From Immigrant Roots to Entrepreneurial Success: The Miren Oca Story
Miren’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing insights from our conversation that you won’t want to miss:
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success
Family Roots: Miren grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in an immigrant family that ran a restaurant. Her early experiences peeling shrimp and waiting tables instilled a strong work ethic.
Overcoming Adversity: Despite her father’s struggles with alcoholism, Miren’s mother kept the family together, teaching her resilience and the importance of hard work.
Education and Unexpected Turns
Academic Achievements: Miren was the first in her family to attend college, earning a full scholarship to Tulane University.
Life’s Curveballs: At 19, she became a young mother, which led her to Miami and a shift in her career path.
Building Oak Aquatics
Starting Small: Miren began teaching swimming lessons in people’s backyards and bartered for pool access at hotels.
Learning on the Go: With no formal business training, she educated herself through books and hands-on experience.
Challenges and Triumphs
Finding a Home: Miren faced numerous rejections before securing a location to build her own pool, financing it through personal loans and credit cards.
Perseverance: From city shutdowns to contractor issues, Miren’s journey was fraught with obstacles, but her determination never wavered.
Creating a Positive Culture
Employee Development: Miren emphasizes nurturing her team, many of whom have grown from entry-level positions to management roles.
Mentorship Programs: Oak Aquatics offers voluntary mentorship focusing on professional and personal development, fostering a strong team culture.
Innovative Business Practices
Employee Ownership: Miren transitioned her business to an employee ownership trust, empowering her team and ensuring the business’s longevity.
Financial Literacy: Open book management and financial education are key components of her strategy, building trust and understanding within her team.
Community Impact
Water Safety Advocacy: Miren is passionate about teaching swimming as a life-saving skill and educating families on water safety.
Future Vision: With a focus on service, relationships, and leadership development, Miren continues to make a positive impact in her community.
Personal Well-being
Self-Care: Miren maintains a structured lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet and regular workouts, to ensure she can lead effectively.
Inspiration: She finds new ideas through audiobooks and podcasts, encouraging her team to engage in personal growth activities.
Stay Connected
Follow Oak Aquatics: Check out their Instagram for updates and insights.
Connect with Miren: Find her on LinkedIn for professional connections and more inspiring stories.
I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Miren’s journey is a powerful reminder that with resilience, hard work, and a supportive community, anything is possible.
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Miren Oca
CEO
Miren Oca is the founder and CEO of Ocaquatics Swim School, a certified B Corporation established in 1994 and is a 100% employee owned, community involved business . Under her leadership, Ocaquatics has grown into a community-centered business with five beautiful, warm-water facilities around Miami, Florida, employing 165 team members and teaching approximately 6,500 swimming lessons per week. Ocaquatics' dual mission focuses on teaching families to love swimming and be safer in the water, while fostering the personal and professional growth of its team members within a socially and environmentally responsible framework. Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Sun Sentinel for seven consecutive years, Ocaquatics is celebrated for its innovative approach to business and community impact.
Miren has spoken internationally on topics such as sustainability in business, conscious leadership, and water safety, with presentations in locations including Puerto Rico, Canada, and Australia. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the US Swim School Association Hall of Fame in 2023. Miren's commitment to drowning prevention and water safety is reflected in her volunteer work and her involvement with various national and international aquatic education organizations. She has also been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, highlighting her dedication to using business as a force for good.
