---
title: "Local Entrepreneurs to Open Two Big Blue Swim Schools in North Atlanta"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/c289688e-bcb2-4c6e-98d6-ca0bae13193c
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20200220_local_entrepreneurs_to_open_two_big_blue_swim_scho.html
category: "Swim"
industry: "Education & Childcare"
segment: "Swim"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2020-02-20T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T04:08:51.144Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/bigblueswimschool.jpg
---

# Local Entrepreneurs to Open Two Big Blue Swim Schools in North Atlanta

**TL;DR:** Big Blue Swim School is expanding its presence in North Atlanta through a partnership with local entrepreneurs Abhay, Tanmay, and Sagar, who will open two pools in the region. The brand, founded by Chris DeJong in 2009, has 66 franchise locations sold in 14 states and plans to grow to 150 pools by 2021.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2020-02-20. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20200220_local_entrepreneurs_to_open_two_big_blue_swim_scho.html).*

## Story

“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.

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.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- franchise expansion (topic)
- Education & Childcare (sector)
- partnership (topic)
- Big Blue Swim School (company)
- Scott Thompson (person)
- Chris DeJong (person)
- Level 5 Capital Partners (investor)
- growth plans (topic)
- Level 5 Capital Partners investment in Big Blue Swim School (deal)
- swim school industry (topic)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20200220_local_entrepreneurs_to_open_two_big_blue_swim_scho.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/c289688e-bcb2-4c6e-98d6-ca0bae13193c).