Kevin Woodhurst, a pool designer with over 30 years of experience, has created awe-inspiring designs that have won the hearts and minds of many clients. Kevin Woodhurst has a vast experience and is responsible for thousands of swimming pool remodels and new projects. He has earned a reputation as an innovative pool designer.
Kevin has played every role imaginable, allowing him to amass a comprehensive knowledge of a href=”https://luxurypools.com/pools-spas/the-elements of… Kevin’s journey has allowed him to gain a thorough understanding of design and construction. He is now a leading expert in the industry, with a wealth of knowledge gained through his years of experience.
We had the chance to talk with Woodhurst recently on the Pool Magazine Podcast. We talked about how Woodhurst got started in the pool business and why he is still so passionate about design pools even after 30 years.
PM: (Pool Magazine), we were hoping you could tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the industry.
Kevin Woodhurst (KW): I fell in the industry, and I like to use this as an example for what happens to designers. One thing that I often say is that you can always check in, but never check out.
Around 30 years ago I bought a house and decided we needed a pool. I reached out to some pool builders in Phoenix and, lo and behold I found someone and it was the beginning of everything. I was in the military and had an extensive mechanical background. I also spent many years designing and drawing things. It was a natural transition to enter the industry.
PM: You mentioned that the pool industry allowed you to create a career which reflects your true self. What initially attracted you to this industry? Why have you been so passionate about it for all these years?
KW: There’s an excitement and build-up when meeting with clients, and helping them visualize, not just verbally but in some form of media.
When I started out, we designed projects at the dining tables of people using a pencil, paper and onion paper. I find it fascinating that we sold pools in this way. The modern technology is so advanced and has so many options that it’s hard to believe that people still bought pools the old-fashioned way. It’s been fun to watch this industry mature and grow from its previous state.
PM: Your background is diverse, including design and construction as well as project management. What was the impact of your experiences in these fields on your approach to pool design?
KW: Along the way, I was fortunate to have some great mentors. One of them convinced me very early that it was crucial to apply myself to my trade and craft. He encouraged me through certification programs to get active in the industry. This has been a major part.
I love engaging with the industry. I enjoyed engaging with the industry, whether it was through trade shows or associations. Early on, I had some positive experiences with NESPA and was influenced by some of the “godfathers” of the industry, who are no longer among us. These included Al Rizzo and John Romano.
I would suggest that anyone who is new to the industry get out and meet these people. Find a mentor, and meet the people who are making things happen. Many good guys are willing to share. They want to expand the knowledge base and see our industry grow and mature.
PM. Can you tell us about the ways in which collaboration has shaped your career, and how it has benefited the design and construction processes you use today?
KW: Over the years, I have spent a great deal of time working in the field with tradesmen and understanding their work. Part of it is that I have an engineer’s mind-set where I must know how things work before I can design them and explain them in a manner that homeowners will understand.
Remember, they only see the pretty pictures. They don’t know what goes on underground, in the pipes, or the structural elements of the pools. They also don’t know how the filtration and turnover systems work.
PM: Instead of using design services as a sole sales tool, you charge for them. What led you into this change and how do communicate to your clients the value of design work?
I’ll be honest, it was not an easy transition. I say this because so many people, at least on the market where I worked, said it was impossible. Nobody is going to pay plans. There are some people who will.
You have to know when to accept not getting a job. People who really know the value of swimming pools will understand that they are a significant investment. Plans will be paid for. You’ll have to provide a set that is worth their money.
You have to be able to appreciate your own time, before you expect others to do so.
PM: What are the benefits of being selective in your projects?
You have to know what your limits are. You must know your limits. Knowing when a task is too large to handle on your own is a highly valued quality.
It is important to know your limits. There are many people in the industry who can assist you. It’s possible that you will have to pay them for their time. But that was part of the learning process years ago. Nearly 20 years ago, we did a cost-plus on a project worth a million dollars because I didn’t think it was a good idea to put us into that position.
On that project, I received some assistance from the industry. The hydraulics and so on. Knowing your limits is good for you. It gives you a benchmark and a reference point. “Okay, this is where I am and I would like to improve so that I can continue on and do those larger projects.” There’s no problem with that.
PM : How do you make sure that your customers are informed about pool ownership?
KW: There’s a ton of information that a homeowner has to take in. You have to tailor your presentation to their level of understanding or mindset.
Spending time with the homeowner on their property, and asking them questions will give you some background information about what they are looking for. This is not a standard speech that everyone should use. It’s a simple process to find out where people are at and where they come from. You have to adapt your presentation to fit their needs.
PM. Looking back at your career, which aspect of being a pool design consultant has been the most rewarding?
KW: Well, I still love it. I have been involved in thousands of pool construction projects. I still enjoy meeting people, and watching their excitement. Especially if they are a young family and have children. You can see it in their eyes. It’s fun when you can connect with people and they become really involved in the process.
It’s natural that I am excited when I visit a multimillion dollar home, and we are looking at an exotic, high-end swimming pool. The most satisfying part of my job is taking a design from conception to completion.
It’s a great job that I am doing right now in Possum Kingdom. This is a large lake in Texas. It’s an enormous vanishing-edge pool that’s near a cliff. That’s the kind of thing that’s exciting.
It’s strange to think that I have spent more than half of my adult life in the pool business. I will be 61 years old this year, and the time has flown by. It’s fun. After three decades it has been a great ride.
Listen to the entire conversation we had with Kevin Woodhurst in the Pool Magazine Podcast.
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