Leisure Pools Dealer Blog

Leisure Pools Update: October 2010

Now that we have a chance to catch our breath after a busy pool season we would like to bring you up to date on some changes and new initiatives here at Leisure Pools. We have been building new molds, expanding our distribution base, employing new staff and generally growing and improving the business for all of our valued Leisure Pools Dealers. We are very pleased to outline these changes and initiatives and please dont hesitate to contact us if you would like more information.

New Molds

Over the summer we experienced rapid and unforeseen deterioration in two of our molds. The Grand Elegance and then the Riviera 30 started to fail and as a result the pools produced were not perfect and required significant work after. Rather than attempt to repair the molds we have taken the decision to rebuild both molds. Work is well underway with both these new molds and we expect them to be back on line at the end of November, 2010.

Mold Renovations

Blow holes in all of our molds will be replaced over the winter. This work will be carried out as part of a total mold renovation and rejuvenation project. The blow holes will be re-located to areas of the pool that will be cut-out of the pool e.g. skimmer box, return holes in the shallow end and drain holes in the deep end. The advantage of relocating the blow holes into areas that are cut out when the plumbing is installed is that effectively there are no blowhole marks in the finished pool. This is a superior answer to detailing out the blow holes that can be a source of imperfection in both the eyes of the dealer and the homeowner.

The entire mold fleet will be renovated over the winter in addition to re-building the two new molds above. Due to this total renovation project, we do not envision any new styles for 2011. Whilst this is disappointing for us, we are committed to ensuring the existing mold fleet and the pool quality is perfect for the 2011 season

New Distribution Yards

We are very pleased to announce 4 new distribution yards in the mid west and Canada. Having one single yard in the north has proven to be difficult and we understand that many dealers have experienced problems during the year. For 2011, in place of one distribution yard there will be four new yards. The new yards are specifically and strategically placed to ensure greater efficiency in deliveries to dealers. There should in most cases be significant cost reductions for dealers. The new yards are located as follows:

New Jersey
Artistic Pools - (Mark Peditto and Mike Neri)
Cell# - 609.352.7069; Email: mark@artisticpools.us

Mark Peditto and Mike Neri bring a wealth of experience in the industry and have been very successful as dealers and also in operating distribution yards and local freight. We look forward to working with them. They will be of great assistance to dealers in the Northeast.

Canada
Leisure Pools of Canada - (Paul Kennedy) Cell# - 613.561.4000; Email: paul@leisurepoolscanada.com

Paul Kennedy also has many years experience as a dealer and operating a depot and will bring significant support to our rapidly expanding Canadian dealer network.

Chicago
Signature Pools - (Tom McNelis); Phone: 618.806.5020

Tom McNelis needs little introduction as one of Leisure Pools outstanding dealers. Tom was recently awarded the Masters of Design award for his stunning Grand Elegance installation. Tom is looking forward to working closely with surrounding dealers and delivering pools through his new depot.

Cape Girardeau American Pools of Missouri - (Larry Richardet) Phone: 314.629.2584; Email: sales@americanpoolsofmo.com

Larry Richardet previously operated a depot in St Louis and brings a wealth of experience as a depot yard and a pool dealer.

We will bulk ship pools to these distribution yards and then we will arrange with dealers for local delivery to job sites. Not only will having the 4 new yards strategically placed across the mid west and northern areas make a big difference in cost and efficiency for dealers, the wealth of experience these people bring to the Leisure Team will be of great benefit.

These new yards will compliment the outstanding work done during the year by our existing yards in Raleigh, NC operated by Kent Carpenter, the Arizona yard operated by Dan Raley and the Louisiana yard operated by Casey Klein. With a total of 7 distribution yards for 2011 Leisure Pools has a true National footprint and will be able to deliver pools effectively and efficiently to all dealers.

New Dealer Representation

We were very happy to receive Jerry Kisgens application for the open position of mid western and northern areas Dealer Development Manager. Jerry has a wealth of knowledge and will be of tremendous benefit to dealers across this large region. Jerry will retain his senior manager position of National Sales Manager with the company and will re locate to the mid west in 2011 to be closer to the dealer base. We are confident Jerry will be a valuable asset to Dealers in the Region as well as overseeing his National role. As most would be aware Chris Bradford ceased work with the company September 30, 2010. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

New South Central Dealer Representative

Robyn Greene has been appointed territory Development manager for the south Central Region. Robyn has developed a very good understanding of fiberglass pools during her time in our retail business. She comes from a strong sales background and will look to build the dealer base in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This is a well deserved promotion for Robyn and we are excited about her change in career and direction with the company.

Expanded Web Domination strategy

Not content to sit on the 2000 plus web sites we have undertaken a new domination strategy. All of the web sites will be revamped and their search engine optimization substantially enhanced. Put simply, that means we are looking to deliver more leads in 2011 and future years as we create a network that can only continue to grow. Go Alex.

Moroccan 27 Measurements

Last week we are notified that the width measurements on the Moroccan 27 are not correct as publicized in the brochure and web site. The measurement is shown at 14 and 146 in the diagram. We apologize for the typographical error. The web site has been amended and the brochure will also be amended. The correct width of the Moroccan 27 is 13.

New Brochure

Last week we sent out 50 of the new brochures to all dealers. If you did not get them or need more please contact Camille. The new brochure has a fresh look and feel and includes the 15 year surface warranty on the New Aquaguard Gelcoat and also the new Grand Riviera.

Resin Prices

Resin prices continue to climb. The increases have been so consistent and dramatic that we are now paying 46.5% more than we were paying at this time last year. Against a very difficult market we have chosen to absorb these increases rather than pass on to dealers. We continue to negotiate the very best pricing with our suppliers but we do not reduce the quality of the resins we use. Have no doubt that Leisure Pools is the industry leader in terms of the quality of the resin we use to build Leisure Pools.

New Web Site

Over the year and particularly since the dealer conference in March, we have been working on a totally new web site. The new site is almost complete and we are left with fine tuning. If you would like a sneak preview then go to http://www.leisurepoolsofsanantonio.com/index.htm. Note that it is still work in progress and we hope to formally launch the new site in November, 2010. In the meantime any feedback or suggestions are most welcome.

Trade Shows

Leisure Pools will be an exhibitor in the Canada Pool and Spa show this year (December, 2010) and also the Atlantic City show (January, 2011). We will not be exhibiting in the National show in Las Vegas this year.

Summary

As you can see, Leisure Pools continues to grow and gain strength in an industry that is still unstable. Whilst we are not always perfect, we will always strive for the highest ideals and integrity in what we do. We understand that from time to time there are negative comments made and there are those persons who seek to undermine our strengths by proliferating rumors that have no foundations. Do not listen to the negative comments; instead be proud of being part of an organization that is strong and growing. If ever you have doubts please do not hesitate to contact me, Paul, Jerry or your regional manager and you will always receive a truthful straightforward answer. Together we all have a very bright future; we very much appreciate your business and the many homeowners you assist toward Swimming in Quality and Style.

Best Regards,
Ashley Gill
CEO

New Pool Model Announcement 10/16/09

Leisure Pools is excited to announce the addition of the Grand Riviera to their stunning range of swimming pools.

The Grand Riviera will compliment the existing Riviera style pool models, and will be represent the first deep end pool made by Leisure Pools.

With dimensions of 16x40x8 the Riviera Grand will be the most innovative and stylish deep end pool in the industry said Ashley Gill, CEO of Leisure Pools.

This stunning new pool will meet the ANSI/NSPI standards for a Residential Pool Type I diving board, and is the result of 2 years of research and design.

With the mold's price tag at $100,000 and a construction time of 6 months, the Grand Riviera represents a significant investment by Leisure Pools, and is a timely injection of quality and innovation to a struggling pool industry.

That is what we do here at Leisure said Jerry Kisgen, National Manger for Leisure Pools. It is yet another example of our companys very real commitment to our customers, in a time most are reeling from the economic storm. I know of no other fiber glass pool manufacturer making commitments of this level to innovation and quality said Kisgen.

The Grand Riviera is currently in the mold development process, and is expected to be available by early spring 2010. Pricing on the new model will be slightly more than the Grand Elegance pool model.

— Jerry Kisgen, National Sales Manager

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