Renowned Pool Franchise Celebrates Growth Milestone Fueled by Multi-Revenue Stream Model and Proven System

DALLAS, TX. (September 18, 2025) — Poolwerx, the world’s leading pool service and retail franchise, proudly announces the opening of its 100^th active territory. With more than 400 territories awarded across the globe and a proven U.S. model built on recurring revenue streams, premium retail experiences, and high-touch support, Poolwerx continues to strengthen its position as the only true one-stop solution in the pool care industry. 

“Reaching 100 units is a tremendous accomplishment for our team and our franchise partners, but it’s just the beginning,” said Andrew Kidd, CEO of Poolwerx USA. “Our success comes from providing a premium, full-service pool care solution and building a culture where franchise partners feel supported to grow. We’ve proven this model works across markets, and we’re excited to bring Poolwerx to hundreds more communities.”

Founded over 30 years ago in Australia, Poolwerx entered the U.S. in 2015. Today, Poolwerx’s franchise partners operate across 17 states, coast to coast, with growth fueled by both mobile and brick-and-mortar retail stores. With over 100 units now operating, Poolwerx is positioned for a new era of growth and expansion, targeting 300 U.S. territories by 2027. 

Poolwerx operates with a multi-revenue stream model that combines retail, service, chemical products, and diagnostics. Its retail stores function as trusted community hubs, offering free water testing, expert advice, and product sales, while its professional service teams deliver reliable maintenance and care. This integrated approach generates recurring, recession-resistant revenue and firmly positions Poolwerx as reliable experts in the industry. 

“Pool ownership can be a chore, and our goal is to make it fun, easy, and reliable,” said Jeff Powell, Vice President of Sales at Poolwerx. “Our franchise partners benefit from a proven system, a brand with three decades of legacy, and a commitment to innovation that keeps us ahead of the curve.”

With mobile options and territories still available across the U.S., Poolwerx is actively seeking franchise candidates who are growth-minded, entrepreneurial leaders — ideal for empire builders, multi-unit operators, and veterans. For more information about Poolwerx and its franchise opportunity, please visit https://poolwerxfranchising.com. 

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About Poolwerx

Poolwerx is the largest global franchise pool retail and service brand with over 650 service vehicles and 180 retail stores across the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Offering recurring maintenance, repair, retail, and delivery services, the brand’s success stems from its cutting-edge technology, thorough training, and scalable business model. For more information, visit poolwerx.com. For franchise opportunities, visit poolwerxfranchising.com.

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Lakeway, TX — Pinch A Penny, America’s largest franchise pool supply, service and renovation company, celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Lakeway, Texas with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and donation program last Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The event marked not only a significant milestone for local owners Kevin and Cheryl Bell but also a heartfelt effort to support those affected by recent flooding across Central Texas.

In response to the devastating floods over July 4th weekend, the Bell family organized a donation drop‑off program during store hours, now through Sunday, August 3, 2025. Community members are invited to contribute items such as clean towels, bottled water, diapers, dry snacks, cleaning supplies, and other essential goods. All donations will go directly to local flood relief organizations supporting affected families across Central Texas.

“We are thrilled to start offering pool service and supplies at the Lakeway and Bee Cave communities.” said Kevin Bell, the store’s owner. “But even more importantly, we want to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need. This donation drive is our way of giving back and standing with Texas during this challenging time.”

 Pinch A Penny is open from 9am-6pm Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 12pm-4pm on Sunday. The store is located at 1510 Ranch Road 620 South Suite 600 to serve both the Lakeway and Bee Cave communities.

For more information about product lines, services, or donation guidelines, visit https://pinchapenny.com/stores/lakeway-tx-295 or call (512) 969‑8343.

About Pinch A Penny
For over 50 years, Pinch A Penny has been a trusted expert in pool and spa care, operated by local owners who are committed to delivering knowledgeable advice, quality products, and exceptional customer service at neighborhood locations throughout the sunbelt states. With franchise owners on premise at every location, Pinch A Penny provides its customers with premier pool care and unrivaled services. Backed by parent company, POOLCORP (POOL), the largest swimming pool distributor in the world, Pinch A Penny owners and associates undergo educational programming to obtain the expert qualifications of Certified Pool Operators. For more information about Pinch A Penny or POOLCORP, visit https://pinchapenny.com or https://poolcorp.com.

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RALEIGH, NC (April 29, 2025) – Pinch A Penny opened its first location in Raleigh, North Carolina this past Friday, marking its continued strategic expansion throughout the Sun Belt region. Raleigh locals Aaron and Shawnta Askins are partnering with Pinch A Penny to own and operate the new store, harnessing their shared industry experience, deep community roots and exceptional customer service to bring premium pool service and products to the Triangle area. Since starting with one family-owned location in Clearwater, FL, Pinch A Penny has grown exponentially across the southeastern U.S., and continues to do so by franchising with locals to own and operate every location and offer unrivaled customer service and premium products. With owners on site daily, Pinch A Penny customers across the country are provided expert, personalized advice, allowing them to select the best products and services for their pools’ needs. All Pinch A Penny locations offer custom pool service plans, free water testing, equipment installation and repair, as well as high-quality products including specialty chemicals, automatic pool cleaners, pumps, heaters, chillers and more.

Now, as the brand surpasses 300 locations and celebrates 50 years in business, the company will begin developing its presence in the Carolinas.

“Pinch A Penny has always been committed to choosing franchise partners who reflect our values and care deeply about their communities,” said Jim Eisch, President and CEO of Pinch A Penny. “Aaron and Shawnta’s story is a powerful example of purpose and partnership, and we are proud to partner with them as we expand to Raleigh.”

The Askins bring a blend of industry and customer care expertise. Aaron spent more than 16 years working with POOLCORP, the world’s largest swimming pool distributor and the organization’s parent company, providing him experience in water filtration, softeners and home exteriors. Shawnta brings more than a decade of experience in interior design, community ministry and leadership, along with the care and insight of being a full-time mom. Their journey together began when they met while working at a pool service store, and their shared history in the industry, paired with a vision for family-run entrepreneurship, now comes full circle with their very own Pinch A Penny location.

“We’ve been in the brand family for 16 years, and, with the family-owned-and-operated aspect of Pinch A Penny, we knew we were ready to build something of our own with them,” said Shawnta Askins, co-owner of the Raleigh, NC location. “Owning our own Pinch A Penny store allows our family to work together, pour into our community and provide our neighbors with trustworthy service rooted in real, personable relationships.”

The Raleigh store offers Pinch A Penny’s full suite of services, including free water testing, equipment installation and repair, pool renovation and outdoor living design, as well as a wide selection of chemicals, pool supplies and outdoor products to supply Raleigh with pool and patio essentials. After spending 20 years in Raleigh and building deep connections in the area, the Askins know the needs of the region well and look to actively support local schools and causes close to their hearts through their partnership with Pinch A Penny.

With a focus on community, the Raleigh team hopes to build long-term relationships with customers rooted in effective communication, education and scalable service to find the right solutions for each lifestyle.

“Our goal is to serve our customers the way we’d want to be served,” said Aaron Askins, co-owner of the Raleigh Pinch A Penny. “That means listening to needs, providing honest expertise and making sure people feel confident in services they’re getting, what they’re buying and how to use products. We’re not just opening a pool store. We’re investing in our neighborhood.”

The Raleigh Pinch A Penny, located at 7901 Falls of Neuse Road, opened on Friday, April 25, 2025. The Askins family will host locals for a Grand Opening celebration at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 14, complete with a ribbon cutting and an opportunity to meet the owners. The store features 2,600 sq. ft. of retail and service space. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET, Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET and Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET.

About Pinch A Penny:

Pinch A Penny is America’s largest franchise pool supply, service and renovation company, now serving local communities for more than 50 years. Starting with one local family-owned location, the brand now has over 300 franchise locations across the sunbelt states and is listed as one of the Top 100 Recession-Resistant franchises by Franchise Business Review. With franchise owners on premise at every location, the organization provides its customers with premier pool care and unrivaled services. Backed by parent company, POOLCORP (POOL), the largest swimming pool distributor in the world, Pinch A Penny owners and associates undergo educational programming to obtain the expert qualifications of Certified Pool Operators, with no prior pool experience needed. The organization is expanding across the west and east and plans to partner with dedicated franchise owners looking to serve their local communities. With an Average Unit Volume of $2 million per location, Pinch A Penny provides its franchisees with exponential income potential, as well as in-house financing of up to 80% and turnkey operational support. For more information about Pinch A Penny or POOLCORP, visit https://pinchapenny.com or https://poolcorp.com. To learn about local Pinch A Penny franchising opportunities, visit https://pinchapenny.com/franchising.

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Leslie’s, Inc., the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, has announced the appointment of Jason McDonell as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 9, 2024. McDonell will also join Leslie’s Board of Directors upon taking on the new role.

Until McDonell assumes his duties, John Strain, Chairman of the Board, will serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer. Strain steps into this role following the departure of Michael Egeck, 65, who has resigned from both his position as CEO and his seat on the Board.

McDonell comes to Leslie’s with nearly 30 years of experience in retail and consumer products. His most recent position was as Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing, and e-Commerce at Advance Auto Parts, where he played a crucial role in driving omnichannel growth for the company’s $11 billion family of brands. At Advance Auto Parts, McDonell managed more than 200 global suppliers and a global team of professionals. Prior to this, McDonell spent 21 years with PepsiCo, culminating in his role as Canada President and General Manager for PepsiCo Foods, a $2.5 billion business that included the Canadian Frito-Lay and Quaker brands. He began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. He has also completed several Executive Leadership Programs at Harvard Business School.

“I am pleased to welcome Jason as the next CEO of Leslie’s and look forward to working with him,” stated John Strain, Leslie’s Chairman of the Board. “He brings to Leslie’s an impressive combination of retail and consumer products expertise, including a track record of building and growing industry-leading brands. His wealth of knowledge at the nexus of product, brand and marketing, combined with his operational experience and proven leadership abilities, make him well-suited to lead Leslie’s into its next chapter.”

McDonell expressed his enthusiasm for joining Leslie’s at a pivotal time in the company’s history. “Leslie’s has an impressive foundation with its advantaged omnichannel platform, strong market position, and superior customer service, and I am excited to be joining Leslie’s at this exciting time in the Company’s history,” he said. “I have deep respect for the talented Leslie’s team, which has laid the groundwork to deliver sustainable growth as the pool industry normalizes, and I look forward to working with them to build on the Company’s efforts to drive long-term value creation.”

Strain also extended his appreciation to the departing CEO, Michael Egeck, saying, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mike for his contributions to Leslie’s over the past four years and wish him well.”

Photo Credits: Leslie’s Inc.

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In the competitive world of swimming pool retail, standing out requires more than just having the right products. For Jake Riggs and his family-owned business, the key to thriving in both physical and digital realms lies in their deep industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to customer service. PoolGoods.com, their latest venture, exemplifies how traditional businesses can successfully transition to the online market while maintaining their core values.

Transitioning From Brick & Mortar to E-Commerce

Jake Riggs, the dynamic force behind Pool Goods, shared insights into this journey, reflecting on the company’s rich history and strategic shift towards e-commerce. “We have three physical retail locations here in the South Carolina, North Carolina area,” Riggs explained. “Really, what began this journey for us 35 years ago was my dad and uncle started selling walk-in spas. They turned that into a pool business, and eventually a service business. We’ve always adapted to the industry’s needs, which led us to this venture.”

The catalyst for this transition was simple yet profound: offering customers a path of least resistance. “What we’ve noticed is our customers wanted another way to buy from us,” Riggs said. “Whether that be actual tangible products or just our service. That’s really what launched PoolGoods.com. We started the site because it’s an avenue that the customers want to be met at. Now we’re accessible 24/7, regardless if our retail or building operation isn’t open.”

Riggs’ background in the tech industry provided him with unique insights, making the digital leap smoother. “For me personally, it was a natural fit. I came from a tech distribution company, and I took what I learned there on the business-to-business side I brought over here. My family, on the other hand, had to adapt from their roles in construction and sales. We realized convenience is key. I asked a long-time customer why they weren’t buying chemicals from us, and they said it was just more convenient to buy online. That was the wake-up call.”

Online Retail: Into The Deep Water

Despite the challenges of delving into online retail, Riggs is optimistic about the future. “It’s been two years of trial and error, but we hit a point now where we’ve got a really good team. We take pride in our industry knowledge and accessibility to our customers,” he said.

Understanding the intricacies of e-commerce was one of the most significant hurdles. “How do you understand Google or the search engines?”, Riggs mentioned, “How do you understand the advertising? There’s just a bunch of verbiage that being a pool person, you don’t immediately understand. And it’s like this Bigfoot thing. What is SEO? What are backlinks?”.

Access to so much consumer data provides the opportunity for optimizing content based on what consumers are really searching for. Leveraging this data, has been instrumental to growing their online platform. “There’s a lot of metrics that we look at now so that we can be relevant in search. I mean it’s Amazon, Walmart, you’re competing against those guys,” said Riggs.

In 2023, U.S. e-commerce sales reached about $1.119 trillion, a 7.6% increase from 2022. This booming market presents a significant opportunity for pool stores to capture a larger share of the pie. Riggs and his team recognized this potential early on and made strategic investments to position PoolGoods.com favorably in this expanding landscape.

Getting more people onto the website required investment and strategic planning. “You have to pay to play. It’s more capital to open up a retail store but it’s the same principle with e-commerce. There’s nothing fair about it. You have to be relevant with SEO and get on those pages,” Riggs noted.

Differentiation Based on Service

“Where the bigger players miss the connection on service. What’s your why? It’s natural because we’re in the business,” explained Riggs, “If you’re buying shock because Amazon has a great ad and a great price on it, and you don’t know water chemistry, you’re going to have awful results. You might ruin your pump, you might ruin your liner or plaster. This is a different type of industry that the big box stores or the big e-commerce will never truly understand. We address it so naturally, so easily. It’s what we do every day. We’re physically doing the work.”

Competing in the online retail space, especially with thinner margins, requires a clear strategy. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. We’re just trying to be us—local, homegrown, family-owned. We know the vendors, the players, and we have thousands of customers who love us,” Riggs emphasized.

Leveling The Playing Field

For pool professionals looking to compete against big box online retailers, the lesson from PoolGoods.com is clear: leverage your expertise and commitment to service. Riggs concluded, “Service wins, especially when done at a high level. Our industry knowledge and our ability to connect with customers are what set us apart. We’re having fun doing it, and that’s the most important part.”

Ready to take a deeper dive? Listen to our entire interview with Jake Riggs of PoolGoods.com and Pool Magazine Editor – Joe Trusty on the Pool Magazine podcast.

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In the past few years, sun shelves have gained popularity like never before; being incorporated in new pool designs and remodels alike. Also known as a Baja shelf and coined the “ledge” by in-pool furniture leader Ledge Lounger, these shallow water platforms are trending as a focal point for in-pool fun, relaxation, and style.   

Because of this, there’s been an influx of new in-pool and outdoor furniture brands entering the market. As life on the sun shelf becomes the standard, in-pool furniture manufacturers have beefed up their product offerings with new stylish options. In-pool chaise lounges, benches, bar stools, slides, tables, umbrellas, and more are now elevating the look and functionality of pools and outdoor spaces around the world. 

With so much to choose from which is the right one for your pool? This article explores the top 5 in-pool furniture brands to help you select the best option for you or your customer. In no particular order, let’s dive into it. 

1) TENJAM: Simply Bold. Retro-Style Pool Furniture

The newest manufacturer to enter the in-pool furniture category, Tenjam’s roots originate in rotomolded school furniture. The manufacturer places a very heavy emphasis on comfort, functionality, and bold, retro designs. With decades of experience in rotomolded furniture fabrication, Tenjam is certainly earning its place on the market.  

Some of their most popular pieces include the Shayz Pool Lounger, the Mibster Chair, the Moon Chair, and the Amped Side Table.

Simple and bold is what describes Tenjam’s style. And rightfully so! Tenjam brings a very different and unique look to the sun shelf with a wide range of products that blend bright, bold colors with mid-century style.  

Tenjam prides itself on providing comfort and functionality in every piece of furniture they design. For instance, their popular Shayz Lounger features an ergonomic, upright seated design with armrests and cup holders. They have also specially designed a counterweighted headrest pillow for the lounger to ensure comfort and ease of use, featuring a built in pocket for convenient storage of a wallet or cell phone.

The patented valve system makes filling the lounger a complete breeze. They also offer three different snap-in risers (4″, 8″, and 12″) which elevate the height of the chair, allowing use in 5 to 17 inches of water. 

2) LEDGE LOUNGER: The Original In-Pool Furniture Brand

Many say that nothing beats a classic, and Ledge Lounger is certainly the classic choice for in-pool loungers and patio furniture on the US market. Before starting the company, their CEO was in fact a pool builder, giving him insight into what consumers are really looking for to complete their outdoor space.

The Ledge Lounger furniture line is extensive, consisting of self-sinking and leveling pool bar stools, classic in-pool loungers, patio chairs, patio tables, games, and even baby slides. Their most popular in-pool collection is the Signature Series. This includes loungers, chairs, barstools, and tables.  

As the originator and influencer in the industry, Ledge Lounger is known for its iconic resort-style look. Clean, modern, and streamlined, their products are available in an array of colors with supporting cushions, pillows, and sunshade accessories. The Signature Series isn’t Ledge Lounger’s only in-pool collection. Their new, luxurious Autograph Collection includes the Autograph Pool Chaise, winner of the 2022 Good Design award! The lineup certainly boasts an alluring look, appealing to all sun lovers alike. 

Ledge Lounger tends to offer a more reclined seating position in their products; perfect for sunbathing and relaxing in shallow water. Seat shades, pillows, and cushions are nice add-on accessories to further enhance one’s ledge experience.  

Their in-pool furniture features a threaded plug system where a plug is removed, and the furniture is filled with pool water to submerge itself and stay in place. The product lineup allows use in water depths from 9″ – 20″ depending on the chair or lounger selected. Risers are also available. 

3) FLOATING LUXURIES: Stylish & Comfortable In-Pool Loungers

Floating Luxuries offers a very simple yet powerful lineup. Available in a beautiful, classic white color, this manufacturer offers the perfect hybrid of style, comfort, and functionality. The Kai series offers a shallow and deep-water lounger, a side table, and a commercial-grade fiberglass umbrella for arguably one of the most comfortable, yet fashionable complete sun shelf sets on the market.  

Their popular products include the Kai Shelf Lounger, Kai Shelf Lounger – Deep, Kai Side Table, and the Kai Luxury Umbrella to complete any outdoor paradise!

Fashion and comfort are the cornerstones of Floating Luxuries’ Design. The collection is reminiscent of iconic, resort-style in-pool furniture looks but has certainly brought its own personal touches to make them stand out. 

Compared to other loungers on the market, Floating Luxuries produces oversized loungers, that sit in a more upright, forward-facing position, making them comfortable for people of all shapes and sizes. All Kai loungers have been ergonomically designed with long-term lounging in mind.  

The furniture utilizes top-fill and bottom-drain ports. This allows simple filling with a garden hose to keep them securely in place. Air vents at the knee allow uninterrupted fills, while the cup and phone holders are a customer favorite. 

Floating Luxuries has an extensive product offering that includes pillows, pool noodles, pool floats, and a floating drink caddy to give their customers everything they need for a fun pool day in the sun.

4) VONDOM: High-Fashion, Modern Outdoor Furniture

Imported from Spain, Vondom brings true high-fashion pool and outdoor furniture to the US market. Their ultra-modern, contemporary furniture is designed by world-renowned designers, bringing you more than just pool and outdoor patio furniture, but elevating your pool and outdoor space with stunning works of art.

Their most sought-after pieces include the Ibiza Sun Lounger, the Faz Sun Bed, the Jut Sun Chaise, and the Surf Sun Chaise. All of which offer sleek, modern designs and comfortable functionality.

Commercially rated, and available in rotomolded and non-rotomolded designs, this furniture line is made from polypropylene-reinforced fiberglass, making it sturdy and long-lasting. Vondom is famous for its high-fashion European designs that add a unique flare to any space. From LED-lit daybeds to comfortable contemporary loungers, they bring art and design to any outdoor area.

Vondom is dedicated to the environment and in an effort to reduce pollution has created the Vondom Revolution line of in-pool and outdoor furniture. Manufactured using recycled polypropylene materials like plastics from fishnets and waste collected from our oceans, this eco-friendly initiative sets the example for other brands to practice sustainable product development, which is critical to achieving a better quality of life for all. 

5) SR SMITH: Timeless Pool Furniture

If you’re looking for in-pool furniture but you’re a fan of classic style and a modern-looking lounger just won’t do, then look no further than SR Smith! They offer comfortable and unique in-pool furniture in a timeless style.

The Destination Lounger and the Destination Rocking Chair are popular, non-rotomolded (not hollow) products that distinguish this brand from the rest. They feature a self-filling ballast system which means there are no fill ports; you’ll enjoy the easy setup!

The Destination Rocking Chair is the only in-pool rocking chair available on the market. Who says rocking chairs can only be used on porches? Now you can enjoy the comfort and old-world style while you relax in refreshing pool water on a hot summer day. You really can’t beat that!

Moreover, their products are available in 9 color options and are UV protected to ensure longevity. Plus, they’re safe for all pool types including vinyl!

THE TAKEAWAY 

Apart from Vondom, which is manufactured and imported from Spain, all the above-mentioned brands are manufactured in the USA from commercial grade, UV-resistant, chemical-resistant plastics, and resins. They are safe for all pool surfaces including plaster, vinyl liners, and tiled surfaces. 

It is estimated that over 90% of new pools are being designed with a sun shelf. From sun lovers looking to enjoy their day in the pool to growing families with children, this pool design trend has skyrocketed as it offers a versatile living space. 

With so many different applications and personal styles, there is no wonder why manufacturers are carving out their own piece of the sun shelf market share.  

WHERE TO BUY 

Some of the manufacturers listed in this article have online stores and may also be found on Amazon at full retail pricing. It’s important to note that some third-party vendors are manufacturing inferior look-alike products. It’s always best to read customer reviews and buy from a trusted source. 

In some cases, builders and contractors may even be able to open dealer accounts with reputable vendors. But, with so many options wouldn’t it be great to access all brands from a single source while enjoying the very best in customer service and preferred pricing?

If the answer is yes, then we at AquaBlu invite all trades to join our AquaPRO Trade Network.  

AquaBlu Mosaics isn’t just tile… As a leading supplier of pool tile and outdoor accessories, AquaBlu is now proudly the #1 destination for In Pool Furniture. Give us a call today for help getting your or your customer’s outdoor furniture set today!

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How a Virginia retail business leverages their ‘most valuable commodity — human willpower’ for continued growth

Jennifer Clements is the first to admit she loves to talk.

“The gift of gab can be very powerful,” says the co-owner of Pla-Mor Pools, a family-owned retail business with two locations in the Mechanicsville, Virginia-area.

For 40 years, Clements and her husband Kenny have been running the business her in-laws began in 1968 by focusing on the relationships they build with their employees, customers, and industry partners. But Clements never expected her role to become so critical as it did in the last two years as COVID and supply chain shortages combined to make business more challenging.

The pool and hot tub retail business was the hardest hit segment in the industry, Clements surmises.

“We had to put a lot of rules, guidelines, and new practices in place. On the administrative side, I spent more time making sure that our retail store was compliant than helping customers, and that’s sad,” she says.

Looking back, she recalls the early pandemic days as “horrific” and the time since as a wild ride.

“In all my decades in the industry, I’ve never experienced demand like that,” she says, yet “[suppliers] limited how many tubs we could buy, and we could have sold probably five times as many.”

Pla-Mor weathered the storm, ensuring the next generation of Clements family owners, Jennifer’s four sons, can carry on the tradition. “I know now that where there’s a will there’s a way,” she reflects. “I think our most valuable commodity is just human willpower.”

Treat employees like family

Clements likes to tease her staff that she has “adopted” them. She says a big part of Pla-Mor’s success through challenging times is in how they recruit and retain employees.

It hasn’t been easy.

“It was the most exhausting feat trying to bring in folks (during the pandemic). I’ve been stunned by how few candidates apply for positions,” she says, citing stimulus checks, safety concerns, and family care responsibilities as culprits. Now she runs continuous hiring campaigns through Indeed, posts fliers, and uses local organizations to educate prospective employees on career opportunities. Her main message: “Your safety is front and center for us, and we value you.

Other tactics they’ve used the past two years include:

• Aggressively adjusting pay rates to national trends
• Adding short-term sales inducements to products to help create excitement and establish goals
• Allowing employees to help set safety standards
• Including all employees in ongoing training, including leading training sessions once they’ve hit a year of service

Overall, Clements doesn’t try to get fancy with her employee incentives – she focuses on paying employees well and treating them even better.

“Most of our staff has been with us for a long time, so they know they’re part of the family,” she says. “You have to actively work with new staff to establish that sense of belonging.”

Build your network to expand your options

Ask Clements what her job title is, and you’ll get a few answers. She finally settles on “director of business development,” but that doesn’t quite capture the whole picture. She’s used to being behind-the-scenes wearing many hats.

Today she reaches out to other women in this business who feel the same, to help them see the value in talking about their roles.

“Women are networkers by nature,” she says. “I love to network, whether it’s with other people in the pool business or if it’s with sales reps to find out what the trends are and forecast ahead of time which direction our business needs to go.”

Regardless of gender, Clements says that networking can help anyone’s business grow. She suggests a few key places to make an impact:

• Attending trade shows gives you time to pick the brains of other business owners, get key contacts, and reach out to people with a strong industry presence
• Interacting with political leaders pre-pandemic allowed Clements to contact the Virginia governor’s office in the earliest days of COVID so that Pla-Mor could have a plan in place before restrictions began and keep their doors open
• Joining industry associations like the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has given Clements the “Batphone” – there’s always someone to call for help, which has especially helped in sourcing hard-to-get products

Communicate with your customers

Clements actively monitors all of her business’s online reviews. Last year, she had a tough one. The customer was lamenting that they had purchased an aboveground pool from someone else, and they couldn’t get a ladder from Pla-Mor. Clements did what she always does – respond with the facts.

“I had to explain the interaction we had in the store that, yes, we did have them on the floor, but they were sold and nobody can source them,” she recalls.

As someone who can talk to anyone, Clements does not shy from customer interactions. Quite the opposite, she’s picked up those communications in the past two years and recommends:

• Getting to know your customer base – Pla-Mor has a large percentage who are older, so they expected elevated safety and cleanliness standards
• Serving customers where and when they want, which for Pla-Mor has meant increasingly moving to online retail and continuing contactless curbside pickup
• Re-evaluating your show floor setup or warehouse storage footage to meet current demands – at Pla-Mor that has meant utilizing space left open by carrying fewer spas to instead store and display pumps and filters that they stocked up on to fulfill customer needs when others couldn’t
• Providing full transparency into your pricing and sourcing strategies, even going as far as creating a book that shows manufacturer and distributor letters/information on rate increases and product shortages

Clements has learned customers can be fickle. “We were so short on some products and then other products were so far ahead that it would have been nice if we’d had explosive growth on everything.” While not experiencing the growth some builders and service businesses saw, Clements applauds the hard-won 27% growth rate Pla-Mor achieved these past two years, in large part thanks to the people who power their business – their employees, customers, and allies.

Download a sharable PDF of this article. 

Watch the full interview with Jennifer:

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