How many different software programs are you using to manage your store? Let’s guess: You have one program for accounting, one program for the point of sale and one-or more-programs to help manage your service department. And you likely also have a program to merge all of the other software programs together.
   That sounds complicated, but this is what hot tub retailers have been using for years and it has worked - for some. But even if you have taken the time to master all of these, are they created explicitly for a hot tub retailer? Probably not.
   Trying to manage and learn all of these programs didn’t work for Corinne Kraft, owner of Valley Pool & Spa Sales in North Versailles and Greensburg, Penn. Instead of trying to make the other programs work for her company, she partnered with Co-Founder and President Rick Brunori, a software engineer, and created a program that could do everything that her pool and spa business needed. That partnership became RB Control Systems.
   Now employing five programmers, a couple of support technicians and with specific products available for several industries, RB Control Systems is quickly becoming the answer for hot tub retailers who are frustrated with software unrelated to the industry.
   "I can’t tell you how many programs we’ve gone through, it’s ridiculous," says Adam Jones, who helps run his family-owned pool and spa store, Backyard Oasis, in Livingston, Tex. They have been using RB Control since February 2005. "[RB Control Systems] was exactly what we were looking for - one program that would do everything."
   The intimate knowledge that comes from using the system every day allows the RB team to quickly recognize what can be improved and to offer first-hand technical support. RB phone support technicians can log into your system and troubleshoot problems securely through the Internet.
   "Honestly, I think that what makes our program so good and our company very successful is that I use it on a day-to-day basis in my pool and spa stores," says Kraft. "Since I’m using it, I know it’s working."
   Not only does Kraft know the system is working, she is constantly looking for ways to improve it and seriously considers suggestions from her customers.
   "Everything that could come up in our business, they have already thought of," says Jones. "There have been times when I’ve suggested something and within a matter of a week or two it’s in the program."
   You may think that a program as comprehensive as RB might be confusing or difficult to use. That’s not the case according to Danielle Davis, who has been the retail manager for the last seven years at DesRochers Backyard Pools, which has several locations in Illinois.
   "It’s very convenient," says Davis. "The technical support is really great. You can log them in and they can look on their screen and see what you’re doing."
   For Jones, it’s the features that make RB Control Systems ideal for his business. In fact, he couldn’t pick one favorite feature, but he says the increased communication, detailed customer information and the ability to merge all of his company’s departments has been especially beneficial and economical. (See the sidebar for details on RB Control Systems features.)
   "Not only is that good for us as a company, but it’s a better service to the customer," Jones says.