How This Former CEO Embraced His Inner Entrepreneur with Poolwerx

Kent McKown is a seasoned entrepreneur and the dynamic force behind the pool maintenance, repair and retail store franchise Poolwerx in Greenville, South Carolina. With a rich leadership background spanning over 25 years, McKown's expertise in leading entrepreneurial ventures shines through his current role as a Poolwerx Franchise Partner.

"I've always believed in the power of innovative leadership and entrepreneurship,” McKown said. “My journey with Poolwerx has been an extension of this belief.”

Why Poolwerx? A Strategic Choice

Before franchising, McKown created his own company back in 1999, built it up and sold it in 2004. Since then, he’s spent his career in various c-suite leadership positions, helping guide other entrepreneurial ventures, including everything from start-up companies to multi-million dollar organizations. He has also spent time sharing his expertise as an advisor for the leadership team of other entrepreneurial companies. 

Three years ago, McKown decided to dip his toes (pun intended) back into business ownership by acquiring an existing pool business in Greenville. He soon discovered the opportunity to convert that business into a Poolwerx franchise. 

“For me, it was a question of being able to leverage the wheel that has already been invented,” said McKown. “I knew I could build up my business quicker within the Poolwerx system than I could without it. I could have done it on my own, but it would have been more challenging and time consuming.”

For McKown, choosing Poolwerx, the leading full-service swimming pool repair, maintenance and retail franchise, was a strategic decision. Recognizing the fragmented nature of the swimming pool industry, especially at the lower end, he saw a golden opportunity to consolidate under a promising brand.

"Poolwerx's technological edge and its ability to support local entrepreneurs were key factors in my decision," McKown said. "Their approach to systems, processes and technology is not just innovative; it's transformative. I was attracted to the brand's potential to revolutionize the U.S. pool industry, much like it did in Australia."

Since its founding in 1992, Poolwerx has grown to become the world's only global brand in the pool service industry, with over 40 retail stores and over 190 service vans across twelve states in the U.S., in addition to 550-plus service vehicles and 160-plus stores globally. Poolwerx leaves competitors to tread water thanks to a professional development strategy to convert employees to Franchise Partners, a technology-driven and scalable model and recurring revenue streams. 

Poolwerx leverages a “hub and spoke” model that equips its franchise affiliates with multiple revenue streams. The hub is the retail store from which Franchise Partners sell products, and the spokes are their service trucks, which provide an extensive array of residential and commercial services. This diversity ensures that Franchise Partners have a multitude of avenues to explore within the pool industry, catering to various customer needs. 

Supporting the Entrepreneurial Spirit

McKown’s move into franchising, though rewarding, didn’t come without its fair share of unique challenges. But as a seasoned entrepreneur, McKown says he knew he was in good hands. 

"Finding and hiring the right people remains a hurdle," said McKown. "However, the comprehensive support in terms of processes, systems, vendor relationships and branding offered by Poolwerx has been invaluable."

Now, McKown is optimistic about the future. With plans to open two additional locations, he is confident about the brand's growth and his entrepreneurial journey within it. "I'm hopeful about expanding next year. The strength of our market and business model gives me confidence," he said. “It has been a very good experience and has given me what I was looking for in moving the business into the Poolwerx franchise.”

Overall, for McKown, joining Poolwerx was more than a business decision — it was about embracing his entrepreneurial spirit. "It's my first foray into franchising, and it has broadened my creativity and curiosity as an entrepreneur," he said. "Poolwerx's culture of supporting and growing entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with my vision. It's encouraging, not just for today, but for the future."

Reflecting on his journey, McKown highlights the benefits of being part of a franchise like Poolwerx. "The support in minimizing risks and maximizing rewards is substantial — it's about leveraging a proven business model to create new opportunities," he said. “I am always looking to do things that I haven’t done and this franchise has given me the chance to do that.”

Looking to the Future

As McKown looks ahead, he sees a bright future with Poolwerx. "The potential for growth, both personal and professional, is immense,” he said. “I'm excited about what lies ahead.”

For those considering a Poolwerx franchise, McKown's journey serves as an inspiring testament to the brand's promise of fostering entrepreneurial success. 

Looking ahead to 2024, Poolwerx is hoping to find qualified and passionate entrepreneurs like McKown across the country with the goal of reaching 120+ stores in the U.S., including multi-site Franchise Partners with multiple locations, and adding 30 new franchises annually in the U.S. The team has identified several markets primed for growth, including Texas (Houston, San Antonio and Austin), North Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For more information on the cost to buy a Poolwerx franchise, please visit https://poolwerxfranchising.com/