Align Your Personal Growth with Your Professional Goals: Interview with Jimmie Meece, President of America’s Swimming Pool Company

I recently went one-on-one with Jimmie Meece, President of America’s Swimming Pool Company.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth? 

Jimmie: My journey with America's Swimming Pool Co. (ASP) began in 2005 when I decided to purchase the Pickens County, SC territory and venture into the swimming business. Before that, I was involved in event planning and recreational programming with a local municipality. This background gave me a solid foundation in organizational skills and customer service, which proved invaluable when I transitioned to running a business.

I was among the first local franchise owners in the ASP system. In 2005, I opened the first ASP franchise location in Clemson, South Carolina, with my wife, Meghan. Running one of the very first ASP franchises was a pivotal experience. It taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. There were numerous challenges, from understanding the intricacies of pool maintenance to managing a growing business. I had to learn quickly about water chemistry, equipment repair, and customer relations. There were times when things didn't go as planned, and I had to troubleshoot on the fly. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and business operations.

One of the biggest challenges was scaling the business. As demand grew, I had to hire and train staff, manage inventory, and provide consistent service quality. There were setbacks, such as equipment failures and staffing issues, but each obstacle was a learning opportunity. I realized the importance of having a reliable team and robust systems in place.

In 2010, I sold my franchise and took a corporate position at ASP Franchising, relocating with my wife and three children to Macon, GA. Selling my franchise allowed me to support other franchise owners and contribute to the company's growth on a larger scale. In 2019, I was promoted to Senior Vice President of ASP, overseeing corporate staff and focusing on spearheading the ASP business model, platforms, initiatives, and partnerships, while overseeing corresponding support was provided to all franchise owners.

From my first day of cleaning pools as a franchise owner to now supporting hundreds of ASP franchise owners to build their businesses, I have always believed in the brand and a desire to be profitable. Over the years, I have been an inspiration to others by helping entrepreneurs realize their potential, listening to their needs, and providing tools for their continued growth.

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business? 

Jimmie: Growing and scaling a business requires a clear vision, extensive training programs, and continuous support. Emphasizing the importance of a training program can equip business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. 

Additionally, providing ongoing support in areas such as QuickBooks, business planning, and budgeting is crucial. It's also important to foster a strong community among business owners, encouraging them to leverage our established systems and resources. By focusing on these areas, it can help grow your business and achieve long-term goals.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader? 

Jimmie: An effective leader must possess a combination of vision, empathy, and adaptability. Vision is essential for setting clear goals and guiding the organization towards them. It is important to have a clear mission to provide superior service in a fragmented industry, and this vision can be a driving force behind our growth and major accomplishments. Empathy allows leaders to understand and support their team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

Adaptability is key when navigating the ever-changing business landscape and responding to challenges with resilience. The pool care industry specifically is constantly evolving, with new technologies and customer expectations emerging regularly. As leaders, we must be flexible and open to change, continuously seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. For example, partnering with a software company to streamline operations can help leverage technology for improved efficiency.

Effective leaders must be committed to continuous learning and development, both for themselves and their teams. This includes focusing on the importance of ongoing training and professional development through dedicated programs and other resources. This commitment to learning provides entrepreneurs with the latest knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, you can empower your team to achieve their full potential and drive the company forward.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Jimmie: Leaders and aspiring leaders can enhance their skills by seeking out mentorship opportunities, investing in professional development, and actively seeking feedback. Mentorship provides valuable insights and guidance from experienced leaders, helping to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions. Encourage business owners to connect with seasoned professionals within your network, fostering a supportive community where knowledge and experiences are shared.

Investing in professional development is another crucial step. This can include attending industry conferences, enrolling in leadership courses, or participating in workshops. Aspiring leaders should focus on building strong relationships within their professional network. Networking with peers, mentors, and industry experts can provide valuable support, opportunities for collaboration, and insights into best practices. There should be a high importance of community and encouraging business owners to engage with their local communities and industry associations.

Actively seeking feedback from peers and team members is crucial for personal and professional growth. Constructive feedback helps leaders identify areas for improvement and fosters a culture of continuous growth.  Promoting open communication and regular performance reviews allows your team members to provide and receive valuable feedback.

Also, staying informed about industry trends and best practices is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. The pool care industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and customer expectations emerging regularly. Leaders must stay updated on these developments to make strategic decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

By seeking mentorship, investing in professional development, actively seeking feedback, staying informed about industry trends, and building strong relationships, leaders and aspiring leaders can take their leadership skills to the next level and drive their organizations towards growth and excellence.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders? 

Jimmie: My three best tips for entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders are to embrace continuous learning, build strong relationships, and stay resilient. The business landscape is constantly evolving, so staying informed about industry trends and best practices is crucial for growth. Networking and building strong relationships with peers, mentors, and service technicians can provide valuable support and opportunities for growth. Additionally, challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but maintaining a resilient mindset and learning from these experiences can lead to long-term achievements. By focusing on these areas, leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles and drive their organizations forward.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams? 

Jimmie: Building, leading, and managing teams requires a focus on communication, trust, and empowerment. Clear and open communication provides the team members with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities, while trust fosters a positive and collaborative work environment. Empowering team members by providing them with the necessary resources and support allows them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the organization's goals. Additionally, recognizing and celebrating achievements helps to motivate and inspire the team.

Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?

Jimmie: My best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding are to understand your audience, leverage technology, and maintain consistency. Tailoring your sales and marketing strategies to meet the needs and preferences of your target audience is crucial for effective engagement. This means conducting thorough market research to identify your audience's demographics, preferences, and pain points. By understanding what drives your customers, you can create targeted campaigns that resonate with them and address their specific needs.

Utilizing technology and data analytics can optimize your marketing efforts and track performance, providing valuable insights for improvement. Tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, social media analytics, and email marketing platforms can help you gather and analyze data on customer behavior and campaign effectiveness. This data-driven approach allows you to make informed decisions, refine your strategies, and allocate resources more efficiently.

Consistency in branding across all channels and touchpoints helps build trust and recognition with your audience, reinforcing your brand's identity and message. This includes maintaining a cohesive visual identity, tone of voice, and messaging across your website, social media, advertising, and customer communications. Consistency provides your audience with a unified and memorable experience with your brand, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy.

It’s also important to stay adaptable and open to new trends and technologies in the sales and marketing landscape. The industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can give you a competitive edge. For example, exploring emerging platforms on social media or leveraging artificial intelligence for personalized marketing can help you reach new audiences and enhance your marketing efforts.

Building strong relationships with your customers is key to long-term growth. Engage with your audience through social media, email newsletters, and customer feedback channels. Show that you value their input and are committed to meeting their needs. By fostering a sense of community and trust, you can create loyal customers who are more likely to recommend your brand to others.

Understanding your audience, leveraging technology, maintaining consistency, staying adaptable, and building strong customer relationships are necessary strategies for effective sales, marketing, and branding. These approaches can help you create meaningful connections with your audience and drive sustainable growth for your business.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Jimmie: The best piece of advice I have ever received is to "align your personal growth with your professional goals." This advice has been instrumental throughout my career, from opening my own business nearly eighteen years ago to my current role as President. Working alongside the founder, I learned the importance of providing superior service in a fragmented industry. This alignment has allowed me to drive growth, implement effective strategies, and invest into the company to streamline efficiency and inspire leadership. By focusing on both personal and professional development, I have been able to navigate challenges and propel the company forward.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Jimmie: Over the years, starting as the very first franchise owner nearly eighteen years ago, I've had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the company's evolution. Our commitment to providing superior service in a fragmented industry has been a driving force behind our growth.

I am dedicated to continuing this legacy by focusing on innovative strategies and supporting entrepreneurs. Evolving and introducing new services demonstrates adaptability and a forward-thinking approach. I’m excited about the future and remain committed to delivering exceptional service to customers while supporting business owner’s growth.

There is also a big importance of community involvement and giving back. I believe in making a positive impact in the communities where our company serves, whether through volunteer work, charitable donations, or simply being a good neighbor. This commitment to community is a core value that drives us every day.


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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