From Shark Tank Chaos to 4,000% Growth: Swimply's PR Playbook

In this episode of The Future Consumer of Marketing, host Brett Stapper interviews Bunim Laskin, Founder and CEO of Swimply. Swimply has revolutionized recreational access by creating a marketplace that allows homeowners to rent out their private pools by the hour. With over $60 million in funding, expansion to 130 cities across three countries, and hosting over 4 million guests, Swimply is democratizing access to luxury pool experiences. From a Shark Tank appearance that aired on the exact day COVID lockdowns began to 4,000% growth during the pandemic, Bunim shares how he built a community-focused marketplace that connects "haves and have-nots" in an entirely new sharing economy category. Topics Discussed: Creating an entirely new marketplace category for private pool rentals Navigating the challenges of the "stranger danger" perception Leveraging Shark Tank exposure despite airing during COVID lockdowns Building supply and demand in a two-sided marketplace Implementing creative PR and influencer marketing strategies Managing community and neighbor relations Handling regulatory challenges across different municipalities