OUR TEAM

Meet the team

OPERATIONS LEADERS

Michael Gesmond

Michael Gesmond

Owner

Michael Gesmond has called Charleston home since 2004. Introduced to the pool industry at an early age by his father, Michael developed a passion for creating exceptional pools that foster a lifetime of memories. His journey began with hard work and unwavering dedication, qualities that have been instrumental in building Heritage Pools into the reputable company it is today.

As the owner, Michael thrives on connecting with clients and delivering results that bring smiles to their faces. “Seeing our customers smile and knowing families are having fun together—that’s what makes me happy,” he shares. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that the structural integrity of a pool is paramount. “Everything can look nice, but if the bones aren’t amazing, then it is meaningless. Do it right or don’t do it at all,” he emphasizes, echoing the sentiment of his colleague Andy: “We don’t guess.”

Michael’s expertise lies in ensuring that every pool has a solid foundation, reflecting his commitment to quality and excellence. His approach guarantees that each project not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

When he’s not leading the team, Michael cherishes spending time with his kids and family. You might find him working in the yard or simply enjoying the company of his loved ones. And for those who don’t know, here’s a fun fact: Michael is, in his own words, “really nice”—a humble understatement that speaks to his genuine and approachable nature.

Jessie Gesmond

Jessie Gesmond

Business and Finance Administrator

A proud James Island native, Jessie Gesmond brings her skills, energy, and a touch of humor to her role as Business and Finance Administrator at Heritage Pools. Her journey into the custom pool building industry began with a temporary role helping out during maternity leave—and as she says with a smile, “I just kept having babies!”

In her position, Jessie plays a pivotal role in overseeing multiple aspects of the business, from finance to service and renovations. She thrives on solving problems, creating policies, and ensuring smooth operations across the company. Her ability to wear many hats and support the team wherever needed makes her an essential part of the Heritage Pools family.

Outside of work, Jessie embraces life to the fullest. You’ll often find her swimming or lounging in the sun with her family—Charleston living at its finest. She also enjoys working out, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her loved ones. And here’s a surprising twist: Jessie is a nurse practitioner!

With her local roots, versatile expertise, and dedication to both her team and clients, Jessie keeps the business side of Heritage Pools running as smoothly as the waters of a perfectly built pool.

Chris Courchaine

Chris Courchaine

Operations Manager

Originally from the picturesque Hudson Valley region of New York, Chris Courchaine relocated to Charleston in 2021, drawn by the opportunity to contribute his leadership and strategic expertise to a thriving industry. With a career shaped by roles in both small business ownership and corporate management, Chris brings a wealth of experience to his role as Operations Manager at Heritage Pools.

“What drew me to Heritage Pools was not just the thriving industry but the incredible people I work for,” Chris shares. “The chance to help lead an organization with such great potential, owned by genuinely good people, has been one of the most exciting ventures in my career.”

In his role, Chris focuses on being of service, rolling up his sleeves to guide the team with business, technological, financial, and organizational support. His passion lies in fostering a culture of success by empowering employees with the tools, education, and resources they need to excel. “When you hire great people with a desire to win and provide them the support to succeed, you create an environment where everyone thrives,” he explains.

Chris’ background in business leadership, field service management, and data analytics allows him to optimize processes and make strategic investments that maximize customer satisfaction. Whether working with Sales Designers to bring pool visions to life or tracking Maintenance and Service team performance, Chris finds the greatest reward in hearing success stories that bring joy to clients.

When he’s not in the office, Chris embraces the relaxed beach lifestyle that Charleston offers, spending time by the shore with his family. A dedicated sports fan and avid learner, he also enjoys diving into history and exploring the journeys of people, places, and ideas. His curiosity and love for learning fuel his drive to continuously improve, both personally and professionally.

Andy Dennis

Andy Dennis

Construction Manager

Born and raised in Charleston, Andy Dennis has deep roots in the Lowcountry and brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Construction Manager. Andy’s journey into the custom pool building industry began as a career pivot to spend more time with his family after years of extensive overseas travel. A good friend introduced him to the field, and he quickly realized that the industry’s unique challenges and creative opportunities were the perfect fit for his background in mechanical engineering and process management.

Starting as the Warehouse Manager, Andy immersed himself in learning the products and processes of pool construction. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he pursued hands-on training and courses to master the entire construction process. Today, he oversees Heritage Pools’ construction team, managing projects from concept to completion.

Andy’s favorite part of his role is transforming a customer’s vision into a stunning, custom-built pool that exceeds expectations. “Each pool is custom and comes with its own challenges,” he shares. “Overcoming those challenges and delivering the final product is incredibly rewarding.” Andy is particularly skilled at optimizing team workflows and ensuring seamless communication between departments to continually improve project efficiency.

As a Charleston native, Andy takes pride in welcoming new homeowners to the area. Sharing the joys of the local lifestyle and seeing clients’ excitement over their completed pools is what makes his work so fulfilling.

When he’s not managing construction projects, Andy enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and tinkering with classic car restoration projects—a hobby he’s loved since high school. And here’s a fun fact that surprises many: Andy comes from a big family with 10 siblings!

Jillian1 1

Jillian Bachofen

Office Manager

Originally from Forked River, NJ—what some might call the Jersey Shore—Jillian Bachofen brought her expertise in Human Resources and Office Management to Charleston in 2022. After interviewing with the company’s owners while still living in New Jersey and preparing for her move to Moncks Corner, Jillian knew she’d found the perfect fit.

As Office Manager, Jillian ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the business and focuses on hiring top-notch talent to build a team dedicated to delivering exceptional service. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating spaces where people can relax, connect, and make memories for years to come,” she shares. Her role allows her to support every stage of the pool-building process, ensuring clients receive the highest quality experience.

Jillian loves spending time with her husband and son, exploring Charleston’s many family-friendly activities. A book enthusiast and true crime podcast aficionado, she enjoys relaxing with a great story after a busy day. And for those who didn’t know, Jillian has a quirky claim to fame—she’s a walking Golden Girls encyclopedia!

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