How to Scale Your Franchise Without Burnout w/ Paul Preston

Are you building a franchise and wondering how to scale without sacrificing your values, sanity, or family time? 

Want to hear how the co-founder of the world’s largest swim school grew from a single pool to 170 locations and still finds time to coach Little League and be with his family?

Today’s guest, Paul Preston serves as the Co-Founder and President of Aqua-Tots Swim School, where he oversees strategic planning, growth, and franchise development of all Aqua-Tots Swim School openings worldwide.

After the rapid international growth and success of Aqua-Tots Swim School into 165 locations throughout 14 countries, Paul has been fortunate to come alongside leaders in other industries, partnering with multiple brands to create franchise opportunities.

Today, Paul also serves as an owner and partner of KTR Indoor Action Sports Playground and Uncle Bear’s Grill and Tap franchises. He is also the co-founder of The Scuba Shop, a full service PADI Scuba Diving Training Center, and Legacy Adventures, a non-profit focused on connecting fathers with their children in the great outdoors.

In today’s episode, Paul shares the beginnings of Aqua-tots and how what started in a single Arizona pool exploded internationally and not because they set out to make it huge but because people kept calling asking for more!

Paul dives into building the right team, the importance of scaling thoughtfully, and why living on a lean personal budget in the early years can be the real secret to long-term growth. And Paul lets us in on what keeps Aqua-tots culture thriving and spoiler alert its genuine care, clear values and giving grace.

So, whether you are an established franchisor or just starting out, listen in and discover how intentional leadership creates not just successful franchisees but life-long legacies.

Connect with Paul

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcpreston/

Website - https://www.aqua-tots.com/

Episode Highlights:

• Origins of Aqua-tots swim school

• Unexpected growth and early franchising decisions

• The transition from running a single location to scaling up

• Emphasis on staying humble and relatable as a leader

• The importance of authenticity in leadership

• Modeling balance for franchisees (between business and personal life)

• Redefining leadership

• Scaling up and balancing hiring and financial discipline

• The impact of implementing EOS

• International franchise expansion

Connect with Tracy

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-panase/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

JBF Franchise System - https://jbfsalefranchise.com/

Email: [e-mail]

Connect with Shannon

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwilburn/

JBF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jbfsale

Website - https://shineexecutivecoaching.com/

Email - [e-mail]