Second Meeting of the "ProPartner" - On the Right Track

Following the successful premiere last February (see also Schwimmbad & Sauna PROFI 5/6-10, p. 26), RivieraPool once again organized a workshop for its "ProPartners" on February 4 and 5, 2011. The program featured not only the latest innovations from the long-established prefabricated pool specialist but also the collaborative development of new ideas for greater success and of new strategies for the dealer organization. The participation rate alone was proof of the "ProPartners'" strong identification with the concept and the company: 28 of what are now 30 base dealers took part in the workshop; two partners were absent due to illness.

New Models for More Swim Length

The workshop kicked off with an overview of the most important product innovations from Riviera-Pool. Thus, the company decided to expand its already extensive pool range once again – specifically by adding new models with a length of ten meters. In the future, all series will also include pools of nine and ten meters in length. "We noticed that the swim length is becoming increasingly important to many customers," explains Managing Director Guido Rengers, explaining the background to this decision. Another innovation affects all pools with an integrated roller shutter shaft: RivieraPool changed the construction here so that the wooden cover is now flush with the coping stones. In addition, the company no longer manufactures the covers from Bangkirai wood, but from the even more resistant Cumaru wood.

"Riviera Individual" Successfully Introduced

What was still presented as an idea last year could this time be illustrated very clearly using several completed projects: with the "Riviera Individual" division, the company has set up its own department specializing in customized pool designs. These pools feature a water- and vapor-impermeable design, are equipped with a highly efficient thermal core, and are self-supporting upon request. Various surfaces are also available. A dedicated brochure on this topic is currently in preparation and is intended to further advance this division in the upcoming pool season. Following the presentation, Guido Rengers and Matthias Rosemeyer, the project manager of the new division, proudly presented an "Individual" pool ready for delivery in the factory.

Common Mission Statement as a Guideline

With the "ProPartner" concept, RivieraPool wants to further strengthen the brand and its image. Therefore, the afternoon of the first workshop day served an important goal: in two working groups, the most important contents for a common mission statement were developed, which in the future is to serve both RivieraPool and all "ProPartners" as a guideline for their daily work. Because: "If you want to be really good, you have to convince in all aspects," Guido Rengers is convinced. Another important new development: on the sidelines of the event, a dealer advisory board was called into being, designed to further solidify the cooperation between the base dealers and RivieraPool.

Two Campaigns in Time for Spring

The organizers dedicated the second day of the workshop entirely to the topics of marketing and advertising. To start with, the company presented the so-called "Energy Efficiency Offer," which enables "ProPartners" to put together an especially attractive package consisting of a pool and a roller shutter cover for their customers this spring. Because of this, the participating dealers also unanimously decided to organize a joint "Pool Spring" on May 7 and 8. To conclude the event, Martin Meier from the advertising and marketing agency TeamHaus, which supports the "ProPartners" in all matters of public relations, presented a whole package of advertising materials designed in a uniform layout exclusively for the base dealers. In addition, there will be the "ProPartner News" twice a year – a customer magazine with current updates all about pools and wellness. Guido Rengers fittingly summarized the overarching goal of these measures: "We want to inspire customers – in a very professional way."

Source: Schwimmbad & Sauna 3/4 2011