Haviland chief sales officer retires; upper management promotions announced

Art Harre, chief sales officer of Haviland Pool & Spa, a manufacturer and distributor of pool and spa chemistry, announced in August that he would retire from his position at the end of 2020, then enter into a two-year consulting agreement with Haviland until 2022.

“To state the obvious, I will miss you all,” Harre says. “I started working in the pool industry in 1983 and at Haviland in 1993. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding way to spend the last four decades.”

Subsequently, several promotions took immediate effect to position the company for long-term growth.

“These much-deserved promotions will help ensure the company’s success in the years to come, allowing the business to adapt to changes in customer needs and innovate for the future,” says Mike Karasiewicz, CEO and president of Haviland Enterprises, Inc.

David O’Brien has been promoted to vice president of Haviland Pool & Spa Products. O’Brien will oversee sales, operations and logistics, working to execute the company’s aggressive growth strategy. Previously director of sales, O’Brien is assuming the role following Harre’s retirement.

Brian Schoen, previously director of operations, has been promoted to senior director of supply chain and operations, working to streamline operations while improving quality and the customer experience.

John Bokor has been promoted to director of sales, responsible for Haviland’s sales teams throughout North America. Bokor has been a regional sales manager and host of Haviland’s industry-focused YouTube web series “Legendary Pools & Spas.”

John Bereza has been promoted to the position of Midwest regional sales manager for the company. Bereza will be responsible for managing Haviland’s Midwest distribution network as well as supplying product sales and service support for Haviland’s pool and spa chemical lines. Bereza has been a part of the Haviland organization since 2003, and is the co-creator and director of “Legendary Pools & Spas.”

“These individuals have been integral to the company’s recent success, and I’m excited to watch this team execute our strategy of growth, innovation and customer satisfaction,” Karasiewicz says. “I am grateful for the strength, ingenuity and ability of employees like these to revitalize and redirect our business and our spirits during this global pandemic and challenging economic landscape. I have been impressed by how our team has embraced change and delivered results in a mindful, positive manner that is indicative of the high standards and talents of our team.”