Industry News
Vance Gillette Scholarship Honors a Legacy of Excellence and Education

The pool and spa industry has long been shaped by innovators who bring passion, vision, and dedication to their craft. Among them, Vance Gillette stands as a monumental figure whose contributions have left an indelible mark. Known for his tireless advocacy for education, mentorship, and professional growth, Vance’s legacy lives on through the newly established Vance Gillette Scholarship. This scholarship is not only a tribute to his achievements but also a beacon for aspiring professionals eager to advance their careers in the pool and spa industry.
Vance Gillette: A Legacy of Excellence
Vance Gillette’s career was defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Starting at Arneson Pool Sweeps and later leading Sales and Marketing at Jandy Pool Products, Vance was instrumental in transforming Jandy into a premier brand celebrated for its cutting-edge electronic products. His mantra, “Performance Beyond Your Expectations,” encapsulated his approach to business and life.
Beyond his professional success, Vance was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many. Known for his humor, optimism, and generosity, he cultivated enduring relationships that enriched the industry. In 2023, his contributions were celebrated with the prestigious GENESIS® Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural GENESIS® MasterMind Summit.
The Vance Gillette Scholarship ensures his spirit of innovation, mentorship, and commitment to education continues to inspire future generations.
Scholarship Overview
The Vance Gillette Scholarship aims to empower professionals in the pool and spa industry by providing access to GENESIS® education. Each year, four deserving members of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) will receive $2,500 to further their education and certification through GENESIS® courses.
This opportunity is designed to:
- Grant access to the best education available in the industry.
- Help recipients earn advanced certifications to distinguish themselves.
- Foster professional growth and long-term career success.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Winners Announced: March 1, 2025
Recognition Ceremony: September 23-25, 2025, at the MasterMind Summit in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Sponsored by Fluidra
Thanks to the generosity of PHTA Strategic Partner Fluidra, two of the four annual scholarships are sponsored by this global leader in pool and spa equipment. Fluidra’s support exemplifies the shared commitment to advancing industry education and honoring Vance’s legacy.
Eligibility and Application Process
The Vance Gillette Scholarship is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Industry Experience: Employed in the pool and spa industry for at least one year.
- New to GENESIS® Education: Applicants must not have completed any prior GENESIS® courses.
- PHTA Membership: Must be a PHTA member in good standing.
- Commitment to Growth: Submit a short essay detailing their dedication to professional development.
Recipients must redeem the scholarship by December 31, 2025, for any GENESIS® course, available in various formats: in-person, virtual, or on-demand.
Applications are reviewed by the GENESIS® faculty, who select winners based on their demonstrated commitment to education and certification.
How to Apply
To apply for the Vance Gillette Scholarship, interested candidates should submit their application by February 15, 2025. The application includes details of their eligibility and a short essay outlining their goals and passion for professional growth. For more information or assistance with the application process, contact Lisa Ryckeley.
Celebrating Winners
The scholarship recipients will be celebrated during the 2025 MasterMind Summit in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This recognition not only highlights their achievements but also reinforces the importance of ongoing education in shaping the future of the industry.
Continuing Vance’s Vision
The Vance Gillette Scholarship is more than financial assistance; it is a continuation of Vance’s lifelong mission to uplift others. By investing in education and professional development, this scholarship empowers individuals to achieve excellence and make meaningful contributions to the pool and spa industry.
Vance Gillette’s legacy reminds us all of the transformative power of mentorship, education, and an unyielding belief in human potential. Let us honor his memory by embracing his values and supporting the next generation of industry leaders
Industry News
Cover Care Names Greg Conner Executive VP and General Manager

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.
Industry News
Luciana Amaro Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Human Resources Officer

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.
Industry News
RB Retail & Service Solutions Launches RB Propel

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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