Pool Builder
SCP Suing Olympus Pools over Million Dollar Debt
Olympus Pools response to million dollar lawsuit and other alarming concerns
Olympus Pools is back in the media again and now facing a $1.1 million dollar lawsuit with the country’s largest pool supply distributor SCP. A recent lawsuit filed in Pasco County by SCP Distributors LLC is suing Olympus Pools for over a million dollars in equipment delivered and installed in customers backyards. This is yet another challenge Olympus Pools, a once prestigious and well known builder faces amidst an onslaught of bad publicity due to allegations of unfinished pools and ongoing lawsuits.
It appears that SCP intends to go after Olympus Pools rather than begin putting liens on homeowners. This latest recent development has begun to make many trade partners and subcontractors extremely concerned.
Brian Leung, an attorney for SCP, said the distributor agreed to a promissory note with Olympus recently last month in April to settle the debt. In it’s lawsuit, SCP said that Olympus Pools had 6 months to pay off the $1.1 million dollar debt owed to the supplier. To date, Olympus has failed to make the first installment payment of $191,000 which prompted the recent litigation.
Leung said that when Olympus Pools failed to meet the agreed upon installment payment, that triggered the litigation which now seeks the full amount in addition to 18% interest.
Response to recent SCP Lawsuit
We reached out to Olympus Pools owner James Staten for comment about the ongoing issue with SCP and received an official statement via his public relations representative .
“Even though we continue to do business with SCP daily, they felt after the media reports it was in their best interest to secure our credit line.”
Olympus Pools – Public Relations Representative
“In my opinion, it is disappointing that despite being one of their best customers for many years, they chose to make things more difficult for our clients and team instead of supporting us during this time. However I’m sure we will get it resolved with them soon enough.”
In a statement a month ago to Pool Magazine, Staten responded to allegations directly and listed a variety of reasons why Olympus Pools had fallen behind on jobs. Staten cited the recent shortages of labor and materials impacting the pool industry.
“The conditions that arose during the pandemic, instead of increasing 20 to 30 percent we doubled in size.” said Staten.
While the pool industry itself may understand Staten’s plight, homeowners and investigative reporters have been much less sympathetic. Staten has faced virtual non-stop calls, picket lines and visits from reporters since the story first broke roughly 2 months ago. Backlash from customers has been brutal on social media. Consumer watchdogs and investigative reporters said hundreds of pools currently remain unfinished.
Staten admits that he and his staff sold way too many pools last year. Ultimately, he said that he “takes full responsibility” for the situation. However, homeowners have been livid at the waiting times as their projects have lingered. Many customers have complained that Staten continued to take on new projects while their backyards remained an ongoing construction zone for months and months past their promised deadlines.
Homeowners are increasingly concerned they could get stuck footing the bill for Olympus Pools unpaid subcontractors. Some homeowners have begun receiving liens in the mail.
Rumors of Criminal Investigation
Olympus Pools may face worse problems aside from the million dollar lawsuit filed by SCP. A spokesperson for the company responded to Pool Magazine inquiring about a recent report by ABC Action News that indicates 2 separate Florida counties have opened criminal investigations into allegations of fraud and misuse of funds.
“We have heard through the media that it is actually Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties. While we won’t speculate on behalf of law enforcement, what we can tell you is that we have not broken any laws and we are working to get these pools finished. There are a few people out there, however, who have become obsessed with seeing our company destroyed, despite their pools being finished.” said Olympus Pools in a statement to Pool Magazine.
Staten himself says that no wrong doing took place. “I know we have committed no crime. Just because someone makes a report or tells a story it does not mean that it is true.” said Staten in a statement to investigative reporter Jackie Callaway.
Many Olympus Pools customers have reached out to Pool Magazine over the last few weeks, sending us photos of their job sites, complaints and the various stories and news articles that have been written about Olympus Pools. The amount of negative attention in the media has surmounted to the point where Staten has brought in a professional press relations consultancy firm to help communicate with the media. In a statement released to Pool Magazine, an Olympus Pools representative said:
“Individuals have coordinated attacks on our company through a private Facebook group. They’ve coordinated physical pickets and protests on the street, coordinated efforts to reach out to the media and coordinated efforts to reach out to law enforcement. As a result, authorities clearly have to take those claims seriously, however, as I have said before, we have not broken any laws and we are still here. We’re completing work every day. We are not hiding and we are not going anywhere. We will finish all of the jobs we started, so long as our license remains intact.”
Olympus Pools Responds to Subcontractor Complaints
We questioned Olympus Pools point blank about recent allegations made by local subcontractors that are complaining to the media that they have not been paid. Recently Humberto Jimenez made a claim that he was owed over $380,000. Another contractor Brian Wagner had claimed he was owed over $73,000.
“$73,000 is huge for us. We could potentially lose half our employees,” Wagner told investigative reporter Jackie Callaway. “Our last resort is to file a lien. It is something we have discussed and really don’t want to do.”
“I didn’t want to speak out because I don’t want to start trouble and not get work from other builders.” Jimenez told Pool Magazine Editor Joe Trusty, “Many other subcontractors are owed money too, and they are afraid to speak out for the same reason.”
We inquired with Olympus Pools as to both of these particular contractors that reported to the media they had not been paid, a public relations represenative for Staten said the following:
“Regarding Mr. Jimenez, his statement that he is owed $380,000 is flat out false. Last week, he told the media it was $300,000 and we provided proof of payments to the reporter. We spoke to the person who handles Mr. Jimenez’s accounting and she told us that there is an issue on their end and that they failed to apply payments we made to their invoices. According to his own accounting people, they haven’t recorded our payments. As soon as Mr. Jimenez has his accounting in order, and it is accurate, we will review his invoices and determine the accurate amount to see if in fact there is a balance to settle. Regarding Brian Wagner, we have paid him $47,512 in the last 6 weeks and now owe him less than $24,000.”
It is important to note that Olympus Pools has made some headway with subcontractors since our last report. Pool Magazine Editor – Joe Trusty, was in communication with Aaron Allen of Paver Solutions who recently reported that his firm had finally reached a resolution with Olympus Pools.
Can Olympus Pools New Plan of Action Reverse The Damage?
In a phone call back in April with Pool Magazine, Staten insisted that he fully intends to finish each of the projects Olympus Pools has been contracted for. He also said that he would not take on a single new project until his company was caught up on their current jobs.
“We’ve cut off taking deposits, we’ve cut off starting excavation. all we’re focusing on is the jobs under construction,” Staten said.
As far as the homeowners who are afraid their jobs will not be completed, Staten said “Their pools are going to get completed. We are working tirelessly. I promise you, you won’t find anybody, any company out there working harder. We doubled the size of our in-house construction team so we can be more self-reliant and give better service.”
While the lawsuit and criminal allegations aside may prove to be nothing, Staten has a lot of work to do in terms of repairing Olympus Pools reputation. We asked them what they plan to do in order to restore confidence with the community and with their trade partners.
Staten insists that he has the funds to complete the projects he is under contract for. Recently he released a press release saying that he was partnering up with respected builder Jordan Hidalgo and Pools by Jordan to help finish jobs in a more timely fashion. This is news which may bode well for homeowners. Staten seems to have made considerable headway since partnering with Hidalgo who will now be managing administration, accounting, permitting, purchasing, and customer relations starting Tuesday.
Since May 10, Olympus Pools has completed the following:
- 26 Pools passed final inspections
- 18 pools have had concrete work completed
- 13 job sites have been cleaned up by cleaning crews
- 12 pre-grades were completed
- 11 pools had electrical work completed
- 11 pools had brick and tile completed
- 10 pools had plumbing work completed
- 4 screen enclosures have been completed
- 3 pools had plaster work completed
- 2 retaining walls completed
“I’m looking forward to putting this chapter behind Olympus and showing what our talented teams are capable of accomplishing together,” said Hidalgo.
Only just last year, Olympus Pools had an “A” rating with the BBB. The story this year is much different. Outsiders can only hope that bringing in a seasoned veteran like Hidalgo can turn the tide. Homeowners, law enforcement and the entire pool industry are watching closely.
The pressure is certainly on Staten to deliver. Although it may seem that forces are conspiring against him, there is probably not a single person involved in this entire mess that truly wants to see Olympus Pools fail.
Not the reporters and investigators who are just doing their job. Certainly not the employees whose futures and reputations are entwined with Olympus Pools. Neither do the trade partners and subcontractors that helped build Olympus into what it was. Nor the homeowners who entrusted Olympus Pools to be good shepherds of their backyard dream. Truth be told, the homeowners are probably the last ones in the world that want to see this company fold.
Right now, one can only speculate as to whether or not Olympus Pools can make a recovery and hopefully salvage a once highly respected reputation in the pool world, as well as their own local community.
Today’s consumers expect automation to make their lives easier – from adjusting their home thermostat to closing their garage door and cleaning with robotic vacuum cleaners, home automation devices are now the norm.
It’s only natural that this trend is taking hold in the pool industry, with pool owners looking for ways to make it easier and more efficient to maintain their pools and spas. But as a pool professional, have you considered how automation can make your job easier and help you grow your business?
Here are three tips for using automation to help take your pool business to the next level and provide your customers with outstanding service.
- Work smarter with advanced pool automation technology.
It’s called the “brain of the pool” for a reason. With an advanced pool automation system like the IntelliCenter® Pool Control System, connecting pool equipment like colored lights, water features, and more to the automation system is easy with features like a setup wizard with step-by-step instructions and autodetect technology. Pool automation allows you to effortlessly set automation schedules, monitor pool and spa status, and check water chemistry.
Whether tackling regular maintenance or something more complex, you can quickly troubleshoot problems, resolve issues, and get out of the backyard faster using an intuitive touch screen. The IntelliCenterPool Control System is the most versatile Pentair automation system, delivering the latest technology to pool servicers, builders, and homeowners.
“When the IntelliCenter System came out, it was much more user-friendly than the EasyTouch® System we used,” said Alex Karol of Lehigh Valley Aqua Pools in Northampton, Pennsylvania. “It was like going from a flip phone to a smartphone with a touchscreen and having everything at your fingertips.”
Customers with older automation systems who need an upgrade without replacing their whole system can use the IntelliCenter Upgrade Kit for IntelliTouch® and EasyTouch® Pool Control Systems to easily upgrade their older pool automation systems to the latest technology. With an Upgrade Kit, you get all the benefits of the latest system, including an intuitive touchscreen display that effectively shows functions in both day and nighttime modes.
Building on the product’s existing capabilities to bring these systems up to date allows professionals and pool owners to experience all the latest features of Pentair automation. Installation is easy: it installs on the current wiring and housing. Just change the bezel, board, and transformer.
With an Upgrade Kit, it’s easy to give your customers what they want and give yourself some new business as you continue adding upgrades to their pool equipment pads.
- Save time in the backyard while offering an effortless pool experience.
The days of staying after hours at your customers’ homes for impromptu fixes to the pool equipment pad are nearly over. Using Remote Monitoring, accessed through their Pentair Pro account, pool professionals can remotely monitor a customer’s pool and connect to equipment via the IntelliCenter Pool Control System.
“It gives us the opportunity to log in to the client’s pool to see if there are any error messages,” said Craig Horning of Infinity Pools & Spas in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “If we see something that might be malfunctioning, we can address it early before it becomes a very large investment for the customer.”
Monitoring and controlling your customers’ systems remotely will potentially prevent extra service trips to customers’ backyards, and the benefits don’t end there. While you’re boosting your business by offering remote monitoring and white glove service to pool owners for an additional fee, they’ll enjoy an effortless and stressless pool experience. Because the system interfaces with mobile devices, it also offers pool owners convenient remote control from anywhere with the Pentair Home app.
- Ultimate peace of mind for your customers to enjoy water.
Pentair’s solutions offer a virtually hands-off, connected automation experience for consumers with pools of nearly any shape or size. And with the IntelliCenter system, pool owners can now control water features, monitor water chemistry, spot-clean their spa, and more – all from the comfort of their home using the Pentair Home app.
Homeowners currently using the IntelliCenter2 app are being migrated to the Pentair Home app in early 2024 for an improved and expanded app experience.
In the Pentair Home app, pool owners can access an easy-to-use dashboard on their smart device and receive alerts sent directly to their phones for peace of mind anytime, anywhere, so they can get back to enjoying their pool. The IntelliCenter Pool Control System is designed to easily accommodate new equipment add-ons as your customers’ backyard oasis grows.
Give your customers the technology they expect with the Pentair IntelliCenter® Pool Control System. Learn more about how IntelliCenter makes pool automation easier at pentair.com/intellicenterhub.
By: Rama Budampati, General Manager of Pool Automation and Sanitizers, Pentair
The pool industry has thousands of builders but at the same time, it’s still a relatively small industry where one’s reputation may proceed them. JC Escudero stands out in this regard for his transparency and honesty in explaining the dark side of the pool industry to his customers. The founder of J Designs Pool & Spa, a boutique pool construction firm in Los Angeles, Escudero has taken a unique approach to his craft. Unafraid to delve into the nuances of the pool construction process, he has become a vocal advocate for educating consumers about the dos and don’ts of building a pool.
A Departure From The Norm
Escudero’s journey into the pool construction business began with a revelation during his tenure at a large builder. He shares, “I used to work for a pretty large builder, and when we decided to open our own company, I knew exactly what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want to do that type of volume. With that brings a lot of issues because you don’t have the time to really cater to that many clients and have the same attention to detail.”
His vision was clear – to be a boutique builder, focusing on craftsmanship, larger projects, and fostering better relationships with clients. The inception of J Designs marked a departure from the norm, a conscious effort to create a more personalized and quality-driven approach to pool construction.
As Escudero reflects on the genesis of his company, he recalls, “We knew we had a big market at the turn of the 2008 mortgage crisis, and we used to work more in the Riverside area.” However, economic downturns prompted a strategic shift. “People were not buying pools at that time. The economy was upside down,” he notes. Escudero decided to move to Los Angeles, specifically the San Fernando Valley, tapping into a lucrative market despite the challenging economic conditions of ’08.
Educating The Client
Escudero was eager to set himself apart with his commitment to openness and transparency with customers. Many pool builders shy away from discussing the potential pitfalls of the construction process, fearing it may deter potential clients. However, Escudero believes in addressing the elephant in the room. “I’ve always been a very straightforward person. I open my mouth. Sometimes I get in trouble by doing so, but at the same time, I like to tell people the way things are,” he explains.
Escudero emphasizes the importance of informing clients about the intricacies of pool construction. “There are key components that every pool needs and explain what those are. I tell my customers about the roadblocks that exist in pool construction and what they absolutely need to know,” he says. By laying out the challenges and limitations, Escudero ensures that clients are well-informed and their expectations are met without any misconceptions.
Developing a Library of Content To Educate Customers
To extend this philosophy beyond one-on-one interactions, Escudero and his team have created an educational system. Through blogs, articles, and videos on their website, they provide valuable insights into the pool-building process. “I decided with my wife Liliana to put it together in the form of an educational system for our clients so they can easily, by themselves at their leisure, watch videos or read blogs and articles to impart them with that knowledge,” he shares.
This dedication to education is rooted in Escudero’s desire to establish a bond with clients before even meeting them. “When I get to their house, they already know me. There’s already a bond without even meeting them,” he states. By fostering this connection, Escudero ensures that clients are comfortable and well-informed, setting the stage for a successful collaboration.
One of Escudero’s videos called “The Dark Side of the Pool Industry” discusses issues that can come up with hiring unlicensed contractors, dealing with permitting hurdles, and how misinformation can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
Addressing the Elephant in The Room, Unlicensed Builders
One of the critical issues Escudero addresses is the prevalence of unlicensed builders in the pool industry. In one of his videos, he unveils a startling fact – the swimming pool industry boasts the highest number of complaints to the California State License Board (CSLB). He attributes this to the influx of unlicensed individuals posing as contractors, taking advantage of unsuspecting clients.
Escudero’s concerns go beyond merely acknowledging the problem; he actively seeks solutions. “The industry has been taken by a lot of scammers that don’t have a license that claim to be contractors. That happens everywhere, not only in California,” he points out. His website serves as a platform to guide consumers on what to look for in a contractor, stressing the importance of licenses, insurance, and adherence to the law.
Escudero’s commitment to transparency extends to the financial aspects of pool construction, particularly the often-misunderstood issue of payment schedules. He addresses this concern with a straightforward perspective, stating, “I get a lot of the times clients asking about payments, and I tell them payments are supposed to be by law, not 30% upfront like they charge in some markets. Who in the right mind is going to give you $40,000 upfront?”
A License May Not Be Enough
“Just having a license is not enough,” Escudero asserts. He acknowledges the shortcomings in the current licensing system, where individuals can obtain licenses with minimal knowledge of the trade. This, he believes, contributes to the industry’s negative reputation, leading to client dissatisfaction and distrust.
In his pursuit of improving the industry as a whole, Escudero doesn’t shy away from sharing the less glamorous aspects of the trade. He urges consumers to be vigilant, emphasizing the need for proper payment schedules, a clear understanding of construction processes, and awareness of potential red flags.
“Telling the story that way helps me and helps set my company apart automatically from the bad name or the hush-hush underground things that are going on,” explained Escudero. Through his unwavering commitment to education and transparency, JC Escudero is not just building pools; he’s constructing a foundation of trust in an industry that at times can be clouded with uncertainty.
Listen to our entire conversation about The Dark Side of the Pool Industry with JC Escudero on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Riverbend Sandler Pools (“Riverbend”), the leading residential pool construction, service, and maintenance provider in the Dallas – Ft. Worth metroplex, and a portfolio company of Concentric Equity Partners (“CEP”), announced the acquisition of Hauk Custom Pools, (“Hauk” or the “Company”), a Celina, TX-based provider of pool construction, remodeling, and repair services. Riverbend will be acquiring Hauk from Owner, and long-term pool industry veteran Robby Hauk, who will remain with the Company in his current leadership role for the long-term future and retain a substantial individual ownership stake.
Hauk Custom Pools is a leading residential pool construction brand in the Northern DFW market and has been a PSN Top 50 Builder for many years. Hauk was founded by Robby in 2001 after he spent several years working as a design consultant with Riverbend Sandler Pools. It’s great to see how the relationship has come in full circle and the Riverbend Group was able to partner with Robby after all these years. Hauk is a true leader in the Northern DFW area and has built over 4,000 pools. The Hauk brand and its employees will continue the pursuit of outstanding quality and service.
“While looking for the right partner to help me grow the business and add additional services, it was important to find someone that had the same values as Hauk pools”, said Robby Hauk. “Knowing the history of Riverbend and what they have accomplished with other acquisitions, led me to get comfortable with those discussions”.
“Robby and the Hauk team have continued to build a strong presence in the Northern DFW market, an area we have been wanting to build out at Riverbend” said Riverbend Sandler CEO Bruce Mungiguerra. “We’re excited to continue building on the Hauk name and adding additional services such as service repair and weekly pool maintenance to the brand”.
Adam Lucas, Principal at CEP, adds: “We have tremendous respect for what Robby has built over many years and the success he has achieved with Hauk”. “We’re honored he chose us to partner with the Hauk platform going forward and excited to partner with his leadership team”.
More News About Riverbend Sandler Pools:
- Riverbend Sandler Pools Announces Acquisition Of Pulliam Pools
- Claffey Pools Acquired by Riverbend Sandler Pools
- Riverbend Sandler Announces Acquisition of Crystal Clear Custom Pools
- Riverbend Sandler Announces Acquisition of Pool Steward
About Hauk Custom Pools:
Headquartered in Celina, TX, and serving the Northern area of the DFW Metroplex, Hauk is a premier provider of residential pool construction and renovation, services. Founded in 2001, Hauk has been a leader in custom pool design and installation of some of the most impressive pools built in the metroplex. While Hauk has been in business for over 20 years, the business is stronger than ever and growing annually. For more information on Hauk, visit www.haukcustompools.com
About Riverbend Sandler Pools:
Headquartered in Plano, TX, Riverbend Sandler Pools is the leading residential pool construction, service, and maintenance provider in Dallas Fort Worth. The Company differentiates through its specialized and high-touch design process, commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service, and established track record of success. The Company was founded by Charles Barnes in 1981 and grown over a successful period of more than four decades to become one of the largest pool builders in the Southwest U.S. Riverbend Sandler’s guiding philosophy has always been: “Don’t cut corners, take a little more time to build it right and never compromise quality craftsmanship.” For more information on Riverbend Sandler, visit www.riverbendsandler.com.
About Concentric Equity Partners:
Concentric Equity Partners is a private investment firm that partners with leading middle market companies by providing capital and strategic advisory to accelerate long term value creation. Concentrics approach is simple: support entrepreneurs and operators by providing the resources required to achieve extraordinary results. The firm’s investment team is made up of individuals with distinguished track records as operators and professional investors across a variety of growth oriented middle market companies. Concentric Equity Partners is the direct investing arm of Financial Investments Corporation, a private asset management firm and family office with over $2 billion in investment commitments under management. Financial Investments Corporation was founded in 1994 by father and daughter Harrison and Jennifer Steans and has been partnering with private companies for more than 25 years. For more information on Concentric, visit www.ficcep.com
Download the NEW Pool Magazine App
Sponsored Advertisement
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Celebrating Their 5-Year Anniversary
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings
These Skaters Are Willing To Clean Your Pool For Free
Pet Alligator Kept in Pool Seized By Authorities
Rooftop Infinity Pool Will Be Part of Soccer Stadium Redesign
Sponsored Advertisement
Relax, The Rich Aren’t Using All The Water To Fill Their Pools
Automatic Pool Covers, Inc. Celebrates 20-years of Manufacturing
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Hidden Waterfall Pool Goes Viral
What Should I Be Charging For Pool Service?
Building a Luxury Inground Pool
PHTA Announces Newest Strategic Partner: Watkins Wellness
Sponsored Advertisement
Sponsored Advertisement-
Pool News4 weeks agoLandslide Damages Homes, Destroys Swimming Pool in California
-
Manufacturer2 weeks agoSRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers
-
Pool News4 weeks agoFluidra Launches €20 Million Venture Capital Fund – Fluidra Ventures
-
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies2 weeks agoRecent Leslie’s/Harris Poll Study Shows Nearly Three-Quarters of Americans Mistakenly Assume Clear Pool Water Is Clean, Swim-Safe Water
-
Manufacturer4 weeks agoBofA Downgrades Latham Group Citing Weak Pool Construction Market
-
Pool News2 weeks agoHotel Pool Had Numerous Violations in Case Where 8-Year-Old Was Pulled Into Pipe
-
Pool News5 days agoEarthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
-
Equipment Supplies3 weeks agoFWP Faces Class Action Lawsuit Stemming From 2023 Cyberattack