We recently connected with Andre Morton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andre, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

Unexpected challenges arose during our time at the Clarion hotel where we had been renting space. The General Manager graciously allowed us to provide water safety, workout, and swim lessons to both long-term stay clients and our own clientele. With access to a changing room, pool, shower, and hot tub, our setup was ideal. However, after approximately five months, we encountered an unforeseen setback.

Upon arriving one day to set up our newly acquired aquatic bikes, treadmills, and trampolines, I encountered an older maintenance man in the hallway. To my shock, he revealed that the hotel had been sold, and everyone, including the GM, had been terminated with a two-hour notice to vacate. Disbelieving, I called the GM, who confirmed the abrupt change, advising me not to leave my equipment and cautioning against any financial dealings due to fraudulent activities.

I met with the new owner/GM and negotiated to continue our activities until the end of the week, coinciding with the completion of our ongoing classes. While he extended the offer for us to stay, we chose to decline. Taking on the role of pool maintenance in the absence of the usual staff, I ensured the chlorine levels were maintained to guarantee the safety of my students.

On a Saturday, with my family’s assistance in setting up new equipment, I shared the disheartening news with my wife. In response, she promptly arranged a U-Haul and storage unit, and the next day, we, along with supportive family members, swiftly cleared our belongings and relocated them to a storage unit. This unexpected turn of events was a significant blow, considering the promising situation we had cultivated for our business.

Despite this setback, we were fortunate to secure rental space from John Carroll, which sustained us until the onset of the pandemic, necessitating yet another pivot in our business strategy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Teaching high and low impact Aqua aerobics classes, and swimming classes on all levels, Coach André has exploded the fitness scene with his water classes. Hearing the smooth sounds of Soul music coming from his classes and observing his students as they master backstroke, front crawl and breaststroke, it is no surprise that his company name is Rhythm and Stroke LLC! Coach André swam competitively for several years. Now he shares his experience and expertise with others. Teaching everyone from fearful newcomers to the water in his ‘Do it Afraid Program’, to more advanced swimmers who have a desire to enhance their swim skills though his Rhythm and Stroke program. Coach André has equipped several students with not only the necessary swim survival techniques but also teaching them proper form with the use of rhythmic breathing to enhance their stroke and increase their skill level. Coach André works with everyone from infants (early as 6 months old) and children, to seniors and those desiring to enter in the Navy and pass their swim exam. Coach André also does personal training in the water, and aqua aerobics with his R.A.W program (Rhythmic Aquatic Workout) where he uses aquatic cycling, treadmills and trampolines, burning over 500 calories in the water.
Coach Andre is co-author with his wife Kimberly of Splash and Friends, a children’s book and animation they created in order to provide characters that look like himself in aquatics. Coach Andre has a Master’s degree in Communication as well as his WSI, LGI, CPR and First Aid certifications. It is his mission to help others swim and aid those who are fearful of the water overcome that fear, especially in the minority communities.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business partner while I was a lifeguard at a local college. She was a professor at the time at the college and she would come and do her own water aerobics. The story shifts a little here depending on which one of us you are talking to. We never had much interaction initially when she would come to the pool. One day she saw me swimming and she says she knew I wouldn’t let her drown based on my skills. So, a few days later she asked me if I could teach her how to tread water, her and her some relatives were going to Puerto Rico and none of them could swim. She said she heard if she could tread, she could swim. So, from about February 2012 until August 2012, I taught her first how to tread water and then she became a proficient swimmer. She actually swam in the ocean to the buoy and her family had everyone on shore cheering for her. From there she came back and told me if I could teach her to swim, I could teach anyone and she PUSHED me to create the business and that alone was a 3.5 year journey. From 2012- 2014 for sure, I got the LLC in 2014, played around 2014-2015 with business and really became serious in 2016. My business partner created the business plan ,structured the pricing etc.. and in 2018, she became my wife.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My work and my heart! We have a swimmers’ prayer: Let my mind be as clear and my heart be as pure as the water! If you look on social media, I dont have a ton of likes or followers that click the button per se. But when I go into the community, I am greeted by many who I have either taught to swim or have taught someone they know and that is what matters most. I have a passion for what I do and for water safety. I strive everyday to teach as many people as I can and then empower them to teach others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rhythmandstroke.com
• Instagram: rhythmandstroke
• Facebook: rhythmandstroke
• Linkedin: rhythmandstroke
• Twitter: rhythmandstroke
• Youtube: rhythmandstroke
• Other: tic tok: rhythmandstroke

Image Credits
profile picture (in the creek): Credit- Anthony Miller (photographer)