Business Briefs: Late February 2013

FILBUR Gets a Makeover

FILBUR Manufacturing has just launched newly upgraded labels that give the product a more appealing, consumer-friendly look. Commercial-grade packaging is replaced by lifestyle images that reflect the fun and relaxation that come with a clean, clear pool. The labels also place greater emphasis on the company’s use of Reemay Filtration Fabric with a new, larger endorsement logo.

Shelly Johnson, marketing manager for FILBUR, says of the change, “We wanted to better connect with the consumer by highlighting the benefits of a clean, clear pool...namely, fun and relaxation. A good filtration system coupled with quality filter cartridges means more time to enjoy the pool and less time cleaning it.” She also adds, “FILBUR cartridges utilize REEMAY Filtration Media — the proven, industry-specified media – and we wanted to make that a prevalent part of the new look...sort of our ‘Intel Inside.’” The new labels are expected to start hitting dealer shelves later this month.

Bullfrog Spas Takes the Plunge

Bullfrog Spas was proud to sponsor the 2013 Polar Plunge on Saturday February 9, a benefit for the Special Olympics.

This is Bullfrog’s fourth year sponsoring the event, which is held in Utah Lake near Saratoga Springs, Utah and is hosted by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. This one of several Polar Plunges held around the country to benefit Special Olympics.

The event is a dare for people to jump into water that is just above freezing temperatures. Consequently, the Polar Plunge has adopted the catch phrase “We’re Freezin’ for a Reason” as participants leap into icy waters. The ice is thick enough that chain saws are necessary to cut out the opening.

Bullfrog Spas is happy to be able to provide a large hot tub for swimmers to enjoy after completing their super cold swim. The hot tub is heated to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, quite a change from the temperature of the frozen lake, which was estimated to be around 35 degrees.

One “Plunger” commented with a smile, “Your hot tub pretty much saved my life.”

The atmosphere was fun as usual with some outrageous costumes, impressive diving technique, and food and beverages donated by local businesses. Both individual participants and corporate teams raise money through pledged donations.

There are still several more Polar Plunge events coming in the next few weeks and it’s not too late to participate. For more information on becoming involved in Polar Plunge events and the Utah Special Olympics visit http://www.sout.org.

More Magic at Jack's Magic

Chris Romero has joined Jack’s Magic as the new Territory Manager for the Southwest Region of United States. Chris brings with him over 25 years of professional technical and sales experience, as well as a proven track record for client and relationship development. Chris has worked with all segments of the pool and spa industry. Chris’ responsibilities will include growing sales for the Jack’s Magic and Power Blue product lines and training, which include The Jack’s Magic Certified Stain Specialist Program. 

“We are very excited to have Chris on the Jack’s Magic team” says Jack Beane, president of Jack’s Magic Products Inc. "Chris is well-respected in the industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that will allow us to continue to successfully grow.”

ClearWater's New Staff Member

ClearWater Tech has named Skip Mallios as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern division. Mallios is a 30-year industry veteran who will work with ClearWater distributors east of the Mississippi River on direct sales of EcoTex O3 ozone systems to commercial laundry accounts.

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Mallios began his career in the laundry business as a chemical sales territory manager for EcoLab. The majority of his time was spent with Texchine Incorporated, where he worked in several sales positions during two separate stints. He also was a Regional Sales Manager for Cissell Dryer Corp., one of the largest manufacturers of commercial dryers, and most recently in the same capacity for G.A Braun.

“Joining ClearWater Tech at this point of my career is a terrific opportunity. The company is well respected and EcoTex is the best product of its kind in the marketplace,” Mallios says.  

Mallios can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (805) 546-2335 or (803) 920-0172.

New Faces at Evosus

Evosus Business Management Software, makers of an all-in-one software program designed specifically for the pool and spa industry has hired two support specialists to assist customers with the implementation of Evosus software.

Adrian Amposta has been hired as a Support Specialist. Amposta helps clients implement strategic business decisions in Evosus and responds to software-related questions. He has extensive experience in business operations and helping business owners implement software systems to their full capacity.

Warren Halcott has been hired to the position of Data Conversion Specialist. Halcott communicates directly with clients to understand their data conversion needs and delivers comprehensive conversion services for successful implementation of Evosus software.

Aquamatic Support ART Student

After encountering an ambitious young professional last May at Artistic Resources & Training’s (ART) debut classes in Scottsdale, Ariz., Tom Dankel, VP of pool-cover manufacturer, Aquamatic Cover Systems, felt compelled to further the education and career of this young pool pro.  
Jonathan MacClanathan, 24, of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. attended ART’s May classes to gain valuable knowledge necessary to advance is professional acumen and immediately stood out among his fellow students. His sheer enthusiasm and thirst for professional advancement impressed instructors and motivated Dankel to step up and help further MacClanathan’s quest for on-going education.
The result: Aquamatic provided a grant that enabled MacClanathan to join ART’s recent September 2012 classes, where he attended a number of design-oriented sessions taught by some of the industry’s top professionals, including Mark Holden’s class on Modern Architecture and Judith Corona’s Color Theory class. 
According to Dankel, Aquamatic hopes to further the cause of industry education by supporting exceptional young professionals.  “We’ve always been committed to education and programs such as ART,” said Dankel. “It’s really the only way to elevate the level of skill and professionalism within our industry and ensure a prosperous future.” 
For his part, MacClanathan expressed great appreciation for the support: “I’m psyched about the program and am committed to doing everything I can to someday become a leader in this industry. I can already see the tremendous creative potential that comes as a result of learning from masters like David Tisherman and Mark Holden.” 
Part of ART’s mission is to bring manufacturers together with students who can benefit from their good will through education.  This unique situation is one of many where ART sees opportunities to forge relationships among professionals.  
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