Can Big Blue Swim School disapprove a proposed Managing Owner?
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 Ini
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School FDD, the franchisor can influence the selection of a Managing Owner through training requirements. If this is the franchisee's first Big Blue Swim School, the Managing Owner must attend a two-day initial orientation session. Additionally, Big Blue Swim School will furnish an initial training program for the Managing Owner and up to three additional people without additional charge. However, Big Blue Swim School may charge a training fee for each person beyond the initial four attendees.
This initial orientation and training program is crucial for ensuring that the Managing Owner is well-versed in the Big Blue Swim School's operational standards and franchise system. The training covers various aspects of running the swim school, ensuring that the Managing Owner is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the facility effectively. By mandating this training, Big Blue Swim School maintains a level of quality and consistency across all its franchise locations.
While the FDD does not explicitly state that Big Blue Swim School has direct approval over the Managing Owner, the required training and orientation serve as a mechanism for the franchisor to ensure competence. If a proposed Managing Owner does not meet the standards during training, it could indirectly influence the franchisee's decision to appoint that individual. This indirect influence is a common practice in franchising, where franchisors set standards and provide training to maintain brand consistency and quality of service.