When I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2013, I had $480 to my name. No investors. No family in the U.S. I was an immigrant with a thick accent, a fire in my chest, and a dream that felt bigger than me — to live the American Dream. I didn’t have a backup plan, but I had the hunger to build something of my own — and a deep belief that the sport of swimming had more to offer than just lap lanes and stopwatches.
So I dove into a new pool:
The sport of business.
Owning a swim school wasn’t part of some polished business plan — it was my next competition. A new stage where I could take all the discipline, grit, and hustle I learned as an Olympic swimmer and apply it in a whole new way.
From a Few Lessons a Week to Florida’s Largest Swim School
The early days were raw. I taught lessons at a High School pool. I cleaned the bathrooms. I did payroll at midnight and ran marketing campaigns out of my living room.
But I loved it — not just because it was mine, but because I saw the ripple effect of our impact. We weren’t just teaching strokes. We were teaching confidence. Saving lives. Supporting families.
What started small grew steadily. By staying focused, delivering quality, and obsessing over every detail, we became Florida’s largest swim school, serving thousands of families every single week.
In 2024, I sold my business to private equity — not because I was finished, but because I was ready for what’s next..
If I Can Do It, So Can You
“I’m not a genius. I didn’t have a trust fund or a fancy MBA.
I had a relentless drive to succeed — and a swimmer’s mindset.”
If you’ve competed in the pool, you already have the tools:
- Discipline.
- Resilience.
- A deep understanding of repetition and mastery.
- The ability to bounce back when things don’t go your way.
These are the same skills it takes to win in business.
Owning a swim school isn’t just a business — it’s a mission with a margin. It’s about using your passion to serve your community, provide security for your family, and create something that lasts.
Swimming Isn’t A Failed Business Model — It’s a Misunderstood One
There are multiple verticals and industries around swimming — from education and apparel to technology and facility operations — but as swimmers, we’re taught to follow a very narrow path: Swimmers swim. And if they want a career in the sport, they become coaches.
We’re told: “Follow your passion. Change lives.”
And while that’s a beautiful mission, the reality is harsh — very few coaches are able to build an incredible career purely through coaching. This leads to burnout, financial stress, and unfortunately, great people leaving the sport far too early.
But what if you didn’t have to choose between your passion and your career?
What if you could keep doing what you love, make a real impact, and build a business that supports the life you want?
That’s the conversation we need to be having.
Let’s Build Something Together
If you’re a swimmer, a coach, or someone who’s passionate about the water and ready to take the leap into business — I’m here to help you do it.
Whether it’s franchising with my new brand or working together through consulting, I want to show you what’s possible.
From $480 and a vision, to building and selling a multi-million dollar swim school, I’ve walked the walk. And I want more swimmers to win — in and out of the pool.
Let’s turn your passion into something powerful.
Message me. Let’s talk. Let’s build.
WANT TO BUILD YOUR OWN FRANCHISE — MEET ME HERE.
ABOUT FINTASTIC
Founded by Nimrod and Kristina Shapira, FINTASTIC Swim Academy is more than just a swim school—it’s a place where lives are transformed through the power of swimming. As a 2-Time Olympic swimmer, Nimrod Shapira has a unique and inspiring journey—one that began with a near-drowning experience at the age of 7. That life-changing moment led him to the sport of swimming, where he rose to become an NCAA Division 1 Champion and an Olympian. Teaching swimming and previously building Florida’s largest swim school is more than just a business—it’s a life mission for Nimrod and Kristina.
Kristina, a World Championship swimmer, shares the same passion and dedication for water safety. Together, they are the power couple of the swim industry, leading the way in shaping the future of swim instruction. We love and breathe swimming, and our mission is to share that passion with every swimmer who walks through our doors.
“Swimming has given us everything—now it’s our turn to give back. Our goal is to make swimming safer, more accessible, and truly life-changing for all.” – Nimrod & Kristina Shapira
At FINTASTIC Swim Academy, we believe every swimmer’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support, inspire, and make a lasting impact—one stroke at a time.
Join us and experience the FINTASTIC difference!
FINTASTIC is a SwimSwam partner.
