From Lake Michigan to Global Success: The Journey of Fares Ksebati and MySwimPro
Growing up in the shadows of Lake Michigan, Fares Ksebati was meant to embrace the water. He learned to swim at the tender age of five, despite his parents, both Syrian immigrants, lacking the ability themselves. “I fell in love with the water right away,” Ksebati recalls. “I really enjoy being in this environment where you can feel free and weightless and just be in the sun.” This natural affinity for swimming took Ksebati from local pools to competitive swim meets, ultimately leading him to a successful career as both an athlete and entrepreneur.
Ksebati’s journey into the depths of entrepreneurship began in 2014, when one of the swimmers he coached asked for a training regimen tailored for hotel pools — a request that sparked a significant idea. This inquiry culminated in the founding of MySwimPro in 2015, a mobile application designed to provide swim workouts and training plans, allowing users to improve their swimming skills regardless of their location.
A Rapid Ascent and Pandemic Pitfalls
The early years of MySwimPro were marked by exponential growth. Recognized as Apple’s App of the Year in the Watch category just a year after its launch, Ksebati’s venture gained momentum despite not reaping immediate financial rewards from the accolade. By 2019, the app was achieving impressive milestones, recording up to a thousand downloads daily.
However, like many businesses, MySwimPro was not immune to the chaos unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “All pools closed and our business started falling off a cliff,” Ksebati stated. The company experienced a drop of nearly 30% in paid subscriptions between 2019 and 2020, a stark contrast to its previously flourishing growth.
Undeterred, Ksebati and his team exhibited remarkable resilience, adapting to the new reality by innovating their offerings. They introduced at-home workouts and Ksebati hosted live-streamed sessions that swimmers could follow from their living rooms. This strategic pivot helped the company not only recover to its pre-pandemic numbers but also expand its subscriber base beyond previous records, culminating in over 15,000 active users by March 2025.
“My experience shows that by staying consistent, maintaining a positive mindset, and working diligently through challenges, one can progress even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” Ksebati reflected. This tenacity paid off, as MySwimPro returned to profitability in 2024 after restructuring efforts and is projected to remain on a growth trajectory.
The Dubai Connection: A Tale of Diverse Cultures and Innovation
Ksebati’s success in the business world allowed him the luxury of relocating. He first visited Dubai in 2021 and quickly became enamored with the city’s vibrant energy and progressive mindset. By February 2025, he had secured an apartment in Dubai, investing approximately 1.3 million dirhams (or about 4,000). “Every single year I just fell in love with the energy, the forward-thinking mindset,” he mused.
In Dubai, Ksebati thrives in the rich tapestry of global diversity, noting that it empowers him to exchange perspectives with individuals from various backgrounds. This cosmopolitan environment, he argues, fosters innovation and creativity, essential components in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
While Ksebati’s remarkable income allows for an enviable lifestyle, he remains financially prudent. “I live relatively frugally given the amount of income that I have,” he mentioned, asserting his intention to avoid lifestyle inflation, despite the allure of luxury that Dubai is known for.
Financial Strategy and Future Aspirations
Ksebati’s financial strategy is focused on savings and investments, a mindset he cultivated after recognizing gaps in his financial education during his formative years. He diligently contributes approximately ,000 monthly toward stocks and index funds, with a keen interest in maintaining a robust portfolio. As of early 2025, Ksebati held over 0,000 across retirement and brokerage accounts, alongside a cash reserve of around ,000.
With the intention to bolster his real estate portfolio, Ksebati envisions acquiring additional residences worldwide which would further facilitate his mobile lifestyle. “I’m really happy with the mix that I have where I’m able to travel — I’m very mobile,” he affirmed.
As MySwimPro continues to expand its impact, Ksebati hopes to maintain its mission of empowering individuals to “swim for life.” He envisions integrating innovative technologies to enhance users’ experiences, thus ensuring that the company remains a pivotal player in the swimming culture.
“My happiness is derived from my ability to provide, create impact, and share knowledge,” he expressed. Ksebati’s story is not just about business success; it symbolizes the rich interplay of culture, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, elements that define the modern entrepreneurial spirit.
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