The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) inducted five exceptional pool professionals into the esteemed FSPA Hall of Fame. The inductees included Donald Ball, Sr. of The Pool Works of Florida; Don Cesarone, Jr. of Lucas Lagoons; Ken McKenna of Tampa Bay Pools; Dino Muggeo of Dino’s Pool Service and Repair; and Jim Smith of LaGasse Pool Construction.
The honor was bestowed upon the inductees individually in front of a standing room-only crowd at the 2024 FSPA Awards, which took place on the eve of FSPA’s 52nd annual Everything Under the Sun Expo.
The FSPA Hall of Fame recognition is presented to industry professionals who have demonstrated their dedication to the organization over a period of 10 years or more. During their tenure, inductees provide exemplary service, go above and beyond the call of duty, and serve as role models for future leaders.
Donald Ball, Sr.
With more than 35 years of industry experience, Donald Ball is more than a business owner, he is a leader in the Florida pool industry. Don started working in the industry as a high school student for Rick’s Pool Service, Inc. He continued to work with Rick until he moved to Tampa, where he started working for Markert Pool Company learning the remodeling of pools.
He later returned to work at Rick’s Pool Service where he introduced the idea of a remodeling business. In January 1999, The Pool Works of Florida was formed, where Don is currently owner and president.
Don has served for many years on the FSPA Florida West Coast Chapter Board and is currently a FSPA State Board of Directors member. In 2017, Don was Director of the Year for the FSPA Florida West Coast Chapter. He has also served his Chapter in the capacity of treasurer, vice president and president. He has served on the State Board of Directors Executive Committee since 2017, and in 2023, was the FSPA Board president. He also led the Florida Swims Foundation in 2023 as president.
He has contributed countless hours to the Building Code Task Force, Builders Council, Commercial Council, Audit Committee, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Task Force, Investment Committee, PIPAC and more.
Don has been involved in building relationships with political candidates who are instrumental in FSPA maintaining a presence during the legislative session. He has also participated in multiple legislative advocacy meetings and trips every year, even presenting testimony before the CILB on important issues.
He is an active member of the Florida Safe Pools advocacy program led by Safe Kids Coalition along with All Children’s Hospital and the State of Florida, advocating for pool safety via child barriers.
Don Cesarone, Jr.
With a career spanning over four decades in the swimming pool industry, Don Cesarone, Jr.’s journey began as a dedicated laborer, evolving into leadership roles within some of the nation's most prominent pool contracting companies including Van Kirk Pools, Essig Pools, and his current position at Lucas Lagoons.
Don’s commitment to the FSPA Broward Chapter has been unwavering, evident through his longstanding membership and dedicated service on the Broward Board of Directors. He has served as an at-large director, secretary/treasurer, vice president, and two terms as chapter president which showcase his leadership prowess and dedication to the FSPA community.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Don has received multiple director of the year awards for the Broward Chapter, and in 2007, he earned the prestigious FSPA "Person of the Year" award.
Continuing his impactful service, Don was appointed by the Florida Governor in 2017 to represent the pool industry on the state Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), where he currently serves as the board chair.
Notably, for the past two decades, he has been a committed educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge through hundreds of courses on pool design, construction methods, and Continuing Education Licensing requirements. His dedication extends to the annual Everything Under the Suns Expo, where he provides CE accredited instruction.
Ken McKenna
Ken McKenna has been engaged in the pool industry for decades, most recently as the owner of Tampa Bay Pools of the Gulf Coast, prior to his recent retirement from that role.
Ken served as FSPA Tampa chapter president for five years. During this time, he also served on the FSPA State Board from 2009 to 2019. From 2015 to 2019, Ken served on the on the Executive Committee, starting as secretary in 2015, director at large in 2016, and then president in 2017. He was also a past president twice, both in 2018 and 2019.
Ken has also held positions on both the Builders Council (2009 to 2018) and Service Council (2013 to 2014). In 2022, he joined the Investment Committee Council, and in 2023, became chair of the Investment Committee.
In 2024, he was nominated a second time to join the Executive Committee on the State Board of Directors and is currently serving as director at large.
Dino Muggeo
Dino Muggeo started working in the pool industry in 2002, encouraged by his brother-in-law, Doug Smith, of Fun State Pools Inc. Shortly thereafter, in 2005, Dino became engaged in the Florida Swimming Pool Association as a member. He has since been active in the FSPA North Central Florida Chapter for 15 years and has served as president of that chapter four times, as well as secretary and vice president four times each.
Dino has also served on the FSPA State Board of Directors for 16 years and continues in this role today. Additionally, he contributes volunteer time to many committees including but not limited to: PIPAC, Service Council, Safety and Consumer Awareness, Education, Building Code Task Force, Bylaws Committee and more.
He has chaired the Service Council for two years, and has also chaired the Bylaws Committee. Some of his other accomplishments include chairing a task force to write a rehabilitation clause into the building code, and serving on the Florida Building Code Pool TAC to write the 2008 energy bill into code. Without fail, Dino shows up to support FSPA's legislative initiatives. He is also passionate about swimming lessons and volunteers at the FSPA and Florida Swims Foundation High School Invitational swim meet.
In 2020 and 2021, he was voted Chapter Director of the Year by his peers.
Jim Smith
As the vice president and general manager of LaGasse Pools in Ft. Lauderdale, Jim Smith brings over 40 years of invaluable industry experience to his work and impact to the Association.
Since 2004, Jim has been an integral part of the Broward Chapter, serving on the Board of Directors for the entire duration. His dedication is exemplified by his active involvement in various committees, addressing matters ranging from local building inspections to charitable initiatives. His outstanding contributions have been recognized with multiple "Director of the Year" awards from the Broward Chapter.
Continuing his impactful service, Jim currently serves as a member of the Broward Chapter Board of Directors and holds a voting position on the state Board of Directors. He has played a crucial role on both the Builders Council and Commercial Council. Jim has actively participated in meetings focused on reviewing and refining the state health code (64E-9) and the state building code. His dedication to shaping industry standards has left a lasting impact. For more than 16 years, Jim has represented the Broward Chapter as a voting member on the state FSPA Board, contributing to the organization's growth and success.
Beyond his leadership roles, Jim is widely recognized as an exceptional technical resource. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him a sought after advisor across the state.
“All five of these extraordinary honorees epitomize dedication to both our association and to the pool industry at large,” says Elizabeth McMurray, FSPA chief executive officer. “Each exhibit incredible spirit when it comes to FSPA and are clearly devoted to serving through any means necessary. From volunteering on action committees, to teaching continuing education courses to aspiring and budding pool professionals, they provide guidance and mentorship at both the local and state levels. Their impacts on the pool and spa industry in Florida and beyond are indelible.”
