Update: A Pinellas County Pool consultant who agreed to take over day to day operations of troubled Olympus Pools and help complete hundreds of unfinished jobs is calling it quits.
Jordan Hidalgo owner of Pools by Jordan told I-team Investigator Jackie Callaway he is ending his partnership with James Staten the owner of Olympus Pools. Hidalgo said in a text. “However during our due diligence period, it became apparent that the company was not in the same position as it appeared originally. As a result, I have decided to cut my losses and am walking away from the opportunity.”
An I-team investigation found hundreds of pools started in Pasco and Hillsborough Counties in 2020 remain unfinished as of this week.
Olympus owner James Staten said last week he planned to finish all of the projects by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s office continues to actively review 150 complaints file against the company.
July 20 Staten responded to our questions about Jordan Hidalgo’s decision to split with Olympus Pools.
In an email the pool builder stated. “….Mr. Hidalgo’s involvement with Olympus stems from him entering into an agreement in order to resolve a potential lawsuit against him, his companies, and former employees in breach of their non-competes. Going so far as to fully indemnify Olympus from lawsuits frivolously brought by two such employees. After signing the agreement he asked for an ownership share in Olympus if he outperformed expectations; I had agreed in order to show the public that Olympus is willing to do whatever it takes to finish all our jobs, including transferring equity to someone who promised more help than he could deliver. In truth, he was never able to “buy” even a portion of Olympus, there has been no “due diligence period” and Mr. Hidalgo has failed to perform even his most basic obligations under our Agreement. We will be seeking to enforce the contract and adding a defamation count against Mr. Hidalgo.”
Previously:
A pool company in Pinellas County is taking over some day-to-day operations for Olympus Pools as the company tackles hundreds of unfinished pools.
Pool company consultant Jordan Hidalgo of Pools by Jordan has partnered with James Staten, the founder of Olympus Pools, to take over administration and customer support.
I-Team Investigator Jackie Callaway first exposed lengthy delays and consumer complaints involving Olympus Pools earlier this year.
Both Staten and Hidalgo met with Jackie on Tuesday, May 25 to answer questions about customers who signed with the company last year but still aren't swimming.
“I saw what Olympus’s customers were going through on the news, but I also know the high quality of Olympus’ work and their capabilities. So, after weeks of negotiations, I’m happy to say we’ve reached an agreement, and we’re excited to get to work on sorting this all out,” said Hidalgo.
Both Staten and Hidalgo say customers who have been waiting the longest will get first priority.
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Hidalgo will have his team take over the administration, accounting, permitting, purchasing and customer relations starting Tuesday, June 1. Hidalgo also runs a management consulting firm for pool companies called The Pool Consultants.
Staten will continue running sales, field operations and business development.
Earlier this month the Pasco County Sheriff's Office confirmed their economic crimes unit is looking into complaints against Olympus Pools involving money taken and work not being done. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office also said similar allegations are being investigated.
"Every person should get what they expected and what they paid for, though it’s going to take some time," Hidalgo said.
Both he and Staten say customers can expect direct access to ownership, improved customer relations, and those who have been waiting for their pools to get started can expect work to begin sooner thanks to the new partnership.
“Some things are going to happen immediately, and other things are going to take a little bit of time as we dig into things, but we’re ready to get all of these pools done as quickly as possible and work on rebuilding the positive image that Olympus worked so hard to achieve,” said Hidalgo.
