Pinch a Penny of Fishhawk, located in the Winn Dixie shopping center across from Newsome High, has been family-owned and operated by the Rutledge family since it opened in 2008. Larry and Kathy Rutledge moved with their family to the local area in 1987. After retiring from his 30-year career in life insurance, Larry knew he wanted to open a local family business to provide services to the community. He decided on Pinch a Penny Pool Services because he liked their business model and story, and he saw a need for the business in the growing Fishhawk community. With Larry as the face of the company and Kathy running day-to-day operations, they grew the company into the thriving business it is today.  

After graduating from Eckerd College in 2009, their son Jim Rutledge joined the business. Today, he works alongside his Mom, Kathy, to oversee operations. The company expanded to servicing pools in 2012 and in 2015, they expanded again when their son-in-law Sam Creighton came on as a pool remodeling specialist. Shortly after, in 2020, their daughter Amy Creighton joined the team to make it a true family business. 

Jim and Amy credit their growth and success to their strong reputation for listening to their customers. They are always striving to create services to fulfill the needs of the community. Nothing illustrates this better than the story Jim shares about how they fell into the pool servicing business by accident. In 2012, they got a call from a general in the military asking for help servicing his pool. At the time, they were a retail-only store, but that didn’t stop Larry from helping this customer. Jim grabbed the supplies needed and drove out to help the customer service his pool. The prompt response and good service were appreciated so much he asked to hire them to service it regularly, and the rest is history. They hired their first pool route technician, who has been with them for ten years and is now the manager. They service over 550 pools a week (about 100 are in River Hills), and they now have seven routes and about 15 employees.

Besides their reputation for customer service, the biggest thing that sets them apart is the comprehensive services they offer. Customers interested in pool remodeling can visit their state-of-the-art design center with tons of samples and materials where they can touch and see different products. They also have state-of-the-art software that can measure and render a backyard in 3-D, then overlay chosen materials to give you an idea of what your remodel might look like. 

Under their remodeling services umbrella, they also install outdoor fire pits, modular outdoor kitchens, driveways, walkways, and landscape lighting. Additionally, they offer pool repairs on heat pumps, gas heaters, LED lighting, and automation, and a weekly full-service option optimal for maintaining your pool. Best of all, they are fully licensed and insured for worry-free pool maintenance every time! If grilling is your thing, then you will be delighted to know they are also a platinum-level Big Green Egg dealer, offering all models and a variety of charcoals and seasonings to satisfy even the most enthusiastic grillers. 

Jim and Amy offer several suggestions for anyone looking to get a remodel done on their pool. 

Nearly 15 years ago, Larry and Kathy Rutledge set out to build a family owned, community centered business. Their family has expanded since they started Pinch a Penny Pool, Patio, and Spa of Fishhawk in 2008, but their mission has not changed. Their son Jim Rutledge and his wife Amanda have a four-month-old, and their daughter Amy Creighton and her husband Sam have an 11-year-old and a 6-year-old. Together, this new generation has continued to deliver a friendly neighborhood experience, expert advice, plus everything you need to care for your pool, patio, or spa. Come by and see them for all your pool needs!