Mandatory Questions –
- Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located, and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
At Collins Pool Management, we live and breathe commercial pools — because that’s all we do. We’re not a jack-of-all-trades; we’re laser-focused experts in keeping commercial aquatic facilities safe, clean, and fully operational, year-round.
Based in Stockbridge, Georgia, and Alpharetta we proudly serve clients across the greater Atlanta metro area and surrounding communities. From high-end residential communities and hotels to municipalities and fitness centers, our clients count on us for proactive service, responsive support, and solutions that just make sense.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service. Every property is unique — and we tailor our approach to meet each client’s specific needs, compliance requirements, and budget. With CPO-certified leadership, a detail-driven field team, and a commitment to doing things the right way (not the easy way), Collins Pool Management is the partner you can count on to protect your investment — and your peace of mind.
- Kindly give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
My name is Amber Gardner, and I serve as the President of Collins Pool Management. I’m a Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Certified Pool Inspector (CPI), and a Certified Pool & Spa Building Professional (CBP) — credentials that reflect my deep commitment to technical excellence and industry best practices.
With years of hands-on experience in commercial pool operations and client relationship management, I take pride in delivering high-touch, solutions-focused service that keeps our clients’ aquatic facilities running smoothly and safely.
One of the proudest moments in my career was being named the 2024 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winner, a national recognition that celebrates top-tier professionals who go above and beyond in the pool industry. This honor reinforces the high standards I bring to every project, every property, and every client interaction.
- What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
At Collins Pool Management, the shift wasn’t just about spotting a gap in the market — it was about recognizing a difference in mindset. Too many companies in this space treat commercial pools as just another account. We saw firsthand that the care, attention to detail, and accountability simply weren’t there.
What inspired us was the belief that commercial clients deserve more — more responsiveness, more expertise, and more commitment to doing things right. We care deeply about the small things most companies overlook, because in commercial pool operations, details aren’t just details — they’re everything.
That belief drove us to refocus entirely on commercial pool management. It wasn’t just a business move; it was a values-based decision to lead with integrity and set a higher standard for the industry.
- What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
1. Specialize with purpose.
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Find a niche where you can bring real value, then double down on being the absolute best in that space. That’s how you build credibility, trust, and long-term success.
2. Build relationships, not just revenue.
Your business will grow faster when you focus on people — clients, team members, and partners alike. Strong relationships drive loyalty, referrals, and a reputation that money can’t buy.
3. Stay humble, stay hungry.
Even when you start gaining traction, never stop learning or improving. Success isn’t a finish line — it’s a moving target. Stay open to feedback, own your mistakes, and keep pushing forward with grit and gratitude.
- What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
There are 4 that come to mind when it comes to skills to focus on.
1. Adaptability.
The pool industry — like any business — is full of curveballs. Being able to pivot quickly, troubleshoot under pressure, and adjust strategies without losing momentum is important to long-term success.
2. Strategic Communication.
Whether you’re managing clients, leading a team, or navigating partnerships, clear and intentional communication builds alignment, trust, and results. It’s not just about what you say — it’s how, when, and why you say it.
3. Operational Discipline.
Great ideas are nothing without great execution. Successful entrepreneurs know how to build systems, manage details, and hold the line on quality — even when no one’s watching. Consistency is what separates good from exceptional.
4. Leadership & People-First Mentality.
Your team is your engine. Take care of your people, and they’ll take care of the business. Invest in their growth, listen to their feedback, and lead by example. A culture of respect, support, and accountability is the backbone of any thriving operation.
- How many hours do you work a day on average?
I like to start early and usually wrap up after things have settled in the evening.
When you genuinely care about your work — and the people you serve — it’s easy for the lines between work and personal time to blur. That said, I’m a big believer in working smart, building strong systems, and empowering my team so that everything doesn’t fall on one set of shoulders.
It’s a demanding role, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. When you’re passionate about what you do, the long days feel worth it.
- To what do you most attribute your success?
My success comes from a mix of hard work, clear purpose, and a strong drive to create generational wealth. It hasn’t been about luck — it’s been about consistently showing up, doing the work, and staying focused on building something meaningful for my family, my team, and the clients who rely on us.
For me, it’s always been about creating long-term value and impact, not just short-term wins. It’s about building a legacy, not just a living.
- How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Our marketing approach is rooted in reputation, relationships, and results.
We’ve found that word-of-mouth and referrals are by far our most successful form of marketing. In the commercial pool industry, trust is everything — and when you consistently deliver high-quality service, your clients become your strongest advocates.
We also invest in strategic partnerships that elevate our visibility and credibility — one of the most impactful being our partnership with Harbinger Marketing. Their support has helped us refine our online presence and align our messaging with the level of professionalism we bring to every job.
Ultimately, we believe in showing up, doing the work, and letting results speak for themselves. The combination of strong vendor relationships, a trusted reputation, and a digital presence that reflects our standards has been key to our continued growth.
- Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Our growth has been 100% self-funded through strategic reinvestment, operational discipline, and a relentless work ethic. We didn’t rely on outside investors — we built from the ground up, focusing on sustainable growth and financial control.
Every dollar earned was carefully reinvested into the business to expand our capabilities, support our team, and elevate the client experience. This approach has allowed us to scale without compromising our standards, our values, or our independence.
We’re proud of the fact that our success has been driven by performance — not outside capital.
- What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Consistency, integrity, and people-first leadership.
Long-term success doesn’t come from shortcuts — it comes from showing up every day, doing the hard things well, and building trust with every client, team member, and partner. You have to play the long game: invest in your people, protect your reputation, and never lose sight of your “why.”
Stay adaptable, stay humble, and lead with purpose. If you take care of your team and your clients, success becomes a byproduct — not the end goal.
- Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see Collins Pool Management as a dominant force in the commercial pool industry, serving 500+ commercial properties and operating with a full-scale commercial pool construction division. We won’t just manage pools — we’ll design and build them with the same attention to detail, compliance, and quality that’s built our reputation.
But more than numbers, I see a thriving team — empowered, respected, and growing with us. We’re not just building a company; we’re building careers, community, and generational wealth for the people who helped get us here.
The goal is simple: elevate the industry, take care of our people, and become the gold standard in commercial aquatic solutions.
- Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
One company I really admire is Pentair. Beyond the fact that we work closely with their products, I respect how they’ve positioned themselves as innovators in water solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability, quality, and education within the industry. Their support of pool professionals through resources, certifications, and recognition programs — like the Pool Pro Awards — shows they value the people doing the work, not just selling the equipment.
They’ve built a brand that stands for excellence, and they’ve done it by empowering others to succeed. That’s the kind of impact we aim to model at Collins Pool Management.
Recommended Questions –
- How important have good employees been to your success?
Good employees have been essential to every measure of success I’ve had. At the end of the day, systems and processes are only as strong as the people executing them. When you have team members who are dependable, engaged, and aligned with your company values, everything else becomes scalable.
I saw this firsthand during my first pool season. We were short-staffed, the start of the pandemic, and I was managing more responsibilities than expected. But the few employees I did have showed up every day with the right attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine sense of ownership. We leaned on each other, stayed flexible, and still delivered a great experience to our clients. That experience shaped my belief that hiring is never just about filling seats. It’s about building trust at every level.
Good employees aren’t just part of the structure — they are the structure.
- How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
- What motivates you?
- What are your ideals?
- How do you generate new ideas?
- How do you define success?
- How do you build a successful customer base?
- What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
- What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
- What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
- In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Optional Questions –
- If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
- How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
- What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
- How did you decide on the location for your business?
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
- If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
- Who has been your greatest inspiration?
- What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
- What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
- How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
- What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
for more information visit us at : https://collinspoolmanagement.com