Meet the Owner: Bill Burnett

The South Shore Moms love Goldfish Swim School. We recently chatted with local dad and owner, Bill Burnett. Bill is originally from Birmingham, Michigan. He was an All-American swimmer at Ohio Wesleyan University and now coaches the Cohasset High School swim team. He and his lovely wife, Sigrid, (also an OWU alum) and twin daughters, Hanna and Lily (Juniors at CHS) love living on the South Shore.

◇ Tell us what your favorite thing about living in Cohasset is?


Being outside!  Cohasset is a super active community.  Biking Jerusalem Drive, swimming at Sandy Beach, or walking our dogs in Wompatuck State Park. It is a beautiful place to live.


◇ Let’s talk about Goldfish Swim and how you started it.

Swimming has had and continues to have a positive impact in my life.  I love sport and everything that comes with participating in the sport.  Teaming up with my former college teammate, Scott Hedges, and opening three Goldfish Swim Schools in Rockland, Braintree, and Norwood in the last two years has been a wild ride.


◇ What is it that you love about Goldfish? 

There is nothing that can compare to Goldfish – the facility is amazing with a new large pool heated to 90 degrees in a tropical-like atmosphere.  When you walk into the school, if feels inviting and fun.  My staff are the best – working long hours to ensure our members have an exceptional time every time they walk through our doors.

◇ What would you say is toughest part about being a business owner?

Making decisions and knowing when I am right and when I am wrong. As the business owner and decision maker, it is important to make decisions rationally, but also quickly. Instincts play a huge role in how to lead the company, hire people, and make decisions.


◇ What is the best advice you have for other entrepreneurs?


Even during the toughest days, believe in your vision, and never give up!

◇ Everyone knows Bill Burnett around town. Tell 
us what else you’re involved with in the community.

Starting the Cohasset Triathlon has been so much more than I could have ever imagined.  Each year it continues to be one of the largest and fastest to sell out sprint triathlons in the country.  It is such a special event, and day, to showcase our community.  I am incredibly proud to call Cohasset home and look forward to finding new ways the triathlon can support local and regional organizations.

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Bill. We love following along with all the great things you are doing for our kids and our community. Thank you!

TSSM: Make sure you visit one of the Goldfish locations. Your kids will love the facility, the instructors, classes and the overall experience. More on our own kid’s experience to come…

If you’re looking to fill your child’s schedule for this upcoming April Break, be sure to call and ask about their unique Jump Start Clinics, specially designed for families looking to get their kids water-ready in a hurry. It is great way to introduce kids to the fundamentals of water safety, get peace-of-mind before a water-centric vacation or even start the journey to an Olympic gold medal.