Pinch A Penny opened its first location in Raleigh, N.C. on April 25, marking its continued strategic expansion throughout the Sun Belt region. Raleigh locals Aaron and Shawnta Askins are partnering with Pinch A Penny to own and operate the new store, harnessing their shared industry experience, deep community roots and exceptional customer service to bring premium pool service and products to the Triangle area.
Since starting with one family-owned location in Clearwater, Fla., Pinch A Penny has grown exponentially across the southeastern U.S., and continues to do so by franchising with locals to own and operate every location and offer unrivaled customer service and premium products. With owners on site daily, Pinch A Penny customers across the country are provided expert, personalized advice, allowing them to select the best products and services for their pools’ needs. All Pinch A Penny locations offer custom pool service plans, free water testing, equipment installation and repair, as well as high-quality products including specialty chemicals, automatic pool cleaners, pumps, heaters, chillers and more.
Now, as the brand surpasses 300 locations and celebrates 50 years in business, the company will begin developing its presence in the Carolinas.
“Pinch A Penny has always been committed to choosing franchise partners who reflect our values and care deeply about their communities,” says Jim Eisch, President and CEO of Pinch A Penny. “Aaron and Shawnta’s story is a powerful example of purpose and partnership, and we are proud to partner with them as we expand to Raleigh.”
The Askins bring a blend of industry and customer care expertise. Aaron spent more than 16 years working with POOLCORP, the world’s largest swimming pool distributor and Pinch A Penny’s parent company, providing him experience in water filtration, softeners and home exteriors. Shawnta brings more than a decade of experience in interior design, community ministry and leadership, along with the care and insight of being a full-time mom. Their journey together began when they met while working at a pool service store, and their shared history in the industry, paired with a vision for family-run entrepreneurship, now comes full circle with their very own Pinch A Penny location.
“We’ve been in the brand family for 16 years, and, with the family-owned-and-operated aspect of Pinch A Penny, we knew we were ready to build something of our own with them,” says Shawnta Askins, co-owner of the Raleigh Pinch A Penny. “Owning our own Pinch A Penny store allows our family to work together, pour into our community and provide our neighbors with trustworthy service rooted in real, personable relationships.”
The Raleigh store offers Pinch A Penny’s full suite of services, including free water testing, equipment installation and repair, pool renovation and outdoor living design, as well as a wide selection of chemicals, pool supplies and outdoor products to supply Raleigh with pool and patio essentials. After spending 20 years in Raleigh and building deep connections in the area, the Askins know the needs of the region well and look to actively support local schools and causes close to their hearts through their partnership with Pinch A Penny.
With a focus on community, the Raleigh team hopes to build long-term relationships with customers rooted in effective communication, education and scalable service to find the right solutions for each lifestyle.
“Our goal is to serve our customers the way we’d want to be served,” says Aaron Askins, co-owner of the Raleigh Pinch A Penny. “That means listening to needs, providing honest expertise and making sure people feel confident in services they’re getting, what they’re buying and how to use products. We’re not just opening a pool store. We’re investing in our neighborhood.”
The Raleigh Pinch A Penny, located at 7901 Falls of Neuse Road, opened on Friday, April 25, 2025. The Askins family will host locals for a Grand Opening celebration at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 14, complete with a ribbon cutting and an opportunity to meet the owners. The store features 2,600 sq. ft. of retail and service space. Hours of operation are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET,Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET and Sunday 11a.m.-3 p.m. ET.
