Published: June 12, 2009 03:55 pm      

Third generation pool owner sells business to key employees

FORT WORTH – Premier pool builder Pulliam Pools of Fort Worth is excited to announce the sale of the company to longtime employees Debra Smith and Mike Clark. Pulliam Pools has been in business since 1916 and has been family owned and operated for 93 years. The decision to sell did not come lightly. Former company president, Barry Pulliam, designed a succession plan that would guarantee the continuance of the company’s high standards and maintain all warranties for the thousands of current Pulliam pool owners.

As Barry planned for the future and his retirement, he recognized that two key employees had substantially helped him build his legacy and were the ones that could best continue to build on that foundation. “I know that it would have been ideal to advance the family business to a fourth Pulliam generation. But while not biologically related, both Debra and Mike are family, too. They have been a critical part of the success of this business, and I am delighted that they will continue my family’s legacy,” stated Pulliam. “They have asked me to remain with the company as a consultant, and I am truly excited about that new role.”

Debra Smith will be the new president and general manager. Debra has worked at Pulliam Pools since early 1992. As past vice president and general manager, Debra has been actively involved in all day-to-day operations of the organization including the development of departments, strategic business and tax planning, advertising, overseeing construction and service, and maintaining personnel. She is a Certified Pool Operator and a Certified Building Professional. Debra is the president of APEC (Aquatic Professionals Education Council), sits on the Executive Board of Directors of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, and is active in many community and charitable organizations.

Mike Clark will be the new vice president and sales manager. Mike has been with Pulliam Pools since 1985 when Barry took over the in-ground pool construction side of his family’s business. As past sales manager, Mike developed many of the design protocols still in place at Pulliam, including teaching computer design to his sales team. He continues to improve his skills with training and research. Mike has been an active mentor in the community as a coach and umpire in children’s sports.