News
Conference Education Announced for Coverings 2025

Jan. 21, 2025 – ORLANDO, Fla. – Coverings (coverings.com), the largest event and world class showcase of ceramic tile and natural stone in North America, has announced an empowering lineup of educational opportunities for Coverings 2025, which will take place April 29-May 2, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida.
Coverings 2025 is set to offer attendees an unmatched array of educational experiences, including live demonstrations, interactive learning sessions, expert Q&A panels, partner-led education, live podcasts and much more. These edifying opportunities have been planned for all business segments of the tile and stone industry, including Architecture and Design, and will equip professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills to elevate their work and grow their businesses.
“We are proud to provide a platform where professionals can engage through groundbreaking ideas, innovative techniques and eye-catching trends to inspire their growth and success,” said Jamie Rich, show director for Coverings 2025. “Showgoers will have unparalleled opportunities to personalize their educational experiences by attending sessions focused on one or more of Coverings’ four core tenets, including ‘Sustainability,’ ‘Health & Wellness,’ ‘Outdoor Spaces’ and ‘Timeless Luxury,’ and choosing topics most relevant to their interests and professional goals.”
Education at Coverings 2025, comprising nearly 30 unique sessions on a wide range of enriching topics, has been thoughtfully designed to foster career advancement, business development and increased revenue for tile and stone industry members and stakeholders. The sessions are strategically organized into three key learning tracks – Installation & Fabrication, Materials & Trends, and Workforce & Profits – ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience for all participants.
Show registrants can explore the full scope of educational sessions and partner programs, including dates, times and locations of all scheduled conference events at Coverings 2025, by visiting Coverings.com/learning-opportunities.
“Color/Design Future Trends: Welcome Home,” a highly anticipated session on Day 1 of Coverings 2025, 9:30-10:30 a.m. EDT, will be presented by Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Eiseman will unveil Pantone’s 2025 color forecast, “Welcome Home,” a theme that reflects the evolving role of home as a space for living, working, entertaining and finding rest. The presentation will explore how residential warmth is increasingly influencing contract and commercial interiors, creating more welcoming environments across design sectors. Showgoers will gain valuable insights regarding major trend directions and actionable strategies to resonate with clients and stay ahead of future design trends.
One critical session on Day 2 of Coverings 2025, 8-9 a.m., will feature “Economic Outlook 2025: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Tile, Stone and Flooring Industry.” Author, speaker, and columnist Gene Marks will lead the session, alongside industry experts Joe Lundgren of JLC Consulting and Santo Torcivia of Marketing Insights LLC, providing a comprehensive forecast of the national economy and construction market. Attendees will gain insights into key trends, metrics and strategies that smart companies are adopting to address current issues. Presenters will then give a deep dive into the ceramic tile and floor sector, including updates on the latest government initiatives, first-quarter data and emerging market dynamics impacting growth and profitability. Those in attendance will leave equipped with the strategic knowledge to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing market.
“Shifting Landscapes: The Impact of Business Consolidation in the Tile and Stone Industry,” a game-changing panel session on Day 2, 9:30-10:30 a.m., will examine the ongoing wave of consolidation reshaping the tile and stone industry. The session, moderated by Kemp Harr of Floor Focus and Bart Bettiga of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), will review the driving forces behind these changes, including acquisitions by private equity groups and strategic mergers among industry players. Panelists will discuss how consolidation is affecting companies of all sizes, from distributors to contractors and fabricators, highlighting the opportunities and challenges it creates across the workforce, supply chain and customer relationships. Participants will walk away with actionable knowledge about the long-term implications for competition, innovation and the future of the tile industry, providing a comprehensive perspective on one of the most transformative trends shaping the industry today.
“Those attending “Building Safe and Stylish Homes: The Role of Tile and Stone in Aging in Place” on Day 3 of Coverings 2025, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., will explore the essentials of aging in place design and how thoughtfully chosen tile and stone can enhance both safety and style in universal living spaces. This high-impact presentation, led by Sydney Hughes, CAP, founder and chief executive officer of Senior Proof, will investigate the key design principles for aging in place, focusing on selecting materials that prioritize slip-resistance, durability and comfort. Attendees will learn best practices for creating adaptable, beautiful spaces that ensure safe, comfortable living at any stage of life.
The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS), a Coverings 2025 educational partner, will present “How to Be a Professional Architectural Sales Rep to Develop ‘Bullet Proof’ Specifications and Get the Order,” Monday, April 28, which is the day before Coverings 2025 officially opens. UofCTS trainers Vince Moiso and Donato Pompo will present a four-hour workshop live, focusing on the fundamentals of being a professional and successful architectural sales representative.
Coverings 2025 is also partnering with The Architect’s Newspaper to bring a special edition of Facades+ to attendees, Wednesday April 30. “Facades+ Orlando” will feature a half-day program of design case studies and educational sessions by leading architects, engineers and contractors (AEC) on the latest in facades technology, materials and best practices. Attendees can earn three Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) credits from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), learn from AEC leaders, and explore materials with full access to Coverings.
Those eager to participate in the two aforesaid partner-education workshops are required to register separately and pay a fee to secure their spots by visiting a dedicated co-located sessions page on the Coverings website.
The Podcast Studio is making a highly anticipated return to Coverings 2025, offering established podcasters from the tile, stone, design and construction industries a one-of-a-kind, no-cost opportunity to record episodes live during the four-day event. Podcasters interested in participating can learn more and apply at Coverings.com/PodcastStudio before the application period closes, March 7.
Attendees are invited to drop by the Coverings 2025 Podcast Studio to experience live recordings and gain essential knowledge as podcasters create fresh episodes for their audiences. The Podcast Studio promises thought-provoking content for all showgoers, no matter their interest or preferred genre.
Coverings is North America’s premier event for the tile, stone and design industries, offering unparalleled access to education, networking and product sourcing all in one place. Prospective and registered Coverings 2025 attendees can learn more about Coverings 2025’s comprehensive educational opportunities and register to attend by visiting Coverings.com.
Pool Builder
Ownership Group Acquires Shasta Pools, Announces Expansion Plans to Offer Complete Home Services
Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction purchased Arizona’s premier pool builder with eye on developing national brand

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (August 31, 2026) – Dansons Capital Group, in partnership with Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) and Hydro Construction (HydroCon), completed the acquisition of Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, and announced an immediate expansion into the broader home services market with plans to grow the brand into a national powerhouse. Founded in 1966 by brothers Bob and Skip Ast, the third-generation, family-owned pool business has built or renovated more than 150,000 pools across Maricopa County and is among the country’s top premier pool builders. The acquisition, finalized August 6, positions the company with a competitive edge as it enters a new phase of accelerated growth
Building on Shasta’s track record of success, the ownership group will grow the company’s core business divisions, including residential and commercial pool construction and renovation, Shasta Signature Series luxury pool designs, backyard hardscaping solutions, extended warranties, and e-commerce supplies. The deal also directs new capital into Shasta’s high-volume, recurring pool maintenance business, establishing a scalable foundation for an expanded home services portfolio.
Expanding the Home Services Model
Shasta Pools will also debut Shasta Home Services, the first step in the company’s expansion into a comprehensive home services platform. Shasta enters the space with more than 200,000 customer relationships, route density in Central Arizona, and a 60-year brand homeowners have entrusted with their homes. The company plans to aggressively expand the platform organically and through partnership across the essential services every home depends on.
In addition, work has begun on a new, state-of-the-art design center and headquarters in Scottsdale that will centralize operations and give customers a welcoming, creative atmosphere to reimagine their yards. The campus will also anchor a technology-driven contact center staffed by a world-class team that creates a single point of contact for every Shasta customer, from pool service to the company’s expanding home services platform.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
Dansons Capital Group, a family business led by CEO Dan Thiessen, President Jeff Thiessen, and COO Jordan Thiessen, built and grew a portfolio of backyard-focused businesses including Pit Boss Grills, which they scaled into a worldwide brand before selling in June 2023.
Jeff Thiessen sparked a relationship with the Ast family during the construction of his own backyard pool, a personal experience that gave him firsthand insight into the industry’s potential. Recognizing the Ast family’s shared values and significant opportunity with strategic investment, he partnered with AEP and HydroCon to pursue that growth together.
“Shasta Pools has national industry brand recognition and has been an Arizona legacy for the last 60 years and we’re excited to reinvest in the company and catapult its growth into the next 60 years,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “We’ve already met with more than 200 employees to learn what they love about Shasta Pools and hear their ideas of how we can grow the company and continue providing our customers with amazing customer service.”
Dan Thiessen will serve as Chairman and lead the new ownership team to identify and hire top industry talent and grow Shasta’s home services platform to develop it into a national brand.
Legacy Preserved, Future Secured
“This was the right time to bring in a new ownership team to take Shasta Pools to the next level and the next generation of growth,” said Skip Ast Jr., who served as president at Shasta Pools. “My father and my family built this company on a commitment to quality to every homeowner who trusted us with their backyard, their budget, and their own family. We’re confident that the new leadership team’s commitment to uphold that will never change. Knowing this team shares our values and will invest in our team gives Shasta Pools the foundation to grow stronger than ever.”
Ast helped build Shasta Pools to a dominant force in the industry, with multiple divisions topping $100 million in combined revenue. The company holds membership in the prestigious Master Pools Guild, one of only 110 members globally.
A Different Approach to Private Equity
“Partnering with Shasta Pools represents the future of home services. A trusted, generational brand, Shasta brings 200,000 loyal customer relationships with a genuine commitment to the people who serve them every day,” said Jacob Tilzer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Accrual Equity Partners. “Together with our partners at Dansons Capital Group and Hydro Construction, we all share a belief that enduring businesses are built on trust, earned one customer at a time. We’re proud to build alongside this team as Shasta grows into a nationwide home services brand.”
The new ownership group brings more than 150 years of combined expertise in building, scaling, and optimizing service industry brands. Each company shares a faith-based approach to business grounded in stewardship, integrity, and care for the communities they serve. Shasta Pools’ brand will continue its community programs, including swim lessons, support for foster care, and initiatives serving first responders.
ABOUT DANSONS CAPITAL GROUP:
Dansons Capital Group, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned and family-managed investment firm built on shared values, integrity and long-term vision. The firm was established by the founders of Dansons, Inc., the company that launched and sold Pit Boss Grills. The company takes a hands-on approach, actively seeking opportunities across global markets and multiple asset classes. Its growing portfolio includes strategic real estate development holdings across multiple countries, oil drilling technologies, and limited partnership investments. Guided by a deep commitment to quality and the communities they serve, the Thiessen family leads with gratefulness for the blessings God has given them and in turn supports those less fortunate. Dansons Capital Group continues to identify and cultivate opportunities that reflect their family’s values and generational vision.
ABOUT ACCRUAL EQUITY PARTNERS:
Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) is a founder-led, privately funded private equity group built on the belief that every person, every percentage, and every product matters. This commitment, known as the “Power of One,” drives AEP’s mission to empower businesses and secure legacies across fragmented, service-based industries. AEP partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential through strategic investment, operational performance enhancement, and advisory services. For more information, visit accrualequitypartners.com/
ABOUT SHASTA POOLS:
Shasta Pools is Arizona’s trusted name in custom pool building, proudly serving the Valley since 1966. For 60 years, Shasta has transformed backyards into beautiful, functional spaces where families relax, entertain and enjoy life. The company specializes in new pool construction, remodeling, pool service and landscape design with plans for expansion into the home services market to provide customers with complete home care solutions. Learn more at ShastaPools.com.
ABOUT HYDRO CONSTRUCTION:
Hydro Construction, LLC (HydroCon) was founded in 1986 to serve Arizona’s commercial pool construction and renovation market. Under the leadership of Curt Lonsdale, the company’s commercial pool construction division now manages some of the largest and most complex projects in the country.
Manufacturer
JED Pool Tools Unveils 2027 Catalog

JED Pool Tools, manufacturer of swimming pool maintenance equipment and accessories, is pleased to announce the availability of its new, comprehensive 2027 catalog of products. This newly printed catalog offers 40 pages of color photography showing all of JED’s maintenance equipment products and accessories—from its award-winning hoses to its innovative, patented products like the FLAS ladder anchor saver! The catalog even highlights its many “Made in the USA” products including those manufactured at the JED facility in Pennsylvania.
“We are pleased to offer the pool industry this printed catalog which can also be accessed online, 24/7 and showcases the many products we make at our facility or are made within the US,” says Rob Heyen, Account Executive at JED Pool Tools.
Those interested in downloading or ordering the catalog, should visit:
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
About JED Pool Tools
JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for over 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts. JED is a family-run company with 3-generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED is proud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.
Manufacturer
CCEI Introduces New Color for pH & ORP Controllers

CCEI introduces new color for its pH & ORP monitoring and dosing controllers in a sleek new, modern, white color design that blends into any pump room! CCEI’s pH & ORP controllers automatically manage pool water chemistry using the free Vigipool app. The Phileo pH and Oxeo ORP controllers are simple to set up and easy to use. They monitor and dose pool water and alert pool owners and service professionals when pool water falls out of balance. The dosing pump lights up in various colors to alert you of your pool’s pH and ORP levels. Designed to help pool professionals profits by upgrading clients with the Phileo pH & Oxeo ORP measuring and dosing chemical controllers!
www.ccei-pool.com/en-us
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G
Inglewood, CA 90301
https://www.instagram.com/cceipool_na/
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