It is our 30thyear in business. Thirty years of all the things people say… literally blood, sweat and tears. There is simply no way around the fact that building a business is hard work (it’s actually harder).
Thirty years ago, Bob and I were on fire to establish a business in the pool and spa industry that was based on integrity and quality. Some may have called us young and dumb, but we were young and the other “d” word… determined. Our best days (then and now) were when a customer would share their excitement about a purchase from us. We used the success of offering the best products and joy of our customers as our fuel. We are in the business of fun and families. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?!
Throughout the last thirty years, we’ve built a business and raised a family. Our success over the years has stemmed from the way our business and our family meshed so well together. We raised three amazing kids who have witnessed the blood, sweat and tears. Dinner time almost always consisted of work-talk, but together we embraced the challenges, learned along the way and celebrated every business win. They were a part of our team and each learned through experience, whether they liked it or not! They were emptying garbage cans, running to job sites, dropping products at customer’s houses after hours and listening to their Dad troubleshoot a spa on the phone after he had just finally arrived home from the store.
Sometimes I tease that Swimrite raised our kids. Swimrite’s customer service skills taught our kids that you treat everyone equally and always go the extra mile for people who support you. Swimrite’s job sites taught our kids passion, determination and excitement as their dad literally lived there until our customer’s backyard was complete. Swimrite’s staff taught our kids day-to-day activities since they were knee high and became family along the way. Swimrite’s store became a second home as they spent sick days with a pillow and blanket on the office floor and Sundays hanging out as we prepared for the week ahead. No doubt, they knew what hard work looked like.
We were allowed freedoms and privileges, but ultimately it was known that we had nobody to fall back on. The best gift we have given them through this business is the truth bomb that so many people miss. If you want it, go get it. And when you do get it, you need to keep doing what was required to get there. Every day.
It is our 30th year in business! Thirty years! To our fellow business owners, surround yourself with positive people, caring family, gifted coworkers and generous alliances. Equally appreciate the person who delivers your mail and the person who signs the big contract. As a family, we’ve been blessed to build a business in the Chippewa Valley surrounded by amazing people who we get to work with every day. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported us, it’s never gone unnoticed, but most importantly, cheers to another 30 years!
– Jamie
Swimrite Co-Owner
