Our Shining Star Employee of the Month

Congratulations to the Buzz Franchise Brands Employee of the Month, Darlene Coons! Darlene joined the British Swim School team full-time in June of 2021 as an aquatics program manager, although she’s no newbie to the British Swim School brand. Darlene joined the team with an immense amount of knowledge and expertise of both the British Swim School program and the entire swim school industry, having a background of over 10 years with British Swim School in roles ranging from swim instructor, general manager, regional aquatics director, and franchise owner. Her value has always been evident, and she was promoted in 2022 to aquatics training manager to further continue building out the training program for British Swim School. Outside of her strong background with swim lessons, Darlene has an amazing, bubbly personality that resonates with coworkers and swim school students alike.

Why Darlene’s Swimmingly Great

Since joining the corporate British Swim School team, Darlene has done an incredible job of further strengthening and developing the aquatics department. She continues to refine the brand’s programs to bring maximum efficiency and fun, to swim lessons. It’s no coincidence that right when Darlene started, the British Swim School brand’s momentum took off and continues to grow at a lightning pace.

Darlene also does an excellent job connecting with people, making her a perfect fit in this role. She layers her knowledge with kindness and patience to make everyone feel confident and comfortable when working with her. Her lighthearted demeanor and constant smile are refreshing to be around, but her passion for water safety is what makes Darlene shine.  

Here's what one of Darlene’s fellow employees had to say about working with her. "Darlene is the epitome of team player. She's always willing to help & support others and consistently brings her aura of fun! She solves problems creatively, digs deep to see things others might have missed, and leads in a thoughtful way from beside--not in front of--her charges. Darlene's personality is fantastic for Team BSS and our greater swim family - her positivity, empathy and gentle-but-firm nature gives our franchisees the confidence they need as they launch their businesses. And her laugh is contagious!"

Get to Know Darlene Better

Here are a few fun insights from Darlene’s life to help you get to know her better.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why? A northern gannet bird - they can fly up to 40 mph and also dive underwater.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?  The Mediterranean - so many different cultures and beaches!

What are your favorite hobbies?  Kayaking, reading, puzzles

We are so grateful to have Darlene on board the British Swim School team and as part of our Buzz Franchise Brands family. Her hard work has made (and continues to make) British Swim School an outstanding brand. Thank you, Darlene, for your commitment to teaching the lifesaving skill of swim lessons, and for the passion and energy you put in each day. We couldn’t do it without you!

Buzz Franchise Brands