
Former Tennessee Titan Jovan Haye (left) and inventor Ron Smith are partners in Totally New Technologies. The Goodlettsville, Tenn. startup recently unveiled its first licensed product, the SkimDoctor.
A former pool builder and a retired NFL player have teamed up for a new company.
Totally New Technologies has the financial backing of Jovan Haye, a retired defensive lineman whose seven-year career included seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans, among others.
Now a serial entrepreneur, Haye sees opportunity in the pool industry. Attending the 2013 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas was an eye-opening experience for the Vanderbilt draft pick. “I just came away with a whole different outlook,” said Haye, 32. “I have a different respect for this industry.”
Haye was introduced to pool builder/inventor Ron Smith through their patent attorney. The two are readying TNT’s first licensed product for mass distribution. The Goodlettsville, Tenn., startup licensed the SkimDoctor to Maytronics U.S. The device turbo-charges surface water velocity around the skimmer to remove debris faster.
Haye and Smith have high hopes for their company’s forthcoming products, such as the SkimmerPod, which claims to store rainwater that can be used to top off pools during months of heavy evaporation. And the SkimDoctor already is undergoing an upgrade. Version 2.0 will text homeowners when the basket is full.