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Brad Holley’s Miami Vice-Inspired Design Wins Million Dollar Pool Challenge

Brad Holley won the judges over with his Miami Vice inspired design in this year’s Million Dollar Pool Challenge.

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Brad Holley's Miami Vice-Inspired Design Wins Million Dollar Pool Challenge

The International Pool & Spa Expo witnessed a spectacle this year as Brad Holley’s Miami Vice-inspired design took center stage at the Million Dollar Pool Challenge. Holley’s innovative approach and captivating design not only wowed the judges but left an indelible mark on the pool and spa industry.

In an exclusive interview with Brad Holley, he shared insights into his unconventional journey into the world of pool and spa design. Holley had no formal education in design before joining the industry. His foray into the field began while working in commercial construction, where he started using SketchUp as a hobby.

Holley’s turning point occurred when he stumbled upon a job listing for a design assistant position with the legendary Randy Angell. “I spent eight and a half years being mentored by Randy Angell, and that really was my education,” Holley explained. “He taught me everything that I know, kind of taught me how to see the world through his eyes and how to come up with designs.”

Miami Vice Inspiration

The captivating design showcased at the Million Dollar Pool Challenge drew inspiration from the iconic Miami Vice theme. Holley infused elements of fun into his creation, cleverly incorporating the show’s intro credits into the video presentation. The whimsical touch provided a unique and engaging perspective, setting his entry apart from the competition.

Reflecting on the development of his concept, Holley shared the challenges he faced initially. “I usually can see a space and figure out just a general direction to go in with my design. But I was completely stumped and just lost for quite a while,” he admitted. However, he found inspiration in unexpected places, particularly in the lifestyle description of the hypothetical clients, who had a penchant for yachting.

A Deeper Dive Into Brad Holley’s Design

The journey into Holley’s vision begins with the front approach and the driveway. Holley introduces a unique address block monument sign that doubles as a bench seat, creatively lit with the contestant number “42-10.” The driveway, adorned with geometric polygons, features channels lit from underneath, covered with acrylic panels, creating a vibrant display of colors at night. Holley’s Miami Vice-inspired palette of pale blue, pale pink, and white sets the tone for the entire design.

Ascending the steps, visitors encounter a shallow fountain area with a sunken planter box, creating the illusion of water pouring into an infinite loop. A hanging day bed adds a touch of relaxation and sets the stage for the Latin art masterpiece—a steel panel portraying the silhouette of a woman’s face, backlit with fire, creating a captivating nighttime effect.

Creating a Vibe With Water Features

As the journey continues, the walls surrounding the backyard come into focus, showcasing a harmonious blend of stucco and laser-cut steel panels. The double-layered steel panels offer an organic and meshy feel, adding a dynamic element to the design. Entering through a centered hinge gate with off-center hinges, visitors are greeted by the splash pad area.

The splash pad features a striking two-headed Aztec serpent, reimagined in 3D, spitting water from both sides and complemented by jets and scupper elements. The 360-degree acrylic circular spa, with its raised perimeter overflow and acrylic exterior, presents a unique design challenge that Holley ingeniously addresses by incorporating raised back support walls for spa jets.

The pool area unfolds with a perimeter overflow beam, a large wet deck hosting four ledge loungers, and a mirrored wet deck on the opposite side with two hanging cocoon chairs. A cantilevered fire feature adds a touch of drama, suspended over the water. A swim-up bar, featuring an acrylic wall, allows a transparent view to the dry side. Between two hanging chairs, palm trees protrude through a halo-shaped cutout in the structure, creating a stunning visual.

An Oasis For Entertainment

Ascending the stairs to the second floor of the structure, visitors encounter a lounging and entertaining space, a putting green, and bar seating lit from underneath. The second-floor design provides an elevated perspective of the palm tree canopies, adding a touch of nature to the luxury setting. To access this oasis, visitors must cross over the lazy river, navigating dual bridges adorned with Latin-inspired diode mortise skulls in pink, white, and blue.

The lazy river, encircling a sunken fire pit island, flows in a closed loop style under the bridges and around the fire pit. The entire scene creates a seamless blend of water and fire elements, offering a unique and immersive experience.

Moving away from the pool area to the covered patio, Holley faced a significant challenge: the design could not be attached to the home. Undeterred, he introduced a bar island with its own standalone structure, topped with a semi-shade steel structure. Synthetic green walls, cascading over the support beam, create a lush and inviting atmosphere, cleverly augmented by pendant lighting.

Overcoming Challenges

When asked about the key elements that proved most challenging to incorporate into his design, Holley humorously replied, “Short answer, everything.” He acknowledged the common struggle among contestants to fit the extensive wishlist into the allotted space. The lot size itself posed a challenge as participants grappled with the initial impression of ample space, only to find it quickly diminishing.

“The lot size was really deceiving. You thought you had a lot to work with, and then as you start putting real elements in place, you realize how small it gets,” Holley revealed.

Peer Recognition

Despite initial uncertainties, Holley received positive feedback on his Miami Vice inspired design. Reflecting on the competition, he admitted feeling intimidated by the outstanding work presented by other finalists. “As soon as I saw all of the other submissions sitting there at the final judging, I was already mentally preparing myself for fifth place,” he confessed.

Holley expressed gratitude and admiration for his fellow competitors, emphasizing the high level of skill and creativity displayed by all. “Everybody brought outstanding work,” he acknowledged.

Celebrating The Best of the Best

As we celebrate Brad Holley’s success, it’s essential to recognize the efforts of the organizers, Mike Farley and Reid Schindler, who orchestrated the annual Million Dollar Pool Challenge. The competition not only showcases exceptional talent but also provides a platform for industry professionals to push the boundaries of pool and spa design.

Holley’s victory comes with additional perks, including a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of River Flow by Current Systems and a coveted spot on the judges’ panel in 2024. The recognition of winning the Million Dollar Pool Design challenge  not only acknowledges his prowess but also positions Holley as a rising star in the industry, poised to contribute further to the world of pool and spa design.

Listen to our entire conversation with Brad Holley on the Pool Magazine podcast.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

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Landmark Aquatic and Poolside Adventures partnership featuring AquaZip’N pool attractions

Poolside Adventures and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring big-impact attractions with a small footprint to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Poolside Adventures’ AquaClimb®, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX attractions with Landmark’s expansive nationwide reach and proven expertise in aquatic facility design, construction, renovation, and maintenance.

Poolside Adventures attractions add excitement to aquatic facilities without a major renovation because they anchor directly to an existing pool deck with no water hookups, special tools or added concrete and reinforcement. In fact, the modular AquaClimb® walls can start with one section and grow with budgets. The AquaZip’N® is rapidly becoming a new, safer alternative to diving boards as it only requires four feet of water depth, can be installed in just a few hours, and has a throughput of six riders a minute.

“Some municipalities can’t afford a new water park or perhaps cannot renovate their pool this year,” said Cherie Moy, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for Poolside Adventures. “Our products are an easy answer: a big impact with a small footprint, adding an ‘active attraction’ that makes the pool more exciting.”

“Landmark has a large footprint across the country, and we’re especially excited about their reach into HOA communities, a growing market where our partnership has already led to multiple installations,” said Moy. “Together, we will help clients find the right fit for their space, their budget and to add action and adventure to their pool experience.”

Matt Cappello, Vice President of Design at Landmark Aquatic agrees saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with Poolside Adventures to promote the versatility, ease of installation and entertainment value their products will bring to more pools across the country.”

About Landmark
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com.

About Poolside Adventures
For more than 20 years, Poolside Adventures’ flagship AquaClimb® has led the market for poolside climbing walls. Its full line, including the AquaClimb® Luxe, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX, delivers challenging, safe fun for swimmers of all ages. For more about Poolside Adventures visit www.aquaclimb.com
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Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

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Shasta Pools 60th anniversary logo over a custom swimming pool

Vic Harshman brings extensive pool building experience to key leadership role

  • Decades of proven pool construction experience across Nevada, Arizona and Texas
  • Previously served as Shasta Pools’ exclusive excavation contractor
  • Predecessor handpicked Harshman to grow position under new leadership team

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 5, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles.

Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.

Leadership Perspective
“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”

Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating.

Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor.

In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.

A Return Rooted in Relationships
“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”

Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.

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 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 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.

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NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the Team

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Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith join the NTCA team

Flowood, MS, October 1 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Ibe as Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager and Rachel Smith as Membership Marketing Manager. The two new positions strengthen NTCA’s focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and delivering greater value to members.

“Growing and strengthening our membership is a key priority for the NTCA, and Jennifer and Rachel bring the experience and expertise to help us do that,” said Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of NTCA. “Their complementary skills will allow us to take a more strategic approach to both membership development and the overall member experience.”

Jennifer Ibe, Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager

Ibe brings more than 10 years of experience in association events, sales, sponsorships, relationship management, and strategic growth. Most recently, she served as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Global Workspace Association, where she led major conferences, sponsorship development, budgets, and initiatives that increased attendance by 33% and profitability by 30%.

At the NTCA, Ibe will lead membership recruitment, retention, re-engagement, and relationship development while supporting sponsorship and partner revenue opportunities. She will also represent the NTCA at major industry events and help strengthen relationships with members and prospective members.

Ibe holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Rachel Smith, Membership Marketing Manager

Smith brings extensive association experience in membership, communications, digital engagement, and member programming. Most recently, she served as Digital Communications Manager for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Previously, as Director of Membership for the Texas Economic Development Council, she managed more than 1,000 members and developed programs to increase member engagement and networking. She also served as Membership Coordinator for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, where she managed more than 5,000 members and led new-member onboarding and retention initiatives.

At NTCA, Smith will focus on member onboarding, retention campaigns, communications, digital engagement, webinars, events, and community development. She will also support membership analytics and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the member experience.

Smith holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Social Justice from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“Jennifer’s focus on relationship-building and membership development, combined with Rachel’s experience in member communications and engagement, gives us a strong team focused on every stage of the member journey,” Sax added. “We’re excited about what this means for our members and for the future growth of NTCA.”

About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.

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