Manufacturers
From Line Cook to Pentair Pool Pro: How Keith Smith Transformed His Career at Heritage Pools

Success in the swimming pool industry often comes down to two things: a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. Few exemplify this better than Keith Smith, this year’s Pentair Pool Pro Award winner and head of renovations at Heritage Pools of Charleston, SC. His story is not just one of career growth, but of passion, persistence, and the transformative power of education.
Long Before the Pentair Pool Pro Award, Was a Humble Beginning
Before stepping into the pool industry, Smith was working as a line cook in a restaurant, making ends meet in an oversaturated market. While he enjoyed the work, it wasn’t financially sustainable, nor did it offer much room for growth. When his brother-in-law, a service tech at Heritage Pools, encouraged him to consider a career in pool construction, Smith was intrigued. The opportunity to work outdoors, take on new challenges, and build something meaningful appealed to him.
He started with a trial run, working two days with the crew on a brand-new pool build. With no experience and wearing kitchen shoes, he was thrown into the deep end—digging trenches, getting covered in mud, and working harder than ever. But something clicked.
“I made up my mind after that first day of work,” Smith recalls. “After a long, hard day and seeing how much I had accomplished with this team, I knew I wanted to stick with it.”
Climbing the Ladder Through Dedication
After transitioning to a full-time role, Smith quickly expanded his skill set. He worked in pool construction, maintenance, and service, finding that his meticulous attention to detail made him particularly suited for pool care and chemistry management.
His natural curiosity led him to dive deeper into the renovations side of the business. Starting with smaller projects, such as liner replacements and tile work, he eventually moved on to full-scale pool transformations—replacing decks, reshaping pools, and upgrading entire systems.
“There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking a pool that’s been in the ground for 30 or 40 years and making it look brand new,” he says. “It’s like bringing something back to life.”
Mentorship and the Power of Leadership
A key figure in Smith’s journey has been Michael Gesmond, the owner of Heritage Pools. Smith first met Gesmond when they were neighbors, long before he joined the company. He remembers seeing Gesmond working out of his Honda Civic, taking on liner replacements before growing Heritage Pools into the respected business it is today.
“I’ve learned a lot from him—his drive, his commitment to excellence, and his ability to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done,” Smith says.
Gesmond saw potential in Smith early on and actively encouraged his growth. He provided new opportunities, pushed him out of his comfort zone, and instilled confidence in his decision-making.
“He told me, ‘You have anything at your disposal to advance your career. Book the classes, get the certifications—just go do it.’ That kind of support is invaluable.”
The Role of Education in Elevating the Industry
One of the biggest lessons Smith has learned is the importance of continuous education. While hands-on experience has been a huge part of his development, formal training has elevated his expertise, particularly in electrical work, hydraulics, and safety compliance.
“A lot of older pools have single drains that aren’t code-compliant,” Smith explains. “Education allows me to confidently explain to homeowners why they need to upgrade their system—not to nickel and dime them, but to make their pool safer.”
Through manufacturer training, trade shows, and industry events, Smith has gained insights that allow him to better serve his customers. More importantly, it’s given him the knowledge to mentor his own team, ensuring that the next generation of pool professionals meets the highest standards.
Leading a Team with Commitment and Purpose
As head of renovations at Heritage Pools, Smith doesn’t just oversee projects—he actively supports his team, whether it’s digging trenches, troubleshooting pumps, or solving on-site challenges.
“I’m not here to babysit anyone,” he says. “I work with professionals. But I am here to support them, to problem-solve when things don’t go as planned, and to ensure that every job is done right.”
He leads by example, making sure that customer service, safety, and craftsmanship remain the top priorities. His approach is simple: he never asks his team to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.
The Value of Strong Industry Partnerships
Smith credits much of his professional growth to Pentair’s commitment to its dealers. Over the years, Pentair representatives have provided hands-on training, on-site troubleshooting, and product knowledge that have made a tangible impact on his projects.
“My reps have been phenomenal resources. Any time I’ve needed help diagnosing an issue or understanding a product, they’ve been there,” Smith says.
One product that’s been a game changer for his renovation projects is the IntelliFlo3 VSF pump.
“It can be retrofitted to inch-and-a-half plumbing and has built-in automation capabilities,” Smith explains. “That means customers get a modern, energy-efficient upgrade without having to overhaul their entire system.”
Trends in Pool Renovation and Future Outlook
Smith has witnessed shifts in the pool industry over the years, with more homeowners embracing automation and energy-efficient upgrades. Retrofitting older pools with smart technology, LED lighting, and variable-speed pumps is becoming increasingly common, as customers recognize the long-term value.
“Five years ago, people weren’t as receptive to automation. Now, with products like the IntelliFlo3, they see the convenience and energy savings,” Smith notes.
Beyond technology, he also sees a growing emphasis on pool safety upgrades, as more homeowners recognize the importance of dual drains, VGB-compliant systems, and advanced circulation solutions.
Advice for the Next Generation of Pool Professionals
✔️ Give it time – “Stick with it for a few weeks, learn the ropes, and see if you enjoy the work.”
✔️ Stay hungry – “Push yourself to grow. If you’re in maintenance, ask to shadow a service tech. If you’re in service, get hands-on experience in renovations.”
✔️ Take every opportunity to learn – “Attend training sessions, take manufacturer courses, and keep your certifications up to date.”
✔️ Embrace challenges – “Not every day is easy, but the work is rewarding. You’re transforming backyards and creating something people will enjoy for years.”
Pentair Pool Pro Award, A Well-Deserved Honor
Smith’s journey from line cook to Pentair Pool Pro Award winner is a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of ongoing education. His story serves as an inspiration for pool professionals at every stage of their career—reminding them that mentorship, training, and a commitment to excellence can open doors to incredible opportunities.
“At the end of the day, I just love what I do,” Smith says. “I love taking something old and making it new again. And I love knowing that with every renovation, we’re delivering the best possible experience for our customers.”
Manufacturers
Pentair Names Bob Fishman Interim CFO Following Executive Leadership Change

Pentair has appointed former Chief Financial Officer Bob Fishman as Interim Executive Vice President and CFO following the departure of Nicholas Brazis, who left the company on July 10 to pursue an opportunity with a private company. The company has launched a search for a permanent successor while Fishman assumes the role effective immediately.
Fishman previously served as Pentair’s Executive Vice President and CFO for six years before stepping away from the position earlier this year. His return comes as the company works through a challenging period for its pool segment, which has experienced significantly weaker-than-anticipated demand resulting from continued inventory reductions throughout the distribution channel.
“Our Board and leadership team are pleased to have Bob Fishman rejoin Pentair on an interim basis as we conduct a search for his successor. During Bob’s six year tenure at Pentair, he helped to strengthen our financial foundation and enhance our operating discipline. Given his deep financial expertise, clear understanding of our business and strong relationships across Pentair and the financial community, I am confident he will step back in seamlessly as we execute on our key strategic and financial priorities to build long-term value,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer.
Fishman also commented on his return.
“I’m excited to return to Pentair and support the company during this transition. Pentair has a strong portfolio, talented team and clear strategy for long-term success. I’m optimistic about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working alongside John and the team to support disciplined execution and create value for our customers, shareholders and employees.”
Pool Business Drives Revised Outlook
Alongside the executive announcement, Pentair released preliminary second-quarter financial expectations and lowered its full-year outlook, citing more aggressive inventory reductions across the pool distribution channel than previously anticipated. The company now expects full-year sales to decline between 4% and 7%, compared to its earlier forecast calling for 2% to 4% growth.
According to Pentair, channel destocking is expected to reduce pool segment sales by approximately $250 million during 2026, with an estimated $155 million impact on pool segment income. The company also noted that second-quarter pool sales were significantly affected by inventory adjustments made by major channel partners amid softer market conditions.
Despite the near-term slowdown, Pentair said it is taking steps to strengthen the pool business by working more closely with dealers, distributors and service professionals while accelerating new product development and expanding technical support resources. The company maintained that it continues to hold a leading position in energy-efficient and connected pool technologies and expects market conditions to normalize heading into the 2027 pool season.
Stauch emphasized the company’s confidence in the long-term outlook despite current market conditions.
“We believe these headwinds are temporary and we are taking decisive actions to adapt the business to current demand levels while positioning it to return to normalized performance in 2027. We are confident that these actions will bring us closer to our dealers, accelerate innovation and drive long-term growth. Our pool business is an industry leader with a premier brand, strong customer base, and a large install base, with leading positions in energy-efficient and smart connected pool technologies. Importantly, our flow and water solutions segments performed generally in line with expectations as we continue to successfully execute our growth agenda, demonstrating the strength and balance of our portfolio.”
Fishman expressed confidence that the company remains well positioned as it works through current market conditions.
“We have assessed our full year forecast and feel confident that we can execute successfully in 2026 and position ourselves for significant growth in 2027. With a solid balance sheet, strong cash flow, a balanced capital deployment strategy and a resilient business model, we remain well positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Pentair is scheduled to release its complete second-quarter financial results and provide additional commentary on its outlook during its earnings call on July 28.
Manufacturer
Fluidra Acquires Datapool to Lead Digitalization and Efficiency in the Pool Sector

Fluidra, the global leader in pool and wellness equipment and connected solutions, has announced the acquisition of Datapool, the digital twin platform developed by Ecotropy. With this transaction, the company reinforces its strategic commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and the digitalization of the sector.
The transaction represents the evolution of a collaboration that began in 2024, when Fluidra invested in Ecotropy through Fluidra Ventures, its Corporate Venture Capital fund focused on startups with the potential to transform the pool and wellness sector through technological innovation.
With this acquisition, Datapool becomes fully integrated into Fluidra’s digital ecosystem for commercial pools, consolidating its role as a key part of the company’s value proposition. The platform incorporates advanced analytics capabilities, IoT solutions and real-time data within an open and scalable architecture, in line with the company’s strategy to offer connected and sustainable solutions that maximize the efficiency of aquatic facilities and accelerate the transition towards smarter management models.
Datapool outfits aquatic facilities with digital twins, enabling pools to be managed using reliable, real-time data and replacing management models based on estimates or manual supervision.
In this way, the platform simulates the optimal operation of each facility and continuously compares it with variables such as energy consumption, occupancy, weather conditions and water quality, providing a comprehensive view that helps anticipate incidents, optimize resources and improve operational performance.
Thanks to this technology, operators can reduce operating costs by 10% to 25% by optimizing water and energy consumption without the need for construction works or invasive interventions; monitor and adjust key parameters such as temperature, water quality and occupancy in real time; automate management through predictive models that adapt climate control and operations to real demand; generate automatic reports with traceable data for audits, tenders or grant applications; and plan investments and improvements based on objective data.
“This acquisition marks a milestone in our digitalization strategy. Datapool allows us to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent pool management model, improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and offering our customers data-driven tools to make better decisions,” said Thorsten Muck, Commercial Pool Director at Fluidra.
Manufacturer
Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool

Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water life’s most essential resource, today announced that Jerome Pedretti, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, will depart the Company effective July 1, 2026. Pedretti concludes a distinguished career with Pentair spanning more than 20 years.
In connection with Pedretti’s departure, Pentair is eliminating the Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool role. De’Mon Wiggins, current EVP and President, Pentair Flow and Pentair Water Solutions, will assume responsibility for the Pool segment as EVP and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool, effective April 28, 2026. Pedretti will remain with Pentair through his departure date to support an orderly transition.
“Over more than two decades with Pentair, Jerome has made a significant and lasting impact on our Pool and Flow businesses through his leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to our customers and our culture,” said John Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are truly grateful for Jerome’s many contributions and for his thoughtful partnership in supporting a smooth transition. With De’Mon’s strong track record of execution and strategic leadership, I am confident in the continued momentum of our Pool business and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall global economic and business conditions impacting our business, including the strength of housing and related markets and conditions relating to international hostilities; supply, demand, logistics, competition and pricing pressures related to and in the markets we serve; the ability to achieve the benefits of our restructuring plans, cost reduction initiatives and Transformation Program; the impact of raw material, logistics and labor costs and other inflation; volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates; failure of markets to accept new product introductions and enhancements; the ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; risks associated with operating foreign businesses; the impact of seasonality of sales and weather conditions; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; the impact of changes in laws, regulations and administrative policy, including those that limit U.S. tax benefits or impact trade agreements and tariffs; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; and the ability to achieve our long-term strategic operating and sustainability goals and targets. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. All forward-looking statements, including all financial forecasts, speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.
ABOUT PENTAIR PLC
At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.
Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,000 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Shelly Hubbard
Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: 612-812-0148
Email: [email protected]
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