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Business & Tech

Small Business Thrives Due to Dedicated Service, Loyal Customers

Sky Blue Pools has been a Diamond Bar staple since 1986.

With its shelves stocked with cleaning products, maintenance tools, toys, rafts, and everything in between, has been a one-stop shop in Diamond Bar for 26 years.

“We feel very blessed to be here,” said Theresa McGregor, who owns Sky Blue Pools along with her husband, Ken.

The company started 30 years ago, when Ken and his brother bought a pool route and started servicing and making repairs.

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“They wanted to expand, and went into retail,” Theresa said. “We had lots of help. Our suppliers are wonderful, and go above and beyond to help us.”

The first location opened in 1986, at Grand and Diamond Bar Boulevard. They moved to their current location on Palomino Drive about three years ago, after finding a landlord that they immediately liked and space at a good price.

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“There’s better parking and easier access,” Theresa said. “The freeway is right here, so it’s great for people to get on and off easily.” 

Alongside three employees, Theresa usually works in the store, while Ken is out doing servicing and making repairs in the area. 

“For service, we try to concentrate on Diamond Bar,” Theresa said. “For repairs, we do Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario to Brea, West Covina, Glendora.”

Business is especially brisk from late April and early May through August and September, and although the store sells a wide variety of pool supplies year round, the most requested item is advice.

“People come in looking for help,” Theresa said. “A lot of people like to do things themselves, and need a helping hand. We have knowledge and expertise.”

They also have a dedicated customer base, and are sensitive to those who are affected by the economy. 

“We try to work with our customers to help them through this,” Theresa said. “We want our customers to be happy, and we try very hard to meet their needs.”

That includes being flexible.

“They know if it’s 6:15 and a light is still on, they can come in,” Theresa said. “They can call and say they’re running late, and we’ll wait for them. We are consumers also, and try to treat people the way we want to be treated.”

To spread the word about Sky Blue Pools, the McGregor’s send out mailers and booklets and postcards, and are starting to use the Internet more to connect with customers.

“We’re trying to come of age as far as our website,” Theresa said. “We’ll be getting on Facebook, and we’re constantly upgrading stuff.” 

Upcoming events include a blood drive scheduled for mid-summer, and the annual sidewalk sale May 26.

“We have great raffles and nice, big prizes that our suppliers donate,” Theresa said.

The store donates items as well to various schools, and takes part in events like the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library’s Wine Soiree. 

“We try to keep community oriented,” Theresa said.

Although a new Leslie’s Pool Supply store opened in Diamond Bar recently, Sky Blue Pools is focusing on itself, and looking forward to continuing to serve Diamond Bar.

“We’ve built a good customer/client relationship over the years,” Theresa said. “We’re confident with that.”

Sky Blue Pools is at 23545 Palomino Drive, Suite B1, Diamond Bar.

In order to bring the mobile blood unit to Diamond Bar, at least 40 people must sign up for the drive. To sign up, please visit Sky Blue Pools. For more information, call 909-860-0176.

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