Pools Plus, Inc. Receives September Small Business Award

Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Main News Photo

Pools Plus was established in 1988 when Brad and Jane Easter decided to venture out on their own. They opened their business, which mainly focused on swimming pool service, at 20 N. Main St. and remained there for two years. While located on Main Street, Brad ran the store during the day until Jane arrived after her teaching job to help cover the store so Brad could go out on service. The business quickly expanded and grew, moving it to it’s current location at 21 E. 1st Avenue.  Over the years the business continued to expand and Brad’s son Jake, and his daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Bryan Rodgriguez, have joined the family business.

The list of products and services Pools Plus offer is endless from swimming pool and hot tub service and maintenance to swimming pool and hot tub chemicals, supplies and accessories, free water testing, grills and grilling accessories, grill service work, outdoor patio furniture, and hot tub relocation.  In addition, Pools Plus is one of only a small handful of local businesses in Hutchinson to provide inground/above ground swimming pool installation from start to finish. One of the things they love best about being a small locally owned business is the ability to get to know their customers and their unique needs.

Being a seasonal business, they are constantly facing the challenge of maintaining a large enough workload for their full-time employees, as well as hiring seasonal employees locally as the need arises. They have been very lucky that many of their loyal employees have been with the business for anywhere from 8 – 20+ years. The workload seems to come as tidal waves and then subsides before rising up again. Being willing to put in long hours and having devoted employees and family members who are determined to provide the best quality service in the most timely manner possible has helped them overcome these challenges.

One of the best things about being a small family owned business, is the ability to be flexible in meeting the needs of employees. Compensating employees with competitive hourly wages, frequently offering overtime hours, commission, and matching 401K plans are just a few of the ways Pools Plus retains their qualified employees.

At Pools Plus they love to give back to the community! They give donations year round to the following organizations: Reno County Hospice, Cancer Council of Reno County, HOPS for Tech, various local and surrounding area high schools, various local and surrounding area sports teams, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way Work Day, Boys and Girls Club, Family Children’s Theatre, and local area golf tournaments.

Pools Plus has been an established family owned business in Hutchinson for the past 30 years, and their participation in the local community and assisting with the revitalization of Downtown Hutchinson is something they pride themselves on. Having all local employees as part of their business means all of their funds have stayed local for 30+ years. They strive to continue to find ways to give back to the community and assist in creating the best Hutchinson community they can.

Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community.

 

Category: SBA