Episode 211: Crowley Pool Service - Journey from Retail Manager to Successful Business Owner with Steve Crowley
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Episode Summary
Today, we speak with Steve Crowley, President of Crowley Pool Service. Steve initially did not choose to work in the pool industry; yet, 15 years later, he has achieved considerable success throughout his career, and holds many certifications and awards including being featured as Pool Pro Magazine’s 30-under-40 Pool Industry Leaders.
Through the years Crowley Pool Service has grown into one of the area’s largest pool service companies. It offers a wide variety of services for both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools. During the winter months Crowley Pool Service specializes in commercial and residential snow management.
After sharing his inspiring story of entering the pool industry on a whim at 16 to starting and managing his own business years later, Steve talks about the unique challenges of servicing pools in the Northeast, keeping his employees busy during the Winter season, and the nuances of cleaning vinyl liner and above-ground pools.
Topics Discussed
02:17 - Steve’s journey in the pool industry
19:48 - From managing a company to starting his own to learning the trade on his own
27:27 - Going through six months without a job and reevaluating his career path
31:38 - Keeping employees busy during the off-season
39:29 - Running seasonal pool services
45:30 - Servicing vinyl liner and above-ground pools
48:30 - Steve’s advice for succeeding in the pool industry
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Key Quotes from Episode
Pretty much everything I’ve ever learned in the pool industry is trial-and-error, either just going for it or watching someone on YouTube or in-person.
The biggest challenge with above-ground pools is that they’re very flimsy. You’ve got to be really gentle. We use Riptides for all our cleanings.
My biggest thing is pushing myself out of my comfort zone. You’ve got to be willing to do stuff you don’t want to do. You’ve got to be willing to learn, too—and learn on your own. If you’re not willing to seek out education, you’re never going to figure out how to solve the problem.