Veteran Jessica Thomas transitioned from big open waters to backyard pools, fulfilling her dream of business ownership and using the skills she learned in the Coast Guard to achieve success.
Jessica Thomas began her professional life in the United States Coast Guard. Since then, she has worked in a few different fields but has always had the desire to become a business owner and has finally made that dream a reality with Poolwerx.
Thomas’ career trajectory led her through various roles, from Supply Chain management at General Motors to solar sales. Jessica was interested in starting her own solar business, but the pandemic had other plans. She found the next best thing, which was helping small businesses with solutions to common small business problems in the role of business advisor. During her time in the business advisor role, the passion for business ownership was really amplified.
Thomas began her search for the right brand for her entrepreneurial venture. She hadn’t initially considered the pool industry, but with the suggestion from a franchise consultant, she looked into Poolwerx and was immediately impressed by the brand’s robust training and support systems. She also was drawn to the industry for the fact that it helps families in her community take care of something important to them.
“Pools are fun,” she said. “It is a place where people spend time with their families and go to relax after a long day. Now I have a business that helps people maintain that asset — one that brings their family relaxation and enjoyment.”One of the most exciting aspects of business ownership to Jessica is the opportunity to give back and have a positive impact on the community in which she lives and works. “I was born and raised in Noblesville. We moved back about 10 years ago. It is such a great place to live and raise a family. I want Poolwerx to be a place that provides excellent service but also supports local charities and helps teach kids in the community how to provide great customer service to our clients and the importance of a strong work ethic.”
The pool industry is growing rapidly, with COVID inspiring many to spend more time and invest more money in their homes. With the growing focus on swimming pools, the need for pool maintenance services has surged.
Although Thomas did not expect to find herself in the pool industry, she has found that her background has perfectly prepared her for this opportunity. Her experience in the Coast Guard instilled a sense of discipline and problem-solving skills which have been vital in the early stages of being a business owner.
“When I was in Miami, I worked on search and rescue missions, planning operations and assets management,” she said. “It has given me great experience in management and prioritizing jobs, and gave me practice with finding the right skill set for the right employees. I have also learned how to work well under pressure.”
She picked up a few more practical skills along the way, as well. Thomas was stationed on an 87-foot patrol boat when she was in the Coast Guard, where she honed mechanical skills which have certainly come in handy. “I did a lot of the preventative maintenance and grunt work. I learned to not be afraid to take things apart and look at them to figure out how they work. Never did I think I’d be taking pool pumps apart for a living,” she said, “but that gave me a foundation in mechanics.”
For other entrepreneurs looking for business ownership opportunities, Thomas advises seeking out professional guidance, because the best fit for you might be in an industry you haven’t previously considered. “A franchise consultant can really help you look at all the aspects of choosing a brand, not just what you like and what you think you need in your neighborhood,” she said. “Those are good factors to consider, but not the only reasons to open a business. You also want it to financially make sense. A consultant will help you look at all the options available, even the one you didn’t know existed.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/poolwerx/info.
