Jeff Lucas might not of realized it at age 8, but the experience he was obtaining helping his brother clean residential pools was going to propel him into a career in the industry when it was time to decide on a profession once he was older.
He was working during the summers with his brother Steve, who owned a pool building and servicing company at the time.
Jeff would continue to work with his brother every summer. However, like everyone, Jeff’s time in the pool industry had a few bumps in the road.
“There was one summer when I was 15 or so and I was digging a ditch that was about 30 feet wide and four feet deep,” said Lucas. “I threw down my shovel and said to myself, this is it. I’m going to college and I’m getting my degree.”
Jeff didn’t mince his words. He went off to college and obtained a degree in marketing. When Jeff wrapped up his college career and began to think what the next chapter in his life was, one thing stood out.
“I really couldn’t stop thinking about the experience I had in my childhood being around pools and working on them,” said Lucas. “I realized I wanted to get right back into the industry as soon as I could.”
Jeff did get back into the pool industry. Using his college degree, he reentered the pool industry on the marketing side of the business.
“My company is based around a computer software that connects engineers, commercial pool contractors, distributors and manufacturers all on one platform when it comes to commercial plans and specification of product,” said Lucas. “I really can’t envision doing anything else.”
Lucas’ ties to the pool industry run deep in his family. His brother Steve was a past president of FSPA and his wife works at HornerXpress as a sales manager.
Jeff even received a scholarship through the FSPA Scholarship Program and has been a part of the association for over 22 years.
“My favorite part of the job is taking my two young kids to these cool commercial sites that I’ve worked on and showing them the work I did,” said Jeff. “There’s nothing like seeing the smile on their faces. It’s really a rewarding feeling.”
Jeff is currently the Vice President of Business Development at theLinc, which connects people products and projects on one software platform.
Lucas’ Pool Industry Experience at Age 8 Paved Path to Success
