We’re looking forward to introducing you to Derek Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Derek, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I am an avid snow skier even though I haven’t had much time to go in recent years. I love the peace and tranquility of standing on top of a mountain looking out and feeling at one with nature and with God. This really brings me back to center and helps me regain perspective of what’s truly important and just how blessed I am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Derek Johnson and along with my beautiful angel, (my wife), Allison we own and operate a small swimming pool maintenance, repair and remodel company in The Woodlands, TX. We have built the company from the ground up completely organically from word-of-mouth. We employ 2 other people that are the key to our success and have really become like family.
One unique thing about us is that we have focused more on providing quality service with integrity more so than rapid growth. This has afforded us with a great and loyal customer base. By focusing on the customers wants and needs and truly listening to them and getting to know them we been able to retain customers at a very high rate.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I would have to say God and my father. My relationship with God is what provides me with the honesty and integrity to create meaningful and lasting relationships both personally and professionally.
My dad taught me the value of hard work and always being true to who I am.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Well, I have come a long way in a relatively short period of time to which I have to give credit to God. I created a lot of, we’ll call it “mischief”, in my life that really caused some pain within my family. I woke up one day and realized I needed to make some pretty significant changes because I didn’t like where my life was headed. Thanks to a loving God and a loving family I was able to course correct and get back on track.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my father for his unwavering support and character. He was tough, but he was always truthful. “Help those who help themselves!” Also, I have a small, but perfect circle of friends built on honesty and loyalty so I definitely have to give credit to them as well.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely doing what I was born to do. I say that because of how completely unlikely my path to where I am today is. I never in a million years would have guessed that I would be running my own company. I am just a simple guy from the Midwest that knows how to fix a thing or two. I have no formal education and have worked mostly blue-collar jobs for most of my life. Oddly enough my previous career as an electrician for the RV industry has translated to the swimming pool industry. Go figure. LOL!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: blackpearlpoolsllc
- Facebook: BlackPearlPoolsLLC
- Other: blackpearlpoolsllc@gmail.com
Image Credits
Derek Johnson
