David S. Irvin’s Positively Parker County
MAY 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
The Clark family
of Pulliam Pools
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Mike Clark started his career with Pulliam Pools in 1985 when Barry Pulliam took over as the third
generation of Pulliams to hold the reins of the company. Mike learned a great deal from him. Mike’s
earliest recollection is sitting on the floor of the new location on Old Granbury Road calling old
customers to get referrals. The office furniture had not yet arrived and they just jumped right into
working. He has been witness to many changes in the company over the years.
When technology started expanding exponentially, Mike spent time learning 3D Design and
brought Pulliam’s design team into a new era of pool design. At first, Mike hardly knew how to turn
on a computer, but he was a fast learner. Eventually his talent and skills propelled the company into
technologically savvy territory.
“Pool design has definitely evolved over the years and staying on top of continuous regulatory
changes and city codes has made the permit process cumbersome in many cities,” Mike said.
When Barry Pulliam was eying retirement, Mike Clark and another valued Pulliam employee
Debra Smith made an offer to purchase the company and Pulliam agreed. That was eight years ago.
Recently, Mike and Debra held a gala to celebrate Pulliam Pool’s 100th Anniversary in business. The
guest list read like a Who’s Who of North Texas.
Mike Clark and his wife, Susan, have one son named Jared, who is pursuing his engineering
degree at Texas A&M. Jared represents the second generation of Clarks to work at Pulliam. For now,
he’s there during spring breaks and summer months, but who knows what the future might bring?
Susan is a photographer who photographs pools for Pulliam and she helps out at the Pulliam
home office when needed.
About Irvin
David S. Irvin, The Portrait Photographers,
is nationally recognized photographer.
Irvin has photographed six presidents and
a variety of celebrities, including Garth
Brooks and Nolan Ryan. He has also been
recognized by Kodak as one of the top 25
photographers in
the United States.
Irvin photographs
notable families
in the Fort Worth
area who have ties
to area businesses.
To see additional
photos by David S.
Irvin, visit
www.dsirvin.com