RB recently interviewed Ruth and Len, the owners of Monarch Pool Care, to find out how RB has been helping them improve their business. Ruth and Len opened their pool business in 2006 after finding it difficult to care for their pool without prior training. There was no reliable swimming pool care company in the area, so they began teaching themselves. After learning all they could about swimming pool care, service, and maintenance, they fell in love with the swimming pool and spa industry.

Check out our Q&A with Ruth and Len below.

How Did Monarch Pool Care Hear About RB’s Business Software?

We met regularly with the Mid-Atlantic chapter of United Aqua Group, and several people there were using it so we got to see what features it offered. But we really got to see how it worked at the Pool and Spa Show in Atlantic City.

Why Did Monarch Pool Care Choose RB’s Business Software?

Before RB, we ran everything on different systems, so everything had to be entered into multiple systems. It was difficult for new staff to grasp all the different steps involved. Especially because our business offers both retail and service, we needed something that would integrate everything to make the day-to-day easier.

For example, we created all the quotes for our customers using email, which the rest of the staff couldn’t access. If a customer came into the store wanting to discuss that quote, the staff couldn’t help them. Sharing those in a centralized hub in real-time so the staff can take deposits, schedule everything, and update inventory counts helped us grow exponentially. We can do more quotes more quickly, and the whole process is much more well-organized and better for the customer experience.

We had a demo with a competitor but found it much too complex and difficult. It was well beyond what we needed and not something our staff could easily use. RB is much more user-friendly and easier to learn. Our summer staff can be trained in one day.

Was It Easy to Adopt and Integrate RB’s Business Software?

RB was very helpful during the adoption process. The most time-consuming aspect of it was setting up all the templates and things like the email and text copy, but once that was done, it made everything run so much smoother. They’re very simple and intuitive to work with and change. And now, when a service technician calls me from the field and finds that a piece of equipment has gone out, thanks to the templates, I can have a quote out for that customer within 10 minutes.

Time is of the essence these days, especially if an essential piece of their pool isn’t working right. The customer wants it fixed now, so they’re already looking for the part online within minutes. Being able to send quotes that quickly makes a big difference in sales.

Has RB’s Business Software Made Running Monarch Pool Care Easier?

Yes — integrating everything into one system is a big part of that. Now, we can all work faster and from the same source of information. And everything doesn’t have to flow through Len and me all the time. We can delegate work more easily, which has helped us drive more business and grow.

The RB Mobile feature has also been very important. Instead of waiting until the end of the day to get information from technicians in the field, we have it immediately. This is especially helpful when a customer has a question or complaint about a service. Before, the staff would have to tell them they hadn’t had a chance to talk to the technician to understand the situation. But now, we can pull up all the information about the visit in the system and get them the help they need. Overall, the software has made it easier for employees to be more hands-on and take a greater role in the business. It unites all aspects of our business to cut down on daily frustration that can happen when we’re all out of sync.

Any Closing Thoughts on RB’s Business Software?

We also transitioned to RB for credit card processing, which lowered our processing cost and offered the benefit of being totally integrated with everything else. They’ve also referred me to other vendors in the industry that have been very helpful with our business. Plus, the monthly maintenance costs are very reasonable for a small business. We’re big fans of RB!

Are You Interested in Growing Your Business?

The right swimming pool business software will improve efficiency and help your business grow in several ways. With more streamlined retail operations, customers enjoy a better experience, and employees uncover new opportunities to drive revenue. Watch a demo today to see how you can begin reaping the benefits of RB’s pool and spa business software.