From Puddles to Pools

David Kraft embraces a new journey with Pentair

Pentair, a leading provider of water treatment and sustainable solutions, recently announced David Kraft as the group sales leader for its pool segment. Kraft will report to Greg Claffey, Pentair pool group president, and will be responsible for driving the sales and service strategy for the pool business unit. He will also lead strategy for sales operations and warranty functions as well as Pool Europe sales and product management teams.

Although Kraft is fresh to the industry, his fascination with water is nothing new. 

“My mother gave me a hard time about playing in the puddles and running around anytime it rained,” Kraft says. “Growing up swimming competitively through school, I’ve always been fascinated with [water]. My first paycheck came from being a lifeguard and pool maintenance [employee], and I imagine my last paycheck is going to come from the pool industry.”

Pentair became Kraft’s new home after a 25-year career at Emerson, a global manufacturer of industrial and commercial products. He made the move from the industrial sector to the pool industry because Pentair’s commitment to water as the world’s most essential resource resonated with him. 

“[Pentair’s] whole philosophy around the industry — their sustainability, their culture — was something that really appealed to me,” he explains. “When you’re making a 30-year industry shift, vision, culture and the company you’re working for are as important as anything.”

Before joining Pentair, Kraft honed valuable skills at Emerson; its culture of planning instilled a disciplined approach to decision-making and strategy development. This experience has already proven beneficial as he navigates his new role at Pentair.

Additionally, Kraft’s international experience from his tenure at Emerson has equipped him with a global perspective. His years stationed in Dubai overseeing the Middle East and Africa business provided insights into diverse markets, cultures and customer needs.

“[Living overseas and working in global roles] has broadened my cultural understanding and my ability to see things that others don’t,” he says. 

Kraft commends Pentair’s agility in adapting to meet customer demands through the pandemic-related supply challenges during the past few years. Its strong partner relationships have also left an impression on Kraft as he says one of the standout qualities he has observed since joining Pentair is the company’s dedication to its customers, especially dealers, distributors and pool builders. 

Looking ahead, Kraft sees opportunities for the industry, particularly in the realm of technology. 

What we need to be looking for in the next three to five years is how to use technology to more efficiently satisfy and delight our customers.”

David Kraft, Pentair

“What we need to be looking for in the next three to five years is how to use technology to more efficiently satisfy and delight our customers, whether they be the pool owner, the pool servicer or the person building the pool,” he says. “How do we make it easier to install and use our equipment? And how do we make it easier for the end user to make sure they are sustainably enjoying water?”