Meet Tim Sanders | Swimming Pool Designer & Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I worked for a company for 4 weeks. Before they fired me. I told them I was going to be big competition for them one day. Kinda funny because I’m sure that company knows my company. And 12 years later, hello! Now when they fired me, they let me keep my black binder that the company gave us for troubleshooting. Anyways this black binder I took home that day. And I started reading it page by page. I took that black binder and wanted to start my own business cleaning pools. I was 20 years old, I had no money to my name, I didn’t even have a vehicle or pool cleaning equipment. I got a loan from a friends dad for 500$. I bought a few pool cleaning needs, and pool chemicals. Needless to say that $500 didn’t get me anywhere really. But it was a start. My friend at the time had a truck and we went into business together. He couldn’t hang in there when the times got ruff so he gave up about six months in. I bought his truck and kept moving, never looking back. Plus I’m more a solo kinda guy anyways. But I carried that binder around for two years. And it helped out a lot. I quickly moved onto pool repairs. And pretty much mastered that. So I wanted to start building custom swimming pools and only custom pools. So I started learning that. I did a lot of reading and watching other companies do what they do. During ruff times I even had to go work for other pool companies just to learn. But I never gave up on my dreams. Today my company not only cleans and repairs pools. But we build, remodel, we build outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patio covers and more. And soon to come custom homes. So my thought process. Just do it! Each day is going to be hard. But you have to keep moving. And you can’t give up. Only you make happen. My dad always said, “ the hardest part of the day, is waking up”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company name is Texas Pool Specialists. I got into the pool industry when I was 20 years old. I worked for a company here in Dallas. For 4 weeks, and pretty much took everything they taught me and turned it into my own thing. I got a loan for $500 from a friends dad. I had no vehicle, money or supplies. But I made it work with cards I was given. Was it easy? If it was easy anyone would do it right. No way, I have been through a lot since I stared my company. I used to take big risk each day. And when I lost or failed. It was bad. I have been homeless twice. Basically living in a hotel and out of my truck. I have been ripped off many times, things stolen and more. So no it wasn’t easy and it’s still not easy. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. This is what I signed up for. It’s taken my almost 13 year to get where I’m at today. Things I have learned trust that gut feeling, take care of your workers. My brand? My brand is me! I don’t do any advertising or marketing. Everything we do is all word to mouth. I believe my clients know who I am, and they type of work my company does. My work speaks for it self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
. I enjoy a good ball game, food and some drinks. I would go to a Rangers game for sure. I would have to have a steak dinner, and then maybe just hang out by the pool side.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Dad Richard Sanders. If he was alive right now I know for sure he would so proud of me and what all I have accomplished. He is the one who taught me how to work with my hands at a young age. Also showed me the value of hard work. And so much more. I love you dad.

Also Danny Boy, who pretty much takes care of all my tile, coping, decking and more. Also the person who taught me how to build these beautiful pools I build.

Also Ishmael. I’m not sure what I would do with him. One of the best workers and plaster guy I know. Also I really good friend.

I have to give a shout-out to Ronnie, also who helps me daily. Without help it makes it hard to get things sometimes.

Lastly, Reanna she did a lot for my company when she worked with me. She ran got material when needed. She would always drop whatever it was to come help me if needed. She was a great helper and business partner. She did a lot. And it went unrecognized by a lot of people. Thanks Reanna.