Claudia Mayhall Buktenica founded National Pools, now All Seasons Pools and Spas, Inc., in 1954.
Claudia, with her husband Gene, founded National Pools of Palos in 1954. Operating from their home, the Mayhalls built concrete inground pools. In the 1960’s, the emphasis of the company shifted to a pool wholesale supply, retail and service company.
In 1968, the company moved to Orland Park, Ill., where it still operates today. 1970 brought a name change, with the business now called All Seasons Pools and Spas, as well as Gene's unexpected death. Claudia was faced with a decision of whether to sell All Seasons or to try to keep it going. She kept it going. Along with her son Doug, Claudia shaped All Seasons to become one of Chicagoland’s premier swimming pool retail and service companies.
Always looking to the future, of not only herself but also her employees, in 1973, Claudia incorporated the company and All Seasons Distributors, Inc. was born. This incorporation provided her the ability to offer 401K and pension plans to her employees.
Claudia was very active in APSP’s predecessor, the National Swimming Pool Institute, serving as a director of the NSPI’s Midwest Chapter for many years. Excelling in her role as director, she was elected secretary of the chapter in 1976 and was honored with that election to be the first woman to hold an officer position in this trade group.
Claudia served as president of All Seasons Pools and Spas from 1970-1982. She was active in overseeing and growing all facets of the business. Her focus was selling quality merchandise and providing superior customer service. Today her son Doug Mayhall continues to run All Seasons Pools and Spas with the same strong values instilled by his mother.
Claudia is survived by her daughter Sandra Justad, son and daughter-in-law Doug and Trudy Mayhall and daughter Beverly Mayhall.
