Employee Spotlight | Blaine Johnson

Mr. Johnson has really shown his leadership ability out west as of late. Blaine used to be a pitcher for his college baseball team at Sam Houston State University, so he’s comfortable in that leadership role in the large western territory. Rumor has it he used to bring the heat on the baseball diamond as well, throwing 87 mph fast balls.

Blaine got his start in the swimming pool industry working for Leslie’s Pool Supplies, making good money at an early age. He had his own store in Huntsville, Alabama and then moved back to his home state managing a store in Austin, Texas. Leslie’s Pool Supplies saw rapid growth. The company eventually went public on the stock market, and became one of the biggest in the industry with 65 stores in California and Texas.

Blaine attributes much of his success in the swimming pool industry to working in the retail environment. Learning about customer service, water chemistry, and pool equipment proved invaluable in the plaster business.

After starting a family and working the long hours that the retail business requires, Blaine began working with CL Industries under the direction of Jimmy Herring in 2002. Blaine quickly provided great insight into product quality and consumer needs, while focusing on building strong business relationships in the Western region.

Today Blaine’s best sellers are Sunstone in Texas, and Hydrazzo on the west coast of the US and Canada. At the time of this interview, Blaine was in San Diego meeting with builders and distributors. That same day he was also on the phone with pool builders in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadian builders have seen the value in transporting quality pool finishes for their swimming pools with majestic views. Thanks to Blaine and our entire staff at CL Industries for their tireless work during the long summer season.