Meet Scott & Christy Payne

 

We were lucky to catch up with Scott & Christy Payne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Scott & Christy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding our purpose in life was a journey intertwined with our personal and professional experiences, and ultimately led us to establish Goldfish Swim School. As parents of four children, Christy and I understood the paramount importance of swim safety from the start. Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it is the only sport that has the potential to save lives. Ensuring our children were equipped with this essential skill was a top priority, and we quickly realized that this was a mission we wanted to extend to our broader community.

Our purpose became clear as we witnessed the transformative power of swim lessons on our own children. Swimming is a lifelong skill that not only enhances safety but also opens up a world of adventures and travel opportunities. It provides peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children are capable and confident in the water. We wanted to create a space where families could experience these same benefits, fostering a community centered around water safety and swim education.

When we first considered franchise ownership, Goldfish Swim School stood out to us because of its child-centric approach. We believe that a fun, engaging environment is crucial for children to learn effectively. At Goldfish, we focus on creating a positive experience for both children and their families. We know that swim lessons can be a place where parents connect with like-minded individuals, forming friendships that extend beyond the pool. This sense of community is invaluable and is something we are proud to nurture.

Beyond the pool, giving back to our community has always been a core value for us. We see it as a way to not only fulfill our mission but also to support the diverse needs and goals of the community around us. We have partnered with local hospitals to provide complimentary swim lessons for newborns, helping to foster early water safety awareness. Additionally, we are actively involved in local events and support various community initiatives. These efforts allow us to contribute to the overall well-being of our community and align with our mission of promoting swim safety.

Our purpose is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn how to swim in a safe and supportive environment. We are driven by the impact we see in our students’ lives and the peace of mind we provide to parents. By offering high-quality swim lessons, we are not just teaching a skill; we are building a community of confident, safety-conscious families who can enjoy all the wonderful experiences that swimming brings.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Goldfish Swim School, we are dedicated to teaching children vital swimming skills in a fun and safe environment. Our passion lies in creating a positive impact on our community by ensuring every child is equipped with the ability to swim, which is a crucial life skill. What’s most exciting for us is seeing the progress and confidence that children gain through our lessons. We believe in a people-first culture, where our employees and members are valued above the bottom line. This approach has allowed us to build a supportive and enthusiastic community.

We’re particularly proud of our partnership with a select group of local hospitals across the country, where we offer three months of complimentary swim lessons for all newborns to use in our Mini 1 level (age 4 months to 15 months). This initiative promotes early swimming and helps foster bonding between parents and their babies while supporting postpartum wellness. We’ve also launched our “10 years of Making Waves in Pittsburgh” campaign in celebration of our Wexford Location’s 10-year anniversary, awarding one full year of swim lessons to 10 deserving children nominated by the community. This initiative is our way of giving back and celebrating a decade of making a difference in Pittsburgh.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been pivotal in our journey are integrity, compassion, and adaptability. Integrity has guided us to always make decisions that align with our core values, ensuring we build trust with our team and community. Compassion has been crucial in creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Adaptability has allowed us to navigate the challenges we’ve faced, from the Covid-19 pandemic to the Marshall Fires, and economic highs and lows, with resilience and a forward-thinking mindset.

Our advice for those early in their journey is to stay true to your core values and let them guide your decisions. Build a team of passionate individuals who believe in your mission and invest in their growth and well-being. Lastly, be adaptable and open to change, as it’s essential for overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we are always looking to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations that share our commitment to child safety and community wellness. We are particularly interested in collaborating with child-centric and postpartum wellness businesses. These partnerships could help us create a comprehensive resource list for new moms, enhance their postpartum journey, and support overall family well-being.

If you’re interested in collaborating, please visit our website or email us directly at [email protected] We are excited to explore new opportunities to make a positive impact together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

photo credit: Goldfish Swim School

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