Automatic Pool Covers Announces Retirement of Bruce Holmes

Automatic Pool Covers Inc. announced the retirement of Bruce Holmes, business development and sales representative, following a 42-year career in the swimming pool industry.

Holmes most recently spent 14 years in sales and business development with Automatic Pool Covers Inc. He was recognized at a retirement celebration attended by over 200 colleagues, friends and family members.

During the event, speakers reflected on Holmes’ career, which began in 1983 when he served as vice president of sales and marketing for Pools of Fun. At the same time, Holmes worked as a high school teacher, coach and athletic director.

“Not everyone realized that our dad worked both his high school job and the position at Pools of Fun for 17 years,” says his daughter, Katie Miller.

Holmes said the seasonal nature of the pool business complemented his work in education.

“Luckily, we have summers off at the high school, and we all know the swimming pool season is busiest in the summer, so I was able to switch from the busy days of high school into the busy days of the pool industry as soon as school got out,” Holmes says.

Family members shared that Holmes often balanced work and family life at the kitchen table, reviewing pool drawings while helping his children with homework. 

“He was a role model for us all,” says his daughter, Abby Holmes.

Since joining Automatic Pool Covers, Holmes helped drive revenue growth and expand the company’s dealer network nationwide, company officials say.

“Bruce’s dedication, leadership and integrity have been foundational to the company’s culture and success,” says Mike Shadoan, vice president of sales for Automatic Pool Covers. “He’s also a lot of fun and will be dearly missed. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and dedication, and we wish Bruce the best in this next chapter.”

Holmes says his time in the pool industry has been meaningful both professionally and personally.

“Working alongside so many talented and fun people in the swimming pool industry has been a highlight in my life,” Holmes said. “I will especially miss people at Automatic Pool Covers, but I am confident that my contributions to the industry, and the people in the industry, will be remembered and honored in the future.”

Holmes said he and his wife, Kathy, are planning travel in retirement.

“My wife Kathy and I have planned our first big trip, and it’s not to a swimming pool trade show,” he says.