Paddock Pools, the Phoenix-area builder and retailer that was considered a paragon in its heyday as a family-owned company, has reportedly closed its doors after the revocation of its contractors and business licenses. This follows the filing of complaints from dozens of consumers and subcontractors, as well as scathing local news coverage. The company has been disciplined in 25 of the complaints filed with the state’s Registrar of Contractors, with 27 still under investigation. Cameo Pools, another builder owned by umbrella firm NexGen Pools & Spas, also had its contractors license revoked. It has seen disciplinary action as a result of six complaints, while 18 remain open. Local reports state that the company has had hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax liens filed against it. Paddock Pools was founded in 1958 by George Ghiz. In the 1990s and early 2000s, under the direction of sons Buzz, David and Edward Ghiz, the company became known nationally among the industry as a stellar example of retailing and business practices. In its heyday, the former Pool & Spa News Top 50 firm had eight locations in Phoenix and two in Las Vegas, and took the third spot on the Top 50. The Ghizzes sold to a national private equity company in 2005. Since the recession, the company has struggled and shifted ownership twice. The Scottsdale company is not affiliated with other firms across the nation bearing the historic Paddock moniker.
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Arizona's Paddock Pools Closes Permanently
About the Author
Rebecca RobledoRebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”