Photos by Wendy Stewart Adam Litke and Loren Cohodes got their start in the pool industry in different ways. Litke’s father, who was a high school principal, made him find a summer job when his biology grade wasn’t up to his standards. Litke made a good impression at the company, All Seasons Pools & Spas;…
photos by Womna Agbaza Next year, 600,000 people are going to replace pumps, says Greg Fournier, senior product manager for controls and backyard synergies at Hayward. Some will replace old single-speed pumps with another single-speed, but many will upgrade to a variable-speed pump. “Most new pools, probably about 65 percent, get some sort of automation,…
If you had been married 25 years and were having relationship problems, would you schedule an appointment with a 21-year-old college graduate? I have a hunch the advice provided wouldn’t help a lot. On the other hand, suggestions from an older couple probably would. Last year, I spent three days providing free coaching sessions for…
Jennifer Clements Pla-Mor Pools Mechanicsville, Virginia What do you love, or hate, about industry trade shows? I have always enjoyed attending industry trade shows. It’s exciting walking the showroom floor looking for the latest, greatest innovation to make our work easier, or our customer’s pool more fun. It is also a valuable opportunity to have…
Pleatco has hired Scott Gleason as the company’s vice president of business development. Gleason was the national sales manager for 16 years at Unicel. “We are very excited to welcome Scott to Pleatco,” says Howard Smith, CEO at Pleatco. “Not only will he bring a wealth of experience to our sales team, but also be…
In 1997 Haviland Enterprises began its employee stock ownership program. “Our company is one of the best examples of an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) business,” says Terry Schoen, chief financial officer. “We have strong evidence that points to the fact that because of our ESOP participation, our employee morale and productivity has improved and…
Pool equipment manufacturer Zodiac Pool Systems has purchased Grand Effects, maker of custom outdoor fire and water combination features. “Grand Effects enhances our premium product offering to Zodiac customers and gives them added options to create an incredible backyard experience for pool owners,” says Troy Franzen, managing director at Zodiac. “It’s a great fit because…
Custom Molded Products, a supplier of pool, spa and bath products, has acquired DEL Ozone Holding Company, a manufacturer of ozone and UV sanitization solutions for pools and hot tubs. “This will be a great benefit for both CMP and DEL Ozone customers,” says William Drury, CEO and president of CMP. “CMP is well-positioned to…
The National Swimming Pool Foundation has awarded 17 scholarships and fellowships to college and graduate students for the 2018 academic year. “We are all about education,” says Thomas Lachocki, CEO at NSPF. “When a member of our CPO Certification family is pursuing a college degree, we are pleased to help.” In August, all recipients were…
Angels of America’s Fallen, EVO Swim School, Jewish Community Center Association, New York State Parks, SwimToday, YMCA, and 14 individual learn-to-swim programs selected by Master Pools Guild members received money from the 2017 Step Into Swim Campaign. This year, $78,750 was divided among these organizations, all of which goes to learn to swim programs. “Teaching…
Attendees to the regional California pool and spa show, the Western Pool & Spa Show, will now have access to Genesis University classes. The March 15 to 17 event in Long Beach, California, will have four Genesis classes, including its two-day major renovations course.
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has created a new certification for commercial swimming pool operators, managers, engineers, service-company professionals, health officials and facility owners, the PPSO Professional Pool & Spa Operator Course. It’s available in print and e-book formats. “APSP experts devoted countless hours to ensuring this new certification course is designed for…