Name: Donald R. Danley, III or a.k.a “Dawg”
Position: Pool Service and Construction Manager
Education: Graduated from Farmington High School in 1989. Attended Illinois Central College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management in 1992, Bachelors Degree in Business Management in 2004 through University of Phoenix.
My Journey in the Industry: It all started for me back when I was a young boy when my father was a partner in a swimming pool and fencing business. He decided to put an in-ground swimming pool and I got to watch the pool go in from start to finish, and it was amazing to me even as a seven year old. All our days were spent around the pool. Of course my parents taught me how to test, vacuum, and put the chlorine pucks in the skimmer. In 1988, I started my career as a stock boy and water tester. In 1992, I moved outside and worked with the fencing crew and in two years time I became the foreman. After 3 years doing fencing, the company decided to just deal with pools and spas. I was a service tech for ten years until I had the opportunity to join another pool company that concentrated solely on building new pools as well as service. So I hired on as the Service and Construction manager and I really got the feel for pool construction and loved it from day one. My parents then decided to form their own pool company, D & L Pools, Inc. After two years I decided to open up my own business, utilize my degree, and became Absolute Pools. My father lent me a little office space and some storage at his facility. My business took off but unfortunately economic times shifted business and I decided to close Absolute Pools and join back with my parents. Now D & L Pools, Inc. is a complete pool company, dealing with all facets of the pool and spa industry!
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my fiancee Jessica, my kids and grandkids. Everthing I do, I do for them. I also enjoy playing in dart leagues and playing bass guitar at open mics and with friends in a band. I enjoy watching the Cubs, the Bears, and long walks on the beach.
Person I look up to the most: MY FATHER. I know now where we were financially when I was a toddler. I also know now what sacrifices he made for our family to give us the things we needed. It really used to bother me when he wouldn’t be at a baseball or basketball game of mine, but now that I am older, I understand why. He was working to put food on the table. He did a wonderful job of being a dad, without any mentor, as his father passed away when he was young. He has made me a better father and a better person. I hope he understands how much I love him and value our relationship.