Who is required to attend the initial training program for a Goldfish Swim School franchise?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We provide you an initial training program that covers material aspects of the operation of the Franchised Swim School and is provided to protect Franchisor's brand and the Trademarks and not to control the day-to-day operations of the Franchised Swim School business. The topics covered are listed in the chart below. This required training is offered by us on an as needed basis in part by a virtual platform and in part in person at our headquarters in Troy, Michigan, or other locations we designate at a mutually convenient time for you and us. You must designate a Control Person or other owner, Designated Manager and the on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, and at least 1 other required manager as we designate at our discretion to attend the training, and each must complete to our satisfaction the initial training program of approximately 13 required days to our satisfaction at least 60 days before the opening of the franchised swim school. We expect that your attendees will advance through the training program at different rates depending on a variety of factors, including background and experience. The time frames provided in the chart are a minimum estimate of the time it will take to complete training. Training for your attendees may take longer. We do not charge for initial training. You must pay for all travel costs and living expenses for yourself and any of your attendees. These costs are estimated in ITEM 7. If you replace your Designated Manager or on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, your new Designated Manager or on-site general manager must attend our training program in order to properly implement our brand standards. You may be charged fees for additional training. Our current fees for additional training are described in ITEM 6. You are responsible for training your own employees and other management personnel. This initial training is in addition to the on-site opening assistance we provide to you. Your franchised swim school must at all times be under the day-to-day supervision of a Designated Manager who has satisfactorily completed our training program. After a replacement of the Designated Manager or on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, he or she has 60 days to complete initial training. (Section 8). You will designate a Marketing Lead who is the person responsible for all matters related to marketing, advertising, and sales at your Franchised Swim School. The Marketing Lead must attend Week 2 of the Training Program described below.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 32–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, certain individuals designated by the franchisee must attend and complete the initial training program to the franchisor's satisfaction. Specifically, the franchisee must designate a Control Person or other owner, a Designated Manager, and the on-site general manager (if different from the Designated Manager). Additionally, Goldfish Swim School reserves the right to designate at least one other required manager to attend the training.
The initial training program is designed to cover material aspects of operating the franchised swim school and to protect Goldfish Swim School's brand and trademarks. The program is offered on an as-needed basis, utilizing both a virtual platform and in-person sessions at the company's headquarters in Troy, Michigan, or other designated locations. The training is expected to take approximately 13 days, though the actual duration may vary depending on the attendee's background and experience.
Notably, if a franchisee replaces their Designated Manager or on-site general manager, the new manager must also attend the training program to ensure proper implementation of brand standards. Furthermore, the franchisee must designate a Marketing Lead who is responsible for all marketing, advertising, and sales matters at the swim school; this individual is required to attend Week 2 of the training program. The franchisor does not charge for the initial training itself, but the franchisee is responsible for covering all travel and living expenses for themselves and their attendees, with these costs estimated in Item 7 of the FDD. After a replacement of the Designated Manager or on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, he or she has 60 days to complete initial training.