Today we’d like to introduce you to JR, Julie Richard and Cristina Nikolov.
JR, Julie and Cristina, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1987, I started Richard’s with every penny that I had saved. My only thought was to work hard, carry the best products, and always do right for my customers. I learned these principles from my father, who inspired me to develop the “Do Right” Philosophy: “Do Right” Products, “Do Right” Prices, and “Do Right” Services. Today, Richard’s Total Backyard Solutions still uses these principles and boasts over 7,000 satisfied customers. My wife, Julie, and I are active full-time in the business. And our children get involved once in a while too, such as their role in a recent television commercial. We must be doing something right because referrals from our satisfied customers have helped us become one of the top pool builders in the greater Houston and surrounding area. And now our business is debt-free, profitable and growing. – JR Richard, CEO
Has it been a smooth road?
Success and growth always come with bumps in the road, but those bumps allow us to take a step back, refocus, and become even better for our team and clients. Over the years, a big challenge we faced in our business was the subcontractor pool. There was a major shortage, especially in 2018, of both qualified and licensed contractors available to work with. The shortage directly impacted our customer’s experience as it pushed the projected timelines for their completion.
We addressed this issue by restructuring the way we assigned jobs to our subcontractors and made sure there was an equal amount of opportunity for all. We did this by not giving the majority of the jobs to one subcontractor and not to another, because in the past when we gave a specific subcontractor most of the work they could not meet the deadlines. Since then, we have added more qualified and licensed subcontractors to work with and have more than one option of subcontractors available to work with for different categories. We had also re-established a firm relationship with our subcontractors by providing one-on-one training with them at our office, including getting them trained and on board when we made the switch to the new program and our exclusive Richard’s App.
Richard’s App is a triple threat. It allows our customers to see real-time progress of their project from their smartphone or tablet, our team can communicate from the field to both clients and our subcontractors at any time, and our subcontractors are able to properly receive project documents and PO’s in the field. Our App has allowed us to overcome the obstacles of transparency and project accuracy we use to face in the past with both clients & subcontractors.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
Our company makes memories “up close and personal”. We sell an opportunity that helps people become the best version of themselves. Our customers strive for that special difference that really impacts their family’s overall well-being and lifestyle. Richard’s can truly enhance their lives both physically and mentally with the top of the line products we offer including the ease of care, easy maintenance and peace of mind brought to their home and the increase in blood flow to their heart. We meet them right where they need us and provide just what they need based on their unique story and then watch it all come to life, bringing harmony, happiness, wellness, and family togetherness.
We specialize in custom backyards, which include: custom pools, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living areas, decks, patios, Hot Spring Spas, Freeflow Spas, and Endless Pools Fitness Systems.
When customers purchase our products/services over and over, we know we’ve made a difference in their lives that matters. When we get referrals, we are affecting our community positively, which brings a lot of satisfaction knowing people are talking about Richard’s and they need us. Our overall employee tenure is our glue that shows our strength of character, integrity, and professionalism. Our customers have been counting on us now for more than 33 years.
We provide an experience for our customers that is second to none and they tell their friends about the difference Richard’s provides before, during and especially after the sale/construction is complete. The “after” is the most important because Richard’s actually has a full-Service department that caters to their every need from repairs, providing valet services, and also product bundle deliveries.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The diversity of Houston is truly one of a kind. If you have ever been outside of Houston before, you understand that southern hospitality is a way of life no matter what background or ethnicity you are. We have clients and employees from all walks of life that truly inspires us every day never to be ordinary, but extraordinary. Do you want a fire pit in the middle of your pool? Done! Do you want your pool in the shape of the United States of America? Done! You need a little nook for your hot tub to enjoy with your grandbabies? Done! Houstonians have creative ideas that we LOVE to build- the sky is the limit.
Pricing:
- Pools starting as low as $271/mo
- Swim Spas starting as low as $187/mo.
- Hot Tubs starting as low as $42/mo.
Contact Info:
- Address: Houston: 1701 Highway 6 South Houston, TX 77077
Woodlands: 18623 Kuykendahl Rd. Spring, TX 77379 - Website: www.richardstbs.com
- Phone: 713-777-7665
- Email: sales@richardstbs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardstbs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totalbackyardsolutions/
- Other: https://richardshottubs.com/
Image Credit:
Bullock Studios
Cove Studio Productions
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