Goldfish Swim School Ranked on Inc. Magazine’s Annual Inc. 5000 List for Fifth Straight Year

TROY, Mich. – Inc. magazine revealed that Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, the premier learn-to-swim franchise concept, has made the annual Inc. 5000 list for the fifth straight year. The 2019 list notes the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Goldfish Swim School’s consecutive ranking puts the brand in an elite group; less than five percent of companies make the list five years in a row.

The Inc. 5000 represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—independent small businesses. Goldfish Swim School began in 2006 as a basement operation, and has since grown to operate 91 schools across North America with an additional 100+ in development. 2019 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for the growing brand, having already opened 12 locations, projecting to reach its 100th school milestone by year-end.

“Being ranked on the Inc. 5000 list since 2014 has pushed us day in and day out,” said Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School. “We continue to innovate and grow with smart, passionate franchise partners committed to bettering the communities in which we operate. This is our 10th year in franchising and as we approach our 100th opening, we’ll keep building on our notoriety as we expand our presence across North America.”

Not only have the companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2019 Inc. 5000 achieved an astounding three-year average growth of 454 percent, and a median rate of 157 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 1,216,308 jobs over the past three years.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have followed so many different paths to success,” says Inc. editor in chief James Ledbetter. “There’s no single course you can follow or investment you can take that will guarantee this kind of spectacular growth. But what they have in common is persistence and seizing opportunities.”

Goldfish Swim School has built an incredible infrastructure for growth – complete with increased support and services to members and its franchisees to assure a Golden Experience & Extraordinary Results across the board. Most recently, the company invested in a state-of-the-art training pool at its franchise headquarters. The pool helps to provide a best-in-class training program through Goldfish University. The brand also made key internal hires including a Vice President of Construction, People & Culture Manager and Marketing Performance and Analytics Manager, all while enhancing its vendor partnerships – most notably with a new POS and technology platform being rolled out systemwide.

About Goldfish Swim School

Founded by husband and wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years. Classes are offered by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly and fun environment using their research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Goldfish currently teaches more than 135,000 students per week to swim and be safer in and around the water. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Goldfish Swim School was established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2006, and opened its first franchise location in 2009. Recently, the brand was recognized by Entrepreneur in its 2019 Franchise 500 ranking and Inc. Magazine’s 2019 Top 5000. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America, with 92 schools open, and an additional 100+ in development in more than 34 states and Canada.

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

The 2019 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2015 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2015. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2018. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2015 is $100,000; the minimum for 2018 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue.

About Inc. Media

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. took home the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. The total monthly audience reach for the brand has been growing significantly, from 2,000,000 in 2010 to more than 20,000,000 today.

The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of these companies. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.

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