Meet Martin Hill | Swim Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martin Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was not for profit, but for passion. More specifically, the brand known as Swimbosss was created to inspire, aspire, and transpire the lives of many. During my early years I almost drowned three times before seeking assistance from local lifeguards. I used to dig up and sell worms to enter the pool. The city pool at that time was located near the river, which brought in local fishermen. After hanging around the pool after hours the lifeguards then taught me how to swim properly. I have always been fascinated with water and from there I became a lifeguard at the age 14 and continued until the age of 22. Through the years I have taught hundreds of people how to swim. Fast forward, I found myself teaching a good friend how to swim. He stated, “You’ve taught me more in two days, than I’ve learned in 4 years”. At that point I launched SwimBosss. Since its inception in 2019, I have organically built a strong following and since I have been booked and swimming all over Atlanta.

Moreover, many individuals that seeks lessons have experienced swim trauma throughout their lives. Shockingly, there is a large percentage of African- Americans who fear the water or don’t know how to swim. My aim is to defy the stereotypes and change that one person at a time. Through my teachings I’ve been known to teach people how to swim in 3 lessons. However, that is subject to change based upon the individual. Starting my own business is worth the risk because the reward is greater.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I work as an Deployment Coordinator for an global insurance tech company based out of Ireland. In evenings I put on my SwimBosss cap and transpire lives in the world of swim. My will to always want to learn and my passion to change the world is what sets me apart from the rest. One of my most proud moments in my career was being nominated for Innovator of the Year. I was best known for my role in implementing the eDiploma system at my dear Alma Mater, Clark Atlanta University. Clark Atlanta University was the 1st HBCU to launch the eDiploma system, which now serves as the blueprint for Universities and Colleges around the nation. I got to where I am today because of God and the constant encouragement from my mother and close friends to keep pushing through the adversity. There were many moments that I doubted myself, however I never gave up on me. Nothing in my life has been easy. I often questioned God and asked why me? The reply is why not you? Constant obstacles can break anyone down, however perseverance got me through along with the prayers from many.

I have learned many lessons along the way, but I mastered the art of patience through this journey of life. I attribute my success to the motto of my alma mater Clark Atlanta University “Find a Way or Make Way”. I can attest after receiving two Master’s degrees from CAU, it honed in on my leadership skills and gave me the ability to articulate my thoughts into reality and changing the lives of others by finding a way or making a way.

I would like the world to know my name Martin Hill and have a world renowned brand of SwimBosss swim schools throughout the world. Lastly, the brand SwimBosss should be forever etched in history as saving lives one lesson at a time. Thank you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I consider myself an Experience Connoisseur in Atlanta: Lets get started:
Favorite places to eat:
Chops Lobster Bar
Low Country Steakhouse
Rumis Kitchen
Toast on Lenox
Breakfast at Barney’s
Blaze Seafood and Steak
10 Degrees South (wild fare)
American Cut
Capitale Grille
Bar Vegan
Black Coffee Shop
City Winery

Places to visit:
The High Museum
The Illuminarium
Piedmont Park
The Beltline
Ponce City Market
iPic Movie theater
Regal Atlantic Station
Little 5 points

Dope experiences:
Poshnic ATL
Tyler Perry Studios
People- that’s relative.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to attribute my success to the City of Rocky Mount, Parks and Recreation Department for instilling in me the core values and fundamentals of swim and rescue during my youth. Those skills have now transferred in my adulthood where I am now inspiring people from all over. Also, a special shout out to my mother and close friends for the giving me the extra push needed to launch SwimBosss. Lastly, I would be remiss not to shout out my many clients, who have played a pivotal role in my success. Thank you!

Website: www.swimbosss.com

Instagram: @swimbosss @mjonthescene

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinhill2/