Claude III built entrepreneurial companies and led hundreds of people his entire career. My father is a true inspiration to me and countless others. Throughout his business career, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering faith, perseverance and a strong commitment to personal values. He approaches each challenge with a steadfast determination, always striving to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. His unwavering belief in his faith has been a driving force behind his success and a shining example to those around him. He has instilled in me the importance of persistence and hard work, always pushing me to never give up on my dreams. I am truly grateful for the impact my father has had on my life, and for the countless lives he has touched through his business endeavors. His legacy of personal values, faith, and persistence will forever be remembered and honored.

“This experience of scaling three businesses and managing commercial real estate with my son has taught me the importance of mentorship, and how working together with the next generation can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The legacy that we are creating together will endure long after we are gone, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to play a role in shaping my son’s future and helping him realize his full potential. The journey of growing a business with my son has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but most of all, it has been a journey of love, trust and mutual respect. I am grateful for every moment we have shared and for the opportunity to watch my son blossom into a successful business leader.”

-Claude B. Kershner III

Claude B. Kershner III was a prominent figure in the Pool and Landscape industry, as well as the South Florida & Philadelphia business scene. From 1998 until his retirement in 2022, Claude dedicated himself to building a service-oriented business in South Florida. With humility and patience, he started small and dreamed big, ultimately realizing the possibilities of his entrepreneurial venture.

Claude’s personal ambition and dedication to the local community helped shape hundreds of lives over the years. He raised money for various charitable organizations, including ORCAT, the Grayvik Animal Care Center, the Ocean Reef Foundation, the Ocean Reef Medical Center, and Baptist Health Systems. He started and led the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce, campaigned for the creation of a 15-mile bike lane that traverses one of the largest tropical parks in the country, created a bike club, and served in leadership of his condominium association.

As a business owner, Claude used his ‘show up and be persistent’ philosophy to creatively come up with ways to leverage resources and save money. He understood the importance of instilling values and building a company culture that reflected his philosophies. Claude was deeply committed to his employees, providing them with healthcare benefits, 401k direct match plans, and was truly concerned about their personal well-being.

Furthermore, Claude and his staff routinely provided excellent customer service. He provided his personal cell phone for weekend emergencies, dispatched pool mechanics over weekends and during holidays, spent time with all clients on free consultation, and helped around the clock during hurricane threats to secure houses and remove expensive landscaping. Claude went out of his way to monitor his customers’ water usage and prevent high water bills, working with the local aqueduct authority to push a water monitoring software for his customers.

Claude is a family man who values the people around him and loves what he does. His notable achievements and values made him a role model for rising entrepreneurs to emulate. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to his community, and commitment to his employees and customers were testaments to his hard work and dedication over the years. Thank you, Claude, for the 24 years you dedicated to your friends, colleagues, coworkers, and customers at Reef Tropical in South Florida!

We recommend listening to the interview titled When Values Meet Persistence, moderated by Claude’s son Dr. Claude B. Kershner IV, to gain insight into the entrepreneurial journey and philosophies of Claude B. Kershner III.