Pool News
Pool Industry Mourns the Passing of Icon, Vance Gillette

The pool industry lost one of its brightest stars with the recent passing of Vance Gillette. Known for his unwavering passion and visionary leadership, Gillette was more than just a figurehead in the industry; he was a trailblazer who fundamentally changed how we view and experience swimming pools. His legacy is one that will be remembered for generations, not only for the innovations he brought forth but for the indelible mark he left on everyone he encountered.
Mourning The Passing of a True Innovator: Vance Gillette
Chuck Baumann of Creative Environments, a close friend and colleague, reflected on Gillette’s profound influence on the industry and the people within it. “I was very fortunate to meet Vance early on in his career because we grew up near each other, and we chose the same industry to participate in,” Baumann shared. “We started working with Howard Arneson and Andrew Pansini, two giants in our industry who were instrumental in creating the robotic pool sweeps. Not only was Vance in at the ground floor, but he got to work shoulder-to-shoulder with two of the early innovators of our industry. Both had a major role in influencing him in his early career.”
Gillette’s career was a quintessential American success story. He began by working closely with industry pioneers, quickly making a name for himself through his work in sales and marketing. His journey eventually led him to an important role with Jandy, where he spent years guiding the company to new heights. However, Gillette’s impact extended far beyond the corporate world.
A Champion for the Industry
“He was always such a cheerleader for our industry,” Baumann noted. “Whenever there would be a national show, he would be that guy in the booth promoting not just his product but the industry as a whole. He made it a point to let all of us know how important having a swimming pool was to our life. Vance was really the one guy that championed the concept of having a swimming pool was such an integral part of our lifestyle.”
Gillette’s approach was unique in that he shifted the conversation from the technical aspects of pool construction to the emotional and lifestyle benefits of owning a pool. He encouraged industry professionals to focus on how pools enhance lives, rather than just their mechanical superiority. Baumann recalled how Gillette would send daily emails highlighting the joy and relaxation that swimming pools bring to people’s lives, accentuating the emotional connection homeowners have with their backyards.
Changing Industry & Public Perception
“He diverted our industry from being product focused and said, ‘Listen, guys, we need to be promoting the lifestyle and the enjoyment of having a swimming pool in your life.’ Today, we see what a tremendous influence he had. A lot of people don’t understand where all that originated from. He is the guy that is responsible for promoting the concept of outdoor living,” Baumann emphasized. “Vance was the single person that I can go back and put my finger on and say, this individual really took our industry to a whole different level.”
Gillette was known for his positive outlook and his ability to inspire those around him. Baumann described him as someone who could brighten up any room he entered, not by demanding attention, but by speaking with the wisdom and insight that compelled others to listen. “He had such great passion about our industry, and loved being in the pool business,” Baumann said. “When he opened his mouth and said something, it was very profound. You wanted to sit and absorb what he had to say because you knew it was important. He was a mentor to every one of us.”
One of Baumann’s most cherished memories of Gillette involved a story about an early promotional tape Baumann had created to showcase his pool construction services. After watching the tape, Gillette gently but firmly redirected Baumann’s focus. “He didn’t want to offend me, but he said, ‘Chuck, it’s about the sizzle; it’s not about the steak. People don’t need to see how the sausage is made.’ And that’s what Vance was telling me in a very polite way,” Baumann recalled with a laugh. “He was the guy that said, ‘No, no, no. We do it to enhance people’s lives.’ And once you start selling in that direction, everybody is going to want what we have.”
“A Man Who Saw The Bigger Picture”
Gillette’s forward-thinking approach and ability to see the bigger picture were not limited to his immediate circle. He recognized that the pool industry’s true competition was not other pool builders but alternative leisure industries, such as boating and camping, that vied for consumers’ disposable income. Baumann recalled a summit meeting where Gillette shared this insight, which was a revelation to many in attendance.
“In the COVID era that just passed us, people didn’t go out and buy a motorhome, or a new boat, or take a vacation someplace. They invested in their backyard because of how it enhanced their lifestyle,” Baumann reflected. “And that’s a direct effect of what Vance had been promoting to the industry for years, decades.”
Gillette’s influence extended beyond just marketing and sales; he played a crucial role in changing public perception of swimming pools. “There was a time period where realtors would not show a house if it had a swimming pool in it because it was such a liability,” Baumann explained. “It was people like Vance Gillette that helped turn that around and take a perceived liability and turn it into a very high-valued asset.”
Remembering Vance Gillette
Today, the pool industry is thriving, and much of that success can be attributed to the vision and leadership of Vance Gillette. His ability to see beyond the mechanics of pool construction and focus on the joy and lifestyle benefits that pools bring to people has left a lasting legacy. As Baumann put it, “I was saying that for years and years, thank God we had somebody like Vance Gillette to help stimulate the pool industry and guide it in the direction that it’s in right now.”
Vance Gillette’s passing is a profound loss for the pool industry, but his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come. He was a mentor, a leader, and a friend to many, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the industry he helped shape. As we remember Vance, we are reminded of the importance of passion, vision, and the power of a positive mindset—qualities that defined his life and career.
Pool News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

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.
Pool News
Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

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.
Pool News
NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the 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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