We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Emde. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I was running my business as a mobile swim school for quite a few years. After a while, I was starting to feel the stress of providing lessons at various locations. The frustrating tangle of traffic, rush-hour congestion, and extra planning was becoming a nightmare. Plus, I was paying my teachers to drive between lessons despite the fact that those drive times didn’t bring in any income. Sometimes, teachers would even get confused with all of the different locations and go to the wrong place. One lesson starting late, due to traffic, would throw off the entire day’s schedule. It was growing to be more and more difficult.

Then, a friend suggested that I move all my lessons to one primary location. I was very hesitant at first, thinking that people hired my company because of the convenience of having lessons in their homes. My friend insisted that people hired me because I was the best, and they would be willing to drive to my location for the quality and results of my lessons. Despite my doubts, I decided to hear him out.

I was worried that I would lose most of my clients and staff. I was concerned that people would complain or that I wouldn’t be able to find a good enough location to base my business. But then, my friend gave me some great advice. He told me to ask myself what the worst thing that could happen is, and then ask myself what I would do if that happened. I narrowed it down to the worst possible outcome and asked myself if I would be okay with it. I realized that even if the worst happened, my life would still go on.

So, I took a deep breath and agreed to change my business model significantly. And the results were incredible. I grew my profit by 400%! I learned that when you offer excellent service, people are willing to come to you, even if it’s not as convenient as having lessons in their homes. I realized my value, and my business became larger and more successful than ever before.

I learned that sometimes, your “gut feeling” is scared, but you have to take a chance anyway. You have to ask yourself, what is the worst-case outcome and if you would still be okay. If the answer is yes, then go for it. As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.” So don’t be afraid to take a chance and see where it takes you. You might just be surprised at how far it can take you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Amy Yvonne Emde is the founder and owner of Charleston Swim School, a premier swim school based in Charleston, South Carolina. Amy started the school in 2011 with a passion for providing children with the skills and confidence they need to be safe and successful swimmers. Charleston Swim School offers a variety of products and services, including swim lessons for all ages and skill levels.

Their comprehensive swim programs are designed to teach children and adults the fundamentals of swimming, stroke technique, water safety, and drowning prevention. One of the biggest problems Charleston Swim School solves is the community’s need for access to high-quality swim lessons. In South Carolina, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14. Charleston Swim School provides a solution to this problem by offering affordable and effective swim programs tailored to meet each student’s needs.

What sets Charleston Swim School apart from other swim schools is its commitment to making a difference in the community. The school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. They also prioritize giving back to the community through their involvement in initiatives like the Formation Project, a non-profit organization that provides safety and resources to human trafficking survivors. Charleston Swim School’s impact on the community is truly remarkable. They have taught thousands of students how to swim and be safe in the water, and their dedication to making a difference has earned them a loyal following of satisfied customers.

Overall, Charleston Swim School is a shining example of a company built around positively impacting people’s lives. Their commitment to excellence, safety, and community has earned them a reputation as the number one swim school in the region, and they continue to inspire and empower students every day.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up with a father who was a business owner/operator was both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, I got to witness firsthand the dedication and hard work that went into building and running a successful business. On the other hand, my father’s approach to hiring and staffing the business left much to be desired.

My father was the main person who did everything, from managing the finances to handling the day-to-day operations. To this day, he only has two other employees, and he has always been hesitant to hire more. He taught me that hiring more people was unaffordable and that it was just too hard to find people who would do things the way he wanted them done.

As I got older and started to understand more about business, I began to see the flaws in my father’s approach. Although giving up control of your business can be difficult, freeing yourself from a scarcity mindset and investing in employees and their growth can lead to exponential business expansion.

You may think you can’t afford to hire anyone. The truth is, you can’t afford not to. Investing in your staff and building a strong team is essential for the long-term success of your business.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned from my father’s business. But I’m also grateful to have learned that I don’t have to do it all myself. I can transition to just an owner and live the life of freedom I’ve always desired.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team is not just about directing people to complete tasks. It’s about inspiring and motivating them to work towards a common goal. A great manager not only ensures the team achieves its objectives but also maintains high morale and fosters a positive work environment.

One way to maintain high morale is by showing your team that you care about their well-being. Take the time to get to know them personally, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and provide them with opportunities to grow and develop. Encourage them to share their ideas and listen carefully to their suggestions.

Another way to boost morale is by fostering a positive work culture. Create a work environment that is respectful, inclusive, and supportive. Celebrate successes, acknowledge effort, and promote teamwork. Encourage your team to take initiative and empower them to make decisions.

Finally, lead by example. Be a positive role model for your team and embody the values and behaviors you expect from them. Show respect, be honest and transparent, and treat everyone with fairness and kindness.

Remember, managing a team is not just about achieving targets. It’s about creating a positive, inspiring, and supportive work environment that enables individuals to thrive and achieve their full potential. By doing so, you’ll create a team that is motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving your shared goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://charlestonswim.com
• Instagram: @charlestonswim
• Facebook: fb.com/charlestonswim
• Other: To Book: https://app.iclasspro.com/portal/charlestonswim/create-account-01-verify-email