Lessons from Hudson Valley Swim's Franchisee - With Nick Gartner

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

DESCRIPTION:

The Franchise Hot Seat episode features Nick Gartner, a franchisee and franchise development professional for Hudson Valley Swim. Gartner shares that he was involved with Hudson Valley Swim before it became a franchise, focusing on operations at corporate locations. He transitioned into franchise development when the company decided to franchise. Gartner and his brother opened their own Hudson Valley Swim location in Stamford, Connecticut after about a year of being franchisees.

Hudson Valley Swim is a swim school that caters to all ages and abilities, teaching survival skills, basic swimming, and competitive swimming. Gartner was attracted to the franchise because its mission and core values aligned with his own. He emphasizes the importance of core values in a franchise, citing exceptional customer service as one of Hudson Valley Swim's key values.

Before becoming a franchisee, Gartner worked in franchise development right out of college. He also had experience working at Hudson Valley Swim's corporate locations during summers in college and high school. He did not play a part in the decision to franchise the business, but he has contributed to its growth through franchise development.

Gartner discusses the challenges of becoming a franchisee, highlighting the support provided by the franchisor as a major advantage. He also notes that he always wanted to own a business and chose franchising because it offered a blueprint and ongoing support.

As a member of Generation Z, Gartner shares that 80% of his peers want to own businesses and make a positive impact on their communities. He believes that owning a business allows one to control their schedule and success. Gartner also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, stating that his work with Hudson Valley Swim saves lives by teaching an essential skill.

Gartner explains that there are many options for Gen Z individuals to afford a business right out of college, including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. He was able to secure funding for his business without much difficulty. Gartner concludes by reiterating the importance of community involvement and the benefits it offers.

- With Nick Gartner

TIMESTAMPS (Use ChatGPT on Transcript):

● 00:00: Introduction to the Franchise Hot Seat podcast.

● 00:21: Introduction of Nick Gartner as the guest.

● 00:55: Nick's background and involvement with Hudson Valley Swim.

● 02:45: Nick's decision to open his own franchise location.

● 04:11: Overview of Hudson Valley Swim and Nick's attraction to the franchise.

● 05:47: Importance of core values in franchising.

● 07:40: Nick's understanding of Hudson Valley Swim's core values.

● 09:21: Nick's role before becoming a franchisee.

● 10:37: Decision-making process behind franchising the business.

● 12:41: Challenges faced in becoming a franchisee.

● 14:56: Gen Z's perspective on business ownership and community impact.

● 17:30: Importance of giving back to the community.

● 19:23: Funding options for young entrepreneurs.

● 21:07: Importance of community involvement for Gen Z.

● 23:05: Discussion on stereotypes about Gen Z.

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Tw