When you meet Tim Bolden, owner of The Pool Butler in Atlanta, you quickly realize this isn’t just another guy running a service company. He’s a Navy veteran, a family man, a believer in second chances, and—perhaps surprisingly—a fantasy football underdog with a knack for turning setbacks into comebacks. His story isn’t just about pools; it’s about leadership, grit, and redefining what it means to build a legacy in an industry few people grow up dreaming about. white-glove service.
A Path Paved with Grit
Tim’s journey began in high school when his algebra teacher doubled as a pool builder and enlisted him for after-school work. That first taste of the industry planted a seed, but it was his years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Guam, that shaped his discipline and outlook.
“The Navy taught me accountability and teamwork,” Tim explains. “If one person fails, everyone fails. That’s how I run The Pool Butler today. We’re all in it together.”
Taking the Leap of a Lifetime
After returning from service, Tim poured himself into the business world. He joined a local pool company, worked relentlessly, and earned a stake in ownership in 2014. Six years later—in the middle of a global pandemic—he made the boldest move of his career: buying out his partner and becoming sole owner.
“It was stressful,” he admits. “Everything had to be done remotely—attorneys, banks, negotiations—all over Zoom. But difficult times create diamonds. That experience made me stronger, taught me the financial side of business, and showed me what I was capable of.”
Building More Than Pools
For Tim, pools are just the product. What he’s really building is a company culture that people want to be part of. His philosophy? Hire to retire.
“The pool industry is known as a lily pad—people hop in and out. I want my staff to see this as a career. If they start in maintenance, they can move into repairs, renovations, or even design and construction. There’s a future here.”
Tim doesn’t just preach teamwork; he lives it. He empowers his leadership team to make decisions, emphasizes work-life balance (“I don’t believe in people working dark to dark”), and even restructured the business after a major staffing loss to better support his employees.
White Glove Service in the Heat of Atlanta
Atlanta summers are brutal, but Tim’s team sets a “white glove” standard that goes beyond chemistry readings and skimmer baskets. For him, it’s all about the customer experience—what they see, feel, and remember about The Pool Butler.
“We want families to enjoy their pool without worrying about what goes on behind the scenes. That’s our job.”
A Mentor Who Pays It Forward
Tim credits much of his leadership style to his first boss, Larry Tucker, who taught him the importance of patience, effort, and keeping your word. Today, Tim channels that into mentoring his own staff and supporting the industry. He sits on the board of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s local chapter and actively networks with other business owners, believing collaboration—not competition—lifts everyone up.
“Helping someone grow into a role they never thought they could do—that’s the real reward,” Tim says.
The Man Behind the Title
Of course, Tim isn’t all business. Around the office, he’s known for being fast—sometimes too fast. A habit from his Navy days? “I can clear a plate in 10 minutes while everyone else is still on appetizers,” he laughs. He’s also a willing punching bag in the company’s fantasy football league, where colleague Maddie has repeatedly bested him. “She’s all-in with strategy. I cram on Thursdays. That’s why I lose.”
And when pressed with the important question—lightsabers or Jedi training?—Tim doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely Jedi Knight.”
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Looking Forward
For now, Tim is content to focus on dominating Atlanta rather than expanding across state lines. But whatever the future holds, he’s clear about his ultimate goal: quality and keeping his word.
“I want people to say, ‘That’s a Pool Butler pool.’ Clean, detailed, done right. Even if we don’t keep a customer forever, the next company should know we were there.”
It’s not just about swimming pools. For Tim Bolden, it’s about integrity, mentorship, and building something that lasts—a legacy as durable as concrete and as refreshing as a dive into cool blue water on a scorching Atlanta afternoon.
