Prior to making the decision to open their own retail operation, Frans had worked his way into a promising career with Marriott Hotels. He was a District Manager for Marriott, responsible for the operation of numerous restaurants in the southeastern United States. However, Frans found himself traveling for business far too often, keeping him away from Jacalyn and their four growing children. They both realized that this was not how they planned to raise their family. In 1999, the Jansen’s made one of the most important decisions of their lives and started Spas Pools & Patio.

The original retail location consisted of a meager 1,200 square foot building located on US Highway 27. Frans and Jacalyn knew they needed to start small. They concentrated on building a loyal base of customers who came to know Spas Pools & Patio as a place to get truthful answers to pool and spa questions. Soon they outgrew the 1,200 square foot facility and moved into a larger 4,000 square foot building. "We believe in honesty and integrity with our customers," explains Frans, "if our products are not exactly what the customer needs, we will tell them." Their reputation for straight talk and an unconditional commitment to customer service, proved to be the key ingredient to their success.  Frans demands the same type of commitment from the vendors that supply them with their pool and spa product lines

As the business grew, so did the need for quality employees. The Jansen’s relied on their management skills and training to find the right kind of people to hire that fit into their retail environment. But even with the hiring of new and talented employees, Frans believed one of the main reasons for success was his and Jacalyn's continued involvement in company operations. "Jacalyn is an excellent salesperson, manager and a very hard worker," states Frans. In fact, every Jansen family member has spent time working in the family business, even the kids.

"Ours is a family business and the kids are experiencing a great working environment," Frans explained, "we would rather have our children here with us learning a skill than in front of the television watching some of the junk they put on." Frans and Jacalyn have been able to spend more quality time with their children by having them work in the family business. The family dog "Bubba" also gets into the act. Customers will stop by with their children just to say hello to Bubba or to ask him to roll over. At Spas Pools & Patio, everyone is customer friendly.

2006 was an eventful year for Frans and Jacalyn. Their business had blossomed to a point where their second location could no longer contain their expansion. A new 10,000 square foot facility was built less than one mile from the original location. Spas Pools & Patio had their new store grand opening in the spring of 2006. The new facility has a unique covered open-air showroom that regularly displays seven Splash SuperPools. On the inside, is a large selection of spas, patio furniture, saunas, chemicals and accessories.

Spas Pools & Patio serves a diverse customer base in the greater Sebring market. Their pool customers represent various types of families including young families with small children, established families with grade school children and teenagers, and finally grandparents. "Most of our customers are young families or families with growing kids", Frans says. "People are looking for ways to spend more fun time with their family."