Employee Review of ABP
Pros
-In the Houston area, ABP has a reputation as one of the best lifeguarding companies. -There is a ton of flexibility in hours. Depending on your pool manager, you give significant input on when you are scheduled to work and then can switch shifts whenever you want. As long as you get your work covered with an appropriate sub, the company doesn't care. -Where ABP is located, they manage many pools that are within a few minutes of each other. You will probably be assigned to one pool, but can work at any of their locations as a sub if you are looking to pick up more hours (or need someone to sub for you).
Cons
I started when I was 15 and worked for ABP for three years, spanning the titles of Lifeguard, Headguard, Assistant Manager, and Winter Maintenance. As you move up, you start to deal with the main office and the people who work there are largely incompetent. It is a family owned business, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts of the family spill into the workplace, and some conflicts that cause inefficiencies are completely ignored (probably to avoid tension on relationships). As a manager and winter maintenance employee, it was almost impossible to get the resources and tools needed to effectively do the job. Things like chlorine, hoses, and vacuums that are necessary for the essential upkeep of the pool were neglected. Repeated requests for these items didn't make a difference, and frequently employees were scolded for not completing tasks which were impossible without the right tools.
