Pettis Pools: Giving Back to Our Community

Proudly Serving Our Community

At Pettis Pools, we believe that supporting our community is just as important as serving our customers. Over the years, we’ve been proud to contribute to organizations and causes that make a difference in the lives of families, children, and those in need.

A Few of Our Community Partnerships & Contributions:

Supporting Education & Youth

• The Pettis Family Entrepreneurship Award, funding young business innovators at The College of Brockport through a business plan competition.
• Penfield High School Robotics Team
• McQuaid High School Annual Bash Fundraiser
• Countless school musicals and sports teams

Helping Dreams Come True

• Make-A-Wish – Donated an above-ground pool to their Gala’s silent auction
• Dream Factory – Donations of above-ground pools, hot tubs, and a swim spa

Health & Wellness

• Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
• Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong
• Mary Cariola Group Homes – Providing discounted pool supplies and fundraising support for decades
• Arc of Monroe County

Promoting Water Safety & Fun

• Step Into Swim – Grants for swim lesson providers
• Hilton German Fest – Supporting community events

We are honored to give back to the community that has supported us for over 60 years, and we look forward to continuing to make a difference for generations to come!

Making a Difference: Partnering with The Dream Factory

At Pettis Pools, giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do—and stories like Ella’s remind us why. In partnership with The Dream Factory, we were honored to help fulfill a very special wish for 10-year-old Ella, who relied on daily aqua therapy at the YMCA. Just before the COVID shutdown in November, we delivered a swim spa right to Ella’s backyard—giving her a private, year-round space for therapy, comfort, and fun. In her first year of use, Ella made incredible progress in her physical abilities. When her family later built a deck to improve access, our delivery team returned to move the swim spa to its new location, free of charge. Now, thanks to the new walkout deck, Ella can safely and easily reach her swim spa—and continue making strides every day. We’re proud to have played a small part in her journey and grateful for the opportunity to support such an inspiring young girl.

Pettis Business Plan Competition Empowers Student Entrepreneurs at SUNY Brockport

This year’s Pettis Business Plan Competition saw an exciting turnout, with 24 student teams submitting innovative business ideas during the initial round. Promoted through eye-catching posters and digital signage across the University, the event drew attention from the entire campus—and beyond.

Thanks to the generous support of Pettis Pools, we were able to spotlight the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation within our community. A press release announcing the competition led to a featured article in the Rochester Business Journal—“Pettis Business Plan Competition Puts SUNY Brockport Students in the Shark Tank”—which highlighted the impact of Pettis’ contribution and the incredible student talent on display.

Six standout individuals and teams were selected to present their ideas in the finals, held in McCue Auditorium. Each finalist delivered a compelling pitch to a panel of five judges, which included SUNY Brockport faculty, a business advisor from our Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and two esteemed community professionals with expertise in startups and finance.

The top three winners were:

🥇 1st Place: A 3D-printed adaptive device designed for individuals with gripping challenges, allowing any type of cutlery to be easily inserted—empowering users to dine independently at home or in restaurants.
🥈 2nd Place: Dig-IT, a business focused on creating Vermicompost using worm castings to support sustainable gardening.
🥉 3rd Place: A furniture refinishing business that gives new life to old pieces with a creative and eco-conscious approach.

Finalists were cheered on by friends, family, and attendees from Holley Central Schools—an exciting addition that we hope to expand next year with more school participation.

Local media took note of the event, with coverage on WROC TV 8 and 13 WHAM News, where the Pettis name was proudly recognized for its sponsorship and support of student innovation.

We’re deeply grateful for the continued support from Pettis Pools, which helps shape the next generation of business leaders through opportunities like this. Together, we’re inspiring students to dream big, think boldly, and take their first steps toward entrepreneurial success.