At the Heart of It All: Stories

What I’ve always loved most about this job is the privilege of telling stories — real stories, rich with nuance, full of grit and heart. In this issue, we bring you five incredible ones, each centered on a woman whose journey has something powerful to say. These aren’t just profiles; they’re lessons in resilience, drive and success. I find my story evolving each time I witness someone else’s path — and I hope these features leave you inspired, too.
Storytelling is also what makes our annual 30 Under 40 program so special. Nominations are open, and I encourage you to spotlight young professionals whose stories are just beginning to unfold.
Of course, the story of our industry is always being written, too. This year marks 30 years of POOLCORP as a publicly traded company and 100 years of Hayward. These milestones aren’t just numbers — they’re proof of what it means to stay steady and grow stronger through decades of change.
And in the spirit of stories that matter, May is both Water Safety Month and the unofficial opening of pool season. That makes it the perfect time to highlight what Pentair is doing with Special Olympics — a story of inclusion, dedication and impact. We hope it encourages you to be part of something meaningful this season.
Every page, every initiative, every milestone — it all begins and ends with the stories we tell. Thanks for being part of ours.
Best,
Megan Kendrick, publisher, CPO
