About Us

Meet Our Founders

Tim Hall – CEO

Tim is the operations and financial director of SBSS.

Tim is also responsible for launching SBSS’s highly successful baby swim program. This program is distinctly superior to any programs in the area and is based on cutting-edge practices from leading schools in the U.S. and Europe. As a member of the United States Swim School Infant Toddler Accreditation Board, Tim helped define curriculum criteria for Association members. Tim has achieved certification in all three of the United States Swim School Association Infant Toddler courses. In his previous professional life, Tim was an advertising executive in San Francisco. He managed accounts for Fortune 100 brands such as Clorox, Coors Brewing Company and Levi’s.

Tim is a three-time Ironman athlete.

When he is not at the pool, Tim can be found working out, fly fishing, duck hunting or training the family dog, Macie.

Katie Hall – CEO

Katie is the Aquatics Director of SBSS.

Katie started swimming competitively at six years old. At the pinnacle of her career, she swam at the University of California, Berkeley – one of the most elite swimming programs in the nation. At Cal, Katie was coached by Teri McKeever, the first female coach of the United States women’s Olympic swim team. Katie began her coaching career as a pre-teen at Orinda Park Pool where she eventually became responsible for the creation and management of the team’s curriculum and 200+ swimmers. Katie was also mentored by Jan Emler of Emler Swim Schools in Texas – one of the leading swim school programs in the country. Katie is a member of the United States Swim School Association, the formal trade association for swim school operators in the United States.

When she is not at the pool, Katie can be found spending time with her three children, reading or enjoying Reno’s outdoor recreation.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Jamie Proctor – Training

Our Philosophy

Core Values

  • Safety first
  • Empower your team – they will empower the children
  • Focus on the fun
  • Excellence in every aspect of our instruction
  • Be patient, friendly and ready to help

Mission

  • “People who love kids, teaching kids to love swimming.”

Vision

  • Whatever community we are in, Silver Bear should represent:
    • Safety
    • Unsurpassed swim lessons
    • Fun
    • Friendly, simple and accommodating customer service

Our History and Growth

  • 2006 We opened our first swim school in Reno, NV
  • 2012 Expansion into Sparks, NV due to demand from parents and their children
  • 2016 Launched summer leagues for our teen swim teams
  • 2018 Ownership opportunities became available in the Silver Bear Franchise
  • 2021 Our first franchisee joined Silver Bear Swim School to open in Lehi, UT and opened in summer 2022
  • 2023 Our second franchise owner signed on to the brand, ready to open in fall of 2023