Pool business becomes splashing success

Rich Hirchert (center) and his wife, Linda, co-owners of WaterWorks Pools and Spas of Sedalia, received a 1995 Excellence in Business Award from the Missouri Small Business Development Centers. Photo by Mary Paulsell/MO SBDC

Rich and Linda Hirchert had a spa that caused a lot of damage to their home. When Rich called the dealer to ask for repairs, the dealer hung up on him.

That's when he and Linda decided there had to be a better way; they went into business themselves and opened WaterWorks Pools and Spas in Sedalia.

Since they were new to business owner-ship, they asked their banker where they could go for assistance, and he sent them to Betty Lorton, University Extension busi-ness and industry specialist and Missouri Small Business Development Centers counselor. More than 30 hours of assistance later, the "Relaxation Station," as its customers call it, has seen a 90 percent increase in sales and now employs as many as 12 people during its busy season.

That success recently reaped the Hircherts a 1995 Excellence in Business Award from the MO SBDC. The award recognizes businesses that exemplify the attributes needed to succeed in a small business. Lorton nominated the Hircherts for the award, presented Feb. 7 in Jefferson City.

WaterWorks sells spas and fiberglass in-ground swimming pools and is a dealer for wood and pellet-fired stoves. In addition, the firm services most types of spas as well as swimming pool equipment for residential and commercial customers.

When the Hircherts contacted Lorton, they had drafted a business plan; however, Rich realized that their plan was not what a bank would expect. That's when Lorton stepped in to provide what the Hircherts believe was her most valuable serviceassistance with the preparation of the plan and the presentation to the bank.

"If it hadn't been for Betty, we wouldn't be here," Rich said. "She said we were on the right track with our business plan, but after her help, the end result was a 208-page document that was just what the bank wanted. Through her encouragement and knowledge of these institutions, we were able to put it all together."

Lorton credits the Hircherts' success to their focus on customer service. "Their dedication to the customer shows in everything they do," Lorton said. "It shows in their friendly response, their attractive store image and their caring approach. Upon our first meeting, I quickly recognized that special something called a determination to succeed.

"The business guidelines and resources I shared with them were readily applied. When critical growth decisions were being made, they acquired factual information and requested counsel rather than shooting from the hip with short-term aims. Their business is an asset to our community."

Future plans for WaterWorks are ambitious but realistic. The business' five-year projections include the addition of three retail outlets and the creation of 12 to 18 more jobs.

Previous