#USA #Greensboro #Franchise Award #swim education #Goldfish Swim

Goldfish Swim School's 20th Anniversary

In an amazing celebration of two decades of excellence, Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC hosted its annual Owners' Celebration in Greensboro, Georgia. This year’s event was a special occasion as it coincided with the brand's 20th anniversary, a milestone that emphasizes its commitment to water safety education for children. The celebration honored outstanding franchisees who have excelled in their operations and community involvement.

The highlight was the announcement of the Franchisee of the Year award, presented to The Meilleur Group, which operates nine swim schools across North Carolina, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. Mike Meilleur leads this extraordinary team, recognized for its culture of accountability and continuous improvement, making a significant impact on their community and the wider Goldfish franchise.

Chris McCuiston, the co-founder and CEO of Goldfish Swim School, remarked on the brand's mission since inception: to promote water safety and create a community-focused business model. He shared appreciation for all franchise owners, noting that their dedication and hard work help make Goldfish Swim School what it is today.

In addition to the primary award, several schools were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

• - School of the Year Award: The Goldfish Swim School located in Saint Johns, Florida, owned by Katy, Pat, and Ryan Murphy along with Mike Sullivan, stood out for its exceptional quality of service, leading to high satisfaction among families.
• - Rookie of the Year Award: Acworth, Georgia's swim school, owned by Amy and Marty Shelata, showed rapid growth and strong community ties, setting a benchmark for new franchisees.

Furthermore, five additional schools were honored with Core Value Awards highlighting their commitment to the ethos of the Goldfish brand:

• - Going Above and Beyond: Goldfish Swim School, West Chester, Ohio
• - Providing WOW! Customer Service: Goldfish Swim School, Centereach, New York
• - Treating People with Integrity: Goldfish Swim School, Boise, Idaho
• - Exceeding Expectations: Goldfish Swim School, Wyckoff, New Jersey
• - Celebrating Achievements: Goldfish Swim School, Mount Laurel, New Jersey

The Goldfish Swim School brand continues to gain recognition in the industry. It was named a Top Recession-Resistant Franchise for 2026 by Franchise Business Review, marking its third consecutive receipt of this honor. Furthermore, it earned a spot in the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, showcasing its rapid growth among private companies in the U.S.

Founded in 2006 by Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School aims to provide quality swim lessons and water safety education for children aged four months to twelve years. Their unique approach, known as The Science of SwimPlay®, combines child-friendly methods with safety-focused curriculums, supporting accelerated learning in both swimming skills and confidence. With over 200 locations across more than 40 states and Canada, and another 150-plus in development, Goldfish Swim School is a leader in children’s swim education.

For those interested in joining this successful franchise, further information is available on their website, showcasing various franchising opportunities and the vision behind the brand.

In conclusion, the 20th anniversary celebration stood as a testament to Goldfish Swim School's commitment to community, excellence, and the essential service of water safety education. The recognition of franchisees showcased the impact they have not only on their students but also on their surrounding communities, embodying the values that Goldfish Swim School stands for.