Stewart Vernon is the Founder and COO of ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company, the nation’s largest swimming pool cleaning, repair, and renovation franchise system.
Vernon, as the company COO, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the franchise company, which includes Public Relations, Brand Management, Vendor Relationships, Financial Planning and Strategic Oversight of his staff.
Founded in Macon Georgia in 2002, the business was born out of the need to provide a higher quality swimming pool company to customers in Vernon’s hometown. Upon launching the business and experiencing rapid growth at the flagship location in Macon, Ga., Vernon looked for a way to expand both the business model and the ASP brand.
In 2005, ASP Franchising was formed, and the company had its first two franchise owners in place. Vernon and his company quickly began to fill a void in the swimming pool service sector. The model for franchise expansion was built by partnering with business-minded individuals who wanted to start their own venture, needing a business road map to follow. As the franchise model expanded its training, its support, and its brand, the reach of the company expanded, and the Southeast was no longer its boundary.
ASP has become a leader in the swimming pool arena while also rising in the ranks of the national franchise spotlight. ASP’s success has been recognized by its inclusion in the rankings of Entrepreneur Magazine’s prestigious Top 500 Franchise List. ASP’s success has been recognized by its inclusion in the rankings of Entrepreneur Magazine’s prestigious Top 500 Franchise List since 2011.
In addition to the leadership role, Vernon plays as COO of ASP Franchising and has also spoken at various business venues during his career, emphasizing the power of entrepreneurship.
Specifically featured:
Wesleyan College
College of Charleston
Georgia Tech Business School
Mercer University – as well as delivering the keynote at the annual ASP Owners Meeting for the previous 10 years.