oct-2017

72 73 is certainlycompetition,but we don’t worryabout what others are doing,we’re busydeveloping our teamand focus on creativity,qualityand service.We’re in business tomakemoney like everybodyelse,but we are sensi- tive to delivering good value for our clients. “We aren’t just isolating swimming pools or land- scapes.We create full, cohesive, outdoor environ- ments.When we’re master planning our spaces, our scope of work tends to be large, and the budgets are large.We try to make each project a show piece, and must be efficient with our resources, and value-sen- sitive to materials.At the same time,we’re staying true to creativity and quality.” BVM: After 10 years in business, you must have some valuable long-term relationships. Thevenot: “There are a lot of relationships.We’ve used Pentair Pool Equipment for a long time on most of our swimming pool construction.We part- ner with them, and we buy their product through the SCP–South Central Pool Supply–distribution center.Also, Southwest Nursery are wholesalers with consistently high-quality plant materials, and we enjoy working with them and their team. Long Horn Irrigation and Drainage Supply is where we buy most of our white goods; PVC pipe, drainage prod- ucts, landscape lighting. I’ve been working closely with most of these trades for about 18 years, they are great business partnerships.” BVM: Does energy efficiency and sustainability play a role in your designs? Thevenot: “Absolutely.We use Pentair IntelliFlo pumps, one of the most energy efficient pumps in AQUATERRA OUTDOORS PREFERRED VENDORS n Independent Bank www.independent-bank.com Our unique brand of banking extends from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the RockyMountains.We are an $8.9 billion community-centric institution providing a wide range of re- lationship-driven commercial banking products and services tailored to meet the needs of businesses, professional or- ganizations, community groups and entrepreneurs.We also offer a full line of personal financial products and services to make banking easy for busy families and individuals. The Bank provides capital and guidance to foster growth, bring new ideas to life, and energize local businesses.We accomplish these goals by funding projects such as medical facilities,warehouse space, and hospitality and education venues. By developing strong relationships and a deep understanding of your industry, our team offers a proactive approach to business banking. n Pool Cover Resource www.poolcoverresource.com the industry.And some of the best technology in irri- gation systems that enables us to connect the system online,so it canmonitor air temp,rainfall,wind,and adjust itself accordingly.We onlyuse LED lighting,and we’re always looking for premiumenvironmentally conscious products to implement into our outdoor spaces.” BVM: How do you envision AquaTerra Outdoors five years from now? Thevenot: “Honestly,we don’t want to change much.We want to continue building our team and our talent, continue educating ourselves and deliv- ering amazing product to our clients.We also want to build more trades in-house to better control qual- ity and schedules.Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but we’re very happy with who we are and where we are. “Some key things that have contributed to our success are: Never stop learning. Be the best you can possibly be and build your team accordingly. Find people that share your passion, and create a culture of business where you can work hard and have fun doing it.That’s what it’s all about.” HELPING OUT Hurricane Harvey didn’t physically reach the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but its emotional impact did affect the team at AquaTerra,who had friends and family in hard hit areas. So, they decided to help.Tal Thevenot shares: “We sent a few of our trucks, loaded up with goods, down to the coast.And sent some of our employees to deliver goods down there, as well.We tried to help out where we could. Nowwe’re trying to do some stuff for Puerto Rico and the BVI, because we were lucky, and all the devastation is just so sad.”