Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Mogonye. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

For my wife and me, our mission is deeply personal. We started our pool service and cinema businesses with the belief that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about doing right by people. Early on, we saw how some businesses cut corners or put profits over customers, and we knew we wanted to be different.

Providing top-tier customer service and operating with integrity isn’t just a business strategy for us—it’s a reflection of our values. We believe that treating people fairly, delivering quality work, and staying honest will not only help our businesses grow but also secure a better future for our family. Our goal is to build something that lasts, something we can be proud of, and something that allows us to achieve the American Dream while making a real impact in our community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was raised by a single father who struggled to make ends meet, but no matter how tough things got, he always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Watching him push forward despite the challenges left a lasting impression on me. During my twenties, I put my energy into BMX—riding, filming, and photography—along with my passion for art and music production. But during that time, I also faced a lot of self-inflicted struggles and had to learn things the hard way.

By the time I turned 28, I realized I was tired of chasing shortcuts. I made a commitment to myself that I would embrace the hard work needed to build a better future. That decision changed everything. I started grinding like never before, working long hours and pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. That drive led me to start my own pool maintenance and repair company, David’s Pool Pros, where I focus on providing top-tier service with honesty and integrity.

At the same time, my passion for photography and videography led me to launch 1109 Cinema, a commercial photography and videography company named after the day my wife, Harley, and I began dating. She has been my biggest supporter and plays a crucial role in running both businesses.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and ethics. In an industry where some prioritize profits over people, we take a different approach. Whether it’s maintaining a pool or producing a film project, we believe in doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easiest path.

But above all, I do this for my four amazing children—Liam, Jazmyn, Karmin, and Aaliyah. Everything I build is to set an example for them, to show them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I’m still on my journey, far from my ultimate goal, but every day I take another step toward achieving my dreams and creating a secure, fulfilling life for my family.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve learned that firsthand. There was a time when things were looking rough—clients were dropping off left and right. Some moved away, others had to cut costs after losing their jobs, and many pool owners paused service for the winter to save money. At the same time, photography gigs were drying up, making it even harder to stay afloat.

I had a choice: sit back and hope things turned around or get out there and make something happen. I chose the hard way—the only way I knew how.

Instead of waiting for new clients to magically appear, I hit the pavement. I pulled up Google Maps and started searching for pools, marking down addresses and neighborhoods where homeowners might need service. Then, I got in my truck and started knocking on doors, introducing myself and letting people know I could help keep their pools clean and running smoothly. Some turned me away, but others listened—and little by little, new clients started rolling in.

At the same time, I couldn’t ignore my passion for photography and videography. I knew businesses needed content to grow, and if they weren’t coming to me, I’d go to them. I walked into local shops, restaurants, and small businesses, offering my services to help them market their brands with high-quality video work. Some said no, but a few saw the value—and those few turned into more as word spread.

On top of that, I used social media to put myself out there, messaging potential clients and showcasing my work to a wider audience. Every post, every message, every conversation was another chance to land a new opportunity.

It wasn’t easy. Some days were frustrating, but I refused to let the setbacks define me. I kept showing up, kept grinding, and kept believing that if I worked hard enough, things would turn around. And they did.

Now, when I look at the businesses I’ve built—David’s Pool Pros and 1109 Cinema—I see more than just a way to pay the bills. I see a testament to resilience, to refusing to quit when things got tough. That mindset has carried me through before, and I know it will carry me through again.

No matter how many times I get knocked down, I’ll always find a way to get back up.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started David’s Pool Pros, I was fueled by nothing but hard work and determination. Business was picking up, and I had lined up a solid number of customers. It felt like things were finally falling into place—but then reality hit me hard.

Pools need chemicals, and a lot of them. I had the clients, but before they paid, I had to front the cost of the supplies to keep their pools balanced and clean. I did the math, checked my bank account, and my stomach dropped. I didn’t have enough money to buy everything I needed.

I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought about delaying service, but that wasn’t an option if I wanted to keep my reputation intact. I considered asking for partial payments upfront, but I didn’t want to seem unprofessional. So, I just sat with it, trying to figure out my next move.

Then, out of nowhere, my neighbor—who also runs his own business—stopped by. He must have sensed something was off because, without me even saying a word, he offered me a loan. No strings attached, no paperwork, just trust. I hadn’t asked, but he believed in me enough to step in and help when I needed it most.

With that loan, I got exactly what I needed, stocked up on chemicals, and kept my promises to my customers. A couple of weeks later, once payments started coming in, I made sure to pay him back in full.

That moment stuck with me—not just because it helped me through a tough spot, but because it showed me the power of good people looking out for each other. To this day, he’s still a good friend, and that experience reminds me why I always strive to do right by others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogonyegotthejuice/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidspoolpros
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mogonye
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@1109cinema

  https://www.instagram.com/1109cinema/

Image Credits

all images credited to David Mogonye, Harley McAllister, Pie Chantangsu