What is the definition of a 'Managing Owner' for a Big Blue Swim School franchise?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If this is your first BIG BLUE Swim School, your Managing Owner must attend a two (2) day initial orientation session on the Franchise System at our principal business address (or another location we designate) before you open the School. We also will furnish without additional charge, at a designated training location of our choice (which may be our corporate headquarters, an operating BIG BLUE Swim School, and/or your School) and/or through video and other electronic means, an initial training program ("Initial Training") on operating a BIG BLUE Swim School for your Managing Owner and up to three (3) additional people. We may charge our then-current training fee for each person beyond four (4) people that you send to Initial Training. Initial Training will last for the time we specify and focuses on our philosophy, Brand Standards, and the material aspects of operating a BIG BLUE Swim School, excluding aspects relating to labor relations and employment practices. Our training program may include a "train the trainer" module so that your senior-level personnel can learn how to train your other employees to follow our Brand Standards.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Big Blue Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Managing Owner' is used frequently but not explicitly defined. The FDD specifies that if a franchisee is opening their first Big Blue Swim School, the Managing Owner must attend a two-day initial orientation session. This individual, along with up to three others, also participates in an initial training program covering the brand's philosophy, standards, and operational aspects, excluding labor relations and employment practices.
The Managing Owner, along with general and assistant managers, may also be required to attend retraining sessions if they fail to complete the initial training satisfactorily or if inspections reveal the school isn't meeting brand standards. The franchisee is responsible for covering employee compensation and travel-related expenses during these retraining periods. Furthermore, if a Managing Owner cannot complete the initial training, Big Blue Swim School reserves the right to require the franchisee to designate a replacement who must then undergo the training.
While the FDD does not provide a formal definition, the document emphasizes the Managing Owner's role in training and adherence to brand standards. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Big Blue Swim School regarding the specific responsibilities and qualifications expected of a Managing Owner to ensure they understand the commitment involved.