Gib-San Pools

Ontario’s Pool-Building Powerhouse

 

Crafting regional success with growth strategies involving technology, partnership, and design.

Nestled in the North York area of Toronto resides a pool construction company that has proved to outsplash the competition and continues to provide leading services for the ever-growing pool and spa industry.

Created in 1972, Gib-San Pool & Landscape Creations is a third-generation industry-leading pool company that has perfected the art of building swimming pools.

It has honored its commitment to creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction for over 50 years!

This company invests heavily in employee development, providing ongoing training and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to ensure the workforce remains skilled, motivated, and capable of delivering exceptional results.

Company leadership emphasizes clear communication, empowering employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the company’s vision.

The reason is simple: customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of every action taken at Gib-San Pools.

Success for this company has been exemplified through the thriving, respected organization that Gib-San Pools is today, with a loyal customer base and a strong market presence.

It has a team of dedicated professionals who are proud of their work, clients who are delighted with their projects, and a reputation for excellence that sets the company apart in the industry.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Reach

Gib-San Pools was officially incorporated in the spring of 1973; the company’s origin begins with a story of collaboration and vision, initiated by two enterprising individuals, Ed Gibbs and Robert Sanelli.

Combining their last names, they named the company Gib-San Pools, and initially, their joint effort focused on constructing concrete swimming pools.

This venture laid the foundation for what would become a thriving community and business environment.

In 1989, the Gib-San Pools experienced a significant transformation when Ed Gibbs’ son, Ed Gibbs Jr. took over the family business.

With fresh ideas and a new perspective, the younger Gibbs expanded the company’s scope beyond concrete pool construction to include service and maintenance, retail, and even vinyl pool construction.

This diversification allowed the business to not only survive but thrive, laying the groundwork for future growth.

“We broaden our base… since then the company has blossomed in size and scope,” Gibbs states, explaining that the company’s capacity has dramatically increased over the years.

Originally, the company’s operations were confined to the Toronto city limits. However, with time, Gib-San expanded its reach across Ontario and eventually internationally.

This growth was driven by a commitment to greatness and a willingness to explore new markets. Projects in the United Arab Emirates, the Caribbean, and the French Riviera showcased the company’s ability to adapt and succeed on a global scale, broadening its horizons and capabilities.

As Gib-San evolved, so did its business model. The company shifted from purely residential projects to a mix of residential, commercial, and resort living developments.

This shift was characterized by a holistic approach to client needs, offering a one-stop-shop experience. By partnering with landscape contractors, Gib-San provided integrated solutions that included both landscape and swimming pool services.

This comprehensive approach simplified the process for clients, fostering trust and driving growth. As Gibbs expresses it, the company’s willingness to step outside the box is what opened “a tremendous amount of opportunities for company growth.”

Innovations in Design and Technology

The pool industry has seen significant changes since the 1970s, moving from simple rectangular and kidney-shaped pools to elaborate designs featuring vanishing edges, tanning ledges, and water features.

This evolution was fueled by client demand for unique and innovative designs, inspired by visits to imaginative places like Disney. When they returned, clients often wanted to recreate that experience in the backyard, at least aesthetically.

Gib-San embraced these trends, pushing the boundaries of what was possible for pool design, and maintaining a high level of innovation in its projects.

However, there is an order to everything this company does, and part of embracing the industry’s new trends involves embracing newer technology to streamline the operation.

Naturally, technology now plays a crucial role in the company’s business operations

From advanced accounting software to state-of-the-art fleet management systems, the company leverages technology to enhance efficiency and service quality.

For instance, Service Titan, a US-based program, helps manage service operations by providing detailed reports, storing documents, and ensuring high service standards.

In addition, advancements in pool technology, such as variable speed pumps and automated chemical feeders, have improved energy efficiency and overall pool management.

Thanks to companies like Fluidra, Hayward, and Pentair, Gib-San Pools can bring an immense degree of automation to all of the aforementioned systems, bringing a degree of ease and convenience to the client after the purchase.

 

The Hidden Impact of the Pool Industry

Perhaps the most notable quality of Gib-San Pools is its role as a significant driver of the local economy.

Most of the materials and labor required for pool construction are sourced locally, supporting numerous local businesses and trades.

“The vast majority of our products, services, and labor are homegrown… Your stone is local, your steel is local, and your tile, in most cases, is local. I would say that North America supplies the vast majority of everything we need,” Gibbs confirms.

Gib-San’s commitment to using domestic products and services underscores its role in promoting economic growth.

The most impressive thing about this is how through its normal operations, Gib-San Pools touches various sectors of other industries, including electrical, plumbing, and construction, creating a ripple effect that benefits the broader community.

Of course, creating this level of cross-industry collaboration requires building strong partnerships with the companies involved.

Because of this, successful supply chain integration and partnerships are vital for Gib-San Pools. The company places a strong emphasis on paying bills promptly and maintaining symbiotic relationships with suppliers.

“People miss that a partnership is a two-way street… that means you’re working them, testing their products, integrating their products, and reporting back on how their products are working,” Gibbs explains.

This approach ensures a steady supply of high-quality products and services, which is crucial for maintaining client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Additionally, collaborating closely with manufacturers allows Gib-San Pools to drive continuous improvement within its vendors and suppliers as well, signaling to them that their growth is just as important to the company as its own.

Although vendor relationships are never overlooked, the top priority for Gib-San Pools remains its focus on the human experience. The company understands that pool ownership is not just about the pool itself but the overall experience it provides.

The company employs a team of highly qualified master designers to create custom solutions that consider various factors, from ergonomics to seasonal use.

The design phase considers including but not limited to sun exposure, wind patterns, and the intended use of the pool, ensuring a personalized and functional result.

From design to construction and long-term maintenance, Gib-San Pools strives to create a seamless and enjoyable process for its clients.

Of course, the company’s marketing efforts reflect that and highlight the joy and functionality of completed projects, showcasing the transformative impact of a well-designed pool on family life.

The company’s marketing strategy highlights the experiential aspects of pool ownership. Rather than focusing solely on the construction process, the company emphasizes the enjoyment and lifestyle benefits that a pool can provide.

By showcasing families using the pool, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings, Gib-San creates a compelling vision of what pool ownership can mean for potential clients.

This approach resonates deeply with customers, particularly in a post-COVID world where outdoor spaces have become more valuable than ever.

As Gibbs expresses it, the company focuses on selling a pool that is family-oriented, conventional, and is part of an experience that you could see yourself being a part of.

Internally, Gib-San Pools also fosters a culture of trust and employee well-being. The company prioritizes its employees, recognizing that a satisfied workforce is crucial to delivering exceptional client service.

“The potential of raising your company’s level is only matched by the output of what you do to protect the employees,” Gibbs states, explaining how this approach, coupled with visionary leadership and strategic planning, has been fundamental to the company’s enduring success.

Looking forward, Gib-San Pools continues to invest in its infrastructure, technology, and staff. The company follows 4 levels of ISO standards, ensuring quality management, environmental health and safety, and information security.

This commitment to excellence is audited by a third party, affirming the company’s dedication to high standards.

“It’s more about the platinum level of service that we like bringing to our clients and having our clients understand that the platinum experience is really important when you’re dealing with us because that brand promise is critical to who and what we are as an organization,” Gibbs says.

By maintaining a forward-thinking perspective and investing in key areas, Gib-San Pools is well-positioned for continued growth and success, building on its legacy of innovation and excellence.

AT A GLANCE

Gib-San Pools

What: A third-generation industry-leading pool company renowned for its commitment to creativity, quality, and customer satisfaction

Where: North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Website: https://gibsanpools.com/