Jovan Haye knows what it means to shoot for the stars and, more importantly, reach the loftiest of goals. For a long time, that meant focusing on football.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Haye's football career began at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.) as a defensive lineman. He entered the NFL draft in 2005 after his junior year and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. Haye played professionally until 2011, with standout years for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.
Since then, his focus has shifted to the world of business — and, surprisingly, the pool and spa industry. His company, Totally New Technologies, offers an innovative new product for industry pros: the SkimDoctor, an invention that utilizes fluid dynamics to increase skimmer efficiency.
"We're interested in products that can improve people's lives," Haye says. "I know from experience the effort and expense of maintaining a swimming pool, and this product makes that process much easier."
The SkimDoctor is the brainchild of inventor Ron Smith, who Haye describes as "one of the most creative and brilliant people you could ever hope to meet." In mass production for approximately a year and a half, the product has seen an enthusiastic response from consumers and professionals alike, Haye says.
In a recent interview with AQUA, Haye explained why he's excited about the pool and spa industry and how his experience as an athlete translates to his career as an entrepreneur.
"In professional football, you always have to be prepared and at your best or they'll find somebody else to do the job," he says. "It's a tremendously demanding environment where you have to constantly improve to succeed. I see the same formula for success in business. You have to take risks and focus on what it takes to reach your goals."
Part of Haye's winning formula is to keep an open mind and constantly learn from the world around him. He admits to an almost insatiable curiosity about all aspects of life, including business.
"When I first went to the International Pool, Spa and Patio show, I was impressed by the fact that in the industry [has] its own Peyton Mannings and Tom Bradys," he says. "That might not be something a lot of people think about, but when you take a close look at the pool and spa industry, or most any other industry, you find superstars and leaders. There's innovation and opportunity.
"If you don't live with an open mind and constantly expand what you know," he adds, "it's sad to think what you miss along the way. But when you do keep your eyes open to new information and different types of opportunities, there's no limit to what you can achieve."
