Pleatco announced the winners of the 2021 Perfect PoolGuy/Gal search. The winners will be honored in an awards ceremony held at the Pleatco booth (No. 2721) at 1:00 p.m. on November 17 during the International Pool | Spa | Patio expo in Dallas.
Pleatco Perfect PoolGal 2021
Kristen Melo
Preserve Pools
Summerville, South Carolina
“Many hours went into building my business and learning as much as I have over the years, and it means so much to me that the work that I am so passionate about also resonates with others.
“I didn’t get to the point I have without help. I would like to thank my parents most of all for their nonstop support because without them I could not have given the dedication and long hours needed for our company and the industry to become the professional that I am, especially as quickly as I have. Thank you so much to Erik Knight with Orenda for answering the phone every time I call with all of my crazy chemistry anomaly moments and patiently finding our way through every possible scenario until we get to the bottom of the issue… no matter how long it takes. I’ve learned more from our phone calls than I ever could from a book or the internet.
“I would also like to thank my children for their love and support throughout this journey. Last, but not least, thank you to all of my loyal customers whom I absolutely would not be here without. I hope that this recognition of my work can serve as an inspiration to others in the field.”
Pleatco Perfect PoolGuy 2021
Michael Baker
Ambiance Pool Service & Supplies
Tucson, Arizona
“A little more than 15 years ago I was cleaning more than 100 pools a week. I knew it was time to make a change, so I hired my first full time pool technician. Since that day, it’s been a heck of a ride. Learning new facets of the industry, trying to better my team, and be the best boss I can be to my employees. I still learn something new every day. The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy 2021 Award is truly an honor. The award reflects all the hard work put out by the entire Ambiance Team. I would not be in this position without them and the support of my family.”
Pleatco Lifetime Achievement Award 2021
Helmut Heckersbruch
Seychelles Pool & Spa
Lachine, Quebec, Canada
“Sometimes being a pool guy is hard work and sometimes it is easy, it deep ends. It’s a waterful life. Weir always told ‘you mermaid to succeed.’ I was trying to make a big splash in the pool business and I was shocked to win the Pleatco Lifetime Achievement Award 2021. Coping with this win has been such a high dive and I’m very grateful to always have a ladder in the deep end. Years of being married to chlorine, feeling so bleached, always having a splashing good time! I skim this award with great pride and joy.”
Pleatco Young Achiever Award 2021
Dana Herens
Nautix Lifeguards and Maintenance
Marietta, Georgia
“It is truly an honor to be chosen for this award from such a large pool of hardworking applicants in this industry. Thank you to my boss and mentor, Chad Freeman, for nominating me, teaching me and always believing in me. Lastly, thank you to the rest of my Nautix family, my real family and all my friends for supporting me and listening to all my wild pool stories!”
Pleatco Customer Service Award 2021
Luis Cervantes
Goodall Pools & Spas
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
“It’s a privilege and and honor to be chosen for the Pleatco Customer Service Award 2021. I would like to thank my family who put up with my crazy hours through out the busy season, my Goodall Pools family for giving me the support and tools to succeed and my customers for their support. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious award.”
Pleatco Rising Star Award 2021
Devin Miller
Poolwerx
Union Hills – Phoenix AZ
“I would like to first thank Poolwerx, they have always been like family. I would like to Thank Bobbi and Mark Howard for nominating me. I would like to thank my girlfriend Kelly for always supporting me and encouraging me to be the best version of myself everyday. This is an honor and I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.“
Finalists
- Emanuel Gonzalez – Heritage Pools – North Charleston SC
- Rob Haden – Indigo Pool Patio & BBQ – Venice, Florida
- Amanda Welch – Sunshine Pools and Billiards – Wills Point, Texas
- Mike Rison – Superior Pool & Spa Service – Miamisburg, Ohio
- Evan Hasbrouck – Hasbrouck Pool & Spa – Norristown, Pennsylvania
- Peter Cook – Lang Pool and Spa – Westport, Connecticut
- Sean Thornton – Century Pool Service – Hypoluxo, Florida
- Peter Murray – Swimmin with the Fishes – Niagara Falls, New York
- John Rigby – Rigby’s Pool Services – Camden, Delaware
- Kristine Blanchard – Paquette Pools and Spas – Hooksett, New Hampshire
