Wyndham’s 2024 business person of the year Shawn Read is sure to tell you that his swim school is much bigger than himself, but that shouldn’t take away from his years of great work.
Since Shawn’s Swim School opened in 1994, thousands of children have learned how to swim and be safe around water.
The swim school now has 2000 kids attending classes each week, but in 1993 all Mr Read had was a dream.
“I just thought it was a dream, but I found a little block of land in an industrial estate and built it,” Mr Read said.
“We just hoped they would come – and they did.”
It’s not unusual for those who come to stay.
“Probably 90 per cent of my staff have learned to swim at my school, so I have seen them grow up from great young kids and become great adults.”
Mr Read said a big part of letting his staff grow as instructors and people is to let them design their own lesson plans and input their best ideas.
“I think it makes you feel valued and wanted as a team member. It’s a collaboration of ideas, knowledge, skills and passion, so I think that really shines through.
“My program keeps evolving because of the new generation of teachers – they are constantly changing my program for the better.”
That dedication to excellence and evolution was recognised when the team was nominated as finalists in the best small business category.
Mr Read said while the business awards are an excellent night, the process of applying can be a great way for businesses to evaluate what they do and how they do it.
“I think it is even just a great way to evaluate your strengths or weaknesses as a business when you are filling out the form.”
As the Wyndham community grows more diverse, many of those hopping into the pool for the first time are actually adults.
“Swimming lessons for adults are very important now with the changing demographics, because there are a lot of people who didn’t have the chance to learn to swim in their country,” Mr Read said.
With 150 adults currently attending classes at his school each week and another 200 on the waiting list, it seems like a lot of people agree with him.
Entries for this year’s awards are now open and close on Friday June 13. A Business Awards Information Session will be held on
Wednesday June 4, June 1pm-2:30pm.
Whether you’re a small startup, an established enterprise, or a local leader in your industry, the Wyndham Business Awards offer an incredible opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the impact your business has made.
For more information or to enter go to wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/business-investment/business-awards-special-events/wyndham-business-awards
