WOODY STEWART III, owner of United Pools Inc. in Leesburg, knows what it takes to operate a successful pool company. He spent nearly 17 years learning the finer points of the industry. Since becoming owner in 2002, Woody III has maintained the same principles that it was founded upon: providing excellent customer satisfaction and maintaining a reputation for integrity.

That's one reason why United Pools Inc. is the most experienced full-service pool and spa company in Lake County. "We're very blessed to be in a growth area which provides its own unique challenges and opportunities," said Woody III, who earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Carolina University in 1995. "We take a lot of pride in the quality of our work. We can build any design of pool that our customers can come up with so they're not limited to a cookie-cutter shape. We construct nearly 150 pools each year, and our customers love the finished product."

United Pools Inc. focuses on the residential and commercial construction of new pools. Everything they do is custom designed, which isn't surprising since their salesman is an award-winning designer. In addition to residential and commercial construction United Pools has a service and repair department that handles the needs of residential and commercial customers with existing pools. "Our staff includes licensed residential and commercial pool contractors, certified pool and spa equipment mechanics and state licensed building contractors for screen enclosures and room additions," Woody III said.

You simply cannot stay in this kind of business very long without being a good listener and maintaining a solid reputation in the community. Those aspects are very important to the team at United Pools Inc., and that's the main reason why the business has thrived for 31 years. As a matter of fact, the majority of business is generated by customer referrals. Carl Munn said that he'd recommend the company to anyone. "They are local business people who stand behind their word and business. I thoroughly enjoy working with them."