No changes expected after Noblesville swim center acquisition
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe former owner of Stony Creek Swim Center in Noblesville says she expects operations to remain the same after the center was acquired by Texas-based Emler Swim School. The deal, which closed on Nov. 17, adds to Emler’s more than 40 locations across eight states.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Stony Creek co-founder Shari Gipson said the future of the company was key when considering the acquisition.
“When Greg Laird, the owner [of Emler] first approached me, he said, ‘We only acquire the best swim schools in the country, and therefore we don’t want to change anything because what you’re doing is good,” said Gipson. “The lessons will stay the same. The teachers will stay the same. And to the best of their ability, they want it to run exactly like it ran before.”
Stony Creek was established more than 20 years ago by Shari and Dan Gipson along with Shari’s parents, Gary and Evelyn Byers. The center features two pools and provides swim programs throughout the year.
Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Emler says Stony Creek will continue to operate under its existing name with no changes to enrollment plans or staff.
While operations are expected to stay the same, Gipson says people will notice a few changes.
“They are definitely going to do a few renovations at the Noblesville location,” she said. “And they are definitely looking to expand in other markets in this area. I’m working with them to guide them as to where the best locations would be.”
Stony Creek has grown from 30 swim students initially to more than 1,700 per month. Gipson says she and her husband decided it was time to slow down, which led to the sale. She adds the history of Emler made her feel like she made the right decision.
“Jan Emler was one of the pioneers in infant swimming, and at Stony Creek, infant swimming is our forte. That’s what we specialize in, and that’s what we are great at,” she said. “Part of that is because of Jan. [Through] the U.S. Swim School Association, I would go to conferences and so I knew Jan and visited her school and kind of planned my programs around what she had done. That’s why we’re so compatible now.”
Because of that history, Gipson calls selling to Emler “the right fit.”
Looking forward, Gipson says she and her husband are looking to grow their lifeguard training company, which originated from their Carmel location, and also continue their summer day camp programs in Fishers.
Emler Swim School also has locations in Texas, Kansas, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia and Wisconsin. This week, the company also announced its acquisition of King’s Swim Academy in California.