Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek recognized at annual conference honoring entrepreneurs’ outstanding efforts
TROY, Mich., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Franchise Association (IFA) has named Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC multi-unit franchisees the McCaghy/Marszalek Group, led by Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek, its 2024 Franchisee of the Year.
McCaghy and Marszalek, who own and operate six Goldfish Swim School locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts, were honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas for being outstanding franchise owner-operators. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from around the globe.
“For the past 10 years, Tracey and Steve have stood out as exceptional Goldfish Swim School franchisees, seamlessly combining strategic expertise, hands-on leadership and an unwavering commitment to our core values,” said Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. “Their dedication to excellence not only earned their Manchester, Connecticut, location the honor of 2024 School of the Year but continues to create a thriving, community-focused environment where children learn to be safer in and around the water. We are honored to celebrate their well-earned recognition as IFA Franchisee of the Year.”
In addition to its award-winning Manchester location, McCaghy/Marszalek Group’s growing portfolio includes two Massachusetts schools in Braintree (2016) and Norwood (2018), and three additional Connecticut locations: Norwalk (2018), Stamford (2020) and Cromwell (2024). Under their hands-on leadership, enrollment at these locations consistently surpasses system averages, with its team teaching water safety and life skills to more than 7,000 children annually.
“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said IFA President and CEO Matt Haller. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Tracey McCaghy and Steve Marszalek with the highest honor IFA awards to franchisees, and we salute their tireless efforts to lift up all those they serve.”
The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.
Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years, teaching children how to be safer in and around the water. Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. Each school’s No. 1 focus and main priority is always the same — educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.
Franchise opportunities remain available in California, Tampa, Dallas and other markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.
About Goldfish Swim School:
Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 185 schools in over 35 states and Canada, with an additional 160-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 75 overall in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500® and has been recognized as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for nine consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times’ Top Brand to Buy in 2024 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2025.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Tabacnic
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817-329-3257
SOURCE Goldfish Swim School
