HHL Life Lessons

Working at HHL for the last 7 years I have learned so much, so I thought I would share some of the most important things we have learned

"My ‘life lesson’ is to remember the importance of “Celebrating Life”. I continue to remind others, and myself, that many of the things we get stressed out about on a daily basis are generally not life altering. We might worry about our jobs, our bills, our direction but truthfully in 10 years they are generally things we look back on and say ‘Well that wasn’t worth getting worked up over’. If it is not something like a health crisis that is beyond our control then we need to maintain the perspective that ‘yes’ we have challenges but they are manageable and we can get through them. I’ve learned that life can be a lot more enjoyable when we focus on the positives of what is around us, not the negatives. Celebrate what we have, not begrudge what we don’t have! Working at HHL has taught me daily the benefits of having water in my backyard (and our customers!) to help me embrace the above. Family time, friend gatherings and surrounding ourselves with those that mean the most to us is true perspective on what matters most during our time her.!"-Brad A. Sweet, Partner

“Often times the only pool knowledge a new customer has is that they enjoy swimming, while the actual mechanics of the pool can be overwhelming to them at first!  I know I had my steamer oven for months and I would randomly push every button on the thing until in exasperated submission it did what I wanted it to do!  Patience is so important when explaining the mechanics of a pool or hot tub to a new owner. At HHL, our goal is to create an environment where the customer feels comfortable calling us or dropping by to ask us any pool related question without feeling that any question is too trivial!”-Debby vandenHof, Aylesford Store Manager

“I started working for Holland Home Leisure in 2005. During these past 7 years, I have learned many things from HHL. I have learned team work is one key factor that is very important. I always enjoyed completing tasks individually but when I started working at HHL I quickly learned that this is not the most effective way to run things. I realized that you have to depend on other co-workers to help you solve problems and run business more smoothly. The staff has shown me that everyone has different personalities and strengths and this is what makes the business stronger.”- Kristi Huestis, Service Advisor

“When you tell a customer you will do something for them whether it be to look into a product for them, check on work that has been done on an item we sold them or maybe investigate a product that we don’t carry for them, make sure you keep your promise!

Making a promise to a customer is no different than making a promise to a family member or a friend. Keeping your promises is important in every aspect of life because it build’s trust which all positive relationships are based on!”- Debby vandenHof, Aylesford Store Manager

“Change is GOOD! Shocking I know, but working at HHL things are constantly changing, so you learn that change is necessary! Every year something is different, multiple times a year even. Staff are new, procedures are “tweaked” and revised (this sometimes feels life altering), and simple things change too. Popular items can change drastically in the change of a season; fashionable cushion colors are completely different from year to year, even the store design changes. Which marketing techniques grab people’s attention are also changed throughout the years. I could go on and on about change but as Mike always says “you need to move the cheese” and “without change there is no growth”. I think we could all learn from those words!”- Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer, New Minas Retail Manager

“HHL differs from other companies and always puts customer satisfaction first over productivity and making a profit. The staff would rather see a customer happy and enjoying the product that suits them the best. HHL has shown me why it is so important to make sure the customer is satisfied as that is what keeps a business running for 30 plus years.”-Kristi Huestis, Service Advisor

“There is something satisfying about helping a customer with a pool problem, you giving them your best advice and having that customer come back with a smile on their face to say that their problem has been solved. When I was a seasonal employee at HHL, I think this satisfaction is what kept me coming back year after year. Holland Home Leisure takes great price in helping frustrated customers solve their problems, and following up with those customers to make sure they are enjoying there products as much as they should be.”-Katie McLean, New Minas Above Ground Specialist

“My dad used to always say to me that when he started putting in pools, he never assumed it would be his life long career and he would often wonder what he would do “when he grew up”. This always surprised me so much because I assumed this was a life goal of his, and in reality it was just a job in the beginning. He became so passionate about his job it turned into a career. Many of us started as summer employees here at HHL and something about this industry and company has turned our jobs into careers. The more you embrace your job the more you succeed, the more you work with the company and showcase your strengths the more opportunities will arise for you. I strongly believe being passionate about something helps you thrive.”-Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer, New Minas Retail Manager

Until next time

Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer