Sarah Hoopes, 38
Co-owner and general operations officer
Phoenix, Arizona
Sarah Hoopes first entered the aquatics world as general manager of an Aqua-Tots Swim School, where she met Damien Ludwig, owner of Foothills Pool Care & Repair. Their professional relationship grew into a mentorship, and by 2019, Hoopes joined Foothills as a receptionist. In a few years, she rose through the ranks to office manager, general manager and now general operations officer and part owner.
For Hoopes, every day brings new learning opportunities. “Every pool is different despite having all the same components,” she explains. While she doesn’t spend much time in the field, she enjoys diving into troubleshooting, then translating that knowledge into staff training and customer education. At Foothills, the priority is always the correct fix over the cheapest fix, and Hoopes has mastered the art of explaining technical solutions in terms customers can understand.
Industry events provide Hoopes with a true measure of impact. “Some of my proudest moments are when I go to networking events, trade shows and industry events and people have heard my name and have good things to say about me even before I have met them personally,” she says. That acknowledgment reflects the effort she has poured into gaining knowledge and building her reputation.
Hoopes has also overcome significant personal challenges. As a teenager, she suffered a severe all-terrain vehicle accident that required multiple reconstructive surgeries on her ankle. Doctors told her she would never run again, but she was determined to prove them wrong. After years of rehabilitation, she not only walked without a limp but went on to complete more than 100 races, including two half-marathons. That resilience continues to shape her professional drive today.
Hoopes wants to elevate the pool industry through education. “The more you know, the better you are,” she says. She hopes to share her experiences with other professionals and to help homeowners see the true breadth of the industry. “Pool professionals are not just that — they are also plumbers, electricians, chemists and landscapers,” she explains. Advocating for that recognition is central to the mark she hopes to leave.
At the end of a busy day, Hoopes enjoys unwinding with a good book. On weekends, she can often be found camping, hiking, swimming, running or exploring antique shops around small Arizona towns.
