When it comes to the vast pool of business, Rebecca McGregor is perfectly comfortable being thrown into the deep end…literally. As Vice President of Operations for Goldfish Swim School, McGregor has swam her way from a part-time employee to now overseeing ten locations in Michigan and surrounding states.
“I started working at Goldfish in Birmingham while I was in college. I’ve been a swimmer for most of my life, and am happiest around the pool,” she said. “I was nannying and coaching for a local swim team at the time, and Goldfish was a natural fit. I became hooked instantly!”
McGregor was training franchises at the flagship location in 2011 when the Ann Arbor location was ready to debut.
“I love Ann Arbor so much, and jumped at the opportunity to join their team to help them open. I still work with the same amazing group of people now,” she said. “I have an incredible team of general managers. I spend my time helping them grow in their roles by ensuring we are doing everything in our power to create a great culture for our teams, and an incredible experience for our members.”
As a mom, McGregor knows the importance of teaching water safety. But it was her own near-drowning experience as a child that left a deep impression.
“It was a typical summer day for us, with kids playing on the small beach and in the water and adults gathered on the dock above,” she said. “I was about four years old, and playing in the water where I could touch the bottom. I am not sure what caused me to go a little further out, but before I knew what was happening, I couldn’t touch the bottom and keep my head above the water at the same time.”
Her brother recognized her distress and managed to drag her onto the beach.
“My siblings and I swim with our young children in this exact spot now, but always with a designated water watcher,” McGregor said.
McGregor recognizes the importance of the school’s purpose.
“Our mission at Goldfish is to teach children to be safer in and around the water,” McGregor said.
“Swimming is a lifelong necessary skill,” McGregor said. “Water Safety is as important as car seat safety. Studies show that enrolling kids in regular, quality swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent.”
The school strives to serve all children, including those with special needs.
“As a mother of a child with autism, I know the importance of making sure all kids, regardless of ability, learn to be safer around the water. We strive as a team to make this possible every day,” McGregor said.
“At Goldfish, our staff is dedicated to seeing all kids make progress and become a safe swimmer,” McGregor said. “Between our incredible curriculum, and the passion our team has, we are ready to meet your child where they are to get them swimming.”
Getting to know Rebecca McGregor:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rochester, but spent a good chunk of summers and every holiday at my grandparents’ 1855 historic farm house in Ann Arbor.
Tell us about your family!
My husband Jeff and I have 4 boys! Stasiu (7), Edison (6), Kyree (5) and Sullivan (3). Two of our children came to our family through foster care, and we just recently finalized their adoptions.
Dream Vacation?
Giraffe Manor in Kenya
What do you like to do on a day off?
We love to find outdoor activities to do as a family, or you can find us at Goldfish swimming! My kids like lessons, but LOVE open swim!
Favorite local restaurant?
Staying with my grandparents as a kid, when Grandma had an evening PEO meeting, Grandpa would take us to Washtenaw Dairy to get a cone for dinner. It is still my favorite dinner!
Are you a book person or a movie person?
Book. I find myself listening to them a lot more than reading these days.
Favorite inspirational quote?
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” -Paulo Coelho
Are you an early riser or a night owl?
Night owl!
Any advice for other parents in the business world trying to juggle work and family?
Build community. Put yourself out there to meet other parents at school, at daycare, in your neighborhood. It can be uncomfortable, but most of them feel just as lost and lacking support as you do. We need community to support us in hard times, and to celebrate with us in good times.
