PSN Top 50 Builders are a committed bunch.
To apply for the list, they must provide a plentitude of information to help us learn more about their company and score them in the five categories: Total Residential Construction Revenue, Staff Training and Retention, Industry Involvement, Web Presence and Community Service.
This gives us an opportunity to not only honor our Top 50, but to call out several companies who excelled in a particular one of the judging categories.
Scroll down to see which companies ranked in the Top 10 for our main categories, as well as other factors, such as volume and average pool price.
TOP 10 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION REVENUE
Of the five components on which Top 50 applicants are judged, Total Residential Construction Revenue carries the most weight. This is calculated by adding new residential construction revenue with renovation income. For the fifth year in a row, Cody Pools reported the highest revenue here. For the Austin, Texas-area company, this figure jumped nearly 10% in 2016, from $40.19 million in 2015 to almost $44.19 million.
On this chart, combined Residential Construction Revenue for our 15 Hall of Fame builders is tracked from 2011 to 2016, showing an ever-gradual climb.
TOP 10 RENOVATION REVENUE
Diversity is still a key to success. However, it is clear that, for these builders, renovation very much takes a back seat to new construction. While our top renovation earner, Shasta Pools & Spas, brought in nearly $5 million from renovation, that compares with $28 million in residential new construction revenue. Of the $775.5 million that the entire Top 50 made from residential construction in 2016, $54.6 million came from renovation work. When it comes to percentage of residential construction revenue generated from renovation, the top builder does not appear on this list. All Seasons Pools, Spas & Outdoor Living, in Orland Park, Ill., derives 48% of its residential construction revenue, approximately $1.4 million, from renovations.
TOP 10 VOLUME
A company’s volume is determined by the number of excavations performed within a year. While this figure is not considered in the judging for Top 50, it is recognized as a key barometer of business activity. This year, Phoenix-area builder Presidential Pools, Spas and Patio topped the group in volume, with 1,130 digs reported. That's 20% more than the next in line. Combined, Top 50 builders reported 12,548 excavations in 2016, representing a 4% increase over the previous year.
TOP 10 IN AVERAGE POOL PRICE
In addition to the high-volume set, the Top 50 includes contractors who veer toward the ultra-luxurious. For the first time, this group of 10 all reported average residential pool prices of more than $100,000. On the other end of the spectrum, some Top 50 builders reported average prices of less than $40,000. Here, the builder reporting the highest average price, J. Tortorella Custom Gunite Pools of Southampton, N.Y., saw average residential pool price increase 11% in 2016 from $350,000 to $390,000. This group has clearly mastered the art of maximizing each project’s potential.
TOP 10 STAFF RETENTION/TRAINING
These builders showed impressive staff tenures and, more importantly, top mastery at leveraging in-house training, industry-provided education and certification programs to elevate employees. They are listed in alphabetical order. The chart below reflects staff counts of the Hall of Fame builders, 2011 to 2016.
TOP 10 WEBSITES
A website is a company’s face to the world. Sites were judged on two main criteria: beauty and functionality, including ease of navigation and quality of content. Because all scored within one point of each other, they are listed in alphabetical order.
TOP 10 IN SOCIAL MEDIA
As social media has become a critical line to consumers, particularly the next generation of pool owners, this is considered in the ranking. Builders are judged on engagement, in terms of both quality and quantity. The top scorers are listed alphabetically. The graph at right shows the Top 50’s involvement with major platforms.
TOP 10 COMMUNITY SERVICE
For this category, blood, sweat and tears count at least as much as dollars. Builders provide information about not only the charities they financially support, but also fundraisers they organize and pools or spas they’ve built or contributed. An increasing number now include their staff in charitable projects, in the name of increasing morale and elevating company culture. Because of close scores, these honorees are listed alphabetically.
