office at collegenanniesandsitters.easyvirtualfair.com.
“Whether someone brings experience as a camp counselor, neighborhood babysitter, education major or a lifetime of experience as a caregiver, joining our team rounds out their work experience and lets their skills shine — all while making a difference for children and families,” says Laura Davis, Franchise Owner for College Nannies + Sitters.
All of College Nannies’ locations across 30 states have immediate full-time and part-time positions available. Caregivers are employees of College Nannies and receive a consistent paycheck, supportive management team and professional development opportunities. Families are fully vetted for a safe work environment.
The virtual career fairs will be held July 28th, August 25th and September 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Advanced registration is recommended but not required.
For more information or to arrange interviews about the virtual career fairs, please contact Allison Ortiz at allison@media-minefield.com or 612.924.3788.
With over 180 territories in 30 states, College Nannies + Sitters is the nation’s most respected, complete and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident, well-adjusted kids. Since 2001, local professional teams across the country have helped thousands of busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter or have help on hand with a part-time or full-time nanny. College Nannies is a wholly owned subsidiary in the Bright Horizons Family of Childcare Solutions and is ranked as one of the top 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2020. For more information, visit: Collegenanniesandsitters.com.
Exclusive research demonstrates unique situations families are facing.
DENVER — New research by College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors gives unique insight into the situations American families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the largest employer of nannies, sitters and tutors in the United States, College Nannies is utilizing this research to reimagine its care to meet parents’ evolving needs.
“During these unprecedented times, it’s crucial for us to understand families’ circumstances and priorities,” says Joe Loch, Brand President of College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors. “With nearly 200 College Nannies locations across the country, we are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional care that carries out our mission of building stronger families.”
The national poll uncovered four clusters of parents:
Safety First parents (32%) are often more afraid and trying to get by day to day until the crisis passes. Their top childcare priority is a caregiver who wears a mask and practices social distancing.
Head Off Chaos families (28%) are mostly managing without help and want things to go back to normal. They want a caregiver who helps the household run smoothly and adjusts to changing needs.
Help With Chaos parents (22%) are used to dealing with uncertainty and often try to handle things on their own. They’re seeking a caregiver who keeps children engaged in schoolwork and activities.
Education First parents (19%) feel like they have a handle on childcare and safety and want to make sure their kids keep learning throughout the pandemic. Their biggest childcare priority is a tutor who can help children succeed.
“Parents have never experienced anything like this — working from home while simultaneously helping children with distance learning. This insight allows us to evolve our personalized care solutions to meet the changing needs of families across the nation,” says Heather Hurley, College Nannies Director of Marketing.
“We have been able to build a team of nannies, sisters and tutors to support four different parenting needs,” says Laura Davis, College Nannies franchise owner. “No other agency can deeply understand the different situations families are facing and truly band together to offer the best care.”
The online survey was conducted from August 5 – 31st with a group of 827 participants from across the country with a household income minimum of $200,000 and at least one child under the age of 11.
About College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors:
With nearly 200 territories in 29 states, College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors is the nation’s most respected, complete and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident, well-adjusted kids. Since 2001, local professional teams across the country have helped thousands of busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter, have help on hand with a part-time or full-time nanny or get their college-bound student the tutoring they need to succeed. College Nannies is a wholly owned subsidiary in the Bright Horizons Family of Childcare Solutions and is ranked as one of the top 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2020. For more information, visit: collegenanniesandtutors.com
Lara Olson, founder and chief creative officer of Kidcreate Studio, is on a mission to solve the growing issue of the decline in children’s art education. A creative mind herself, Lara understands the importance of offering children the opportunity to express themselves through art. By Charlotte Wagner
Abhay Shinde, Tanmay Dharmadhikari and Sagar Laghate Will Open Pools in East Cobb and Roswell.
ATLANTA — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is partnering with Abhay Shinde, Tanmay Dharmadhikari, and Sagar Laghate to bring two pools to North Atlanta over the next two years. The trio signed on to be Big Blue franchise partners because they were drawn to the high-quality investment opportunity and best-in-class consumer offerings.
“Abhay, Tanmay, and Sagar make a powerhouse team as franchise partners and we are excited about the expansion they will bring to Atlanta,” said Scott Thompson, Big Blue’s Chief Development Officer. “Sagar, Abhay, and Tanmay have always wanted to own a business together in the child enrichment space, and we know they will live the Big Blue mission and create inspiring moments for kids and families throughout the greater Atlanta area.”
This is the first franchise partnership for the trio and they look forward to the services and expertise provided by Big Blue’s leadership team, including full support in site location, lease negotiation, construction, and facilities management.
“As part of the Big Blue Swim School family, we will help the youth and families in our community with this vital life skill,” said Dharmadhikari. “Big Blue teaches children how to be safe around the water and grow in confidence as they learn to swim. Most importantly, they have fun while learning. We are proud to have the opportunity to deliver Big Blue’s mission to the families in Atlanta.”
Atlanta is the home to Level 5 Capital Partners, who invested in Big Blue Swim School in 2017 to grow the company through franchising. Big Blue Swim School will open its first pool in Atlanta this spring in Johns Creek.
Since launching in 2009, Big Blue has approached swim instruction holistically, imparting confidence and self-esteem in students while providing parents with feedback on their child’s progress. Started by five-time National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue Swim School is emerging as one of the dominant players in the $3 billion swim school industry. The brand’s semi-absentee business model supports franchise partners with proprietary enterprise technology, a recession-resistant business model, and strong unit economics. With 66 franchises locations sold in 14 states, Big Blue is positioned to be the market leader in an underserved and fragmented industry valued at $3B annually.
ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL
Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.
With best-in-class consumer offerings, strong leadership support, and a recession-resistant business model, Big Blue has grown to five corporate-owned pools and 66 sold franchise units across 14 states.
CHICAGO — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is wrapping up its first year of franchise sales with 66 units sold. Big Blue Swim School has received recognition as a Top 100 Game Changer according to Franchise Dictionary Magazine, expanded its leadership team and further developed its stellar local marketing support. Fueled by its incredible momentum in 2019, the brand is well on its way to signing 150 pools by 2021 and becoming the dominant swim lesson brand in America.
Since last year, Chicago-based Big Blue has staked its claim within the lucrative $3 billion swim school industry, establishing an ever-growing footprint with signed franchise agreements in strategic markets including Chicago, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Raleigh, and Austin, as well as in the states of New Jersey, Florida, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. The brand has also signed leases in Colorado, Virginia, and Maryland, and is nearing an Atlanta area opening this spring.
“As an emerging franchise brand, we accomplished the 50-units sold mark in less than a year,” said founder and U.S. competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. “Because of our strong leadership team, proprietary enterprise technology and consumer focused differentiators in the space, we know that our 2021 goal of 150 locations is completely achievable. Every Dive-in Day brings in five to ten buying groups, and they’re typically purchasing multiple units, so we’re feeling confident about reaching our growth goals.”
In March of 2019, Big Blue opened a new pool in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, marking the company’s best opening and strongest first month sales. The company attributes that success to its New Pool Opening process. This proven weekly process includes a robust marketing plan ensuring that each location will operate on day one like it is year five.
Last year also saw an expansion of Big Blue’s leadership team with the hiring of former PepsiCo exec Brooke Mallick and franchise industry veteran Justin Waltz to lead marketing and operations, respectively.
“Brooke and Justin have hit the ground running, focusing on developing strong marketing and operations programs for our franchise partners as we grow the brand,” said CEO Chris Kenny. “The goal of every person on our corporate team is to provide hands-on support to our franchise partners to get them to profitability more quickly so they can open more locations to provide families across the country with a valuable life skill.”
In addition, the brand has built an impressive board of directors, including franchise industry veterans like 2020 International Franchise Association Chairperson and FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson, who are helping position the brand for explosive success with strategic guidance and operational expertise.
Big Blue’s white-hot franchise growth can be attributed to semi-absentee franchise partners looking to maximize their time and their capital. Among other consumer-facing features, the company’s cloud-based enterprise system, LessonBuddy™ is designed so franchise partners can operate successful pools without needing a daily presence.
Plus, Big Blue leverages its team of real estate professionals to assist in site selection, construction, and facilities management . The team uses market knowledge and data-driven real estate assessment methodology to identify prime locations in trade areas across the country that are in a parent’s path of least resistance. Each location is analyzed to fit the brand’s member profile. This allows franchise partners to scale quickly across multiple units and, ultimately, contribute to Big Blue’s rapid franchise growth.
“We have always known that Big Blue is a special opportunity thanks to our mission-driven business focused on creating big, life-changing moments for kids and our strong support infrastructure for franchise partners. After our successful 2019, we are proud to be recognized for our achievements,” said DeJong. “We are uniquely positioned to go from game changer to industry leader.”
By combining a data-driven business model, growth-oriented franchise partners, and the insight of an expert leadership team, Big Blue is ready to make an even bigger splash in 2020.
Multi-unit opportunities are available for qualified candidates looking for their next big opportunity, and veterans can receive a 10 percent discount on the $75,000 franchise fee. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new Big Blue Swim School is $1,825,500 to $3,687,000 (refer to item 7 in FDD). To learn more or inquire about Big Blue Swim School, visit https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/.
ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL
Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.
Father and Son Team Will Open Three Pools in the Austin Area
AUSTIN, Texas — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is officially coming to the Lone Star State, through franchise partners Neel and Rohit Patel. The father-and-son franchising duo plan to open three Big Blue Swim Schools in the Austin area over the next three years. The two recently signed on as franchise partners as they were drawn to the high-quality investment opportunity and best-in-class consumer offerings of Big Blue.
“We are very excited to have Neel and Rohit join the Big Blue team and lead our program in Austin,” said Scott Thompson, Big Blue’s Chief Development Officer. “As successful entrepreneurs with strong commitments to serving their community, we know they will live the Big Blue mission and inspire big moments for kids and families throughout the greater Austin area.”
Both Neel and Rohit believe the Austin market is ideal for Big Blue’s swim school offering. This is the first franchise partnership for the pair and they look forward to the services and expertise provided by Big Blue’s leadership team, including insight into site selection, lease negotiation, facility construction, and management.
“Big Blue features a recession-resistant model, data-driven enterprise system and solid lasting power in the market, but most importantly, it’s a mission-driven business that helps to prevent drowning by teaching a critical life skill,” said Rohit Patel. “Big Blue provides each child with an opportunity for a lifetime of positive swimming experiences and we are proud to deliver that mission to the families of Austin.”
“We look forward to working with the team to expand and grow throughout Austin,” said Neel Patel. “When we were debating where to locate our pools, we immediately thought of Austin. In addition to a booming economy and job market, the city has one of the fastest-growing family populations in the U.S. The area is perfect for delivering Big Blue’s programs and creating big, life-changing moments for kids and families.”
Since launching in 2009, Big Blue has approached swim instruction holistically, imparting confidence and self-esteem in students while providing parents with feedback on their child’s progress. The brands semi-absentee business model supports franchise partners with proprietary technology, top-tier franchisor support, and strong unit economics. With 59 franchises locations sold in 12 states, Big Blue is positioned to be the market leader in an underserved and fragmented industry valued at $3B annually.
ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL
Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.
Industry veteran helps execute growth plan to position the franchise as a national leader
CHICAGO — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest growing swim school franchises, has announced the appointment of franchise veteran Dennis Campbell as Vice President of Franchise Development.
“I am excited to join the team as Big Blue Swim School’s Vice President of Franchise Development,” said Campbell. “Their best-in-class offerings, data-driven approach, and proprietary technology position them well for longevity and success in the swim instruction industry and I look forward to bringing Big Blue’s high-performing investment opportunity to franchise partners around the country.”
Founded by U.S. National Champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue Swim School takes a holistic approach to swim instruction, developing critical life skills like confidence and self-esteem consistent with children’s developmental levels. The brand has the depth of leadership and strong investment model to emerge as a leader in the swim school industry.
Campbell has more than 12 years of experience in franchise development and has a strong track record of helping brands expand through franchising. He most recently served as Vice President of Fuzz Wax Bar, Canada’s leading wax bar franchise, helping educate and guide potential franchise partners through the investment opportunity. Prior to that, he worked as the Vice President of Franchise Development at the premier in-home tutoring service franchise, Tutor Doctor.
“Since launching its franchise program, Big Blue Swim School has signed 58 franchise locations,” said Scott Thompson, Chief Development Officer at Big Blue Swim School. “Dennis’ knowledge and expertise in franchising will allow him to leverage Big Blue’s strong unit model to accelerate our growth in key markets around the country.”
With key differentiators such as LessonBuddy™, a proprietary and easy-to-use lesson management platform, a proven curriculum, and optimized operational model involving data-driven capacity planning, Big Blue is positioned to become a dominant player in the $3 billion swim school industry.
“In addition to the consumer proposition, strong support for both incoming and established franchise partners makes Big Blue a franchising opportunity not to be missed,” said Thompson. “Everyone on the development team is excited about the skill set and expertise Dennis is bringing to Big Blue Swim School.”
Big Blue Swim School is a mission-driven business focused on creating big, life-changing moments for kids and families. The semi-absentee business model supports franchise partners with proprietary technology, top-tier franchisor support, and strong unit economics. The company is currently rolling out an aggressive strategy to grow through franchising to 150 pools in 2021.
ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL
Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.
Denver-based entrepreneurs sign lease on the first of five Big Blue pools
DENVER — Big Blue Swim School, one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises, is coming to Colorado thanks to Denver-based entrepreneurs Wendy and Erik Skaalerud. The pair recently signed a lease for their first pool, which will be located at the intersection of Himalaya and Smokey Hill Road in Centennial, Colorado.
As initial investors and franchisees of Orangetheory Fitness, Erik and Wendy grew their Denver footprint for Orangetheory to 30 locations before selling. The couple also started their own finance company 15 years ago—Capital Lending—to help small business owners get off the ground financially. When the two learned about Big Blue Swim School while looking for their next franchising endeavor, they were attracted to the high-quality investment opportunity and the best-in-class consumer offering.
“Big Blue offers a recession-resistant model with solid lasting power in the market, but most importantly, it’s a mission-driven business that helps prevent drowning by teaching a necessary and critical life skill,” said Erik Skaalerud. “We are excited to create a whole culture of quality swimmers and open the door to a new level of swim instruction in Colorado.”
The Skaaleruds signed a five-unit deal in March of 2019, becoming Big Blue’s first franchise partner. As they prepare to open the Centennial Big Blue Swim School, they will continue scouting real estate for four additional Big Blue pools in the surrounding areas.
“As we grow with Big Blue Swim School, we look forward to building an incredible community of families who value confidence, water safety and fun,” said Wendy Skaalerud. “Erik and I made a life commitment to align with people of integrity, kindness, grace and authenticity and the team at Big Blue fits the bill completely.”
Since opening in 2009, Big Blue has worked to change the way swim lessons are taught. “Everything we do is focused on showing kids they can do anything through the magic of weekly swim lessons,” said Chris DeJong, Founder of President of Big Blue Swim School. “This mission drives every operation at Big Blue and we think Erik and Wendy will deliver that mission with passion and enthusiasm.”
With an aggressive growth plan in place, Big Blue has already signed 58 units across the country. With a goal of reaching 150 units by 2021, the brand is uniquely positioned to be the leader in the $3 billion learn-to-swim industry. “The Big Blue brand offers franchise partners strong differentiators like a superior curriculum focused on distance-based learning, an innovative proprietary enterprise system, a data-driven real estate strategy and top-tier franchisor support,” said Big Blue’s Chief Development Officer, Scott Thompson. “Beyond that, Big Blue has the experience and data-driven approach needed to scale quickly.”
“We are very excited about Erik and Wendy’s first Big Blue Swim School opening in Centennial,” said Thompson. “Their franchise and business experience will help set them up to be strong and successful franchise partners in Colorado. Their passion for mission-driven work means they will deliver on the Big Blue mission to inspire big moments for kids in the communities they serve.”
ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL
Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong. The first location opened in Wilmette, Illinois, followed by four additional Chicagoland schools. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a stake in the brand. Through that investment, Big Blue plans to grow through franchising to 150 pools by 2021. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate expertise, strong brand, proprietary technology, and leadership support, coupled with its best-in-class consumer offerings, position its franchise partners for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Big Blue Swim School, visit http://YourBigMomentStartsHere.com.