Industry News
PHTA Announces 2024 Greg Garrett Scholarship Award Winners
Matthew Ryther and Jeff Johnson to pursue additional industry certifications
(Alexandria, VA) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, has awarded the 2024 Greg Garrett Scholarship to Matthew Ryther, Service Manager at Acqua Pura Pool Service Inc., and Jeff Johnson, President of Midwest Pools LLC. The winners were honored during an awards ceremony at the 2025 World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) in Atlantic City, NJ, on January 28, 2025.
The Greg Garrett Scholarship
Given in the memory of Greg Garrett, who dedicated 45 years to the pool and hot tub industry and served in many leadership roles, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually by the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC) to PHTA members in the builder or service sector. The scholarship funds may be used towards PHTA educational or certification fees to increase professionalism and provide an opportunity for continuing education. Thanks to a matching sponsorship from Periodic Products, Inc., two winners were recognized this year.
2024 Scholarship Winners
Ryther, who received the scholarship sponsored by Periodic Products, Inc., has been heavily involved in PHTA for more than five years. He has earned several professional certifications, including Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO), Certified Service Technician (CST), and Certified Advanced Pool Builder Professional (ACBP). He also serves as a volunteer on the PHTA Service Council as well as the PHTA-11 Standard Writing Committee to develop the national standard on water quality in public pools and spas.
Described as thoughtful, responsible, self-motivated, and a problem solver, Ryther’s commitment to continuing education has impressed his clients and made him an invaluable resource at Acqua Pura Pool Service and beyond.
Ryther plans to use this $5,000 scholarship towards the two GENESIS® pool design courses he needs to complete in order to earn his Certified Expert Pool Builder & Design Professional (ECBP) certification.

Johnson, who received the scholarship sponsored by PHTA, has a passion for learning more about the pool industry—a passion that he shares with his staff at Midwest Pools. Johnson serves as a helpful mentor, role model, and advocate for those new to the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge.
He is known by his colleagues and clients as mature, adaptable, dedicated, and a go-getter who makes things happen. Johnson has already expanded his business from aboveground pool installation to custom concrete pool construction and design, and he is planning to expand into pool service and maintenance as well.
Johnson recently became a Certified Master Pool Builder & Design Professional (MCBP) and will use this scholarship to complete additional PHTA and GENESIS® courses to deepen his industry knowledge.
For more information about the Greg Garrett Scholarship Award, please visit https://phta.org/garrett-award or contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.
Industry News
SPS PoolCare Expands Enterprise Platform with ServiceTitan
SPS’s Recent Acquisition of Pool Troopers Accelerates Company’s Investment in Scaled Infrastructure with ServiceTitan Powering Over 30 Branch Locations Across Five States and Standardizing Operations across the Service Cycle
LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2026— ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today announced that SPS PoolCare, the largest residential swimming pool services platform in the United States, is standardizing their 30+ branch locations across five states on the ServiceTitan platform. By unifying their family of brands on ServiceTitan, SPS will leverage a single, enterprise-grade system to unify its vast operations, accelerate its high-velocity acquisition strategy, and scale its platform.
“SPS is demonstrating how purpose-built technology can transform a traditionally fragmented industry,” said Connor Theilmann, Chief Business Officer of ServiceTitan. “Their leadership team has made a deliberate investment in enterprise infrastructure, and we’re proud to support their continued growth. Standardizing on ServiceTitan will allow SPS to meet the needs of a large, multi-location operation, with Fraser Ramseyer, Storr Group, and the SPS leadership team making this one of the most seamless large-scale integrations we’ve ever seen.”
The move reflects SPS PoolCare’s continued investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure, as it advances its position as the dominant market leader in a highly fragmented industry. Founded in 2021 and backed by Storr Group, an investment firm that builds and scales industry-leading platforms, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where it employs more than 1,000 team members and is on track to perform more than two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform serves as SPS PoolCare’s technology backbone, enabling SPS to manage complexity across geography, workforce scale, and service frequency.
“We’ve worked closely with the ServiceTitan team for several years, and this decision reflects the trust and alignment we’ve built as long-term partners,” said Lance Martin, CEO and COO of SPS PoolCare. “Our objective has always been to build a durable platform that enables our team to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Standardizing on ServiceTitan gives us the operational visibility, integration speed, and performance discipline required to scale responsibly and create long-term value.”
Ranked #1 on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service list, SPS continues to solidify its position as the industry leader, driven by the company’s ability to pair high-velocity revenue growth with a deep commitment to staff training and retention, active industry leadership, and an early adopter of innovative technology within the pool service space. SPS PoolCare is dedicated to the communities it serves, ensuring that its national scale translates into a positive local impact across its entire service footprint.
“From inception, our thesis at Storr Group has been to build the pool industry’s first scaled category-defining operating platform,” Fraser Ramseyer, CEO of Storr Group and Founder of SPS PoolCare. “Technology is not ancillary to that vision – it is foundational. ServiceTitan provides the infrastructure necessary to integrate acquisitions efficiently, drive operational consistency, and support disciplined expansion.”
SPS PoolCare’s focus on being the employer-of-choice is supported by ServiceTitan’s mobile-first capabilities, which empower their over 1,000 staff team members with the tools they need to succeed in the field.
ServiceTitan continues to invest in purpose-built technology for the pool industry, offering features like route optimization, automated chemical tracking, and integrated project management for renovations. By providing real-time visibility into multi-location operations, ServiceTitan enables enterprise-scale businesses like SPS PoolCare to make data-driven decisions that fuel organic growth.
About ServiceTitan ServiceTitan is the software platform that powers trades businesses. The company’s cloud-based, end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they need to run and grow their business, manage their back office, and provide a stellar customer experience. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.
About SPS PoolCare
As the #1 swimming pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.
About Storr Group
Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market private equity firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com.
Press Contact
Max Wertheimer
ServiceTitan, Inc.
© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).
Industry News
Honoring the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Pool Pro Award Winners With Pentair Pool
Celebrating the long-standing industry leaders whose dedication, vision,
and service-first mindset have shaped the future of the aquatics industry.
The Pentair Pool Pro Awards shine a spotlight on pool professionals who elevate the
standard of excellence — those who champion safety, embrace innovation, and support
the next generation of industry talent. Among this year’s honorees, the Lifetime
Achievement Award holds special significance. It recognizes individuals whose years of
service, leadership, and impact have left lasting imprints on their teams, their customers,
and the pool community at large.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplify what it means to lead with
purpose. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to uplifting others, advancing the
industry, and showing what’s possible through hard work, humility, and a dedication to
doing things the right way.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Shannon Jones
Owner, Graves Pools and Spas | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For Shannon Jones, the pool industry is more than a career — it’s a legacy. Celebrating 50
years in business, Graves Pools and Spas has been family-run for generations, and Jones is
proud to continue the mission her grandfather began… And share it with all three of her
children, who are also involved in the business. Early in her leadership journey, she created
a personal mission statement that still guides her today: to make a positive difference in
every life she meets.
That philosophy is woven through her business. Guided by servant leadership, Jones
focuses first on caring for her team, trusting that empowered employees deliver
exceptional experiences for customers. “The more I take care of them,” she says, “the more
they feel fulfilled, and the more they care for others.” Many members of her management
team have been with the company for 16, 18, even 25 years, a testament to her example-driven approach.
Jones’ commitment to excellence shows up in everyday actions, from celebrating safe
driving with the company’s “Golden Steering Wheel” award, to openly acknowledging and
correcting mistakes as part of a culture rooted in honesty. And her impact extends beyond
the business. Graves Pools and Spas supports swim education across three local YMCA chapters, providing equipment and services free of charge and hosting swim lessons in the
company’s pools. “If we save one child from drowning,” she says, “it would be worth
everything we give.”
As automation and A.I. reshape the industry, Jones is focused on bringing modern tools to
both residential and commercial customers, helping her community stay ahead of the
curve. And with all three of her children now part of the company, the future feels bright.
“Our opportunities are limitless,” she says. “And the more we grow, the more positive
differences we get to make. I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but having the
ability to make a difference in the world through my company, I’ve already won big time.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sean Johnson
Executive Vice President, Field Services, Amenity Pool Services | New York City, NY
For Sean Johnson, the pool industry became a calling long before it became a career.
Growing up in New York City, Johnson didn’t learn to swim until he was a teenager, but he
was hooked from the moment he did. That first experience sparked a passion for aquatics
and lifeguarding that eventually led him to a career path, where he rose from an entry-level
role to leading an entire office by age 20.
Johnson’s lifelong dedication is rooted in helping people build meaningful careers. Whether
mentoring young lifeguards, developing leaders, or promoting from within, he has always
believed the strongest customer relationships start with strong teams. Throughout his
career with The Amenity Collective, a leader in aquatics, fitness, and recreation solutions,
Sean has been instrumental in the growth of its aquatics platform, including American Pool
and Amenity Pool Services, while mentoring field teams and building operational depth and
process across the organization. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40
commercial customers to more than 300, maintaining one of the highest customer
retention rates in the region.
His commitment to going above and beyond is perhaps best illustrated through his work
with Erickson Senior Living. Tasked with automating pools across dozens of properties,
Johnson personally visited every location — traveling more than 200 nights over three years
— to install systems, build relationships, and ensure residents enjoyed safe, perfectly
balanced pools. “It was one of the few things I got exactly right in my life,” he says, laughing.
“I made real personal friends along the way.”
Johnson also contributes beyond the industry, giving his time to Boy Scouts of America by
restoring trail systems, writing hiking guides, and continuing to serve as a scout leader. He’s
also a proud member of his local high school’s board.
Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, he says, feels deeply personal. “I’ve worked in
this business my whole life,” Johnson shares. “To be recognized like this… it means
everything to me. I hope it shows young people that the pool industry is a real career —
something you can grow in, lead in, and truly be proud of. And beyond that, it’s just plain
fun!”
Celebrating All the 2025 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winners
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honorees, Pentair recognized winners across
multiple categories, including Premier Pool Pro, Unsung Hero, Safety Advocate, and
Advancing Automation. Visit www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/pool-pro-awards to meet
all the remarkable individuals shaping the future of pools one customer at a time.
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Names Mick Hoeflinger VP of Field Services
Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce the appointment of Mick Hoeflinger as Vice President of Field Services. Mick brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence and sustainable growth across service-based organizations. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that strengthened service agreement performance, supported successful acquisitions, and expanded revenue and margins. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mick works closely with technical field teams and line managers to elevate field-level execution, improve customer experiences, and deliver measurable performance gains that position organizations for long-term success.
Mick brings more than 15 years of service leadership experience across multiple skilled trades, including plumbing, HVAC, and compressed air systems. He also served 20 years in the Marine Corps, including eight years on active duty in construction and general engineering related roles, where he developed a disciplined, mission-driven approach to leadership and operations. He holds an MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin and will play a key role in advancing Landmark Aquatic’s operational strength, service excellence, and continued growth. Mick can be reached at [email protected]
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