Mara Gillott, 38
Project manager
Castaic, California
When Mara Gillott joined National Pool Partners in 2023, she brought more than 20 years of experience in the real estate sector and a fresh perspective on operational excellence. Initially hired as a consultant, she focused on improving efficiency, streamlining processes and shaping procedures to support a rapidly growing company. By 2024, Gillott joined full-time as project manager, where she now oversees everything from software administration and procurement to pricing, inventory systems and — most importantly — company-wide process standardization.
What she loves most about her job is the innovation. “National Pool Partners is constantly looking to improve and make things better,” Gillott says. “I enjoy that there’s always something new and different for us to work on, and new ways to run a scalable, efficient company.”
Her proudest moments often come after a new system or process is introduced. Change, Gillott admits, can be met with hesitation, but when those same teammates later say, “This has really helped us,” it reaffirms the care and effort she puts into her work.
Transitioning into the pool industry after two decades in real estate wasn’t without challenges. Gillott faced a steep learning curve to understand the unique dynamics of the industry. She turned that challenge into an opportunity by making it the focus of her bachelor’s degree capstone project. “It really opened my eyes and helped turn me into a better project manager for our team,” Gillott says.
Looking ahead, Gillott’s goal is to step into a leadership role where she can build a team dedicated to creating new and exciting opportunities within the industry. She’s especially focused on addressing the “soft costs” often overlooked in pool operations — things like paperwork, follow-ups and reactive office processes that drain time and value. By identifying and reshaping those burdens, Gillott hopes to leave her mark as someone who elevated efficiency and made day-to-day work easier for teams across the company.
Outside of the office, Gillott embraces balance — enjoying quiet hobbies like gardening, baking and reading, while also immersing herself in the fast-paced world of auto racing. Whether it’s IndyCar, IMSA, NHRA or F1, she’s often found at the track or glued to the action. A passionate foodie and nature lover, she’s always looking for the next great restaurant or outdoor adventure.
