Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Smith.
Debra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I joined Pulliam Pools in February of 1992 as their Office Manager. I rose through the ranks to General Manager, then VP, and ultimately purchased majority ownership in 2009. I worked very diligently to become a student of the business and learn everything about the pool industry that I could. My degree was a BBA (Bachelors in Business Administration) with an Accounting emphasis. My prior experience in many facets of business helped me to propel Pulliam to greater things. The team we assembled is seasoned, experienced and love our company. They participate in our charitable endeavors and work to continue to have the company be successful.
I have reached many pinnacles in the pool industry including becoming one of the first women in the world to acquire a “Certified Building Professional” certification from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. Criteria included a rigorous test of all construction standards, a provable history of pool construction knowledge, and references from industry leaders. I also obtained a Texas Appliance Installer License through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which is equivalent to a Master Electrician License for residential homes.
Pulliam Pools has been a Top 50 pool builder for fifteen consecutive years and was twice named national builder of the year by its peers. In 2016, Pool & Spa News Magazine ranked Pulliam Pools as 2nd in the nation for customer service. My goal throughout my business life is to give back as much as I can to charities that serve the community. Pulliam holds an Annual Promotional Golf Tournament that has raised several thousands of dollars for local charities.
In 2011, The Texas Moslah Shriners organization graciously awarded me the “C. Victor Thornton Humanitarian Award” which ‘recognizes individuals…who benefit the lives of children regardless of their financial means or status in the community”. In 2013, the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce awarded me with the Athena Award by for professional excellence, community service and actively assisting women in reaching their full leadership potential.
In 2016, the Careity Foundation awarded me the with the Mary Branch Humanitarian Award which is given to honor “a person who demonstrates an excellence of sincere service to individuals based on a spirit of concern for the needs of mankind and the elimination of suffering. In 2017, the Careity Foundation awarded the entire Pulliam Company as Volunteer Organization of the Year for its efforts in raising funds for their group. Our employees care and their efforts help to save lives.
Whether it is raising money for Careity, donating toys for Christmas to those in need, or providing food donations for area food banks, Pulliam Pools strives to be a great community partner.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The challenges I have had are pretty consistent with other females in a construction. There were discrimination issues in the early years that thankfully have eroded through the years. I remember being at an industry trade show and one particular vendor refused to talk to me because I was a woman. He insisted on talking to my husband (even though he was not in the swimming pool industry). That was a long time ago, and over the years I have earned the respect of the industry. It took persistence and growing a tough skin.
I worked many hours and obtained as much education as I could in the industry to be knowledgeable, precise and engaged. I maintained a positive attitude and refused to allow myself not to be heard.
As a business owner in general, the challenges are the same as any gender, finding qualified personnel as you grow, trying to integrate generational personnel into a team, finding qualified trades and balancing life. The biggest challenge is keeping a team positive and all going in the same direction. Even though the challenges, I would not trade this for the world. I love what I do and all the pieces of it. Because of my past experiences, I try to mentor women as much as possible.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pulliam Pools – what should we know?
Pulliam Pools is America’s Oldest Pool Builder. Recognized by the Pool and Spa News as the “Number One Industry Veteran in the Nation”, Pulliam Pools is the continuation of a family construction business started in 1916. Barry Pulliam became the third generation owner in 1985 at age 36. He retired in June of 2009, and Debra Smith and Mike Clark bought the company. Since its inception in 1916, Pulliam has constructed over 20,000 projects.
Projects include new in-ground gunite swimming pools and spas, outdoor entertainment structures, fireplaces, fire pits, fountains (stand-alone or incorporated into the pool), BBQ stations, and pergolas. Pulliam also performs renovations that include added or removing a spa, re-plastering of the pool, reducing depth, replacing tile, coping, decking, adding fountains, water features and more.
Being the most seasoned company in America, Pulliam developed the first standards of the pool industry and has continued to innovate and excel in its projects. We have seen it all and know what to do.
Pulliam specializes in its project performance. We take a lot of factors into account that less seasoned and less experienced pool builders do not. We perform chemical soil injections when the soil is expansive. We know when a job needs a retaining wall. We price everything that is known into the project instead of having surprises later.
We are most proud of our honesty and our customer service. We have our own service team that works only on our pools, so our customers know we will be there long after the sale to take care of their needs. We have licensed technicians and expert warranty follow-up.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many that deserve credit.
My husband had such a strong belief in me and my abilities that he convinced me to start college after we married. He worked so hard to make sure I got the degree I needed for what I wanted to do. I graduated from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado. Their business program was so well-rounded and included so much in their curriculum that I felt at ease in any job opportunity I held after graduation.
One of my dearest friends, D’Ann Dagen was an incredible networking mentor. I learned that networking is everything in business and those skills have contributed greatly to my success. She also gave me insight into how much one person can contribute in the nonprofit world and how important it was.
Barry Pulliam taught me to be tough and stand up for myself. Promoting me to General Manager in 1996 was a daring move because it caused a lot of resentment with some male counterparts at the time, but he knew I gave it my all. He also taught me about managing customer expectations in a systematic way.
Lizz Pulliam taught me the ins and outs of marketing. I saw how she transformed the Pulliam story from a local story to a national spotlight.
Vance Gillette with Jandy was a tremendous leader who inspired me to focus on relationships in the industry and to continue to make a customer’s experience the best it could be.
The various Chambers of Commerce that support our communities are great at promoting businesses and I have learned from their techniques and networking opportunities.
My Pulliam team has inspired me to be the leader they need me to be. Without them, we are nothing.
Most importantly, my family has sacrificed much to allow me to shine and grow. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Address: Corporate Office: 2725 Altamesa Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX 76133
Parker County Office: 3851 Ft Worth Hwy, Hudson Oaks, TX 76087 - Website: www.pulliam.com
- Phone: 817-346-4778 , 817-613-1910
- Email: debra@pulliam.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pulliampools/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulliamPools
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PulliamPools
- Other: http://www.houzz.com/pro/worksquared/pulliam-pools
Image Credit:
Megan Parks Photography
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