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Natalie Hood Joins The Grit Game as Director of Education & Network Development

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Natalie Hood Joins The Grit Game as Director of Education & Network Development

Industry powerhouse Natalie Hood joins The Grit Game as Director of Education & Network Development, bringing more than 25 years of global experience in aquatic safety, certification, and professional training to one of the fastest-growing rep firms in the pool and spa industry.

At The Grit Game, our mission is to empower potential and we’re doing just that with the addition of the one and only Natalie Hood as our new Director of Education & Network Development!

With over 25 years in the pool and spa industry, Natalie Hood has left a lasting mark on aquatic education and safety worldwide. She’s managed more than 700 instructors across 127 countries, grown certifications by over 200% in just the last year, and played a key role in the global distribution of the CPO Handbook. From developing training programs and certification resources to delivering impactful webinars, her work—especially during her tenure at the National Swimming Pool Foundation—has helped elevate swimming education on a global scale. If you’ve taken a class, read a manual, or opened a CPO handbook in the last decade… there’s a good chance Natalie had a hand in it.

And she’s not just an incredible mind- Natalie has performed CPR five times in her lifeguarding career, swam competitively since age 6, and spent 5 years as a physique bodybuilder. She even tore her rotator cuff while trying out for the Olympic swim team. Meaning, we don’t just hire leaders—we hire superheroes.

In her new role, Natalie will spearhead The Grit Game’s education and empowerment initiatives—helping pool pros level up through smarter tools, more meaningful training, and stronger networks.

“Our team is built with purpose—every person plays a key role in the vision we’re chasing. Bringing Natalie on adds a whole new layer to what we’re able to do. Her experience, passion, and commitment to lifting others up align perfectly with where we’re headed. For us and our line of work, it wasn’t a traditional hire—but it was absolutely the right one.”- Johnny Davis, CEO of The Grit Game

Natalie shared her excitement about joining The Grit Game:

“Originally hired by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), which later merged with the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals to form The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), I managed remote teams,operations,certification programs, certification processes,resources, warehouses, instructor training programs,webinars, newsletters, and professional relationships for 15 years – both domestically and internationally. I also collaborated extensively with health departments and jurisdictions to secure program approvals. I am truly honored to join The Grit Game and contribute to its mission of driving growth, innovation, and connection within the industry. This role provides the opportunity to merge my dedication to education and certification with my passion for supporting others in their success. I am eager to lead initiatives that will inspire and empower individuals on a global scale.In my new role, I will oversee efforts to expand the organization’s educational programs and strengthen its network of professionals. My vision focuses on developing innovative training solutions, fostering industry-wide collaboration, and advocating for the pivotal importance of aquatic safety and education.” – Natalie Hood

Natalie recently contributed to a podcast with Talking Pools, hosted by Rudy Stankowitz, where she discussed her insights into the industry, shared her wealth of experience, and highlighted her exciting new venture. Furthermore, she delivered an impactful presentation for the IPSSA chapter, emphasizing Adult Education in the pool and spa industry – a topic she is deeply passionate about.

“Our team is made up of people who care—about their work, their partners, and this industry. Natalie embodies that same spirit. She’s the kind of leader who lifts others up and raises the standard in the process. As the industry continues to evolve, we’re committed to being part of the positive change we want to see—by investing in education, building stronger resources, and creating deeper connections. Because when the people on the ground win, the whole industry moves forward. We’re proud to have Natalie as part of Team Grit, and even more excited about what that means for the people we serve.”— Laci Davis, President of The Grit Game


Meet the Team Behind the Grit

At The Grit Game, we understand the challenges pool and spa professionals face when trying to grow. Our team is made up of experts who are passionate about turning product knowledge, sales tools, and education into real results.

Johnny Davis, CEO – A visionary leader blending tech, grit, and business growth, Johnny is redefining what a sales and marketing agency can do.

Laci Davis, President – Recognized across the industry for her bold strategies and brand leadership, Laci is setting a new standard for what it means to rep a product—and a purpose.

Meet the rest of the amazing Team Grit here (including JD, our Director of Pawsitive Vibes!)

Stay in the Loop

Want updates on Natalie’s educational rollouts, new training tools, and exclusive content from The Grit Game?
 👉 Subscribe at [www.thegritgame.com] or follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected.

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Marianne Trusty

Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

Industry News

Cover Care Names Greg Conner Executive VP and General Manager

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Greg Conner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cover Care, wearing a navy Cover Care polo shirt.

Cover Care, LLC, providers of automatic pool safety covers and pool safety fencing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Conner as the company’s new Executive Vice President and General Manager. In his new role, Conner will oversee the company’s operations, team, and growth strategy as they expand their reach across North America.

Conner brings nearly two decades of global leadership experience in the automation and supply chain technology industries. Most recently, he served as President of Warehousing Solutions – North America at Vanderlande Industries, a Toyota-owned global leader in warehouse automation, leading a $1.2 billion division. There, his seven-point transformation strategy produced the highest sales pipeline in company history, drove a more than 700% increase in qualified sales opportunities and moved the division from last to first in employee opinion survey results.

Conner began his career in 2005 at Bastian Solutions, helping transform the company from an equipment provider into a full-scale automation systems integrator. As Vice President of Global Sales, he helped the company secure hundreds of millions of dollars of sales across three continents while also helping to establish many of the company’s regional offices and oversaw operations across Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and India. After Toyota Industries Corporation acquired Bastian in 2017, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, leading the acquisition of RH Brown Company and delivering more than 200% EBIT growth in three years. He was named the Material Handling Institute’s Outstanding Young Professional of the Year in 2015 and holds a degree from Purdue University.

For Conner, who serves as President of the Friends of Central Pool, the role is also personal. “I’ve spent a significant part of my life involved in aquatics and have seen firsthand the importance of water safety,” he said. “The fact that automatic safety covers and pool safety fencing help prevent tragedies and save lives gives the work a purpose that goes well beyond simply selling a product.”

Conner was also drawn to Cover Care’s strong foundation and vision for continued growth. Under his leadership, customers and partners can expect a team that is responsive, creative and easy to do business with — one willing to try new approaches and focused on following through and exceeding expectations.

“Greg brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of scaling organizations at exactly the right time for Cover Care,” said Jacob Bloss, Director of Operations for Cover Care. “As we experience exponential growth, his experience building high-performing teams, opening new markets and leading global organizations will bring new ideas to how we operate and serve our customers. We’re excited to have him helping lead the next chapter of our company.”

About Cover Care
Cover Care, LLC is a leading provider of automatic pool cover and pool safety fence solutions, offering professional installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services. With experienced local teams in 39 states across the country, Cover Care partners with pool builders and homeowners to deliver high-quality installations, reliable service, and enhanced pool safety.

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Luciana Amaro Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Luciana Amaro, newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer at Franklin Electric, pictured in a black blazer.

Fort Wayne, IN – October 2026 – Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), announces that Luciana Amaro has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. Amaro will report to Joe Ruzynski, Chief Executive Officer, and will lead the company’s global Human Resources strategy, partnering with business leaders to strengthen organizational capability, advance talent and leadership development, and foster a high-performance culture that supports Franklin Electric’s long-term growth objectives.

Amaro brings 28 years of Human Resources leadership experience across complex global organizations with significant R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. Her international career spans Brazil, Germany, and the United States. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Elanco Animal Health, where she led a global HR organization supporting the company’s people strategy and business transformation. Earlier in her career, she held senior HR leadership roles at BASF and Yara International, with responsibilities spanning the Americas and global talent and leadership development.

“Luciana’s breadth of experience, strategic mindset, and passion for people make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO. “She has a proven track record of building strong organizational cultures, developing leaders, and aligning talent strategies with business priorities. As we continue to grow globally, Luciana’s leadership will help us attract, develop, engage, and retain the talent needed to achieve our long-term goals.”

Amaro’s previous experience and business perspective position her well to support Franklin Electric’s global workforce and strategic priorities.

“It is an honor to join Franklin Electric and become part of an organization with such a strong reputation for innovation, customer focus, and values-driven leadership,” said Amaro. “I look forward to connecting with our people around the world, building on the company’s strengths, and working together to create an environment where people can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact on our business and the customers we serve.”

About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

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RB Retail & Service Solutions Launches RB Propel

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Woman using a tablet displaying RB Propel inventory software inside a pool and spa retail showroom filled with hot tubs and products.

RB Retail & Service Solutions is pleased to announce it has introduced RB Propel, a new cloud-based business management platform built specifically for pool and spa service and retail businesses. RB Propel is designed to help operators move away from the patchwork of disconnected point-of-sale systems, service apps, spreadsheets, and manual processes that many businesses rely on today, replacing them with a single software system.

The platform connects store operations, field service, inventory, customer history, and back-office workflows, giving owners and teams one control center for the entire business. Rather than choosing between lightweight tools that create blind spots or enterprise systems that add implementation complexity, RB Propel is positioned to offer the operational depth pool and spa businesses need with a modern cloud experience.

Key benefits include reduced duplicate work through connected customer and sales data, stronger margin protection through improved inventory accuracy and job-level visibility, and standardized workflows and reporting that support growth across multiple locations.

RB Propel also includes guided onboarding, training, and responsive support, reflecting the company’s recognition that switching business systems carries risk for operators who can’t afford disruption during peak season.

RB Propel is releasing features in waves and currently onboarding Retail business with the next wave including include service businesses. Learn more at rbretailandservicesolutions.com

About RB Retail & Service Solutions software:
For more than 20 years, pool and spa retailers and service professionals have helped shape RB into a platform built around the real-world needs of the industry. Since 2003, RB has remained focused on one mission: helping pool and spa businesses operate more efficiently, serve their customers better, and grow with confidence.

What began as a vision to simplify complex retail and service operations has evolved alongside the businesses RB serves. Decades of industry experience, customer feedback, and changing technology have helped shape the next chapter of RB: RB Propel.

Built for the future of the pool and spa industry, RB Propel brings the experience and functionality businesses have come to expect from RB into a modern, cloud-based platform designed to simplify everyday operations and support continued growth. From retail and customer management to service, inventory, payments, and business insights, Propel is being designed to connect the critical areas of a pool and spa business in one solution.

RB Propel represents more than a new software platform—it is the next evolution of a partnership that began more than two decades ago. As the industry continues to change, RB remains committed to listening to its customers, embracing innovation, and building technology that helps pool and spa professionals spend less time managing software and more time growing their businesses.


https://rbretailandservicesolutions.com/
1-866-933-9099

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