James Broderick started in the industry by managing a swim school. As the general manager of Goldfish Swim School in 2018, Broderick oversaw a 60,000-gallon pool, taught life-saving skills to kids and worked as a certified lifeguard instructor. When the pandemic closed the school in 2020, Broderick saw an opportunity. Using a stimulus check, he and his wife started JB’s Pool Care.
“My wife and I hit the road and started taking care of a couple of friends’ pools, and then a few more, and let me tell you — we drove all over,” he says. “There wasn’t a job we wouldn’t take or a location we would not drive to. I learned so much in that summer and looking back, I wouldn’t change it for a thing. It was long hot days, but it built the foundation for my pool business.”
By the end of the season, Broderick had built a solid client base of 20 pools, with work continuing through the winter months. Word spread quickly, and soon, his reputation for reliable service earned him more clients than he could have anticipated.
By his third season, JB’s Pool Care had grown to maintain 75-100 pools during the busy season and around 50 in the off-season. Now, at the tail end of his fourth season, Broderick has honed his business into a well-oiled machine. He focuses on water cleanliness and maintenance, partnering with other companies for equipment repairs and replacements. He takes great pride in the recognition he’s received, including being named a “Green-to-Clean Champion” by PoolPro in 2024.
“I have great clients and a wonderful route,” he says. “I take such pride in that recognition; green-to-cleans are my specialty.”
Broderick says the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that his hard work brings families together. He loves receiving photos and messages from clients, sharing how much they enjoyed their pool for graduations, parties and family gatherings.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces is priceless,” he says.
Broderick dreams of opening a pool store that sells chemicals and equipment and provides professional water testing services. He’s also passionate about education and hopes to offer training for both clients and industry professionals. He also hopes to be part of increased collaboration between different segments of the industry to improve the education clients receive after their new pool build is completed.
“I believe wholeheartedly that teamwork is crucial for success,” he says. “We pool professionals need to stick together.”
