Pool Service News
Top 10 Finalists Named for Talking Pools Podcast 2025 Mentor of the Year Award
Winner to Be Surprised On-Camera in First-Ever Doorstep Award Reveal

United States – August 1, 2025 – The Talking Pools Podcast has announced the Top 10 finalists for its inaugural Mentor of the Year Award, a bold recognition honoring the unsung heroes of the swimming pool and spa industry—those who build skills, nurture growth, and help others rise through generosity, grit, and guidance.
Selected from nearly 70 nominations submitted by peers and mentees across the country, these individuals exemplify the best of what mentorship means in the trades. In an industry facing technician shortages and generational turnover, these mentors are the glue that holds knowledge, professionalism, and passion together.
In a unique and heartfelt twist, the Talking Pools Podcast will conduct an unannounced, on-location surprise reveal in November 2025. One finalist will be met at their home or workplace by host Rudy Stankowitz—and awarded a custom championship belt in front of a rolling camera crew. The reveal will be released in a special video episode and distributed across podcast and social media platforms.
“There’s no ballroom. No stage. Just a knock at the door and a belt for someone who’s been quietly changing lives,” said host Rudy Stankowitz.
“This industry is only as strong as the people willing to teach others how to thrive in it. That’s what this award is about—spotlighting the quiet champions who lift others up.”
2025 Mentor of the Year Finalists
Finalists were selected based on peer nominations, mentorship testimonials, and demonstrated impact across a range of roles, regions, and company sizes. Each one represents a powerful commitment to professional growth and community-building.
- Laci Davis
President & Co-Founder, The Grit Game – Hudson, FL - Maddy Vandiver
Supervisor, The Pool Butler – Atlanta, GA - Que Hales
Manager, Pool Chlor – Tucson, AZ - Ron DeLoux
President, Big Blue Pool Services – La Mesa, CA - Shannon D. Wilson
Service Manager, HHHunt – Glen Allen, VA - Tim Bolden
President, The Pool Butler – Marietta, GA - Rich Gallo
CEO, PureSwim – Los Angeles, CA - John Poma
President, A+ Pool Service – Lakeland, FL - Kevin Post
Chairman & CEO, Counsilman-Hunsaker – Evergreen, CO - Greg Beard
President, Greg Beard’s Pool Service – Garden Grove, CA
Each finalist will receive a limited-edition Top Ten shirt recognizing their achievement. One will be awarded the Mentor of the Year Championship Belt, custom-built by Wildcat Belts—the same company that creates championship titles for WWE and UFC.
Sponsors Champion Mentorship
The 2025 Mentor of the Year Award is made possible through the generous support of leading companies in the swimming pool and spa industry, each of whom champions mentorship as vital to long-term success and sustainability.
Blueray XL serves as the Title Sponsor of this year’s award.
“When Rudy first told me about the Mentor of the Year Award, I blurted out straightaway: ‘YES!!!’ We didn’t hesitate—we jumped on board as Title Sponsor immediately,” said Chris Galvin, CEO of Blueray XL.
“This isn’t just a trophy for the shelf. It’s the kind of recognition a real mentor deserves—someone who shows up day after day, poolside or in the pump room, pushing others to be better. Mentorship is the Rocky Balboa of professional development—it’s raw, relentless, and built on grit,” Galvin said. “It’s about leaning in when others might walk away, celebrating the little wins, and making someone believe in their own potential. That’s what Blueray XL stands for: helping pool pros level up—not by giving them shortcuts, but by standing beside them, offering tools, knowledge, and belief.”
LaMotte Company, a Gold Sponsor and long-standing leader in water analysis technology, echoed the importance of investing in mentorship.
“Mentorship is incredibly valuable to our team at LaMotte, because it helps share the wisdom we’ve gained by providing water analysis solutions for more than a century,” said Michael P. Smith, Director of Marketing at LaMotte. “It strengthens our community by guiding the next generation of pool and spa workers to uphold high standards and innovate responsibly. We believe mentoring fosters growth, builds trust, and keeps our industry thriving. Congratulations to all the nominees in the Mentor of the Year award!”
Revdup Apparel, the event’s second Gold Sponsor, emphasized mentorship as a cultural cornerstone.
“Revdup Apparel is proud to support the inaugural Talking Pools Podcast Mentorship Award, recognizing the vital role mentorship plays in shaping the future of the pool industry,” said Don Douglas, Co-Founder of Revdup. “We believe that experienced leaders guiding the next generation strengthens the entire community and drives excellence, safety, and innovation across the board.”
📣 Media Invitation
Industry media are invited to attend and cover the surprise award reveal in November 2025. For access details or to coordinate press participation, contact Rudy Stankowitz at [email protected].
The moment will be captured and released as a special video episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage available on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
About the Talking Pools Podcast
The Talking Pools Podcast is a leading voice in the swimming pool and spa industry, delivering daily episodes focused on education, innovation, and the people behind the pools. With tens of thousands of listeners globally, the podcast is a trusted resource for pool service professionals, builders, retailers, and manufacturers alike.
The show features a diverse team of hosts:
- Peter Wiedermann – Mondays Down Under
- Shane Sneddon & Lee Salisbury – Co-hosts, Mondays Down Under
- Andrea Nannini & Paulette Hester – Tuesdays with Andrea & Paulette
- Sarah Bero – Wednesdays with Sarah
- Wayne Ivusich & Steve Sherwood – Thursdays with Wayne & Steve
- Rudy Stankowitz – Floc-it Fridays
Together, they bring unmatched expertise, diverse perspectives, and real-world insight to the mic—helping elevate conversations and communities across the pool and spa industry.
Pool Service News
SPS PoolCare Celebrates Five Years, 50,000 Recurring Customers
Nation’s largest pool services company enters the Atlanta market with Good Boy Pool Services acquisition

SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, celebrated its fifth anniversary by completing its acquisition of Good Boy Pool Services and reaching the milestone of 50,000 recurring maintenance customers. The acquisition expands SPS PoolCare’s service area to the Atlanta market and marks more than 220 acquisitions since its founding.
Backed by Storr Group, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, serving more than 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers and performing over 2.5 million pool services annually. SPS PoolCare leverages technology to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and elevate the customer experience across every market it serves.
“This anniversary marks five years of building something the pool industry has never seen before, and our Atlanta market expansion with Good Boy Pool Services is proof that we are not slowing down,” said Lance Martin, CEO of SPS PoolCare. “Our exceptional team and technology-forward approach gives us the tools to grow quickly while never losing sight of what matters most: delivering exceptional service to every customer, every time.”
SPS PoolCare’s growth trajectory includes recent landmark acquisitions of Pool Troopers and the majority of the pool service operations of Amenity Pool Services, two of the largest pool service companies in the United States. Those acquisitions significantly expanded SPS PoolCare’s geographic presence across the Sunbelt, added thousands of new customers, and established the foundation for the company’s continued expansion into new markets, including Atlanta.
“Five years ago, we set out with a simple goal: build the most trusted pool services company in the country,” said Fraser Ramseyer, Founder of SPS PoolCare and Founder and CEO of Storr Group. “More than 220 acquisitions later, that mission remains unchanged. Every business that joins SPS strengthens our ability to invest in our people, technology, and local operations while preserving the customer relationships that made those businesses successful.”
SPS PoolCare continues to pursue acquisitions in existing and new markets as it works toward becoming the most comprehensive pool services platform in the nation.
About SPS PoolCare:
As the #1 swimming-pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,500,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,300 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. Storr Group has offices in West Palm Beach, New York City, and Austin. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com
Pool Service News
Poolwerx Eyes San Antonio for Continued Texas Expansion
Global Pool Service Brand Grows Presence in Texas Amid Continued Population Growth and Franchise Momentum

Poolwerx, the largest global franchise pool service brand, is targeting San Antonio, Texas for franchise growth as the brand continues expanding in high-growth markets across the U.S.
The move comes as Texas continues to stand out as a leading market for franchise development. According to the International Franchise Association’s 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook, Texas ranks as the top state for franchise growth and is home to more than 86,000 franchise locations employing more than 910,000 people.
“With Poolwerx USA headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas has always been an important market for our brand, and the growing demand makes San Antonio the perfect place to continue our U.S. expansion,” said Darlene Viering, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at Poolwerx. “It combines strong regional growth with the characteristics that make for a compelling pool service market, and we see real opportunity to partner with entrepreneurs who want to build a scalable local business with the support of an established brand.”
San Antonio offers an attractive combination of steady population growth and long-term residential development. U.S. Census reporting shows the city added nearly 24,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, highlighting its momentum as one of the country’s fastest-growing large cities.
For Poolwerx, San Antonio aligns with the brand’s broader focus on markets where residential growth, pool maintenance needs and strong consumer demand support long-term opportunity for professional pool care. The company has previously identified Texas as a key expansion priority in its U.S. growth strategy.
“As more entrepreneurs look for business opportunities backed by recurring revenue and strong consumer demand, we believe San Antonio offers a compelling environment for franchise development,” said Marla Mock, COO of Poolwerx USA. “Our model is designed to give franchise owners the training, operational support and brand foundation they need to build a business that can scale with their market.”
Poolwerx continues to expand its national footprint while helping homeowners maintain healthier pools through dependable, professional pool care backed by a globally recognized brand. Poolwerx is actively seeking franchise candidates across the U.S. who are entrepreneurial, community-minded, and growth-focused.
About Poolwerx
Poolwerx is the world’s largest pool and spa maintenance franchise brand, dedicated to helping people create poolside memories. Established in Australia in 1992, Poolwerx has grown to more than 186 retail stores, over 720 service vehicles, and 450+ exclusive territories worldwide. The brand delivers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to keep pools and spas healthy and safe, including professional water testing and balancing, pool cleaning, scheduled and ad hoc maintenance, chemical and equipment sales, system upgrades, installations, repairs, and expert advice. Serving both residential and commercial clients, Poolwerx combines local expertise with industry-leading systems, marketing strength, and operational support. Discover more about the franchise opportunity at: https://poolwerxfranchising.com.
Pool Service News
Pool360 PoolService Is Evolving To Help Pool Companies Scale Faster and Operate Smarter
Learn how the Pool360 ecosystem is evolving to help today’s tech savy pool professionals scale faster and operate more efficiently.

For years, many pool professionals viewed Pool360 primarily as an online ordering platform.
That perception is changing fast.
Today, the Pool360 ecosystem has evolved into something much larger — a connected digital platform designed to help pool service companies, retailers, and builders manage nearly every aspect of their business. From route optimization and customer communication to water testing, inventory visibility, quoting, and construction management integrations, PoolCorp is positioning Pool360 PoolService as a comprehensive operational backbone for modern pool companies.
According to Wally Glowicki, Senior Director of SaaS for PoolCorp, the mission goes far beyond software for software’s sake.
“The Pool360 ecosystem is really designed to help create efficiency and value inside of our customers,” said Glowicki. “We feel that the pool industry especially has a great opportunity to become more digitally enabled, and ultimately provide growth to the entire industry by leveraging these digital products.”
That digital-first philosophy now sits at the center of PoolCorp’s broader strategy.

More Than Online Ordering
Pool360 may have started as a way for customers to place orders online, but the platform has steadily expanded into a much broader business management ecosystem.
Glowicki explained that PoolCorp’s software development efforts are now focused on creating specialized digital tools that support nearly every stage of a customer’s business lifecycle.
“The Pool360 business solution team really focuses on developing specialized digital solutions that empower our customers with that high-performing software for not just ordering products, but managing their business,” said Glowicki. “Whether that’s service, repair, construction, as well as water testing.”
That includes onboarding, demonstrations, training, ongoing support, and tools designed to improve both revenue and profitability for dealers.
Unlike many standalone software providers, PoolCorp’s advantage comes from its integration with an enormous national distribution network.
“PoolCorp is a distributor, and we strive to utilize our digital ecosystem to really elevate that dealer experience and create a tangible value for them,” Glowicki explained. “The differentiator that PoolCorp brings really comes from that connection that we have with our distribution network.”
That approach is helping Pool360 evolve into a one-stop operational platform that connects purchasing, inventory, service operations, marketing, customer management, and construction workflows into a single ecosystem.

Connecting the Entire Customer Journey
One of the major differentiators behind Pool360 PoolService is that it goes well beyond simple scheduling and invoicing.
Glowicki described the platform as a full business management solution designed around the entire customer journey.
“As we expand our focus in development of Pool360, this really means offering solutions from a customer’s lead management upfront to contract management, servicing and routing, one-time service scheduling, quoting, ordering materials, and all the way to finalizing and invoicing a customer,” he said.
That level of operational integration is becoming increasingly important as pool companies look for ways to improve efficiency while scaling their businesses.
According to Glowicki, route optimization alone is creating substantial gains for service companies.
“We’ve seen an increase of 15% of capacities in users of our platform,” he said. “This reclaimed drive time, as well as time spent on the job, allows the technician to add another four to six stops a week.”
At an average service rate of roughly $150 per pool, those additional stops can translate into approximately $7,000 in annual revenue per technician.
The platform’s routing intelligence also helps companies reduce wasted fuel and unnecessary windshield time.
“When we’ve done digging in on this, we see a 20% decrease in drive time from your typical manual routing or using of other tools,” Glowicki explained. “That savings can really add up, especially in today’s high cost fuel environment.”

Built To Scale With Growing Companies
For smaller pool companies looking to grow from a handful of routes into larger operations, Glowicki believes technology infrastructure is now foundational.
“My opinion is, it’s really the foundation for growth for a company is their technology stack,” he said.
Pool360 PoolService was designed to scale alongside those businesses as they add technicians, routes, and customers.
Features like drag-and-drop route optimization allow managers to quickly rebalance workloads when schedules change unexpectedly.
“If Jim calls in sick for the day, you can see who the best technician is available to take over those routes,” Glowicki explained. “Drag and drop in the software, and then click a reoptimize button, and it’ll make sure that route is efficient as possible.”
Beyond operations, the software also gives smaller companies tools that help them project a more polished and professional image to customers.
“The marketing and business image component of the platform allows the smaller companies the ability to look and act just like the bigger companies,” said Glowicki. “With professional templates and estimates, emails, and simple SMS messaging notifying the customer that they’re on the way or that their service has been completed.”
That elevated customer communication experience is often what helps smaller companies generate referrals and build long-term loyalty.

Why Water Testing Matters
Another major component of the Pool360 ecosystem is water testing.
While many retailers still view water testing as a simple in-store service, PoolCorp sees it as a critical customer engagement tool.
“The activity of simply testing the water chemistry is a critical component to the enjoyment of a person’s pool,” Glowicki said. “Making sure that water is balanced not only provides for a great pool experience visually or physically on a warm day, but it also is critical to the pool’s equipment longevity.”
One of the key goals behind Pool360’s water testing platform was flexibility.
The software supports multiple testing systems, including Taylor Express Flex, LaMotte WaterLink SpinTouch, and liquid titration methods.
“We want to meet the customer where they are,” Glowicki explained. “Our platform provides exactly what they need regardless of how they decide to perform their water test.”
But the bigger opportunity lies in the customer data generated during those interactions.
“In today’s digital-first environment, data is gold,” Glowicki said. “We track the test history so we can see what chemicals have been added to that pool over time.”
That data allows retailers to create highly targeted follow-up communication and marketing campaigns.
“A simple email to Miss Jones that last time you had algae present in your water, it’s been two weeks, you really should have your water checked again — that builds that future trust,” he explained.
Glowicki also sees water testing as a major competitive advantage for brick-and-mortar retailers facing pressure from online sellers.
“It definitely is a key differentiator,” he said. “It allows to build that trust that we talked about.”

Expanding Into Construction
PoolCorp is also expanding deeper into construction workflows through integrations with other industry software platforms.
One of the biggest recent announcements involved Pool360’s integration with JobTread, a popular construction management platform.
According to Glowicki, the partnership aligned naturally with PoolCorp’s broader vision.
“JobTread was really perfect alignment to our strategy,” he said. “We both squarely put the customer at the center with our platforms.”
The integration allows builders to browse live PoolCorp catalog items, pull current pricing directly into estimates, and place orders without leaving JobTread.
That may sound simple on the surface, but it addresses one of the biggest hidden pain points in pool construction: outdated pricing and repetitive manual entry.
“Builders using live price syncing are 20% less likely to underquote a project by seeing the market costs in real time,” Glowicki explained.
He added that a typical pool build may involve between 50 and 100 line items, with manual entry often taking up to an hour per project.
“With this integration, it takes under three minutes,” he said. “95% reduction in data entry time.”
For builders juggling multiple projects simultaneously, those kinds of efficiencies can quickly add up.

The Bigger Picture
As Pool360 continues to expand, Glowicki says PoolCorp remains focused on building an ecosystem that creates mutual value across the entire industry.
“We’re consistently looking at ways to create value in our platforms,” he said. “Whether that be new features, enhancements or integrations with other software technologies.”
That includes evaluating future partnerships, internal development opportunities, and additional integrations that further connect the fragmented operational systems many pool companies still rely on today.
“Our passion is to enable a digital experience that empowers efficiency, business transparency, and supports growth,” Glowicki said. “That is the ecosystem that provides a mutual benefit to everybody in the pool industry.”
For PoolCorp, the goal is no longer simply helping customers order products online.
The larger ambition appears to be building the digital operating system that powers the future of the pool industry.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Wally Glowicki on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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