Manufacturer
Nidec/U.S. MOTORS Announces Two Senior Staff Promotions

ST. LOUIS, MO – July 8, 2024 – Nidec’s U.S. MOTORS® division recently promoted two long-time staffers to senior roles. Cory Kniepp is now Director, Strategic Planning & Marketing Operations, and Patrick Hogg is Senior Marketing Director, Industrial OEMs and Distribution.
The U.S. MOTORS brand is an industry leader in electric motors featuring advanced technology, from variable speed electronically commutated motors to market-leading NEMA Premium® efficient motors.
In his new role, Kniepp will support growth initiatives, collaborating with senior management in shaping business strategy and conducting data analysis to ensure continued alignment with goals. He was previously Director, Marketing Operations. Kniepp joined Nidec in 2017 as a Market Manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Hogg will continue to lead the company’s industrial pumping, distribution, and general industry markets, along with a stronger focus on business development for these and other growing markets in the industrial segment. He has been with Nidec for over 16 years (including when U.S. MOTORS was part of Emerson). In that time, he has moved up from engineering co-op through customer design marketing and product management. For the past three years, Hogg has been director of marketing for the industrial markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and an MBA from University of Missouri-St. Louis.
More information on U.S. MOTORS products can be found at www.usmotors.com.
About Nidec Corporation, Nidec Motor Corporation and U.S. MOTORS
Nidec Corporation is the world’s No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer. Based in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec Corporation offers motors ranging from micro-size to super large, as well as application products and services in IT, automation, home appliances, automobiles, commercial and industrial systems, environmental, energy, and many other businesses. Nidec is comprised of approximately 340 companies employing more than 110,000 people all over the world.
Nidec Appliance, Commercial and Industrial Motors (ACIM) is a business unit of Nidec that manufactures a full line of high efficiency motors used in applications ranging from air conditioning condensers, HVAC blower motors, rooftop cooling towers, commercial refrigeration, and appliances, to agriculture, water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation, to pool and spa. The division also makes motors, controls, and switches for automotive and commercial markets. Product brands include U.S. MOTORS®, RESCUE®, NIDEC® and EMBRACO®.
The U.S. MOTORS brand encompasses a complete line of general and special purpose commercial and industrial motors from 1/30 horsepower through 4000 horsepower for a wide variety of applications. Since 1908, the U.S. MOTORS brand has stood for exceptional product reliability and performance. It is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the motor industry and is recognized worldwide as the mark of leadership and technological innovation.
Manufacturer
Nidec Names New Pool/Spa Motors National Account Manager

ST. LOUIS, MO – October 21, 2026 – Nidec, a manufacturer of electric motors and drives, has announced the promotion of Atticus Edge to National Account Manager for the pool and spa industry.
In his new role, Edge is responsible for the Pool/Aftermarket Motor business, managing Nidec’s U.S. MOTORS® network of sales representatives and supporting key national pool supplier accounts. He works closely with customers and sales partners to drive growth and deliver strong support across the pool aftermarket channel.
Edge joined Nidec two years ago, serving in various engineering roles. Most recently, he supported the Variable speed and Neptune® motor platforms as a mechanical engineer, where he developed strong technical expertise and product knowledge.
“As pool pumps and motors become more complex, pool service professionals often need expert guidance in selecting and programming pump motors,” said Steve O’Brien, National Sales Director at Nidec. “Atticus is already proving himself in this role as he applies his education and knowledge to benefit pool service professionals and distributors.”
Variable speed motors are now required by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for most pool applications, including replacement motors. Nidec’s Neptune line of pool pump motors offers energy savings plus the ability to replace only the failed motor, rather than the entire pump.
With these technical advantages, Edge said the Neptune line has become a popular replacement motor for the pool industry. “We’re pleased to be able to offer service reps, and in turn their pool customers, these high-efficiency motors that meet or exceed DOE regulations.”
Prior to joining Nidec, Edge worked for Spec-Tech Industrial Electric as an assembly and testing tech. He also completed an internship at Neff Power. Edge holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Saint Louis University.
About Nidec
Nidec Corporation is the world’s No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer. Based in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec Corporation offers motors ranging from micro-size to super large, as well as application products and services in IT, automation, home appliances, automobiles, commercial and industrial systems, environmental, energy, and many other businesses. Nidec is comprised of approximately 340 companies employing more than 110,000 people all over the world. Nidec.com
The U.S. MOTORS® brand of Nidec Motor Corporation encompasses a complete line of general and special purpose commercial and industrial motors from 1/3 horsepower through 4000 horsepower for a wide variety of applications. Since 1908, the U.S. MOTORS brand has stood for exceptional product reliability and performance. It is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the motor industry and is recognized worldwide as the mark of leadership and technological innovation. USMotors.com
Manufacturer
Soake Pools Bolsters National Growth With Four Key Hires

New territory managers, production leadership, and operations support reinforce the plunge pool manufacturer’s white-glove service as demand grows across U.S. markets
Pembroke, N.H. — October 2026 — Soake Pools, the New England manufacturer that pioneered the made-to-order precast concrete plunge pool, has added four team members to support its growth into new regional markets. The hires span sales, production leadership, and operations, positioning the team to scale with rising national demand for its hand-tiled pools, without sacrificing service or quality.
New appointments include:
- Kerry Covington, Pacific Northwest Territory Manager—Based in Oregon, Covington is Soake Pools’ first territory manager to live and work in the Pacific Northwest, offering on-the-ground support. With more than a decade of experience in high-end remodeling and landscape design for luxury residential construction, he will help Pacific Northwest homeowners translate plunge pool concepts into thoughtfully planned additions tailored to their homes and landscapes.
- Brooke Fine, MA South Shore, Cape Cod & Islands Territory Manager—Also based in territory and a Soake Pools customer herself, Fine brings both local knowledge and firsthand experience with the brand to the role. With a personal understanding of how a Soake Pool can enhance wellness, relaxation and outdoor living, she will provide dedicated in-territory support to homeowners across the Massachusetts South Shore, Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
- Eric Bailey, General Manager—At the company’s Pembroke production facility, Bailey will oversee manufacturing with 22 years of precast concrete experience. As a born-and-raised New Hampshire resident with a career built on quality and customer service, Bailey embodies the values Soake Pools has built its reputation on.
- Katherine Fillon, Accounts Receivable—Lifelong New Englander Fillon rounds out the company’s administrative team, supporting a seamless experience between Soake Pools’ customers, partners and collaborators.
The news follows Soake Pools’ recognition as one of Business NH Magazine’s 2026 Best Companies to Work For in New Hampshire, where the company earned the No. 11 spot after a rigorous evaluation that included employer and team surveys, site visits, and employee focus groups. As it grows its team, the locally owned, family-run company stays anchored to the same standards that earned this honor.
About Soake Pools: Co-founded by Karen and Brian Larson in 2014, Soake® Pools disrupted the industry as the first company to offer hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools for the home. Today, Soake Pools is the leading prefabricated plunge pool manufacturer in North America, designing luxury, space-saving pools for year-round use and enjoyment. At Soake Pool’s New England facility, its plunge pools are made to order in a controlled environment using proprietary concrete and state-of-the-art tile, continually setting the standard with new dimensions, luxury finishes, and innovations in quality control, safety and usability with impressive turnaround timelines. Fully customizable and delivered ready to install, each Soake Pool is equipped for hot dips in the winter and cooling soaks in the summer, with cold plunge and resistance system offerings that support athletic recovery and enhance at-home wellness routines. The monolithic concrete design offers accessibility in size and pricing, while saltwater filtration, low water usage, and variable speed pumps support sustainability, require less maintenance, and lower costs. Delivering backyard luxury retreats with demonstrated ROI in home value, Soake Pools offer countless physical and mental wellness benefits at a fraction of the footprint and expense of a traditional pool.
Manufacturer
CCEI Taps Benoit Masse for Sales

CCEI is pleased to announce Benoit Masse as the company’s new Sales Director for Canada. Masse has over 35 years of experience in the pool industry, including 20 years at Hayward, which has given him the opportunity to develop true expertise in everything from technical service, commercial pool construction, as well as a deep understanding of distribution.
“Benoit brings CCEI in-depth industry knowledge which will be tremendously important as he supports our customers and partners across Canada,” says Martin Grenier, VP of CCEI’s North American operations. Benoit can be reached at [email protected].
www.ccei-pool.com/us/
424-800-2191
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