Off the Deep End and Into Business: Diving into Success with the SBDC
When your community thrives on tourism, every detail matters—especially the pools that welcome guests to their vacation homes. For one determined entrepreneur in Baldwin County, the ripple effect of poor service in the pool industry sparked a bold idea: build a company that simply does what it says it will do.
While working in HVAC sales, the founder of Off the Deep End Pool Services LLC noticed a troubling trend—clients were losing time and money due to unreliable pool service providers. Property managers and homeowners alike voiced their frustrations, and the opportunity was clear: there was room for a company built on reliability, transparency, and quality.
But turning that vision into a business wasn’t simple. In 2021, with no roadmap and plenty of uncertainty, the founder turned to the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance.
Through technical assistance counseling and the annual “Starting a Business in Baldwin County” seminar, the Alabama SBDC helped transform an idea into a reality. With step-by-step guidance on forming an LLC, understanding licensing requirements, and navigating local regulations, the founder launched Off the Deep End Pool Services in 2022.
Without a doubt, we would not be where we are today without the assistance of the Alabama SBDC in our business development and our extensive network of individuals and businesses from our involvement with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. Due to our involvement with Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and SBDC, we were able to open the business successfully and quickly gain customers and knowledge to set the foundation for success.
The relationship didn’t end there. In 2025, the business returned to SBDC advisor Yo Johnson for support in hiring its first employee and transitioning to an S-Corp—another leap forward in its growth journey.
In just three years, Off the Deep End Pool Services has grown from a solo venture to a team of three full-time employees, each managing their own truck and pool route. Their reputation for honest, high-quality service has earned the trust of property management companies across the region.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand thoughtfully — developing replicable processes that allow for sustainable growth while preserving profitability and work-life balance.
Off the Deep End isn’t just cleaning pools—it’s elevating the local tourism experience, supporting economic vitality, and creating quality jobs. Their story is a testament to what happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets expert guidance.