May 12, 2023 // Franchising.com // DENVER, Colorado - Streamline Brands, a franchisor and operator of swim schools, widely known for SafeSplash Swim School, announces veteran retail executive Chris Harkness will serve as the company’s new president, effective immediately.
Harkness’ career spans more than two decades in franchise management and store operations at companies such as GameStop, 7-ELEVEN, and Home Depot. He most recently served as president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company that operates heating and air conditioning franchises across the U.S. and Canada. Prior to his career in business, he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy in the submarine service.
“I am excited to join the team at Streamline Brands,” Harkness said.
Paul Gerrard, COO and co-founder of Streamline Brands stated, “We look forward to welcoming Chris to the Streamline Brands family. His experience in leading both franchising and company owned organizations will be of value as we continue to drive strategies and deliverables that maximize our ability to enable a lifetime of water safety and opportunity by teaching the joy and skill of swimming.”
Harkness will report to Justin Hoeveler, the CEO of Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB), a youth activities platform. YEB runs a network of companies that delivers best-in-class camps, classes and leagues defined by elite instruction and operation.
“Chris is a strong, culturally-driven leader with a proven track record of challenging convention with new perspectives in franchise businesses – and then working collaboratively with his teammates to convert these perspectives into meaningful business outcomes,” Hoeveler said. “We’re thrilled to add Chris to the YEB team.”
SOURCE Streamline Brands®
Streamline Brands, based in Denver, Colorado, is the industry's largest franchisor of swim schools with three brands in the family: SafeSplash Swim School, SwimLabs Swim School and Swimtastic Swim School.