From Puerto Rico to Pool Builder: How Alyssa Serrano Built 787 Serrano Construction

When Alyssa Serrano moved from Puerto Rico to El Paso, Texas at 22 years old with a business administration degree, she never imagined she'd end up running a pool construction company. Six years later, she's the owner of 787 Serrano Construction, a family-run pool building business that carries her Puerto Rican heritage in its name and her kids' future in its mission.

Her story is one of rapid growth, unexpected passion, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. It's also a blueprint for anyone wondering if they can break into pool construction without decades of experience.

An Unexpected Career Path

Alyssa's pool industry journey began in April 2020, right as the COVID pandemic was reshaping businesses across America. She joined a local pool company as a scheduler, never expecting it would become her career.

"I never saw myself working in a pool industry. But it's weird. Now I cannot stop talking about pools."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

What started as a job quickly became a passion. Working under Mr. Rodriguez in El Paso, she rapidly advanced from scheduler to project manager. Each new project deepened her love for the work.

"I feel in love every time my previous boss gives me anything to get done. Oh my goodness, how can I get this done? Oh my goodness, this infinity. I was feeling getting in love. So the pool gets to me like my boyfriend."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

From Employee to Owner in 18 Months

When Mr. Rodriguez announced his retirement, Alyssa faced a decision: stay with the company under new leadership, or take a leap into business ownership. With just a year and a half of pool industry experience, she chose the leap.

In October 2021, she launched 787 Serrano Construction. The company name carries deep meaning. "787" is Puerto Rico's area code, a tribute to her roots and identity. "Serrano" is her husband's family name, and she sees the business as a legacy for her children.

"787 is the area code of Puerto Rico... I'm pretty sure it will be the legacy for my kiddos. So they love also the pool. So they go with us to do the startup. So it's a family-owned business."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

Starting the company wasn't easy. Alyssa had no connections in the industry beyond her previous employer, and just 18 months of experience under her belt. But her husband, a commercial plumber by trade, joined the venture, bringing complementary skills to the operation.

Building a True Family Business

When Alyssa says "family business," she means it literally. Her children are regular fixtures on job sites, with her 9-year-old son becoming something of a celebrity at his school because of the family business.

"Every time I go to the school, everyone knows I'm a pool builder. Hey, you're the one that has pools? Hey, how are you? I'm like, oh my goodness."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

Bringing kids to construction sites requires negotiation, she admits. Her son keeps track of the time, counting down the minutes they've agreed to spend working.

"So we do negotiations. If I tell him that I would like to supervise, sweetheart, we have one hour. But he's counting the hour. He's like, mom, 45 minutes? We're getting close to the hour."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

Weekend site visits are a family affair, with Alyssa, her husband, and both children supervising projects together. It's not always easy to balance parenting with business ownership, but Alyssa has made it work by integrating rather than separating the two.

Being a Woman in Pool Construction

Alyssa doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Walking into meetings and trainings, she often faces skepticism from those who assume she doesn't belong.

"It's difficult as a woman and as well as pool builder, go to a meeting, go to trainings. Every time there's a woman in the table, they're like, oh, probably she don't know what she's talking about or she don't know nothing."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

But she's found community and support through industry events like Pool Nation's Women's Networking Event. The experience of being surrounded by other women in the industry was transformative.

"As soon as I arrived, everyone was really helpful. All the ladies, all of them was beautiful... The networking, everything was awesome, to be honest. So I have my pump to start the week. All with power. And that's what we need, have more trainings, more getting the woman involved in the industry."

— Alyssa Serrano, Pool Nation Podcast

She emphasizes that women contribute to the pool industry in countless ways, from service and scheduling to office management and field work. Everyone plays a role in creating the final product.

Lessons for Aspiring Pool Business Owners

Alyssa's journey offers several takeaways for anyone considering starting a pool business:

You Don't Need Decades of Experience

Alyssa launched her company with just 18 months in the industry. Passion, business acumen (she had a business administration degree), and willingness to learn can compensate for limited field experience. What matters more is understanding the work and being willing to show up.

Leverage Complementary Skills

Her husband's plumbing background combined with her project management experience created a strong foundation. If you're considering starting a pool business, think about what skills you and potential partners bring to the table.

Build Your Network

Industry events and networking groups provide support, knowledge, and community. Alyssa found empowerment through connecting with other women in the industry. Organizations like IPSSA and events like PSP Expo offer similar opportunities for connection.

Make It Personal

787 Serrano Construction carries her heritage and family legacy in its name. Building a business that reflects your values creates deeper motivation and helps differentiate you in the market.

Stay Present

Alyssa supervises projects personally, even on weekends. In the early stages of a construction business, hands-on involvement builds quality and reputation. You can't manage what you don't see.

The Puerto Rican Pride

Throughout her interviews, Alyssa's Puerto Rican heritage shines through. She proudly keeps three Puerto Rican flags in her house, including one from her hometown. The 787 in her company name is a daily reminder of where she came from.

For other immigrants considering entrepreneurship in the pool industry, her story demonstrates that bringing your full identity to your business can be a strength. Her bilingual abilities and bicultural perspective are assets in El Paso's diverse market.

Looking Forward

Alyssa's nomination for Pool Nation's 30 Under 40 Rookie of the Year award recognizes her rapid rise in the industry. But for her, the real measure of success is the legacy she's building for her children.

787 Serrano Construction isn't just a pool company. It's a family project, a cultural statement, and a bet on the future. Every pool they build, every weekend supervision visit with the kids in tow, is part of a larger story about what's possible when passion meets opportunity.

Related Resources

If Alyssa's story has inspired you to consider starting your own pool business, here are some resources to help you get started:

• How to Start a Pool Service Business: Complete Guide
• Texas Pool Service Legal Requirements
• Pool Route Valuation Guide
• Best Pool Podcasts — Including Pool Nation Podcast where Alyssa was featured
• Cost Per Pool Calculator
• Service Pricing Calculator