Kara Thomas is half owner of Swimtastic Franklin and opened it with her ex-husband, now business partner, in 2004. When the opportunity arose to buy a Swimtastic Franchise, she knew Franklin was the community she wanted to grow her business in. Water was always an important part of Kara’s life. Swimming and water skiing at a very young age made Kara feel very at peace around the water. She wanted to give this gift to children because after all swimming is a skill that lasts a lifetime. This sport provides great health, confidence, and happiness when shared with family and friends! Teaching swimming to thousands of children is one of Kara’s great accomplishments, but sharing that joy with her employees throughout the years and watching each and every one of them grow from young adults to amazing men and women is a gift that she cherishes deeply. Being a family and treating others with respect and compassion is a very important motto at Swimtastic. This motto is so evident through the business that customers and their children can feel it the moment they walk through the door.
Kara is now retired and allows her business to be run by her incredible management team. She lives on a mini farm with her husband Gerald, and is living her dream by raising her animals, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Being a mother to Danielle and Heather, who are also past employees and a huge part of Swimtastic's success story, a Mother-in-Law to Ricky, and a grandmother to Isaac and Ryker has given Kara the life she’s always dreamt of, and she has Swimtastic, the Franklin community, her employees, and her beautiful family to thank for that.
Meet the Swimtastic Franklin Team
Kara Thomas, Owner
OUR STAFF
Favorite Color: Sage Green
Favorite Stroke: Breaststroke
Spirit Animal: Cheetah
I’m going for a degree in: Occupational Therapy
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I really enjoy working with children and teaching them new skills.
Fun Fact: I have 3 Golden Retrievers!
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I have been swimming my whole life.
Fun Fact: I have 5 siblings!
I started working at Swimtastic because I wanted to make swimming an enjoyable experience for kids.
Fun Fact: I am on a car racing team!
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I like working with kids and watching them grow with new skills!
Fun Fact: I have play golf!
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I swam competitively through college and I miss being in the pool. And I have always loved working with children. So, why not combine both?
Fun Fact: I went to an international high school in Tokyo, Japan!
I chose to work here because I think it’s really awesome that I get to teach kids a skill they will use their entire life.
Fun Fact: I have been to over 20 states in the U.S.
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I love working with kids and swimming and teaching is a big passion of mine!
Fun Fact: I am in theater and have been in 7 musicals!
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I find working with kids fun and joyful and makes my job fun.
Fun Fact: My favorite thing to do is snowboard!
I chose to work in Swimtastic because they have structured plans for their customers.
“It’s amazing to think that I am teaching a life skill that could potentially save someone’s life. I know that I am helping young people to develop, learn a new skill, and be the best version of themselves. Teaching swimming has increased my confidence in life.”
Fun Fact: I share my birthday with Fred Hovey, an American tennis player.
I chose to work at Swimtastic because I felt as though it would be rewarding to help kids.
Fun fact: I used to fly planes!