After announcing its entry into the U.S. industry, Australian retailer Poolwerx officially rebranded the first of the Phoenix-area stores it purchased and celebrated with a grand opening. With professionals from across the country attending, the firm also Skyped in employees from its Brisbane, Queensland headquarters. Several Poolwerx officials, some based in Brisbane and others relocated to the States, also celebrated (pictured left to right): Senior Vice President of Strategic Development Troy Hazard, Helen O’Brien, CEO John O’Brien, Darrell and Dianne Doust — who are heading the U.S. operations, Retail Executive Charmian Overduin, and Franchise Development Vice President Jeremy Winter.
Poolwerx, one of Australia’s largest franchisers, acquired Chandler, Ariz.-based Cactus Valley Pools, which had 16 locations, in March and revealed plans to grow its franchise to include 300 stores across the Sunbelt in five years.
