Jean-Michel Deschamps has been in the pool business for most of his life. He started cleaning pools while a high school student at École secondaire Garneau. In fact, he sold his first pool to his high school principal when he was still in Grade 13.
After enrolling at the University of Ottawa to study economics, Deschamps continued to sell and maintain pools. Then, in the mid-80s, he was approached by a large pool company in the United States that wanted him to train dealers on how to install their pools. On those days when he didn’t have classes, Deschamps was flown by private jet all over the United States to meet and train dealers.
After graduating from the University of Ottawa, Deschamps continued to train dealers despite his parents’ wishes that he pursue a career in the public service.
“I was living the life that I wanted to live, always on the go, and I was making good money,” recalls Deschamps.
After nine years of traveling, Deschamps was offered a chance to become the co-owner of the Citadelle Pools franchise in Ottawa-Gatineau. Tired of life on the road, he accepted the offer and for the next eight years, he sold inground and above ground pools.
In 1995, Deschamps decided to go into business for himself in Orléans. He sold his shares in Citadelle to concentrate all of his energy on inground and semi-inground pools and get away from the big box store mentality.
The secret to his enormous success is customer service and the fact that he does everything in-house, from the design to the installation and even the landscaping. As his own salesperson, he’s also not afraid to offer his best advice to his clients even if it means they end up with a less expensive pool than what he could have sold them.
Deschamps’ focus on customer service has resulted in over 80 per cent of his business coming through referrals.
“Pools create memories. When you have a pool, you want to invite your entire family over. Its about bringing families together,” says Deschamps. “We build pools people can be proud of. That’s why I’m still doing this after 40 years.”
Besides selling, installing and maintain-ing pools, JMD also does salt water con-versions, liner replacements and safety covers.
To find out more about JMD Pools visit jmdpools.ca, or call Jean-Michel at 613-880-1111.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
STATION 71 PANCAKE BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 71 in Navan with a freewill donation to the CHEO Foundation. Come enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup Erabliere des Wats Sugar Bush, local coffee from Papa Bean coffee roastery, and sausages and bacon from Lavergne Meat. After breakfast check out the Navan Fall Fest at the Navan Fairgrounds.
