EP 16 Miren Oca: Exit While They Slept; Employee Ownership & the Perpetual Trust
Join host Vinny Tafuro for a conversation with Miren Oca, founder and CEO of Ocaquatics Swim School, who built a Miami swim instruction institution over 32 years before transferring 100% of it to her employees through a perpetual Employee Ownership Trust on the company's thirtieth anniversary. Miren walks through why she walked away from private equity, how the EOT compares to ESOPs and worker cooperatives, what the transaction actually looks like, and how the trust's structure protects the company's mission and keeps wealth in the community it serves. This episode also explores the Own It culture Miren built over three decades, the role of financial literacy in preparing employees for co-ownership, and how Ripples of Impact extends the company's purpose beyond the pool.
Links Referenced
Links Referenced
- Miren Oca
- Ocaquatics Swim School
- Ripples of Impact
- Purpose Trust Ownership Network (PTON)
- One Percent for the Planet
- Florida for Good
- B1G1
Books Referenced
- Delivering Happiness (Tony Hsieh)
- The Man Who Broke Capitalism (David Gelles)
Creators and Guests
Host
Vinny Tafuro
Vinny is a visionary, futurist, writer, entrepreneur, communications theorist, and economist. A polymath and curious by nature, he is a pioneering advocate for the twenty-first-century economy that is disrupting society’s rigid institutions and beliefs. Vinny’s economic and foresight projects explore the societal and economic shifts being catalyzed by human culture as a result of technology, corporate personhood, and evolving human cognition. An engaging and energetic speaker, Vinny presents on a variety of topics both professionally and through community outreach. He enjoys an active and blended professional, academic, and personal life, selecting challenging projects that offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. He is the author of Corporate Empathy and Unlocking the Labor Cage.
Guest
Miren Oca
Miren Oca is the founder and CEO of Ocaquatics Swim School, the world’s first B Corp-certified swim school. Since 1994, Ocaquatics has been helping families love swimming and stay safer in the water. Now in its 32nd year, the company teaches over 6,500 lessons each week during peak season across five locations in Miami, with a sixth location in the planning stages. In March 2024, Miren transitioned the company to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust, deepening her commitment to people-first leadership. Miren is also the founder of Ripples of Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to providing swim scholarships that remove financial barriers so all children can learn to swim, build confidence, and stay safer around the water. A passionate advocate for business as a force for good, Miren speaks to audiences seeking actionable inspiration on how to lead with purpose and build businesses that empower teams, communities, and the environment. All of Miren’s speaking engagements support Ripples of Impact, contributing to a positive ripple of impact by helping to fund scholarships and community programs.
