Sarah Garrahan joined Blithe Sales, an independent manufacturer rep group, soon after getting her bachelor’s degree from Towson University, double majoring in marketing and e-business. She wanted to work for a company that had a diversity of brands, and came on board with Blithe to help modernize the company’s marketing.
This year, Blithe Sales launched its business development series, which serves to educate the industry on various topics from works of the trade to business, including classes in vinyl liner/safety cover best practices, water chemistry, building customer loyalty, using LinkedIn, organizational excellence and more. “It’s something we are excited to continue next year with more topics,” Garrahan says.
Garrahan has also thrown herself into serving the industry outside of Blithe. She is president of the Penn-Jersey Pool and Spa Association and chairwoman of its new Women In the Industry program. “We’ve had very successful turnouts from networking luncheons, chemistry classes for women and WITI Wednesdays,” Garrahan says. WITI Wednesdays are a virtual meeting with a guest speaker, and participants have grown well outside of the chapter, she adds.
Garrahan says she feels lucky to be part of the pool industry, especially as it is experiencing so much growth and innovation. “The world is beginning to notice the pool and spa industry more than ever,” she says.
Sarah Garrahan’s Mentor
Clint Blithe
Owner and manager, Blithe Sales Co.
“Clint Blithe has not only empowered me throughout my career, but he has also supported me in all ways,” Garrahan says. “He’s my sounding board and someone I go to for advice. He’s given me an incredible opportunity to work closely with him in running the company, and has taught me so much about sales, business, people and life in general…oh, and rock and roll! Clint is much more than my employer; he’s like a second father to me. He and his wife are Uncle Clint and Aunt Joyce to my 2-year-old. I truly can’t picture where or what my career would be without him. He brought me into this industry, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
