Swim School recently marked two significant milestones: celebrating three decades in operation and also becoming a 100% employee-owned company. This transformation represents a focus on long-term stability and community engagement over traditional exit strategies.
Ocaquatics’ ownership transformation is not just a significant move for the company but also serves as an example for other businesses, which the interview with Oca below covers in detail. My business was growing and we were teaching swimming in multiple outdoor pools. But we were also constantly navigating Miami’s weather challenges and outgrowing our leased spaces. I learned to be creative and continually think outside of the box. I eventually made a scary and risky decision to do something very different by building an indoor facility. Expanding our operations required perseverance and taking well-researched, calculated risks.
When it comes to employee ownership, I can’t think of anyone better to continue the legacy and care best for its mission and purpose than those who helped bring it to life. I’ve been developing the team for 30 years, and I know that they are the best qualified to carry on. I am so incredibly proud to be 100% employee owned!
I also chose an EOT because I am not ready to go anywhere yet! This structure allows me to actively participate in the company’s future. I am now a co-owner with my team members and now we have lots of owners. This means there are more people thinking about how we can be more effective, efficient and profitable. Ownership can make a big difference in the success of this company as well as for our team members personally.