Sunset celebrated its 70th birthday this year since our opening back in 1948. Our history is a long one and involves a few changes in location and business focus, but we have always been involved in Outdoor Living in the Southern California area. Our experience is one thing that sets us apart from competitors, and we thought our 70th anniversary would be a good time to share this history that has made our company what it is today.
Origin, Our History Starts in 1948…
Back in 1948, we were originally named “Sunset Fence and Patio Company” and located in Long Beach on American Avenue, known now as Long Beach Blvd. Sunset Fence and Patio Company allowed customers to buy fencing materials and do it themselves or hire Sunset Fence and Patio to come build them a custom fence. A World War II veteran, Bob Dare, was in charge of selling the services of the company. Bob became one of the partners in 1950, and the company changed its name to Sunset Designers & Builders in 1953 as the company gradually grew and added in-ground swimming pools to the list of their services. In 1973, Bob married John’s mother Peggy. In 1991, John Zahn purchased the business from the other partners including Bob Dare, John’s stepfather.
Sunset Under John Zahn
In 1991, John Zahn purchased the business from the other partners including Bob Dare, John’s stepfather. Since that time, John has been the sole owner of the business and has grown the company into a premier Outdoor Living specialty company. As customers’ wants and needs change, and the appreciation for Outdoor Living increases, John has changed the business accordingly, staying at the cutting edge of pool and spa design trends. Although making selections in the digital age has gotten easier, John has not retired the importance of personal one-on-one attention. John personally manages his team on each job from beginning to end, continuing the legacy of excellent customer service, while creating Outdoor Living spaces to enjoy year-round.
Sunset has come a long way from Sunset Fence and Patio Company back in 1948, but we have never lost our commitment to high quality projects as well as customer service. We have shifted locations slightly but continue to focus on the Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and Long Beach areas. We are proud of our 70 years in the business and believe it sets us apart from all the other Outdoor Living specialists in the area!