Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Rick Pinto Pools!
Three questions with Rick Pinto, founder of Rick Pinto Pools.
Why did you start your business?
I started my own swimming pool business in the spring of 1992 to continue doing what I enjoy and have had the most success doing. This was following a difficult winter spent as a Registered Rep (Stock Broker). I quickly learned that a career in Financial Management was not for me, even though I had degrees in both Finance and Economics. Previously I had spent 15 years working for another local Swimming Pool provider. During my apprenticeship there, I worked my way up from a Technician’s Assistant to Service Manager. With limited upside potential, it was apparent that it was time for me to resign and form my own company. I get a great sense of satisfaction, providing clients with something that they enjoy doing and spending time dreaming about. Once I formed my own company, I branched out to also include vinyl liner pool construction and re-construction as well as interior liner replacements, something that I was not as familiar with since previously my old employer did not handle these types of pools. I quickly learned that there was a need for someone who can handle both concrete and vinyl in-ground pool construction, renovation, and maintenance. I have been in my own business for 28 years now doing all types of pool projects, and I still find it challenging and rewarding at the same time.
Number one is our Service and Maintenance programs, which are very hard to match. With 45 years of swimming pool industry experience, in house staff training, and an unbelievably dedicated and hardworking team, it is hard to find another local swimming pool business that can compare. Also, worth mentioning is our complete pool renovations and makeovers, which are spectacular. We take a client's vision and make it a dream come true, a true backyard oasis.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I support several local providers, Mermaid Swimming Pool Water, Devine’s Masonry Products, Curries Tire, and Automotive, Main Street Muffler and Brakes, Sign Smart, Brandman’s Equipment, McMahon Ford, Hatch and Baily, Home Depot and City Carting.
I would like to nominate our neighbor, European Woodcraft. They are a local provider of high-end cabinetry and custom one-of-a-kind designs. They deserve to be recognized for many years of local service and their unique craftsmanship, performance, and reliability.
Rick Pinto Pools is located at 9 Cross Street in Norwalk. Visit Rick Pinto Pools online here.
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!