CHRISTINE HOWE, Partner & Director of Swim School Operations; JULIA ECKHARDT, Partner & Operations Manager; LINDA BOHN, Partner & Regional Manager
What is Njswim best known for?
Christine Howe: We teach thousands of swim lessons every week, starting with Water Babies at three months old. We offer a developmental approach to swimming, year-round, in heated pools with private and small group swim lessons for children of all ages and abilities.
What sets the Njswim brand apart?
CH: “Warm Water—Cool Teachers—Happy Kids.” Each child who walks through the door is cared for, loved and taught in a way that benefits and works for them! From our heated pools to our state-of-the-art facilities and certified staff, our business model is unique. Julia Eckhardt: Every team member, from lifeguards to upper-level management, is a swim teacher, trained and certified to deliver our in-water curriculum, supreme customer service and keep safety first. Our kind and loving, yet effective approach to teaching swim lessons has been the hallmark of our success.
How has Njswim evolved?
CH: When I first started almost 11 years ago, we had one location and about 15 team members. We are currently in the process of building our sixth location and have more than 100 employees. Today we have more systems and processes in place to ensure that all five Njswim locations are operating to the same standards.
What are your happiest moments as a business owner?
JE: Seeing the magical moments of a child progressing from a water baby all the way through learning the four swim strokes. The confidence and sheer joy of accomplishment that learning how to swim brings to a child makes me happy.
What was a moment when you knew your business was nailing it?
CH: Seeing team members who love coming to work every day. Watching them grow on their career path and work their way from part-time swim teachers to upper management positions. In some instances, our team members are now partners—amazing!
Can you name a recent milestone you are proud of?
Linda Bohn: When Njswim Manasquan reached enrollment of 800 active swimmers in February. It was an unbelievable feeling.
What’s on the horizon for Njswim?
LB: This summer we’ll open our sixth location in Brick. The new, custom-designed 8,000-square-foot aquatic center will feature a state-of-the-art pool, custom changing rooms, stroller parking and hair drying stations. The new location will be open year-round offering the highest quality swim lessons, water babies programs and pool parties.
How is Njswim invested in your local community?
CH: Njswim visits hundreds of elementary and preschools schools in New Jersey every year for free. We present our proprietary Water Safety Curriculum, designed for kids to recognize various drowning risks and ways to protect themselves and other people in and around water. We’re also creating the curriculum and piloting water safety programs to be taught in public schools across New Jersey.