Reinventing Success: Growing a Service Business with Zac Nicklas

What does it take to build a thriving company in a competitive industry—and keep it growing for more than a decade? In this episode of Small Business Matters, host Tim Fulton and co-host Taylor Fulton sit down with Zac Nicklas, President & CEO of The Pool Boys in League City, Texas. Zac shares how he turned a small family-run pool service into a trusted, 15-employee operation that’s earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and integrity. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Zac’s story is packed with insights about scaling smart, leading well, and finding balance between growth and personal priorities. Episode Highlights: • What Matters to Small Business? [03:36] • Leading Like a CEO [06:32] • Sustaining a Long-term Business Partnership [10:53] • A Big Mistake Changes Everything [15:09] • Building a Loyal, Low-turnover Team [15:36] • Industry Involvement As a Growth Accelerator [18:37] • Hiring a Second-in-command [23:09] • Rapid-fire [25:55] • Takeaways [29:06] • Contact Information [30:58] • SBM News [31:15] About the Guest Zac Nicholas is the President & CEO of The Pool Boys, a full-service pool maintenance and repair company based in League City, Texas. Founded in 2011, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a respected local brand known for its commitment to customer care and continuous improvement. Zac’s leadership philosophy centers on integrity, teamwork, and investing in people—principles that have helped him build a sustainable business with strong community roots. Tune in to hear how one small business owner built not just a company, but a culture of professionalism, trust, and purpose.