Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathon Dunford.
Jonathon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My background is pretty unconventional for a pool contractor. I started by building a software company from the ground up – Dunford Enterprises – where we specialized in helping high-traffic businesses streamline their technology and operations. We worked with hundreds of clients, grew it successfully, and I transitioned into high-level consulting from there. During my time consulting, I worked with Fortune 100 companies in everything from onboarding new acquisitions, to improving tech stacks, to training C staff employees.
Running alongside all of that, I was buying and renovating properties. At my peak I was managing 41 units, which essentially made me my own general contractor. That experience gave me a completely different lens on how construction businesses operate – and more importantly, where they fall short.
When I looked at the pool industry here in the Lowcountry, the gap was glaring. Most companies were years out on their backlogs, communication was poor, and the processes were outdated. I saw a real opportunity and opened West Bay Pools to fill that void.
What’s allowed us to grow so quickly is that I brought everything I learned in software into this business – the systems, the communication standards, the operational efficiency. We run circles around the competition not just because we build great pools, but because we treat the entire client experience the same way. Timelines are tight, communication is proactive, and our systems are refined in a way most contractors never even think about. We are able to finish complex projects in half the time of our strongest competitor. That combination has helped us become one of the top pool builders in the market in a relatively short amount of time.
At this point, we build more than just pools, we build full outdoor oasis’ including pergolas, sunken fire pits, kitchens, water features, and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Any business is never smooth, and honestly, the more successful you get, the harder it becomes. More revenue means more responsibility, more people depending on you, and more that can go wrong on any given day.
In the early days of West Bay Pools, I ran into issues just getting the business off the ground. Something as fundamental as securing insurance for a new LLC was a battle I didn’t anticipate. We even had issues with the branding & licensing we purchased immediately. From there, we’ve had key hires that simply didn’t work out, and in a small, growing company, a bad hire isn’t just an inconvenience. It sets you back significantly. We’ve also absorbed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unforeseen costs that you just can’t fully prepare for until you’re in the trenches.
Construction specifically is a different animal. You are solving problems every single day without exception. Weather, supply chains, subcontractors, client expectations, permitting delays… something is always in motion. That used to feel like a burden, but I’ve reframed how I look at it. Every problem we solve is an opportunity to build a better system so we never have to face that same issue again. That mindset is what separates companies that scale from ones that stay stuck.
The struggles aren’t the exception. They’re the job. You just build systems to get better at handling them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about West Bay Pools?
West Bay Pools is a custom pool construction company serving Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and the surrounding Lowcountry. We design and build everything from simple backyard retreats to elaborate resort-style pools with spas, water features, fire elements, and full outdoor living spaces. No two projects are the same, and that’s exactly how we like it.
One of the things we’re most known for is our design process. We use cutting edge 3D rendering technology that lets clients see their finished project from any angle before a single shovel hits the ground. It takes the guesswork out of one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make, and it’s something most competitors in this market simply aren’t doing at the level we do it.
What truly sets us apart though is the experience we deliver from start to finish. There’s a real problem in this industry where companies are great at selling you a pool and not so great at building one. You get signed up, you get excited, and then you get put on the back burner. We built West Bay specifically to solve that problem. Our communication is proactive, our timelines are tight, and our systems are refined in a way that most construction companies never think about. Clients consistently tell us they felt like a priority throughout the entire process, and that means everything to us.
We carry a perfect five star rating across our reviews, and I’m genuinely proud of that. In this industry, your reputation is everything. We’ve worked hard to earn that trust and we protect it on every single project.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people who interact with me would never guess that I’m actually pretty introverted. I come across as confident and engaging, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with clients and building relationships. But at the end of the day, that energy has a cost that most people never see.
Early on, I handled all of the sales myself. That meant constantly being on, constantly presenting, constantly building rapport with strangers. For an extrovert, that’s fuel. For me, it’s incredibly draining. There are some days where it flows naturally, many more where I put a mask on and show up anyway, because the business needs it and the client deserves it.
I think that’s actually something a lot of entrepreneurs can relate to but few admit publicly. The version of yourself that the world sees is often a curated one. Behind every polished sales conversation or client presentation, there’s a real person who has to mentally prepare for it.
Running a company has pushed me well outside of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. Sometimes it is like being strapped to the front of a train, giving it gentle nudges to stay on the tracks, but don’t you dare fall off or you’ll get ran over!
Pricing:
- Our projects start at $62,950, but last year our average project was $122,000 with a wide range from $68k to $320k
- Don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westbaypools.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_bay_pools/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westbaypools
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestBayPools
