FOUNDERS
Mark and Mai Dalle Cort, along with Mark’s mother Chris, are the heart of Little Snappers Swim Schools. As a family-owned business, they blend modern teaching techniques with a genuine commitment to the well-being of their students, families, staff and community.
CHRIS DELLIT
FOUNDER | CHIEF MENTOR
With over 40 years of distinguished experience in owning and operating swim schools across Queensland, Chris Dellit is a pioneering force and a guiding light of wisdom for Little Snappers Swim Schools. As founder, Chris has established a program renowned for producing Olympians and World Record Holders, driven by her unwavering commitment to safe, gentle, and effective swim teaching through her celebrated "no tears" policy.
Chris continues to play a crucial role in the technical aspects of the brand, offering invaluable guidance in program writing and teacher training. Her influence extends beyond Little Snappers through her published work and as a sought-after lecturer, sharing her expertise and insights with the broader swimming community.
Her significant contributions have been recognized with the prestigious ASCTA "Meritorious Service to the Teaching of Swimming" award, affirming her status as a true industry trailblazer. Chris’s ongoing involvement with Swim Australia, ASSA, and Austswim highlights her dedication to advancing swim education and her lasting impact on the field.
MARK DALLE CORT
FOUNDER | CEO
Inspired by the legacy of his mother Chris Dellit, Mark created the Little Snappers brand as a culmination of her life's work, while developing a future-focused vision that drives growth and ensures scalable success.
After a 12 year professional rugby league career, Mark transitioned into business with a clear goal—expanding and modernising the Little Snappers brand across Queensland and beyond. Under his leadership, the company has successfully developed eight swim schools, with Mark overseeing every detail from DA approvals and site development to renovations, design, and implementation.
Mark’s innovative mindset has revolutionised the company’s operations, implementing cutting-edge software systems such as CRM, HR, and lead management, ensuring efficiency and scalability. His leadership is defined by a balance of kindness and fierce determination, building a close-knit team of over 50 people who share his passion for excellence.
Deeply committed to growth and design, Mark continues to expand Little Snappers with a focus on creating modern, welcoming facilities for families. In his spare time, he coaches his son's U11 Tugun Seahawks Junior Rugby League team, demonstrating his dedication to both community and leadership.
MAI DALLE CORT
FOUNDER | COO
Mai holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Since moving to Australia in 2010, she has brought her extensive operational experience to Little Snappers, guiding the brand’s growth and development.
With a career spanning diverse industries including fashion, film and sports management, Mai’s expertise in operations remains grounded in core principles: controlling costs, delivering outstanding service, and exceeding customer expectations. Her passion for understanding the mindset of the customer, combined with a keen eye for design, is reflected in the carefully thought-out swim schools and branding she helps create.
Mai’s operational leadership ensures that Little Snappers remains an industry leader, focusing on building robust infrastructure and seamless systems. Her vision is for the operations to be as streamlined, tech-powered, and efficient behind the scenes as the schools are welcoming and beautiful to experience.