The goal for reconfiguring how Manning Pool Service in Houston, Texas, loaded and organized its service trucks was three-fold: maximize efficiency, safety and vehicle longevity. The project, now called the Manning Pool Service Truck Planogram, began in spring 2021 when managers were discussing how the service trucks’ branded wraps looked great, but the inside of…
Since the pandemic began, countless more people have seen the value in having a pool in their own backyard, and this trend doesn’t show signs of slowing. Jacob Beninati, owner of Beninati Pool and Spa in Utica, Michigan, says his company is prepping all customers by telling them upfront about the increasing costs of building…
I’ve been to a lot of trade shows — and after a while, they all start to run together. Exhibiting is a ton of work, even for a small booth like ours. In the past, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with trade shows: I love to be there and see everyone, and I have some…
Rick Woemmel left his computer science job to start Bi-State Pool & Spa in 1994. Like most small business owners, back then he was the president, CEO, janitor and technician. Now, Woemmel can focus on leading, supporting and teaching his employees, making sure they develop within his company and in the industry. A longtime PHTA…
AquaStar Pool Products Inc., has been making equipment for pools, spas, water features and water parks since 2003 and is continuously striving for innovation. The vertically integrated company is capable of doing everything from designing initial engineering concepts to finishing and producing in-house, says Todd Pieri, chief operating officer. “We always listen to the industry’s…
When a customer dreams up the perfect backyard oasis, supply shortages, delays and communication breakdowns usually aren’t part of the fantasy. But with the state of the pool building industry over the past year and a half, that can often be the reality. When lines of communication are broken with customers, they lose confidence in…
The tides are turning for the pool service industry. With more companies entering the market aiming to acquire smaller pool service companies, the industry is seeing a shift toward consolidation, which started in earnest in 2020 and continues to gain momentum. “There are many people out there who love the industry, but they don’t want…
October through January is prime time for recruiting when you run a business that has its Christmas in July. Everybody starts to ramp up as your season winds down, and if you look at the opportunity correctly, that’s a good thing. It could also be your key to filling your employment needs for the upcoming…
From slowed part production and raw material shortages to job market woes, pool and spa customers are experiencing an increase in the time between purchase and delivery. Jennifer Gannon, proprietor at BonaVista Pools in Ontario, Canada, says customers “are finding out that the supply chain is sort of deeply altered for all retailers.” With this…
The signs are everywhere: Now hiring. Help wanted. Bonuses for new employees. But good help still is hard to find. Frank Disher, a Poolwerx franchise partner in Texas, says COVID has had a huge impact on the employment status of local pool pros in his area. He receives a ton of applications but can’t seem…
Successful employee-recognition programs have little to do with the awards themselves, and more to do with a company’s culture. Kim Peters, an executive vice president at Great Places to Work, a global authority on workplace culture based in Oakland, California, says before singling out individual employees for awards, build a culture of trust. “Otherwise, these…
Founded in 1994 in Richfield, Minnesota, ECOsmarte strives to offer environmentally friendly products, eliminating harsh chemicals from swimming pools and the environment through copper ionization. The founders of ECOsmarte were familiar with copper ionization from its use by NASA in the late 1960s, says marketing manager Mike Dewar. “(NASA) knew they couldn’t send chlorine up…