I am originally from Houma, La. I am a certified General Science Teacher that left the profession in 1973 to start building pools. The job change came about quite naturally because my summer-time job was managing a large commercial swimming pool complex. I experimented with several vocations within the industry, settling down in New Orleans in 1994 to establish -Pleasure Pools by Charles Elfert, Inc. I n the 29 years since then, my company has garnered many awards for design on a local, regional and national level. In 2012 and 2013 we were selected by Pool & Spa Magazine, the oldest and most prestigious trade publication in the industry, as one of the Top 50 Builders in the United States. As a member of the P.H.T.A. -Pool and Hot Tub Association. I have successfully completed training and subsequent exams certifying me as a “Certified Building Professional -CBP,-Professional Pool & Spa Operator- PPSO, Certified Pool & Spa Maintenance Specialist -CMS, and Certified Pool & Spa Service Technician-CST. I am also on the Board of Directors for Aquatech Corp. which is a member-owned buying group with assets of $100,000. I am 76 years old, father of 3 daughters, married to Cindy Marino Elfert, and grandfather to 15 grandchildren.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Pretty much stated above, but married to Cindy Marino Elfert, 3 daughters, she has 2 sons and a daughter, 15 grandchildren, most of whom swim with us regularly.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I plan to retire when I reach my 78th birthday and work for other aspiring Pool Builders, and spend more time fishing and learning to play my saxophone better
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Young’s, Gallgher’s, and for Sushi, Aki.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved across the lake in 2008. After suffering through Katrina, even though I owned a nice office, which I lived in, in Metairie, I moved to higher ground.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Kenny Adams -Integrity Builders- and his miraculous story is the most interesting, second only to my lovely wife, Cindy.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I tend to like Documentaries, especially those involving history. Paleoanthropology, the assent of Homo Sapiens, is the most intriguing.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“You become what you think about.” I am a disciple of the late Earl Nightingale, whose original publication, “The Strangest Secret”, promotes that belief.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Aquarius Pools – Ronnie Allen -deceased
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Drew Brees – A Saint in more ways than one.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Lush vegetation, feeling of community, beautiful rolling hills and spring water,
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
On the back of my 46′ Bertram out in the Gulf, catching red snappers and Lemon Fish.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That as a very small child, I had 2 near-death experiences, saved only by my Grandmother, who I called MeMe
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Wife, Cindy
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
People like Tommy Cvtanovitch
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Calm – Relaxation- Peaceful
