Episode 81: LIVE Episode! Rondo Pools: Bob & Kevin Rondeau
Stop two of our LIVE tour was in our hometown of Phoenix, AZ and we had the pleasure of interviewing Bob and Kevin Rondeau of Rondo Pools. Bob started the company back in 1983 and it was originally called Pools by Rondo. In 1988, Bob purchased the infamous property on Cave Creek Road so he could build their office and display pool. That move proved to be instrumental as over the next decade, Pools by Rondo became Rondo Pools as well as became one of the valley’s largest and most trusted pool builders. As for Kevin, after graduating from NAU, he started working for the family business. Over the next decade, the second-generation Rondeau would learn every aspect of the business and along with his brother Steven helped grow the business to what it is today. Kevin is now the President and Owner of Rondo Pools.
We had an incredible time with them and for not even knowing what a podcast was, Bob dropped many one-liners throughout the episode that you don’t want to miss. We had many great discussions in the episode, but the theme seemed to be that your employees are your greatest assets and that taking care of them is the only way to have continued success. Through ups and downs, Rondo Pools has proven time and time again that they are one of the best companies in the valley. Their inspiring story is truly the definition of how a family business should be run.
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Rondo Pools
Show-notes
2:05 - Welcome to the Arizona Live Podcast
2:30 - Bob & Kevin Rondeau introduction
03:42 - Moving to Phoenix from Massachusetts in 1979
05:35 - 1979 blizzard
07:05 - Shopping for a swimming pool led to Shasta’s Own Build Package
08:56 - Bob aka The Snake
09:45 - Out of 185, at least 150 of them were Grecians joke
11:00 - Rondo Pools but last name spelled Rondeau
12:11 - Growing up with a swimming pool
12:23 - 1 leaf = 1 penny
13:00 - Previous pool company Heritage Pools
13:53 - Bob’s background was made for building pools
19:21 - Pools by Rondo in Tennessee
20:05 - Working with your father
22:33 - Feeling lucky working with family
26:30 - Rondo Pools location off Cave Creek Rd.
27:45 - Christmas lights
32:44 - 2001 NSPI International Design Award
33:00 - Ups and downs in the business
38:20 - Your most valuable asset are your employees
41:20 - Lessons learned from recession
45:34 - Arizona is subcontractor built
53:00 - I would like to see our industry focus on how we can do it better and raise the value
55:05 - Educating customer on maintenance for new swimming pool
56:21 - Greg says SEX
57:30 - What would you change if you could go back?
01:01:07 - This book changed my life
01:01:37 - My mentor is my dad
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