Missy Franklin Gains Stake In Swimming School Franchisor

Gold Medal-winning swimmer Missy Franklin has become a minority owner of SafeSplash Brands, a Denver-based franchisor of basic swimming skills schools. She will also gain a seat on the company’s board, which will be held by her father, Dick Franklin, while she competes. Missy Franklin will assist the company in enhancing the program’s curriculum and developing new business opportunities. With the equity stake, she is joining a small group of investors who own the company along with CEO Matt Lane and his partner, Paul Gerrard.

Franklin’s agent, Mark Ervin of WME-IMG, said the deal reflects her “genuine enthusiasm” and “shared commitment” to the business. SafeSplash declined to disclose the size of her stake or its financials.