Starting as a pool technician, Jacob Grozier had a predilection for the job, thriving in the outdoor environment. At the end of his first summer, he was the last new hire standing, earning a full-time position. Over the years, he gained invaluable experience while working for different companies. But he wanted to do things on his own terms, so he started Swordfish Pool Care.
Known as The Pool Assassin, Joey Busic plans to keep living up to his name. “I want to be the most proficient at every aspect of repair and service,” he says. “I will continually take every webinar, listen to every podcast and attend all training classes until I am an expert.”
Starting in water testing, Dustin Anderson climbed the ranks to become a store manager at Leslie’s Pools by 2005. He subsequently joined a local service company, where he played a pivotal role in building a retail store and served as the service manager. In 2007, looking for more independence, Anderson embarked on a new venture: Precision Aquatics, a commercial service and repair company based in San Diego.
Laura Evans, marketing director for HASA, is a dynamic force within the pool industry, devoted to water quality and sustainability.
Matthew Scheppmann’s experience in the backyard recreation industry provided a foothold when he started in the pool industry as a web developer with The Get Smart Group. Scheppmann loves nurturing client relationships and other industry professionals. He believes the pool industry contributes to overall wellness and recreation.
Jacob Stankowitz, a seasoned pool service technician currently working with Pinch A Penny, is more than just an industry professional — he’s carrying forward a family tradition.
Arthur Schutzberg headed west to Los Angeles. “Here, I knew that I would at least have the sun and the warmth of the beach to save me from the wreckage of 2020,” he says. “What I didn’t realize was the warm embrace of the pool industry was right behind.”
In 2012, faced with the closure of her previous workplace, Marcia Gyles embarked on an expedition from Indiana to Montana with her two young children, seeking a fresh start. While substitute teaching and searching for jobs, she encountered Aqua Creek Products.
After spending 15 years in the hospitality industry, Marley Cunningham reached a crossroads in her career. She realized she was happiest when exercising her creativity, which happened most often in her marketing roles. So, she pivoted.
Anthony Pizzi began in pool service, where he identified an issue with pool ladder bumpers damaging vinyl liners. He founded Poolular and developed the product LadderBoss as a solution to protect liners.
Jessica Werner joined Clear Comfort as an intern before completing her studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Over five years later, she remains an integral part of the company’s success.
Johan Temple started in the pool industry as an apprentice, working alongside his father — Jon Temple, owner of Tempool Inc. — and learning the intricacies of the trade. He swiftly progressed, running crews by age 18.