by Julie Pettis
Time sure does go by in a blink. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Pettis Pools’ 50th anniversary, and now here we are, at 60 years!
Pettis Pools was established in 1962 when Erma and Larry Pettis, who were both teachers at the time, were looking through the business classifieds for an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer. Having both grown up during the Depression, they never had any money and knew it was up to them to create the future they dreamed of. In fact, Erma, my mom, had a saying she often repeated, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” As their daughter, let me tell you, they were not afraid of hard work.
Perhaps a hardware store, they thought. Then one day, they saw an advertisement that would change their lives forever. “Fox In-ground Pool Dealership Available!” In 1962 in-ground swimming pools were considered only for the rich and famous, and here Erma and Larry were in rural Hilton. Could it work? They decided to take the chance. They scraped together the money and purchased the dealership, which included one 16×32 rectangular pool. That pool was installed in our own backyard so that my father could learn how to build a pool. He figured that if he was going to make mistakes, best to make them in his own backyard and not a customer’s. That pool lasted 28 years and was the focal point of many happy summers and family parties. So began the business that, to date, has spanned 60 years, two retail store locations, over 70 employees, thousands of pool installations, and, most importantly, six decades of making friends. This past January, Pettis Pools received a 60 years of service award from Fox Pools and won First Place in the Inground Pool category for a project in Victor.
Pettis Pools is four years older than me, so I can honestly say I grew up in the business. It’s really all I’ve ever known. I’m immensely proud of my parents’ accomplishments. The early years were difficult, and I remember my mom once crying at the kitchen sink because she didn’t know how they were going to pay their bills. I remember times they couldn’t take a salary from the business because paying our employees and our bills was most important. But through all the difficulties, there was always immense love for one another and an unshakeable belief in their ability to work hard, persevere, and ultimately succeed.
I wish my parents were still alive. I wish they could see how tremendous our staff is – friendly, knowledgeable, dedicated, and committed to our customers as well as each other. Our most tenured employee has been with us for 43 years, and now a third-generation Pettis has joined the business. The core values set forth by Erma and Larry are still our guiding light for each and every employee at Pettis Pools. They would be so proud to see how much their little company – which started in our garage – has grown.
The Pettis family is extremely grateful for the support the community has shown us these past 60 years. We look forward to carrying on our family’s tradition of excellent and honest service, great value, and down-home friendliness for many years to come.
As a thank you, Pettis Pools is holding 60 Days of Giveaways starting May 6 through July 4, where prizes will be given away every day. Stop by either of the Pettis Pools locations and register to win.
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