What are we up to at HHL?

We have had a busy few months here at Holland Home Leisure! Here is a little recap J

The pools are pretty much all closed now, and everyone is coming in getting there hot tubs ready for those chilly nights. If your pool is still open it is not too late to give the service department a call to get your name on the closing list, and don’t forget to pop into either location for a water test. A well balanced pool in the fall can make for an easier time in the spring.

Speaking of water tests we are so excited to be welcoming back Jennifer, our Chemistry Manager, she will be returning to us on Monday after her year long maternity leave. We can’t wait to have you back! A big thank you to Andrea, for filling our Chemistry manager position while Jenn was off, Andrea will now be taking on the new position of Director of Development.

We just recently completed our third Splash for CF dinner and Auction, after a summer of fundraising this was a great way to end our campaign with a bang! The evening was extremely successful and we raised more than $11,000 that night for Cystic Fibrosis! We are also honored to receive the Support Group Award from Cystic Fibrosis Canada Atlantic Region. I wanted to take this time to say thank you to the staff members who made this accomplishment possible, to the suppliers and local businesses who donate items for our auction, and to all of our clients who took time out of their schedule to join us and for supporting such a worthy cause. A huge thank you to Front and Central for working with us to create a memorable evening, Chef Dave Smart and his staff put on an amazing meal. Last but not least I’d love to personally thank Benjamin Bridge Winery for their extremely generous support and donation! Our event was held on Thursday October 9^th, and it was a great way to start off Thanksgiving weekend! A lot to be thankful for. Our final check for the year for Cystic Fibrosis was over $15000! WOW!!!

We are busy prepping the store for our upcoming Fall hot tub event, which starts October 25^th and runs until November 1^st. All of our in stock hot tubs are on sale and it’s a great time to stop in and check out the selection. Don’t go another winter wishing you had a hot tub, put a Beachcomber in your backyard today!

Also, we have recently added a large clearance section of outdoor furniture to our New Minas store. We are cleaning out the warehouse so come on in and check out the selection of high end furniture. There is up to 50% off selected sets, it’s a great time to dress up the deck for 2015 with the best pricing of the year!

Looking forward to seeing you in the store soon,

Liana Rhodenzier

 

Start Planning Ahead!

With the warmer summer days passing by, we start to think more about pool closing season and less about pool installation and maintenance.

While it’s true that our 2014 installation days are dwindling, now is the perfect time to start the buying process for your 2015 pool.

Did you know that our 2015 installation list is already gathering names? Make your deposit before the snow flies and avoid the disappointment of a later pool install and a shorter swimming season next year.

If you have been sitting inside by your air conditioner all summer trying to beat the heat, or dragging the kids back and forth to the beach, why not consider a pool in your own backyard. Spend less time complaining about the heat and more time enjoying it!

With above ground pools starting at only $2295, Holland Home Leisure has options to suit everyone’s space and budget. Call or stop by either location and talk to one of our Above Ground Pool Specialists today about how you can make next summer even more enjoyable than the last!

Spending the summer at HHL- by our Summer Staff!

I asked a few of our summer staff to give me a few words on their time here at HHL!

 

Working at Holland Home Leisure over the summer has been a great experience. I've learned a lot more than I expected to, finding a summer job that you actually enjoy going to is something that is very rare for most people and luckily for me I found a summer job that I enjoyed here at Holland Home Leisure.

Every person who works here is dedicated to making Holland Home Leisure a great environment to work in, I'm never afraid to ask a question because everyone's always willing to help. What I enjoyed most about working here this summer was getting to learn new things and experiencing new things everyday. I've definitely gained and improved a lot of my professional skills working at Holland Home Leisure this summer that will help me in the future.

-Nabhila -1^st year HHL Employee

 

My experience working at Holland Home Leisure for the past 2 summers has been a very positive one. I have built great relationships with both staff and customers, which makes coming to work something I look forward to!

 Working here has strengthened my interpersonal skills and work ethic tremendously, which will help prepare me for my future career. Every day is different from the last, as there is always a new challenge to work through or something new to learn.

-Sarah – 2^nd year HHL Employee

 

Growing up I have had generous neighbors who have offered my family the use of their pool, but we never got to see the maintenance aspect of it. Finding out the work they put in (as HHL customers of course) during my training days was very interesting.

The days at HHL were both fun and busy. Although chemistry in our customer's pools and hot tubs were junior staff and I’s primary focus, we learned a lot of general pool knowledge along the way.

The staff at HHL was excellent and fun. No matter how hectic days could get, the great staff was the solution to any stress we may have had. HHL was a great summer job and one where I feel that my brain didn't shut off while being in between semesters of school. I was tested on a daily basis. I know where I will be coming for my own pool and hot tub when I'm older!

-Chet – 1^st year HHL Employee

 

We had a great summer so far, full of laughs and learning and I am looking forward to see everyone outside of work for our upcoming staff party this Saturday! Reminder the stores will be closing at 3pm on August 17^th so we can all unwind after a busy summer.

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

Yard Sale and More!

I spent my day off yesterday going through items for our upcoming Splash for CF Yard Sale. So far we have gathered quite a few bags and boxes of baby items, clothes, toys and more! My 10 year old daughter helped me clean out her room of toys she doesn’t play with anymore, clothes that don’t fit and odds and ends she has collected. My 2 year old son took every toy we put in the bag out and said “I play with this”…. Even though he hadn’t picked it up in a year!  It was a fun way to spend a morning, and was a great experience for my daughter. I hope to teach her the things my parents and grandparents had taught me when I was young. I hope to explain to her the importance of giving back, to help those in need and to try to make a difference.

Growing up I have witnessed my family members helping in many fundraising suppers, breakfasts and teas. The one thing I remember is the positive attitude around each event. I don’t remember hearing about “having” to work an event, but more the joy behind how much was raised for a worthy cause. I bet I could not count how many dinners my Grandmother has worked, planned, organized and baked for and she is always willing to help with anyone else’s events. I so admire her passion to help and I try to have the same positive attitude!

As I begin my fundraising journey this year with my Mom assisting me and my fellow staff members all pitching in, I am excited to see what we can come up with. When I see names signing up on the volunteer list it thrills me! I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to the staff and family members who help out with the planning and I am looking forward to seeing all of you on the day of the upcoming event!

 

Our Family fun day is on August 24^th 8:30 am- 2pm and will be full of fun for all ages! Bouncy Kingdom, face painting, carnival games, photographer, washer toss, yard sale and BBQ! We still have tables available for the yard sale for $20 a piece if you would like to rent one. All proceeds of this event will go to Cystic Fibrosis!

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

Mike will be firing up the BBQ on our family fun day! Check out this fun news clipping I found I think it said year 2000!

 

 

Prepare the way for Arthur

The stores have been keeping very busy now that this lovely warm weather has hit. Last weekend the water lab was running full steam with everyone preparing for Canada day pool parties. It was wonderful weather on Tuesday to be outside celebrating Canada’s birthday! With all of the complaining of the cold weather and the long winter…what do you know I heard some complaining about it being too hot as well! Welcome to Nova Scotia!

Obviously we knew these sunny days couldn’t last forever we are now all preparing for the first Summer Storm! We have already had quite a few calls asking what to do to be prepared for when Arthur comes rolling through town!

Here are some Tips!

 

#1- Remove your solar blanket for the entire duration of the storm. It becomes a huge parachute much like my old gym class days. When the blanket is blowing around in the wind it has a tendency to rip and tear, so save your self the headache of picking solar blanket out of your skimmer basket and pack it away somewhere safe for a few days!

#2- All pool maintenance equipment should be stored in the garage/basement/somewhere safe during the store. This includes your vacuum hose, automatic clearer, telescopic pole and chemical constrainers. Do a walk around the pool and removed anything that you think could cause damage.

#3- Much like number two secure all patio furniture, flower pots, hanging baskets, umbrellas etc; Anything that can blow around and become a huge projectile object that can damage your pool. You don’t want to wake up to the kid’s trampoline in the pool and a hole in your liner.

#4- Remember to do a “weekly” shock dosage after any thunder and lightening storm. We also recommend bringing in a water sample after any heavy amounts of rain.

#5. After the power has been restored (hopefully we don’t loose it) ensure all of the pool/hot tub equipment is back up and running. If you have any questions please give us a call.

 

Stay safe everyone!

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

From the dinner table to the hot tub!

The tents are still up but the sale is over! We had a busy Hot Tub tent event, and we got to welcome quite a few new customers to the Holland Home Leisure family and to the Beachcomber family! Congratulations to everyone who took the plunge to buy a new tub for their families!

I have shared many memories of “hot tubbing” over the years, but some of my favorite moments were not the huge winter birthday parties but the quiet conversations surrounded by perfect fluffy snow fall. Beachcomber prides itself in creating that peaceful getaway. Step away from the electronics and the noise of the world and slip into your  own vacation at home! Holland Home Leisure can help!

Katie and I attended a Social Media Marketing conference this week, and it was quite interesting to see how the world has changed in the terms of marketing and well even… Life! They touched on the fact that TV used to be the best form of advertising, this was because when you were sitting down with your family to watch your favorite after supper show, the television was the only thing on. Then they showed a photo of the 2014 family and it also had  the TV on but with the mom on the lap top, the dad on the smart phone and even the kids on a mobile devise. We don’t have the attention span to even watch commercials now! I’m not saying companies do not do well with TV marketing but I am saying they have to step up their game even more now to get us to look up and pay attention!

 

How does this relate to hot tubs you ask? Well, it was and always can be a way to escape the electronic world and just talk! (I’m talking about a real conversation not a text, tweet, snapchat or something else I’m unaware of!)  Beachcomber does not equip their hot tubs with pop up TV’s and other high tech gadgets. They do have a wonderful surround sound system you can order, but it’s not something that comes standard. They still believe in the peaceful experience of soaking in a hot tub! Call it old fashioned... but I'm with them!

Since families are too busy now to typically even have supper together you don’t have that classic dinner table conversation, you know the one where you ask the kids how their day was and they say fine! After everyone is home from soccer, dance and piano take them out to the Hot Tub  and have a good old fashioned conversation! You won’t regret it ! *Your kids may even elaborate on how their day really was.... I always did!*

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

Aylesford Won the Challenge

Fundraising Season is well underway here at HHL. Here is a quick update:

We just finished our water drop campaign! We reached our $1000+ target and we are so excited for how much progress we made that we are going right in to fundraiser #2. We appreciate every dollar donated to Splash for CF! We have such generous customers and we are so thrilled to be kicking off our Splash for CF campaign with a bang!

I must also mention, HHL enjoys a little competition between the two stores, and the Aylesford store DID win the “who can raise more challenge”! Our top fundraiser was Craig in our Aylesford store with Chet leading fundraising here in New Minas! Great job to all of the staff members who participated and a huge thank you to all of those staff members and customers who donated! Great Job!

 

We are now raffling off a beautiful antique print! It is of an unknown artist but I would suggest that who ever wins to have it appraised! It is absolutely stunning and we are very thankful to Debby vandenHof for donating it. The print will be on display in New Minas for a month and then in Aylesford for a month, and we will do the draw at our Family Fun Day in August! (It’s on Aylesford…we are going to win this one!)

August 24^th is our family fun day here in New Minas complete with a yard sale, BBQ, bouncy kingdom, face painting, games, photo booth and more!! J We are so excited to have our staff come together and work as a team to help support a great cause! We hope to see you there!

If you would like to know how you can participate in any of the Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising, or if you would like to book a yard sale table at our Family Fun Day, please email me at liana@holandhomeleisure.com

 

Thanks all for now

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

Apple Blossom Fun

Apple Blossom is in full force here in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. Tourists are flocking in for the events and we are excited for a busy weekend here at the store! Apple Blossom in the Valley is when everyone comes “home” to see family and friends, to catch up and to have a little bit of fun!

What is my Apple Blossom Tradition?

Every year since opening the Lifestyles Plaza here in New Minas we have got to watch the parade from the store and enjoy some of the festivities when typically we would have to work! We are on the parade route so the road and the store shuts down during the parade! We bring some furniture outside, sometimes light the BBQ, and share some snacks! It is a great way to relax after “May” and to enjoy everyone’s company! I love the atmosphere of Apple Blossom. I often bring my camera and capturing a few moments of the day and sometimes have my family join me to watch the parade from the store. Not too bad of a day at work!

I was excited to hear that Hope Blooms are the honorary parade marshals this year! The young entrepreneurs from the North end of Halifax became known across Canada with their winning performance on Dragons Den with their community garden and salad dressings! Their story has touched so many hearts, and their ability to empower youth and the community is just so inspiring. They maintain and manage gardens of fresh organic vegetables and have created their own salad dressing… and so much more! What a wonderful program teaching our youth and paving away for their future. Their Motto... Plant a Seed and Harvest a Dream really makes you think! Please everyone check them out!

http://hopeblooms.ca

 

We are actually quite busy here on parade day, so if you are planning a trip up to New Minas and are from out of town, please keep in mind Commercial Street will be closed from 12:45pm-2:30 (ish). If you get trapped at the store, you are more than welcome to watch the parade with us J

 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Apple Blossom!

Talk soon,
Liana Rhodenizer

We survived!

Well, we survived the sale! I do believe Mike v mentioned this was the 23^rd time HHL has had our Big Victoria Day weekend sale! The sale brings a lot of new and familiar faces into the store, which makes for a fun, exciting and busy weekend!

 This sale marked the beginning of my 10^th year here at HHL. Mind you I was off a year on Maternity leave, I still feel like I’ve been here a while!! I still remember my first sale in 2005 in the old New Minas location. Boy, have times changed!

 

One thing I wanted to make sure didn’t go unnoticed, is the fact we have so many people here @ HHL who more than pull their weight during the sale putting in extra hours and days! Great job to the HHL team; all of your extra time is appreciated! A shout out to our Accountant Cathy who came in on her day off to work sale Saturday in the New Minas store! We appreciated your 12 years of knowledge on the floor!

A huge Thank you to all of the staff, our awesome customers, and our families for putting up with us during sale week!  

In other exciting HHL news, our Swim Spa is up and running here in New Minas! So if you’re curious as to what they are all about come on in and check it out!

 

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

#SHOPLOCAL

Trending on social media is the #shoplocal hashtag. It relates to me both in my work life and my personal life. I think it is something important to take note of! We live in such an awesome place! Shopping in family owned businesses, farmers markets, and supporting local artists and crafters is an amazing way to support your local community.

You are supporting “mom & pop” businesses and work at home parents who are trying to support their family by doing something they love. Did you know that Holland Home Leisure started from the owner’s home in 1980? WOW! Talk about a dream come true after years of hard work, blood sweat and tears! Together with our new owners Mike and Debby and Mark and Andrea work towards making Holland Home Leisure a great part of the community, by supporting local suppliers and providing upwards of 30 jobs to the area. 

Supporting local often ensures you are asking an expert, someone who has put their life into their products, their company, and they hope they can do everything in their power to make you happy and satisfied! Customer satisfaction is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job, seeing the happy faces of clients after they have enjoyed their hot tub in the first snowstorm of the season, or seeing their kids faces when they first jump in the pool on May 5^th with 44 degree water! BRR... 

This Mother’s Day are you supporting local?

There are so many wonderful Annapolis Valley companies to choose from: local restaurants, local produce to make a wonderful meal on your own, artists to create a homemade gift, and specialty shops that provide high quality products! Think outside of the box and find a unique alternative to the average gifts!

I wish all of our HHL Moms both clients and staff, including those who are moms at heart, a wonderful  Mother’s Day. I hope you are spoiled with attention by those who love you!

Talk soon,

Liana Rhodenizer

                                                                                            

 

I’m happy to share this free printable sign I have hanging in my office created by a wonderful Local Graphic designer *http://www.creativedestiny.ca/2014/05/08/i-shop-local-free-printable/ A Creative Destiny*

Spring has Sprung @ HHL

Hi there,

Our season is in full swing! Believe it or not pools are being opened, water tests are being brought in and the store is busy with the hustle and bustle of spring! Although the weather hasn’t been the best, all of us here at HHL are optimistic for a bright and sunny Summer!

Katie and I have been busy keeping you informed of all the happenings at HHL with social media. If you haven’t done so already please follow us on our Facebook page and be the first to know about upcoming sales and promotions! Along with social media, we are working closely with the local radio stations making sure our ads are fun and current; keep an ear out for those as well! We have also been advertising in The Grapevine based out of Wolfville, Fine Lifestyles Magazine-HRM and many more local paper publications! It has been a bit of a learning curve, but has been exciting  joining forces with  many of the great marketing options in Nova Scotia!

Anne, our New Minas Store General Manager is getting the store ready for our big Victoria Day Weekend Sale! The sale runs from May 12-19^th and almost all products in the store are on Sale! It is the busiest week of the year here at HHL so we have warned all the new staff of what is to come, and the seasoned staff members are mentally preparing for the ‘wild’  that is about to be upon us! We all secretly like the excitement it brings to the store! Shh…

Craig, our Aylesford Store manager has done some amazing work prepping his store for Summer! The store is fresh and energized with a new coat of paint, new shelving and a freshly waxed floor! The outside has seen a facelift as well, with a brand new Above Ground pool on display! Huge thanks to Scott and his crew for installing that for us last week. Looks great!

Andrea here in our New Minas, our Chemistry Manager, is getting knee deep in 2014 Pool Chemistry. She is taking on the role with fresh eyes and a lot of heart, and we are excited to see her grow her knowledge in the category and beyond! She will be helping you keep your pool crystal clear all summer, and your hot tub sparkling and safe for the whole family to use!

Liana Rhodenizer Photography

 

Kristi and Debby have been working hard in our Service Department organizing the construction and service crews, maximizing their time and energy! Without them we would be at a loss! You may notice us transfer your service related questions to their lines in our Aylesford store, their knowledge is truly irreplaceable!

Attached are a few photos of our Chemistry Manager, who was our model for the next issue of the Fine Lifestyles Magazine!

*Liana Rhodenizer Photography

 

Talk soon,

Liana vandenHof- Rhodenizer

"April Fools"

Only one of our staff members had a little joke played on them yesterday! Debby, who is new to the Service Department had a very general conversation about parts with a young boy doing a school project. She worked out the details for him and called back, at this point her took the opportunity to ask if we sold Cold Tubs. She apologized and explained we only sell hot tubs. He then explained he was from Alaska and they fill cold tubs with dry ice.  At this point she just repeated we only sell HOT tubs!

He then said “April Fools” and hung up…. We are wondering if he wants the plumbing parts?

Interviews have been done, so soon you will see fresh faces around the office. Staff are getting settled in their new roles at HHL. I mentioned in the last blog, Katie and I are taking on the Marketing at HHL. Craig McNutt is getting ready to move to the  Aylesford store  for the Summer as Store Manager. If Craig is Store Manager, where is Debby you ask? Well, Debby is busy working on our service team heading customer service! Andrea is currently filling the role of Chemistry Manager while Jenn is on maternity leave, and she is getting the lab ready for a busy Spring.

 

Looking out the window and seeing snow fall is not how I envisioned an April morning to be. I realize, living in Nova Scotia, that this isn’t horribly uncommon but STILL! I am tired of Winter!

Do you have a case of the winter blues? HHL is busy getting ready for spring in many ways!

Talk soon,
Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

 

A little link to brighten your day
http://www.creativedestiny.ca/2014/04/01/spring-printable-free/

Created by A Creative Destiny, a local Graphic Designer.

She has a free download for Spring and we have it up on display!

On the Radio

My two year old recently made a simple statement while in the car bringing me to work, “Mommy’s Home”.

I thought it was cute. He didn’t say it in a sad way, he loves to run into the store to color at my desk, listen to his voice echo and run and see his Papa in the back office.

Katie and I have been busy working on the 2014 marketing for Holland Home Leisure and we are having a lot of fun with this new challenge. We have met some amazing members of the community involved with the different forms of media, and we are enjoying creating some fun and different ads for both print and radio.  Part of our research has been going through Debby’s old ‘Radio Binder” dating back to ads she wrote in 1996.

It is no secret that my HHL family is more than just my work family, so reading the ads that I had heard on the radio years ago has brought back fond memories. Reading the words “Hi, I’m Debby from Holland Home Leisure”, reminded me of being young and thinking it was SO COOL my mom was on the radio. Lines like “Mike and I welcome you into the store this Victoria Day Weekend” made me think… it was like they were inviting you into their home. For 34 years this has been their home away from home. The ads had such a comforting feeling… and I can hear her upbeat voice now! Frankly, I am going to miss them!

2014 is bringing on a big change where radio is concerned; you will be hearing a new voice on the radio representing HHL. Andrea Van Zoost will now be doing our radio recordings, so keep an ear out to hear them! So far they are sounding great!

 We want to thank Debby for taking so much time over the years, not only recording but also writing a huge portion of the ads. You have done a wonderful job!

Talk soon,

Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer

Debby's Binder!