A Splash of Entrepreneurship: The Story of Clancy Kaye and Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas

Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship isn’t always a planned journey. For some, Clarence “Clancy” Kaye, owner of Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas, it’s a curious amalgamation of circumstance, a dash of serendipity and a relentless spirit of hustle that propels them into new ventures.

When you first meet Clancy, if you sense a hard-working, fun-loving, authentic and ambitious individual with a zest for life, then please don’t waver from that initial conclusion. He has an incredible life story that reflects a passion for serving others and living a life of intention and purpose.

From initially working in the public utility sector – electrical power generation to be exact – to diving into the fiberglass pool industry, Clancy’s journey is both intriguing and inspirationally fortuitous. Having worked for the past 22 years in the pool business – and being a dedicated dealer for Leisure Pools for over a decade – his journey from a former career in electrical engineering to being a stalwart in the pool industry is a narrative worth exploring.

Back in 1999, while engaged in conversations with some of his neighbors, Clancy, having at the time just built a new home, was challenged by those neighbors with the prospect of doing a bit of research and considering putting a pool in his backyard. Given his engineering background, they figured it would be an easy task for Clancy.

“I just sort of tripped into the opportunity to do this business,” reflected Clancy, who began his pool building business while he was still working fulltime in the energy sector.

Fiberglass pools, then a relatively new industry, greatly sparked Clancy’s interest. After all, it was a seemingly uncharted territory where few were making notable profits. This appealed to his burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. With initial work alongside San Juan pools, he not only immersed himself in the industry but also metaphorically dove into the business, eventually installing a pool in his own yard, then in a neighbor’s yard and even putting one in at a local hotel.

The eventual closure in 2014 of the power company where Clancy had sustained his career for 32 years turned out to be a disguised boon. Aged 53 and far too young for retirement, this juncture presented an opportune second act. Clancy transitioned to exclusively selling Leisure Pools in 2006, underlining his belief in the overall quality and potential of the product.

Fostering a thriving business isn’t solely about product quality or smart financial moves; it’s about crafting a culture and adopting apt promotions. Clancy, alongside Edith, his wife of 35 years who is also his business partner, along with Jasmin, his Logistics Coordinator and Jake, his Construction Manager, has successfully navigated the intricacies of running a seasonal business with 20 full-time employees.

A veritable one-stop-shop, Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas, which specializes in pools, automatic covers, equipment and resources, also prioritizes partnerships with reliable vendors in electrical, plumbing and landscaping to guarantee quality, replicable results.

Clancy’s operation transcends mere installations. He appreciates that his clients are purchasing transformative experiences, something Clancy emphasizes by noting the palpable joy in their investments, contrasted against obligatory expenses like septic systems. (“Who wants to write a check for that?” he jokingly smiled.) His philosophy resonates through his interactions with customers and their frequent warm gestures toward his hardworking crews.

“It’s not uncommon for our customers to have coffee, donuts and even cook for our crews,” expressed Clancy.

In early 2023, Clancy took another innovative step, unveiling a pool super center in Westfield. A tangible manifestation of his belief that “to see it is to sell it,” the center invites potential customers to literally test the waters, immersing themselves in the actual experience of six in-ground fiberglass pools. This sensory interaction with the product, coupled with the physicality of a brick-and-mortar place, not only demonstrates the established credibility of Clancy’s business but also significantly influences purchasing decisions.

Throughout the years, Clancy and his team have garnered recognition, clinching awards like “Most Valuable Partner” and “National Pool Builder of the Year” from Leisure Pools, as well as many other awards, such as the Reader Raves award for “Best Pool Builder” for many years, underscoring their dedication and expertise in the field.

Despite approaching a young 63 years of age, Clancy perceives no need to slow down just yet, proclaiming he’ll retire only when the fun ceases. His vigor isn’t just confined to his professional pursuits , either. His interests span travel, food and dining, golf and riding his Harley Davidson. It is clearly evident Clancy embodies a zest for life that is unbridled and contagious.

More notably, Clancy’s legacy is intricately woven with his belief in second chances and uplifting others. Some members of his staff who have encountered significant life obstacles have been given opportunities to transcend their circumstances and demonstrate their worth in his company. He emphasizes giving a “hand up, not a handout,” advocating genuine support over mere charity.

“A lot of guys on our team have come from a situation where they genuinely needed help, and I have given them that encouragement,” he emphasized. “I am very proud of my staff and of what we’ve been able to create here.”

In reflection, Clancy embodies the spirit of unanticipated entrepreneurship – seizing opportunities, elevating others and deriving immense fulfillment from his journey. His story doesn’t just chronicle the establishment and expansion of Pioneer Valley Fiberglass Pools and Spas but also exemplifies a narrative where business success, personal fulfillment and social impact coalesce seamlessly.

For Clancy, every installed pool is not merely a business transaction; it is an infusion of joy into the lives of his clients, a sentiment that reverberates through his every endeavor, making his journey, in his own words, “extremely blessed.”