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This toms river specialty Pool business is both a decades-proven resource for garden state homeowners, and a generational trust

by JENNIFER VIKSE • Photos By Doug Polle

When Theodora Sergiou was a girl growing up in New Jersey, she never knew she would one day take over the family business. Her father, Nicholas Christofi, a Greek immigrant from Cyprus, came to the U.S. in search of a better life. At 15 years old, and not speaking English, he took a job in a diner, as many Greeks did in the 1960s.

Forty years ago, however, he took a chance and opened Nicholas Pools, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“He went into construction; it’s a skill, and he was very good at it and very proud of his work,” said Sergiou, who now runs the pool business. “He would see how happy it would make people—the pride, the integrity, being able to build something.”

Christofi grew the enterprise over many years and opened a retail store in 1987, selling chemicals and other necessities, then building a larger store in 1997, complete with two outdoor display pools and a showroom. He soon became a leader in the Garden State pool industry. “My brothers and I were teenagers, and my father had a family meeting and we decided we all wanted to help. We began working in the store, and it grew. We built the store we are in now,” Sergiou recalled.

Twelve years ago, Christofi decided he wanted to retire. He expected that one of his two sons would take over the business, but to his surprise, they were prepared to go other ways. At the time, his daughter—who had taught overseas and with a young family expected to continue teaching—stepped up.

“When I returned [from overseas], I thought teaching was what I would be doing, but my husband and I did not want to let it go, to see the business sold, so we decided to purchase it. My father was happy to see it continue, to have it stay in the family.”

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So, Sotiris left his job at IBM and Sergiou built a nursery next to her office so she could have her young children on site with her.

“It was a great opportunity for us— that we could raise my family while running the business,” said Sergiou, who holds Bachelors degrees in Business Administration and English Literature from Georgian Court University, and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Rider University.

Today, she runs the day-to-day operations. Her husband—who has returned to IT work—helps on a part-time basis. Her growing children (Florentina, 16; Andreas, 14; and Nicholas, 11) are often around to help.

“They do water tests, they do some stocking. They do some filing for me… odds and ends,” the proud mom said. “My little one, Nicholas, doesn’t want to go to school anymore, he just wants to come here.” Her father also keeps an office there. (“If I need him, I consult with him, I treasure his knowledge.”)

Sergiou was recently honored by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as a 2014 Top 25 Leading Woman Entrepreneur and Business Owner, and was named a Woman of Distinction by Professional Women In Construction in April.

The real joy in the work, the owner explained, is helping people realize their dream backyards and spend quality time with their families. “People come in with a vision, and we help make that dream a reality,” she said. “It’s a privilege to build something for someone and know that they can get enjoyment from it.”

In fact, the families they work with have been so happy with the quality of work, they often come back again when they move to a new home.

“When they move, they ask us to build their second pool,” noted Sergiou. “They keep coming back. We build their backyard, and it creates memories for them.” What’s more, many customers are second generation clients. “Now their children are coming to us,” she said. “That’s a good feeling.”

Life at the retail store and construction arm of the business is busy—especially from April through October.

“You just have to be willing to be here morning to night for the whole month of May…and the rest of the time,” laughed Sergiou. “I do a little bit of everything. Sometimes at the counter, answering the phone, accounting, marketing. I do whatever needs to be done.” She also said she has a great team, from the customer service personnel to the excavator she has worked with for 15 years.

“Our installer is also a craftsman, he builds the pool—and they are beautiful… the highest quality workmanship available,” she explained. Members of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association, Nicholas Pools has been voted among the best pool and spa companies in Ocean County for nine consecutive years by the readers of the Asbury Park Press. The business has also just won a 2015 Skyline Award, and will be honored by SmartCEO magazine this summer. As for the pools themselves, Sergiou and her team keep abreast of all the latest styles. “You always see different trends, from equipment to the actual pools,” she noted, adding that right now, saltwater varieties are all the rage. “Everyone is getting them now, so we are busy installing equipment to make existing pools into saltwater.”

Heater installation is a big part of the business, since they extend the swimming season, but this year’s biggest trend is toward smaller installations. “We’re seeing a lot of cocktail pools this year. These are mini pools—large enough to dip in and cool off, but not big,” said Sergiou. Measuring approximately 12 feet by 14 feet, these models are particularly popular among older couples and homes by the water. “They are just large enough to lounge in, have a party around, and not very hard to take care of.”

In addition to the pools themselves, the business—whose personnel are Certified Pool Builders and Spa Retailers—works with select masons and contractors to create additional architectural features for backyards. From concrete to pavers to barbecues, firepits, waterfalls, and other features, Sergiou enjoys collaborating with homeowners on creating an idyllic outdoor experience.

“After creating these areas, people with children spend more time outside with their family and invite friends over; they use the space as an extension of the home,” she said. The retail shop closes in December and January to give the staff a break, but for Sergiou, even leisure time is busy time.
She enjoys teaching Marketing and Management at Georgian Court University, teaching Sunday School to fifth and sixth graders at her church, and chairing the Saint Barbara Church Annual Fashion Show each year.

“We raise funds for the Church Athletic Center and for a different charity each year. I work with leadership programs and am often asked to speak at events. Last year, we worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make a child’s wish for a swim spa come true. It gives me great joy to be able to help people and bring a little happiness into lives.”

Nicholas Pools
1820 Lakewood Road, Toms River / 732.505.0404