Photo courtesy of California Pools & Landscape
When Mike and Joan Smith started California Pools & Landscape at their kitchen table in 1988, they set out to build a company rooted in craftsmanship, fairness and genuine care. Thirty-eight years later, that company is Arizona’s premier backyard builder, and the philosophy that guided it from the start — “What is best for the customer, is best for all of us” — has grown into something larger than any pool it has ever built.
Giving back came first, long before it had a name. The founders were especially passionate about supporting victims of domestic violence, and for years the team made Christmas possible for families living in shelters — providing gifts, necessities and compassion during an incredibly difficult season. When Jeremy and Stephanie Smith took over the business, they carried that legacy forward and added to it, convinced that customers, employees and trade partners alike deserved to be treated fairly and with gratitude. That conviction produced the company’s Wellness Committee, which gave employees a way to build relationships and support one another’s physical health, mental health, financial wellness, volunteerism and charitable involvement.
Those efforts eventually took shape as the CPL Care Club, an employee-driven, volunteer-based charity arm built around care, connection and community. The Care Club runs on the energy of the team itself, organizing food drives, CPR classes, fun runs, fundraising walks and hands-on volunteer projects throughout the year. Its mission is to bring employees, trade partners, customers and community partners together around causes that matter, supporting children and families, advancing water safety, encouraging whole-person wellness and creating real opportunities to serve. The goal was never simply to write checks. It was to build relationships, lend a helping hand and leave the community better than they found it.
That approach shows most clearly in the company’s partnership with Phoenix Children’s. In May 2024, the Spring Sales Event raised $25,000 for the Foundation, and for every pool sold in 2025 and 2026, California Pools & Landscape has committed to making a donation supporting the hospital’s work. The company also sponsors the DIVE program, which delivers water safety education and supplies throughout the Valley, with obvious meaning for a builder of backyard pools. Employees volunteer at Phoenix Children’s events all year, raising funds and awareness for families and staff.
“As an Arizona native, I’ve seen the impact that Phoenix Children’s has in the Valley,” says President Darren Tamburrelli. “The staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the children drive us to come together and maximize our efforts for such a noble cause. Being able to give back inspires our entire team, knowing we all make a difference every day.”
The Care Club’s reach extends well beyond one partner. Teammates volunteer at Ronald McDonald House through annual Brunch Buddies events, providing meals, conversation and comfort to guests. The club hosts an annual food drive for Midwest Food Bank, organizes Christmas Angel Trees benefiting The Salvation Army, and leads at least two blood drives each year to help meet critical community needs. Participation is supported by an annual budget and strong executive backing, and many employees volunteer independently at organizations close to their hearts, evidence of a culture where service is both encouraged and celebrated.
Photo courtesy of California Pools & Landscape
The company invests in futures, too. Each year, employees’ dependent children under age 26 can apply for one of 22 renewable scholarships for college or trade school, with awards up to $5,000, helping the next generation pursue education and build meaningful careers. Fundraising has grown alongside that commitment: The inaugural Cal Cup golf tournament at Papago Golf Club raised $48,000 for Phoenix Children’s, powered by employees, sponsors, vendors, colleagues and community partners.
For Executive Director of Marketing & Business Strategy Nicole Shoppach, the heart of it all is simple. “I am passionate about creating a workplace where people feel cared for, connected and inspired to care for others,” she says. “When our employees come together to serve, support a family or help someone through a difficult season, it reminds us that even a small act of kindness can make a big splash. That ripple effect is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.”
Across every initiative, California Pools & Landscape demonstrates that building beautiful backyards is only part of its mission. The deeper work, the work that defines the company, is building a stronger, more connected community.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as a strategic CSR consultant for Omnicom.
Did You Know: Every pool California Pools & Landscape sells through 2026 sends a donation to Phoenix Children’s. Give directly at phoenixchildrensfoundation.org, including to the Water Safety Program CPL’s DIVE sponsorship supports.
