A Short Auto-Biography on Eric Neel and His Journey to Success
Born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, in 1981, Eric Neel started his childhood in their family built underground geothermal house in Manchester, Tennessee. At the age of six, Eric and his family moved to their farm in the small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee. Eric grew up on the farm working with his family in a culture where everyone was expected not only to carry their weight but also to support the efforts of the family. Most summers were spent working for his dad cutting hay, raising cows, running their sawmill, logging their farm, building pole barns, running heavy machinery, wiring commercial buildings, and even building swimming pools.
At the age of 18, Eric bought his first backhoe and decided to start a company building pools, pole barns, grading yards, and taking on any project that came his way. After one year in business and after paying off the bank note on his backhoe, Eric purchased a storefront. This was the start of Clearwater Pool & Spa, Inc. of Manchester, Tennessee. Clearwater Pool & Spa, Inc. was founded in late 2000 and opened its doors in 2001 with the newly self remodeled storefront. After opening, Eric expanded the pool building business into chemical sales, spa sales, pool maintenance, and equipment sales for pools and spas. At the time he was finishing his second year at Middle Tennessee State University, but once the storefront opened, he left his academic studies to focus exclusively on his new business.
In June 2005, Eric married Katie Sipe, a long time childhood family friend. In 2006, Katie joined the Clearwater team and ultimately started managing the retail store in 2007. Eric expanded their business to include excavation crews and separated the two sides of their company by founding Clearwater Excavation, Inc., which performed earth moving, dump trucking, blasting, demolition, and utility contracts for projects ranging from residential developments to major church and school sites.
After seven years of operating both sides of the business, Katie and Eric made a significant strategy change to transition to a debt free model. Eric sold off the assets of Clearwater Excavation, Inc. to focus on what they knew best, the swimming pool and spa business. Becoming debt free was not accomplished overnight, and Eric felt led to continue his academic studies and completed a bachelor’s degree in Theology as he learned to trust God.
God had given Eric the vision of expanding Clearwater Pool & Spa, but this time it was not about money, it was about people. God opened doors and built relationships that rapidly expanded Clearwater in a way that honored Jesus. God brought the people one by one who now make up the Clearwater staff that serve customers faithfully throughout the United States.
In 2013, Clearwater was awarded an exclusive National Blemished Spa contract, which God used to increase sales and build relationships far beyond Clearwater’s previous service areas. Spa sales continued to grow for several years and Clearwater was honored as one of the top three national retailers for Aqua Rest Spas. Clearwater has been published in Dreammaker Spas newsletters, featured in Spa Retailer magazine, featured on the Kathy Ireland show, and voted Manchester’s finest pool and spa dealer many times.
The vision of becoming debt free and a cash operated business was fully realized in 2016. Eric and Katie have been blessed with four children and have learned to trust God in their marriage, their finances, and in raising their family while running a successful business that has grown into one of the largest independently owned retailers of spas and hot tubs in the nation.
A key part of Clearwater’s growth has been its partnership with Watkins Manufacturing, one of the most trusted spa builders in the world and the maker of Lifesmart® Spas. Watkins has been a leader in the hot tub industry for more than 40 years, known for innovation, durability, and customer satisfaction. Clearwater is proud to be a major partner with Watkins, sharing the same commitment to quality and standing behind Lifesmart® products as an important part of serving customers nationwide.
As the business expanded, Clearwater Pool & Spa, Inc. transitioned into Clearwater Pool & Spa, LLC and launched a dedicated e commerce division to serve customers across the country. That division now operates as Clearwater Brands, LLC, providing nationwide direct ship spas while maintaining a strong local presence in Manchester, Tennessee. What may appear to be separate names such as Clearwater Pool & Spa, The Backyard Outlet, and Clearwater Brands are all part of the same family of businesses, united by the same God given vision, commitment to accountability, and dedication to serving people with integrity and excellence.
One of the major keys to this success is accountability. Above are the accolades. On the “Accountability” tab are the weaknesses still being worked on. Being accountable to trusted people in areas of weakness has led to growth. This seems to be God’s design.
Godly Dreams Are Bigger Than You Can Accomplish
Author: Eric Neel
Introduction
For many years I have shared these words and values publicly because they are more than a personal vision. They are the foundation of how I strive to live, lead, and serve. My faith in Jesus Christ shapes every part of my life, from family to business. By putting these dreams, goals, and accountability principles in writing, I invite others to see not only where I have been blessed but also how I continue to grow.
My Dream
To one day hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
My Goals
- To be a faithful disciple of Jesus
- To be a devoted husband to Katie
- To be a present father to our children
- To be a servant leader in our company and sphere of influence
- To live generously in all things
- To maintain a healthy, balanced life between work and family
My Life’s Mission Statement
I desire to become great in every area of life. Anyone can be successful in one thing, but true greatness requires balance and discipline. My goal is to be a strong leader in our company and community while also being a loving husband, a present father, and most importantly, a committed disciple of Jesus Christ.
Accountability
I believe accountability is God’s design for growth. These questions and principles help me stay aligned with my faith and values.
Personal (Weekly Accountability)
- Did I guard my eyes and thoughts against sin this week?
- Did I depend on or desire alcohol?
- Did I spend quality time with God?
- Did I intentionally meet Katie’s love language needs?
- Am I being fully truthful in these areas?
- Am I open to input on blind spots in my personal life?
Financial (Guiding Principles)
- Return the first fruits of profit to God through tithing
- Share blessings by being generous with employees and others
- Operate the business and family life with financial discipline
Family (Guiding Principles)
- Be intentional in daily connection with Katie
- Support our home life actively, not passively
- Invest consistent, quality time with each child
- Protect rhythms of family time and date nights
Work (Guiding Principles)
- Lead with a servant’s heart
- Cast vision clearly and consistently
- Develop staff as both leaders and servants
- Value relationships with employees and their families
Why This Matters
Accolades and success are meaningful, but accountability is what sustains growth. Being honest in weaknesses and holding myself responsible to others has shaped my faith, strengthened my family, and guided my business. This is not just a personal practice. It is part of the culture we strive to live out at Clearwater, The Backyard Outlet, and Clearwater Brands.