9 Reasons Why I Love Jim Montgomery Swim

It is hard to believe that 9 years ago we opened our doors with around 7 students enrolled in our program! That first day here at JMSS was magical and over the next few months it was clear to us that the Dallas community and our surrounding neighborhoods were showing up for us. When people ask what contributed to our success I always make it a point to thank each of those families who took a chance on a new family business and spread the word to their friends and family! 9 years in I still want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart!

Running a swim school is more than just teaching strokes and improving techniques—it's about creating a community, fostering growth, and making a difference. At Jim Montgomery Swim, we're fortunate to experience this every day. I have been so happy to see our programs grow over the years to foster a love of swimming for not only the kiddos but the adults who take group lessons here or swim with our masters program as well.

Here are nine reasons why I love being a part of Jim Montgomery Swim: 

1. We Are a Family-Owned Business

There's something truly special about being family-owned. It's not just a business; it's personal. Every decision we make, every lesson we teach, is rooted in our family values. This personal touch helps us connect with our swimmers and their families on a deeper level, creating a sense of belonging and community that's hard to find elsewhere. When you step into our doors you become part of a family and you can feel that when Jim walks on deck and takes the time to talk to many parents and students before, during and after lessons!

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home for me, and being able to serve this vibrant community fills me with pride. From connecting with local families I have just met to seeing so many families and friends I have known through the years, it is so special to be here where I was born and raised. Many of our families have moved to Texas as well and getting to learn about where they are from and why they love Dallas is always such a joy!

Teaching swimming isn't just about the physical skills—it's about building confidence, promoting safety, and saving lives. Knowing that what we do has a lasting impact on individuals and families is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

4. Watching Our Team Members Grow

Our workplace isn't just a job—it's a stepping stone for personal and professional growth. I know I will not have each of our team members forever but while they are here I hope to give them as much as possible and instill a sense of pride in them all. Watching our team members develop their skills, build meaningful relationships, and grow into their best selves is incredibly inspiring. It's a reminder that our impact goes beyond the pool.

Every family that walks through our doors brings a unique story and energy. Getting to meet them, hear their stories, and watch their children thrive is one of the greatest joys of this business. It reminds me of the trust they place in us, and I'm grateful every day for their support. Hearing what each of our adult students has to say from the beginning of their class to the end of their class is always incredible. We are truly blessed to have some amazing coaches and instructors here!

The national level swim school community has been a tremendous source of support and inspiration for us. Collaborating with other professionals who share our passion for swimming and safety helps us stay innovative and continuously improve what we offer to our families. The leadership within the USSSA is always pushing for greater education for all and top notch lessons and environments for every swimmer. It is amazing to be able to share a passion with this group of hard working individuals.

Water safety is more than a skill—it's a life-saving lesson. I love that we get to be at the forefront of educating families and children about staying safer in and around water. Whether it's through lessons and learning physical skills, conversations in lessons with our students and caregivers or even those moments you catch me on deck and ask questions about which life jackets may be best, this mission is so near and dear to me.

Watching swimmers master new skills in the water is always exciting, but what's even more special is seeing how those skills translate to confidence and growth outside the pool. Whether it's a shy child learning to trust themselves or a determined swimmer pushing their limits, their journeys are endlessly inspiring. Watching students who started with us as babies and toddlers grow up as they come to our facility over the years is truly so special.

From the team members who teach with passion and care to the families who choose to swim with us, the people around me are what make Jim Montgomery Swim so special. Walking into the building during lessons and seeing the smiles, determination, and camaraderie fills me with pride and gratitude every single day. A huge thanks to Jim Montgomery himself! As a dad, he is pretty cool but getting to work with him and having him continue to drive our business forward is truly amazing. I also think it is pretty cool to get to see him share his love of swimming and his accomplishments with our team and swimmers. I always tell the parents that come in that we never were allowed to touch the gold medals growing up so thank you all for keeping us moving and growing so that he can share those amazing memories with you all!

At Jim Montgomery Swim, it's about more than just swimming—it's about community, connection, and growth. These nine reasons are just the beginning of why I love being part of this incredible journey. Thank you for trusting us to be part of yours! 

Thank you all for being a part of our swim family for the past 9 years! I cannot wait to see what we do in 2025.

Sincerely,

Ellis Raymond

General Manager JMSS