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Vance Gillette Scholarship Honors a Legacy of Excellence and Education

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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:

  1. Grant access to the best education available in the industry.
  2. Help recipients earn advanced certifications to distinguish themselves.
  3. 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:

  1. Industry Experience: Employed in the pool and spa industry for at least one year.
  2. New to GENESIS® Education: Applicants must not have completed any prior GENESIS® courses.
  3. PHTA Membership: Must be a PHTA member in good standing.
  4. 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

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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].

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Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

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Latham Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell Commemorating 70th Anniversary & 5 Year IPO

Latham Group, Inc. – the largest designer and manufacturer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, visited the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

The team at Latham proudly rang the Nasdaq Opening Bell. The industry leader took a moment to celebrate its 70th anniversary and five years as a public company, highlighting continued growth, strong market performance, and resilience in a shifting residential construction landscape.

The achievement follows a year of solid performance for Latham Group Inc., which reported 7% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, even as the broader residential construction market faced ongoing economic headwinds.

CPO Class - Virtual Online Classes - Become a Certified Pool Operator
Latham got to ring the Opening Bell at Nasdaq - shown celebrating the moment at Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square

In a statement on LinkedIn, the company said:

“For seven decades, innovation has been at the core of what we do, made possible by the trusted builders and partners who bring these backyards to life every day.

Together, we’ve helped transform backyards into spaces where families gather and memories are made.

Here’s to 70 years of progress, partnership, and what we’ll build next!”

Photo Credit: Latham, The Pool Company

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SPS PoolCare Expands Enterprise Platform with ServiceTitan

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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, 2026ServiceTitan (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.

[email protected]

© 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).

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Honoring the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Pool Pro Award Winners With Pentair Pool

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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.

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