The early 2000s brought another major transition for California Pools when leadership began shifting to the third generation of the Steimle family.
Ryder Steimle grew up around the business, but he initially pursued a different path. After college, he was not certain he wanted to follow in his family's footsteps. That changed after a tribute event honoring his grandfather, Wayne.
Seeing the impact Wayne had made on families, employees, and the industry helped Ryder understand the deeper meaning behind the company. Not long after, he joined California Pools with the intention of eventually leading it.
He worked his way through every part of the business, learning sales, construction, and operations from the ground up. Eventually, he took over leadership from his father, Doug.
Ryder brought a more structured business mindset to the company while respecting its craftsmanship driven roots. He focused on systems, organization, and long term scalability. He also studied companies known for strong culture and storytelling, applying those lessons to California Pools.
Under his leadership, the company strengthened both its internal operations and its brand identity, ensuring that California Pools could continue growing without losing what made it special.