The Entrepreneurial Journey of Fares Ksebati: From Lake Michigan to Dubai
Growing up in the vibrant environment near Lake Michigan, Fares Ksebati developed a profound relationship with the water from an early age. Learning to swim at just five years old, he was enamored with the feeling of freedom and weightlessness that the water provided. His parents, immigrants from Syria, didn’t know how to swim, making his affinity for the sport even more remarkable.
Early Competitive Success
Ksebati’s swimming journey led him to compete at a high level, first in elementary school and then throughout his college years. By the age of 17, he had started coaching young swimmers, a role he embraced that laid the foundation for his future ventures. Little did he know that his passion for swimming would evolve into a successful business.
A Spark of Innovation: Launching MySwimPro
The pivotal moment came in 2014, when one of Ksebati’s coaching clients inquired about a swimming training plan that could be used in hotel pools while traveling for work. This request fanned the flames of inspiration in Ksebati, leading him to co-found MySwimPro in 2015. The app was designed to facilitate swim training anytime and anywhere, and it quickly gained traction in the marketplace.
The App’s Rise and Challenges
By 2024, MySwimPro had become an industry leader, generating $2.5 million in gross revenue through various means, including subscriptions, personalized coaching, and exclusive swim retreats at luxurious global destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, and Thailand. This financial success marked a significant milestone in Ksebati’s career.
However, like many businesses worldwide, MySwimPro faced daunting challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ksebati recalls how pool closures devastated the user base, leading to a nearly 30% drop in paid subscriptions between 2019 and 2020. Yet, he didn’t let adversity deter him. Instead, he and his team innovated by incorporating at-home workouts and live-streamed sessions focusing on swimming-specific exercises that could be performed without a pool.
The Comeback Story
Ksebati’s commitment to adapt and innovate bore fruit. Within a couple of years, MySwimPro not only regained its previous active subscriber count but surpassed it by 50%, boasting over 15,000 active paid members as of March 2025. This success, he believes, is a testament to the power of consistency and a positive mindset amidst insurmountable challenges.
A Financial Overview
As CEO, Ksebati is not just a figurehead; he is deeply involved in the business, often working 40 to 60 hours a week on various projects, from content creation to developing new offerings. His financial earnings reflect his dedication. For 2025, he anticipates a total income of around $400,000, inclusive of a base salary of $240,000, bonuses, profit-sharing, and other revenue streams.
Ksebati enjoys a lifestyle that allows for financial freedom, living between his parents’ home in Detroit and a newly purchased apartment in Dubai, which he acquired in February for about $354,000. He appreciates the energy and diversity of Dubai, describing it as a city of innovation that attracts people from all over the world.
Spending Habits: A Balanced Approach
Despite living in one of the world’s most luxurious cities, Ksebati maintains a frugal approach to spending. He allocates approximately $17,682 for savings and investments monthly, alongside $2,199 for dining and groceries, and $1,751 for housing and utilities. His living expenses have notably decreased since purchasing an apartment, transitioning from paying between $2,700 to $4,000 on Airbnbs to a stable mortgage of around $1,750.
Travel is an essential part of Ksebati’s life, both for work and enjoyment. His spending on food increased during Ramadan as he engaged in iftar meals with family and friends. He argues that while it’s easy to indulge in lifestyle inflation, he intentionally chooses to keep his expenditures in check.
Investing in Future Ambitions
Ksebati’s entrepreneurial spirit fuels his ambitions. Though he considers himself "set for life," he recognizes the importance of continued growth and learning, especially in investing. Owning over half of MySwimPro, he has more than $870,000 invested across retirement and brokerage accounts. Each month, he aims to invest around $15,000, reinforcing his commitment to financial literacy and wealth building.
The Future of MySwimPro
Ksebati envisions a future where MySwimPro continues to empower individuals to swim for life. He aims to leverage new technologies to enhance swimmers’ experiences and build a community focused on fitness and well-being. His current lifestyle in both Detroit and Dubai allows him to travel and connect with diverse perspectives, enriching both his personal and professional life.
With ambitions of expanding his real estate portfolio and fostering greater mobility, Ksebati is poised to maintain a balanced life marked by professional success and personal fulfillment. His story serves as a meta-narrative about passion, resilience, and the dynamic nature of modern entrepreneurship.
