Navy Veteran Matt Feldt Expands His Growing Poolwerx Business to Fernandina Beach

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Poolwerx, the largest global franchise pool service brand, is growing its presence in Northeast Florida as franchise partner Matt Feldt opens his second retail location in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Building on Feldt’s existing operations in Saint Johns and Jacksonville, the new store will provide pool owners and businesses across the region with convenient access to expert advice, quality pool care products and professional maintenance and repair services, helping them maintain healthy pools year-round.

Feldt’s Northeast Florida business has grown quickly since he joined Poolwerx. He now runs a fleet of five service vehicles and one dedicated repair vehicle.

From Navy Electronics to Business Ownership

Feldt’s path to pools has been anything but direct. After early jobs at an automotive dealership and a restaurant, he served 10 years in the U.S. Navy, where he repaired radio electronics. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Arizona State University and spent several years working in IT before deciding office life wasn’t for him.

When he began exploring business ownership, Feldt was drawn to the water. Some of his favorite childhood memories were made at the pool at his grandmother’s home, and a pool business offered the chance to work outdoors on his own terms. On the advice of his business mentor, he chose franchising, and Poolwerx’s established brand and vendor relationships made it the clear choice.

“I wanted to be outside and around the water, not stuck behind a desk,” said Feldt. “My mentor pointed out how much easier it is to get started with a brand that already has the systems, the vendor relationships and the name recognition. Poolwerx gives me just that, and it’s a great foundation as I take on this new endeavor.”

Building a Business the Navy Way

Feldt credits his military background for much of his success. The Navy taught him how to structure a team, set a clear chain of responsibility and invest in training, all lessons he applies to running his business today. After a period of rapid expansion, he deliberately slowed growth over the past year to make sure the business was on solid footing before taking the next step.

“The sky is the limit, and I don’t plan to stop expanding,” said Feldt. “But my advice to anyone starting out is to temper your expectations. It’s a roller coaster, and the first three years can be tough. Taking the time to build a strong foundation is what makes growth like this second store possible.”

Full-Service Pool Care for Northeast Florida

Poolwerx Fernandina Beach offers pool supplies and equipment in store, along with weekly maintenance, water testing and balancing, algae prevention, equipment repair and replacement, and spa care for residential and commercial clients.

“Matt is a great example of what’s possible when a franchise partner combines discipline with the Poolwerx system,” said Darlene Viering, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Poolwerx. “He has grown quickly while staying focused on building a business that lasts, and his second retail store is a milestone for the entire Northeast Florida community. We’re proud to support his continued growth.”

Poolwerx continues to expand across North America as demand grows for reliable, professional pool care services. Franchise partners benefit from the brand’s proven business systems, industry-leading training, operational support, marketing resources, and globally recognized reputation while serving their local communities.

For more information about Poolwerx and its franchise opportunity, please visit https://poolwerxfranchising.com.

About Poolwerx

Since 1992, Poolwerx has been the world’s largest franchise network in pool and spa maintenance, providing expert services in water testing, cleaning, maintenance, repairs, equipment installation, and water balancing for both residential and commercial clients. With the U.S. Support Center headquartered in Texas, Poolwerx has grown globally to a network of over 185 retail stores, with+700 service vehicles, and operates across more than 350 territories. For more information about Poolwerx and its franchise opportunity, please visit https://poolwerxfranchising.com.

Contact: Cole Koretos, Franchise Elevator PR, ckoretos@franchiseelevator.com

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SOURCE Poolwerx