When you think of pools, you might also think of swimming, relaxation, or beautiful outdoor spaces. With the help of the Greater Austin premier pool company da Vinci Pools, all of those boxes get checked. But there is a rich history and culture behind da Vinci Pools that extends beyond their custom-designed models.
Guido Del Re grew up in Mozambique under Portuguese citizenship. In 1975, when Mozambique turned communist, his family made their way to South Africa. Just a decade later, the Del Re family decided to take on the American dream, traveling over 9,000 miles to Austin, Texas.
“We chose Austin because of family and friends who also moved there, its small city feel, the Southern hospitality, and the welcoming vibe that existed back then. Lake Travis was an added bonus since I sailed and was involved in the boat business,” says Guido. “But the most important part was the possibilities for our future here.”
Family, trust, and loyalty are incredibly important to Guido. His dream to start a pool company for Austin homeowners was inspired by the knowledge and passion expressed by his father. Guido’s father had designed and built pools in Africa since his mid-twenties, passing down his attention to detail and sense of integrity. Come 2001, the da Vinci Pools journey was underway.
“da Vinci Pools was started by me and my brother Tiago after watching our father’s struggle with his business, particularly with his business partners. We wanted to do it right,” says Guido. “We developed a bond of loyalty and trust with all the changes our family went through. It was a new and fun opportunity.”
In 2020, Guido took over sole ownership as Tiago stepped back to focus on sales and design. The da Vinci Pools team—including Guido's wife and bookkeeper, Wendy; sister and lead designer, Maria; and project supervisors who have become more like family, Jennifer and Mike—continue to offer the same level of quality to homeowners. They are committed to the relationships they develop with their clients, and take pride in every unique creation.
“When we have repeat clients, it’s a good feeling to know we did those things right for them,” says Guido. “We also have strong, loyal, and long-term relationships with our employees and skilled trade contractors. Many of our contractors have worked with us for 15 to 20 years. Some of them started out as kids and have gone on to build their own businesses and start families of their own.”
With the support offered by da Vinci Pools, those subcontractors have been able to sustain their businesses. Guido has even sponsored some of his subcontractors working on their path to U.S. citizenship. As critical as it is to him to design backyard retreats that accommodate clients, it is equally necessary for him to maintain bonds with da Vinci Pools supporters.
“I have many meaningful memories from da Vinci Pools. In particular are the relationships that I have built with clients, employees, and contractors,” says Guido. “I have attended family dinners, holidays, graduations, and baptisms over the years.”
Austin’s landscape has drastically changed since the day da Vinci Pools opened its doors. Despite that, Guido is enthusiastic about the future and his business’s ability to grow into something even bigger. With the recent addition of their showroom floor, which includes various tile manufacturers and Ledge Lounger pool furniture, he hopes to provide a welcoming space for clients to visit and discuss their projects.
Elevate your backyard with a reliable team that is dedicated to improving your Cedar Park summer entertainment. Give them a call at 737-268-8413 to schedule a consultation with their lead designer.