Michael Boden and his partner purchased an existing swimming pool and spa cleaning and maintenance business about two years ago. Boden had worked in this field when he was younger, and when the opportunity came up to purchase the business, he made a mid-life career switch.

“Hula Pools is a customer-oriented business,” Boden said. “Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Hula Pools provides weekly pool and spa service for both private residential customers and commercial properties. They offer free estimates to all customers, and new customers who mention Hula Pools’ ad in the Gay & Lesbian Times will receive half off their first month’s service.

“People often recognize me from my many years of working at the Redwing and later at The Hole,” Boden said. “In my earlier days, I was elected Mr. Gay North Park. Now I enjoy a ‘boring’ home life with my loving partner, Bruce.” Boden said he particularly enjoys gardening in the back yard and playing with Zoe, the couples’ three-year-old lab/shepherd mix.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in the GLBT community in one way or another,” Boden said. “I remember near the end of my older brother Bobby’s life, when Mama’s Kitchen would come to deliver meals to him. That was when I first saw that volunteering to assist others in need is such a wonderful way to repay the great kindness that was so generously given in my brother’s last days. This began a whole new love of service to others, starting with volunteer work for Mama’s Kitchen, and eventually working with Helping Hands at Being Alive San Diego, Something Special Food Pantry and many years working with Ruth Hendricks – she’s an amazing and inspirational woman – at Special Delivery.

“I encourage everyone to experience the joy of volunteering for one of these deserving organizations – they’re always in need of our help!”