#42 - Miren Oca (Ocaquatics Swim School)

Miren Oca, the founder of Ocaquatics Swim School, a successful swim school business she started at 22 years old after becoming pregnant in college. Miren shares her inspiring journey from teaching swimming lessons to building a business with 165 employees, 5 locations, and 6,500 weekly swimming lessons.

She discusses her focus on environmental and social responsibility, becoming a certified B Corporation, and the unique exit strategy she implemented using an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), ensuring her business’s legacy and continuing benefits for her employees.

 

Miren explains the challenges and successes in setting up the EOT, why it was the best choice for preserving her company’s values, and the profound satisfaction she has experienced through this exit route.

 

00:00 Meet Miren Oca: Founder of Ocaquatics Swim School

02:49 Starting a Business at 22

05:16 Building and Expanding Ocaquatics Swim School

07:43 Challenges and Successes in Business Growth

11:36 Exploring Exit Strategies

15:06 Introduction to Co-Ownership

15:23 Establishing the Trust and B Corp Certification

16:01 Valuation and Financing Options

16:56 Seller Financing and Profit Sharing

18:48 Building a Culture of Ownership

20:25 Reflections on the Transition

22:13 Financial Planning and Real Estate

25:13 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections