AQUATICS INTERNATIONAL: Big Blue Launches Rapid Growth Plan

Big Blue Swim School has signed franchise partner Woody Alpern to take the already rapidly expanding company to even more major markets across the Southeast. Joining the system is Alpern, a nationally known professional diving instructor, and his business partner Gerry Benjamin, who has extensive business experience investing in industries that include franchising and hospitality. According to Aquatics International , the expansion plans are impressive:

> The team plans to eventually open 35 locations throughout the Southeastern U.S. The $87 million deal is expected to lead to nine locations in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market; four in Jacksonville, Fla.; three in Tampa, Fla.; four in Nashville, Tenn.; five in Charlotte, N.C.; seven in Atlanta; and three in Louisville/Lexington, Ky. Altogether, these new schools are expected to create 1,000 to 1,400 jobs.

As brick-and-mortar retailers fold up shop, Big Blue Swim School is targeting now-empty spaces in malls and other shopping centers for their new locations and are looking to keep drive-times in the 15-minute range from densely populated areas.