“I was seduced by the ambition of the Swim Stars project.”

After many years in the retail industry, Johann Chanteloup decided to embark on the Swim Stars adventure and to support a project that makes sense. With the opening of its franchise in Vannes (56), it is the first swimming school to open in Brittany.

From a professional career to a more personal project

Swim Stars : Hello Johann and thank you for your time. Can you tell us who you are, where you come from? What is your background?

Johann Chanteloup: Hello! I am 44 years old and I am from Lyon. However, I arrived in Vannes when I was 6 months old, so I am a true Breton by adoption. At the same time I am a passionate sailor and entrepreneur .

In terms of my professional background, I studied sports and obtained my degree in sports management. I quickly had the desire to work during my college years, so I started as a salesman at Decathlon. When I finished my studies, I moved to Nice, then to Paris to become a store manager for the brand Courir.

Some time later I came back to my roots, in Vannes, as a department manager at Decathlon. After a few years and different stores, I became a store manager. I have been in this business for 14 years with more than 100 employees. Then I felt like doing something else.

I realized that it was time to work for myself

What made you want to join the Swim Stars adventure?

I have always wanted to learn a trade first and then work for myself. After 14 years as a manager and 17 years in the retail industry, I turned 44 and realized it was time to work for myself .

That’s where Swim Stars crossed my path. This project came about a little by chance, but I was immediately won over in many ways.

What I like is the first step towards entrepreneurship, combined with the strength of a business proven by the network head. It is also the ambition of the Swim Stars project that made sense to me; saving lives, teaching children to swim, it is a mission in which I wish to actively participate.

An ambitious model that has already proven its success

What did you like or find interesting about the Swim Stars franchise model?

As said before, the main reason of my interest is the ambition of the Swim Stars project. I was seduced by the fact of being my own boss while benefiting from the power of a business model that has already proven its success .

I am motivated by the enthusiasm of being the first to open a swimming school in Brittany, while keeping time for other projects on the side

Is it incompatible to undertake and keep time for your passions, your family, your loved ones?

It’s totally compatible. Of course, you have to invest a lot of time and effort in order to launch your business in the best conditions. However, I have plenty of free time to pursue other projects and spend time with my family .

After all, we are in a swimming school! What aquatic species would you be?

I would be an intelligent mammal, who lives in a herd but without a leader, sociable and who helps others of his species: the dolphin!

It is an animal that I admire and that I have had the chance to meet during my sailing trips.

A final word?

After 17 years in my previous experience, I am opening a new chapter with Swim Stars. I hope this is the beginning of a great story, with a mission that is as important as it is enjoyable.

For all information about Swim Stars swimming lessons in Vannes, please visit the Swim Stars Vannes page. And to discover the other portraits of franchisees, go to the Swim Stars Blog.