logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
News
May 12, 2022
floor, so it was not ….

floor, so it was not safe to dig out or remove anything.”

Three soft hot tubs were destroyed during the fire. Two others were not damaged. But the psychological effect of the incident was severe.

Donovan and Ballou had started their business two years ago in Henniker. They said they discovered a market for repairs, which saved customers money that, in the past, they might have spent on a new unit.

“People would come from all over because no one else could service their tubs,”Donovansaid.“Itfellintoourlap.”

They used trial and error to figure out how to replace a pump and smooth out wrinkles in the vinyl. They bought a Singer industrial sewing machine to connect the pieces. Ballou taught himself how to use it.

A rental increase and expansion of another business recently pushed the couple into Pittsfield, where they found a place to live and operate their business, all in the same building.

They called themselves the odd couple, one sloppy like Oscar Madison (Donovan), the other neat like Felix Unger (Ballou).

They clicked and said that business was good, that they’d buy a damaged tub for a few hundred dollars, fix it, then sell it for $1,500 or more.

They had nothing left (after the fire), and they slept in their van for a while.

A pastor, Rev. Daniel Osgood of the Congregational Covenant Church in Greenfield, heard about their misfortune and offered to let them stay at the efficiency apartment attached to the church.

“A woman had just moved out and they lost everything,” the pastor said. “I told them they could stay for a couple of weeks.”

That’s their home. For now. They plan on re-opening their business, somewhere, somehow. “I am not a quitter,” Ballou said.

They wanted to make sure that the people, the strangers, who helped them received some credit. After the fire, Donovan stood outside in the early-morning cold with no shirt and no shoes.

A resident returned from his home and gave Donovan a shirt and sweatshirt. The shoes he brought were too small.

He asked what size I am and I told him 11,” Donovan said. “He said these are nines, so he took his shoes off his feet and gave them to me. They were a 12.”

“Look,” he continued, “I’m wearing them right now.”

LATEST NEWS
Body found in backyard swimming pool
News
Body found in backyard swimming pool
A Suffolk County, NY police detective discovered a body in his swimming pool
June 14, 2025
A Long Island, New York, homeowner and his son discovered a body this May while opening their backyard swimming pool for the season. The body is belie...
this is a test
News
Need to raise prices? Read how to do it
June 14, 2025
This years’ Service Industry News survey revealed an interesting trend: Pool and spa small business owners have raised their average monthly prices. A...
this is a test
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
News
Florida pool builder sentenced to 20 years
June 14, 2025
A Florida pool and spa builder has been sentenced to prison for defrauding customers. According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s...
this is a test
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
News
Las Vegas hotels discover Legionella in water
June 14, 2025
For many American families, the summer months signal a time for vacation. That’s why health departments are sounding the alarm about a hidden health t...
this is a test
News
Todrain,ornottodrain, that is the question
June 14, 2025
The state of Montana has enacted a new regulatory change concerning hot tub maintenance for short-term rentals that is expected to save the state mill...
this is a test
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas:  Public or private?
News
Minnesota struggles with backyard spas: Public or private?
June 14, 2025
When are residential pools, spas, or hot tubs actually public pools, spas, or hot tubs? It sounds like a riddle, but it’s a real question up for debat...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 12-14, Dallas, Texas
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 28-30, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 35th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 26-28, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 4-8, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 6-8, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK