APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008 - (Page 26)

market continues to slow, business owners will have to find additional options to help meet those standards. Pool and hot tub product retailers have met this challenge by offering a more diverse array of products ranging from grills to billiard tables to seasonal items. A second option to including landscaping services as part of the business is a partnership with a landscaping firm. More than 90% of all survey respondents stated they were the general contractor on projects, yet only a third of builders have long-standing relationships with another firm; the rest work on a project-by-project basis. Establishing a partnership with a landscape services firm can still provide customers with a “one-stop” shop, and allow for an immediate knowledge base regarding landscaping issues, thereby opening up many new business opportunities for both firms. When your pools have been part of a larger backyard project, which of the following would you say is most common? 91.0% We act as sub-contractor under a general contractor for the project that is NOT a landscape ﬁrm We act as sub-contractor under a general contractor for the project that IS a landscape ﬁrm We are the general contractor and the landscape ﬁrm is our sub-contractor Offering additional services like landscaping also can allow for more business opportunities closer to home. On average, respondents state that they currently will work on projects within a 70-mile radius of their location. Over a quarter of respondents travel more than 100 miles. By fi nding more projects closer in, a fi rm can reduce travel costs, simplify fleet maintenance issues, and even take on more projects. The power and ease of use of design software has made the entire backyard available to pool builders. Applying landscaping design and/ or services has strengthened companies for many years. The average pool builder has been providing landscape services for more than 13 years. With the pool industry facing a potentially turbulent 2008, consumers’ backyards can still provide opportunities beyond the water. A Q Bil Kennedy is president of P.K. Data, an Atlanta-based market research firm specializing in trade and consumer surveys, competitive assessments, industry reviews and merger and acquisition advice. P.K. Data has served clients in the swimming pool and hot tub industry since 1992. The firm also provides market research counsel to The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. P.K. Data has compiled more than 300 studies covering all aspects of the industry, including consumer activity, market development, and industry statistics. 5.0% 4.0% One Source. Inﬁnite Solutions. We specialize in aquatic design and the engineering of recreational and competitive swimming pools, aquatic parks and water features while serving: Park Districts, Schools, Condominiums Hotels, Country Clubs, Health Clubs & Homeowners Associations Innovative Aquatic Design, LLC 2675 Pratum Avenue Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Phone: (224) 293-6460 Fax: (224) 293-6466 www.iad-llc.com 26 | AQ A P S P Q UA R T E R LY 367274_Bio.indd 1 1/30/08 12:20:35 PM 344741_Innovative.indd 1 10/19/07 12:38:50 PM http://www.bio-dex.com http://www.ad-llc.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008

APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008 Contents President's Message Chairman's Message International Awards of Excellence Spotlight Quality and Innovation If You're Still in the Pool Business, You're Leaving Money on the Table Gunslingers for Sale-s Can Pool Builders Hedge a Tough Year With... Hedges? Creating a Shared Vision: An Interview with PoolCorp CEO Manny Perez de la Mesa Grow Boating Initiative Helps Industry Imagine a Better Tomorrow First Ever CBP of the Year Award Presented at Inaugural CBP Recognition Dinner Safety Department News & Resources Advertiser's Index

APSP Quarterly - Spring 2008

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