Vance Gillette to Retire from Zodiac Pool Systems

VanceVice President of Business Development Vance Gillette, both an industry icon and friend of many in the pool industry, will be retiring from Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc., effective April 1, 2013 after 36 years with the company and more than 47 years in the pool industry. He began his career with Arneson in 1966, selling pool cleaners over the phone for $3/hour.

Gillette has made endless contributions to the pool industry, to Zodiac, and most importantly, to those he has mentored throughout his years in this business. In particular, he's known as an ambassador for the “positive pool experience,” and often spread the message of the value a pool brings to family life as a source of entertainment and togetherness.  

Gillette's natural talent for motivation led to frequent invitations to speak at pool companies, associations and industry events. His most recent speaking engagement was as the keynote at the MidAmerica Pool and Spa Show in January 2013 in the Chicago area. For his lengthy career in the industry, he was awarded the GAVA Inspire Award last year. 

“Vance’s unbridled enthusiasm and contagious passion for supporting customers is second to none. We have been honored to have him as a senior leader of our company for so long. We have asked him to still stay on as a trusted advisor and friend to our company as he is irreplaceable,” says Bruce Brooks, CEO, Global Pool Care for Zodiac. “We ask everyone in the industry to join us at Zodiac in both thanking and congratulating Vance for all that he has accomplished and all that he has done for our industry, pool professionals and pool owners. We wish him nothing but the best for the future!”

Over the last couple years, Gillette has directly managed Zodiac’s buying group and Master Pools Guild relationships, and has also been involved with several industry boards and associations. He intends to stay active in the industry part-time in an advisory role, but with retirement will gain the time to travel where he wants to go. First up: a cruise through the Panama Canal and a trip to Alaska. 

Have any stories with Vance? Share them and your well-wishes in the comments. 

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