fbpx
Search
Search
Close this search box.
Turtle Tots

Gabrielle Lixton & Caroline Sparks

115

Share this episode

 

In today’s episode, James speaks to Gabrielle Lixton and Caroline Sparks, the Co-founders, and directors of Turtle Tots. Gaby, who had previously introduced Turtle Tots in two Bristol-based pools, recognised a growing need for swim programmes tailored to children.

Both having pursued separate corporate careers before becoming parents, the two entrepreneurs joined forces after having their own children to transform Turtle Tots into a franchise business. Today, it has blossomed into a network comprising more than 50 family-owned Turtle Tots businesses spanning the UK and Ireland.

Founded in 2011, Turtle Tots is a renowned and award-winning franchise specialising in children’s swimming education. Their distinctive child-centred swimming program commences during pregnancy and extends into specialised baby and toddler classes after birth. Turtle Tots franchises offer international entrepreneurs the chance to operate their own business, establish a flexible work-life balance, and expand their income.

In a nutshell, James, Gaby & Caroline speak about:

  • Their swimming and corporate history before founding Turtle Tots
  • Gaby’s initial launch and progression of Turtles Tots
  • Insights from how they have grown organically 13 years into the business
  • Target demographics and locations of focus
  • How their franchise is going around the elephant in the room; access to swimming facilitates
  • Their biggest differentiator against the saturated UK market
  • Business philosophies, strategies, and personal habits that keep them on top

 

…and so much more!

6:42

It was lovely to have launched something, grown it, and actually sold it
6:42

11:33

We were very aware that in order to carry on growing, we needed to build the team.
11:33

17:05

At least they’re not closing. If they’re staying open, and they’re good facilities, then at least we can do the great work that we do in the pools.
17:05

20:52

I think we all had moments where we thought, oh my God, are we even gonna have a business at the end of this? But we did manage to keep the majority of our franchisees.
20:52

33:18

You do have to just make decisions, and sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. And then you learn from your mistakes.
33:18

More impact less work

Coordinate everything in one application

Don't miss an episode!

Related episodes

Joe Lowther

Joe Lowther

James invites Joe Lowther, the CEO of KICK, a man whose faith and passion have driven him to transform the lives of countless children.

Mike Matera

Beestera Soccer Training
Mike Matera

James speaks to Mike Matera, a former professional footballer for the Western Mass Professional Soccer team, a coach, and co-founder of Beestera Soccer Training.

Grace McNamara & Louise O'Mahony

EXI
Grace McNamara & Louise O'Mahony

James speaks with Grace McNamara, Chief Executive Officer at EXI, and Louise O’Mahony, Head of Consumer Success at the innovative care delivery company.

Andrew Hicks, Craig Jones & Rob Brown

Wraparound Childcare Funding Panel

In today's episode, James features an amazing trio with bursting expertise in Wraparound childcare within the sports corporate sphere.

Graeme Eaglesham

Future Kids

In today's episode, James speaks to Graeme Eaglesham, the co-founder and CEO at Future Kids.

Paul Lawrence

Paul Lawrence

In today's episode, James speaks to Paul Lawrence, the CEO at Challenger Sports and Teamwear.

Craig Brennan, Dean Horridge & Chris Irwin

Business Acquisitions Panel

Listen in as the quad panel unravels valuable insights delving deep from their experience and positions in business growth.

Andrew Busby

Kings Active Foundation
Andrew Busby

James engages with Andrew Busby, the CEO of Kings Active Foundation, an organisation that has been driving sustained change in sports and activity for children.

Paul Gately

Obesity UK

With a professional journey spanning over two decades, Paul has directed his passion, research focus, and expertise toward Obesity UK.

Anna Kenrick

YDance
Anna Kenrick

James interviews Anna Kenrick, a remarkable individual who wears many hats - teacher, choreographer, and Artistic Director at YDANCE.

Search
Close this search box.

Thrive in a digital world

Download our Self Assessment Workbook today!