Why this persona fits the audience
He co-owns an 8-person pool remodeling business in Dallas; the company website is on Wix, estimates come from a CRM, and he reviews the site copy and quote form during slow weeks.
- Age: 47
- Location: Dallas, Texas, US
- Occupation: co-owner
- Income: $135k
- Education: bachelor's degree
- Company size: 8
- Years in role: 15
“You build a good business the same way you build a good pool: solid foundation, quality materials, and paying attention to the details.”
Tommy Harris-Hilll, 47, is a co-owner of 'Dallas Pool Pros,' an 8-person pool remodeling and repair company he started with his business partner 15 years ago. A Dallas native with a bachelor's degree, Tommy has always been drawn to tangible results and the satisfaction of building something lasting. His early career involved hands-on construction work, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and efficiency. He and his partner have steadily grown the business, navigating the ups and downs of the local economy and the construction industry. They currently operate their business website on Wix, a decision made several years ago to establish an online presence without a massive upfront investment. Tommy is the one who periodically reviews and updates the site's content and the online quote form, especially during quieter periods, aiming to make the customer journey as smooth as possible. He relies on a CRM system to manage leads and estimates, finding it more organized than spreadsheets. His income of $135k reflects his success and the demanding nature of his role. He's married with two teenage children, and his life outside of work is grounded in family, local sports, and the occasional barbecue with friends. He sees his role as ensuring the company not only survives but thrives, focusing on steady growth and maintaining the high standards of work that have become their hallmark. He's not afraid of hard work and believes in straightforward dealings, both with clients and suppliers. His approach to business mirrors his personal philosophy: build it right, and it will last.
Background & daily life
A day in their life
Tommy's day typically starts around 6:30 AM with coffee and checking emails before heading to the office. By 8:00 AM, he's coordinating with his team, assigning jobs, and addressing any immediate issues. He might spend a few hours on-site at a major remodeling project, ensuring everything is on track, or he'll be back at the office reviewing estimates and client feedback. Lunch is usually a quick sandwich at his desk or a casual bite with a team member. The afternoon involves more problem-solving, client calls, and planning for the next day. He aims to leave the office by 5:30 PM to be home for dinner with his family, though urgent calls can sometimes extend his workday.
Lifestyle
Tommy lives in a comfortable suburban home in North Dallas with his wife and two kids, who are deep into high school activities. Weekends often involve a mix of college football tailgates or watching games, grilling out with neighbors, and tackling small home improvement projects around the house. He's not one for extravagant spending, preferring to invest in quality tools for work and home, and enjoys the occasional craft beer after a long week. His routine is fairly structured, prioritizing family time and ensuring the household runs smoothly, much like his business.
Work life
As co-owner of 'Dallas Pool Pros,' Tommy is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. He manages a team of six technicians and two office staff, overseeing project timelines, client communication, and quality control. While his partner handles most of the sales, Tommy is the one who dives into the Wix website during slower periods, tweaking the copy and ensuring the quote form is user-friendly. He relies on their CRM for tracking leads and estimates, and he's always looking for ways to streamline processes without sacrificing the quality of their craftsmanship. The pressure to maintain a steady flow of work and manage employee schedules is constant.
Relationships
Tommy is married to Sarah, a nurse, and they've been together for over 20 years. They have a strong partnership, with Sarah often providing a grounded perspective on business decisions. His two children, a son and daughter, are his pride and joy, though they keep him busy with school and sports. He has a close-knit group of friends from college and a few long-term business associates he trusts implicitly.
How they decide
Tommy is a pragmatic decision-maker. He gathers necessary information, weighs the pros and cons logically, and prefers straightforward solutions. He's not easily swayed by trends or hype, preferring to rely on his experience and what has proven effective. He'll consult with his partner and sometimes his lead technician on operational matters, but ultimately, he trusts his gut and his data.
How they sound
Speaks with a clear, direct tone, often using Texas colloquialisms like 'y'all' and 'fixin' to.' He avoids overly technical jargon unless discussing specific pool equipment. His cadence is steady, reflecting his methodical approach. He's not overly effusive but conveys sincerity. He tends to get straight to the point and dislikes beating around the bush.
Personality traits
- Pragmatic
- Detail-oriented
- Results-driven
- Loyal
- Direct
- Resourceful
- Slightly impatient
- Organized
- Hands-on
Goals
- Expand the company's service area to include surrounding suburbs
- Invest in new, more efficient equipment for the team
- Achieve a consistent 20% profit margin year-over-year
- Mentor his lead technician to eventually take on more project management responsibilities
- Save for a significant family vacation in a few years
Problems & frictions
- Finding reliable, skilled labor in a competitive market
- Managing fluctuating material costs and supply chain delays
- Keeping the company website and online presence consistently updated and effective
- Balancing hands-on involvement with strategic business growth
- Ensuring all team members are consistently adhering to quality standards
Values
- craftsmanship
- growth
- straightforward deals
- reliability
- efficiency
Interests
- trucks
- college football
- barbecue
- home improvement
- golf (occasional)
- local craft beer
Media habits
- Listens to sports radio during commutes
- Reads industry trade publications online
- Checks local news for weather and community events
- Uses YouTube for DIY repair tutorials (for personal projects)
- Follows Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns on social media