Date: October 9, 2009
by: The Observer Staff

John Collier will serve as vice president of Neal Signature Pools.

Lakewood Ranch-based Neal Communities this week launched a residential swimming pool division.

Neal Signature Pools will give the homebulider the ability to design and build pools for Neal homes as well as for other existing residences. John Collier will serve as vice president of Neal Signature Pools.

“We have been planning to add a pool division to the company but needed to find just the right person to take on such a task," said President Pat Neal. "John shares the Neal Communities’ commitment to excellent customer service, attention to detail and superior quality. We know that under his leadership, our swimming pools will meet the high standards for all Neal homes.”

Neal Communities has an ongoing practice of surveying its homebuyers. For several years, they have commented that they would like it if Neal directly handled the pool construction process. With the improving economy and Neal home sales rising, plus the availability of John Collier, the timing was right.

“By having our own company, we can help simplify the pool construction process for our buyers,” said Senior Vice President of Construction Mark Sochar. “We will be able to improve the efficiency while improving the quality of the swimming pools in each Neal home.”

Collier, who previously co-founded and managed a custom residential pool company, has worked with hundreds of families throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties. He also worked in the operations department in residential construction, delivering more than 800 homes in the award-winning communities of Lakewood Ranch and Fish Hawk Ranch and Westchase in Hillsborough County.

Collier earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. He also holds a Florida State Certified Pool Contractor license, Florida State Certified General Contractor license and is a Florida Green Building Coalition Certifying Agent.