Waterfront: January 2011

The Perfect Pair

Pleatco names its 2010 Perfect Pool Guy and Gal

Three years in and still growing, Pleatco's Perfect Pool Guy and Gal contest has yet again found some of the best and brightest in the industry. More than 150 contestants submitted entries to this year's competition, giving the company a challenge to choose a winner, and AQUA would like to congratulate Rich Tarricone of Aquatic Pool Systems in North Port, Fla., and Sabrina Clonts of Kenco Pools in Nacogdoches, Texas.

"Over the three years that Pleatco has sponsored this contest, we've learned that being a professional pool or spa service technician is more than a job . . . it's a passion," says John Antretter, Pleatco COO.

"A pool or spa is an integral part of a home - it's a way to relax, and a place for a family to share time together. Homeowners trust their service professional to keep their backyard oasis safe. The relationship with the homeowner is much deeper than that of the mailman, local handyman or even the family doctor in most cases. Essentially, the Perfect Pool Guy and Gal are the unsung heroes of the neighborhood."

Tarricone, who has 29 years of experience in the industry, expressed his gratitude for being chosen.

"To me, this award acts as a symbol of achievement and recognition as I celebrate my survival not only in life but in my pool career," he says. "It will always be a reminder of all my hard work and the gratitude that I owe many friends, family, peers and mentors who continue to believe in me. My hope is it will be a reminder to all pool people out there that with hard work and involvement, you can make a career out of being a true pool professional."

While Clonts, a 13-year industry veteran, admits that she originally signed up for the free t-shirt, she recognizes how important the award truly is.

"Winning this award has been a tremendous honor. It reminds me that with hard work, dedication and professionalism you will be rewarded not only with happy and loyal customers but awards like this, too.

"I would love to see more women in this industry. I fell into this business by walking into the right store at the right time and I challenge women to no longer think of this industry as just for the boys. You will be amazed at the things that you will learn once you roll up your sleeves and jump in."

Pleatco also named seven runner-up finalists: Kevin James, Aquidneck Pools and Spas in Rhode Island; Paul O'Neil, The Pool Sitter in Ontario; Len Garavalia, Monarch Poolcare in Virginia; Steve Reid, Today's Swim and Patio in Arizona; Kelly Kalfsbeek, Bright Sun Pool/Spa Service in California; Amanda Miller, Sunshine Pools in Texas; and Kent Simpson, Cornerstone Pools in California.

CBP Of The Year

Tommy Johnson wins prestigious APSP award

Tommy Johnson of Alabama is the recipient of this year's Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Certified Building Professional of the Year award.

"I am very, very honored," says Johnson. "This is one of those things that you shoot for, but you just don't know if you'll ever get there."

Johnson's company, Johnson Pools and Spas of Huntsville and Madison, Ala., has been an APSP member since 1979, and today, the association says the company is a leader in the industry, using the best standards, most-updated building methods and technology, and the highest-quality products.

According to the APSP, Johnson's peers described him as the "consummate example of a professional builder." He is respected for treating customers and fellow industry members "with the utmost respect and professionalism" and for giving his time, energy and resources to promote the industry, the building segment and specifically the CBP program.

Splash For CF Update

BioGuard's Splash For CF wrapped up its third year partnering with Emily Schreiber's Laps for CF Foundation, raising more than $48,000 this year to support the fight against cystic fibrosis and provide treatment and assistance to CF patients across the country.

The company donates a percentage of sales of sanitizer products in addition to what dealers raise individually throughout the year.

Giving Back

Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, Texas, held its fifth annual golf tournament for local charities and raised $6,000 for Grace House Ministries, Center of Hope, CASA of Parker County, Careity Foundation, A Place for Grace, Freedom House and the United Way.

"Although it is challenging to raise money in these times, we feel it is our responsibility as a company to continue to do the right thing and help our communities and the people in them," says Debra Smith, Pulliam president. "Blessings should always be shared."

Pulliam has raised more than $42,000 over the last five years, and last year the company donated $15,000 to the Shriner's Texas Children's Hospitals.

Meet Team Jacuzzi

Eight strangers join together to run a marathon with help of Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi recently launched a new campaign, signing on eight individuals to create Team Jacuzzi, a group that will take part in the Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas Marathon or Half Marathon at the end of 2010.

Nicholas Thompson, Scott Kaplan, Jason and Stephanie Rossiler, Nick Pabarcus, Linda Dado, Lisa Elrod and Christine Engesser Cesar have dedicated the last two months toward training for the marathon and sharing their personal stories about how they've incorporated hot tub hydrotherapy into their training program, as each participant has a Jacuzzi brand hot tub at home.

"We could not be happier with the group of individuals assembled for the first ever Team Jacuzzi," says Bobby Bloom, vice president of commercial marketing. "The program gives endurance sports enthusiasts an opportunity to see and be inspired by other runners, many of which are mentally and physically preparing themselves for the first distance race of their lives."

Be sure to follow their experience at www.jacuzzisport.com or www.teamjacuzzi.com.

Meet Mohan

Industrial Test Systems brings the tiger cub to IPSPE

If you attended the 2010 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo then you may have either seen or heard about Mohan, the tiger cub at the Industrial Test Systems booth.

So what encouraged ITS to bring a tiger to the show?

"We weren't wild about huge sales goals, since our goal was to really raise awareness about what's going on with the tigers," says Mike McBride, marketing manager for ITS, as well as Tiger World, Mohan's home.

McBride works closely with Lea Jaunakais, the owner of Tiger World, and the daughter of ITS's owner, so bringing Mohan to Las Vegas seemed like a great opportunity to raise awareness about the situation regarding tiger slaughtering in China and India, says McBride.

"The great thing about Mohan being at the show is that we were able to educate folks and let them know what's going on in the wild. We got a lot of 'Why is there a tiger here?' and 'What does this have to do with water quality testing?'

"When we explained that we weren't there to exploit Mohan, their defenses went down and they seemed to understand."

In order to get Mohan to Vegas, McBride said a lot of protocol needed to be followed, including transporting him in a USDA-approved crate, as well as driving from Rockwell, N.C., to the Atlanta airport Delta terminal since Delta was one of the few airlines that approved having a tiger on the flight.

McBride says the tiger made it to and from the show in perfect condition and is happy to be back home with his two jaguar friends.

For more information about Mohan, visit www.tigerworld.us, or to see a video of him at the show, visit www.youtube.com/itssensafe.