PHTA Announces 2024 Award Recipients

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance announced the winners of its 2024 awards. This year’s award winners are as follows: 

Builder of the Year — Claffey Pools 

The builder of the year award is peer-nominated and given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool-building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. 

For over three decades, Claffey Pools has been a beacon of excellence. The company has also been a dedicated member of industry associations, with employees serving on the boards for both the Texas Pool and Spa Coalition and PHTA. Beyond its exceptional pool building, the company actively support Step Into Swim, PHTA’s drowning prevention initiative. Claffey Pools has also put 43 employees through GENESIS educational programs. 

Service Professional of the Year — Craig Sears, Sears Pool Management Company 

The service professional of the year award is peer-nominated and given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. 

Craig Sears, president of Sears Pool Management Consultants, has been a driving force in the pool and hot tub industry for over two decades. He holds more than five professional industry certifications, is an active CPO Instructor and sits on both the CPO Advisory Council and the CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, as well as the PHTA Georgia Chapter board of directors. He has presented at dozens of industry events and been instrumental in elevating the industry and promoting professional development. 

Retailer of the Year — Georgia Spa Company 

The retailer of the year award is peer-nominated and recognizes one outstanding retailer who has advanced the profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. It is sponsored by LOU. 

Georgia Spa Company has redefined excellence in the industry. In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved when the company transitioned to an employee stock ownership plan, empowering its dedicated team members. Georgia Spa Company has been honored with numerous accolades, including multiple industry awards and recognition as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For. 

IHTA Hot Tub Retailer of the Year — Ohio Hot Tub & Sauna (formerly Ohio Pools & Spas) 

The International Hot Tub Association hot tub retailer of the year award is peer-nominated and recognizes one outstanding hot tub retailer who has advanced the profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. It is sponsored by Watkins Wellness. 

From a one-car garage in Canton, Ohio, to a thriving family business serving all Northeast Ohio, Ohio Hot Tub & Sauna has come a long way. Under Amanda Annis’ leadership, the company launched a new website, reorganized its service department and created informative videos to help customers avoid costly maintenance issues, resulting in increased revenue, lower costs and a happier, more efficient team. 

Volunteer of the Year — Scott Cohen, The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools 

The volunteer of the year award is given to one person each year who has made distinguished contributions that raise professionalism in the aquatic community through their volunteering with PHTA. 

Scott Cohen, president of The Green Scene, currently serves as chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association, where he has tirelessly promoted member involvement in advocacy initiatives such as protecting the pool, spa and hot tub industry against extreme regulations in response to drought and decarbonization, as well as supporting the expansion of professional certifications and licensure. He is also a member of the PHTA Builders Council and the Standard Writing Committee for the PHTA-5 standard on residential inground swimming pools. 

Young Professional of the Year — Melanie Brzozowski, All Seasons Pools 

The young professional of the year award is peer-nominated and recognizes a forward-thinking leader under 40 who will be a voice for the next generation of pool and spa professionals. 

Melanie Brzozowski’s resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a shining star in the pool and spa industry. At All Seasons Pools & Spas, her dedication to customer service, willingness to learn and leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to the company. Brzozowski has volunteered at both the national level with the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network and locally with the PHTA Midwest Chapter, where she organizes sold-out social events for industry professionals. 

Chapter of the Year — Long Island Pool & Spa Association 

The chapter of the year award recognizes one outstanding chapter that has set an example for the organization, advancing and enhancing the industry through strong leadership, community outreach and providing its members with the highest quality of programs, activities and services. 

For over four decades, the Long Island Pool & Spa Association has been a driving force in the pool, spa and hot tub industry on Long Island. LIPSA has consistently advocated for the highest standards in the industry, working tirelessly to raise the bar for licensing requirements and promoting industry certifications. Its efforts to educate both members and consumers have played a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of pool and spa services on Long Island. LIPSA has also supported drowning prevention initiatives both locally and nationally.