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We are deep into the process of selecting our 30 Under 40 winners for 2025. But every year when the list comes out, we hear the same complaint.
At the Heart of It All: Stories
What I’ve always loved most about this job is the privilege of telling stories — real stories, rich with nuance, full of grit and heart.
That’s a Wrap
It’s 30 Under 40! Congratulations to all the 2024 recipients — and if you entered this year and didn’t make the list, please try again next year. Each year we have more entries, and it gets harder to whittle it down to 30. Don’t see this as a rejection but more like being put on a waitlist. For those on the 2024 list, I encourage you to take full advantage of this honor by posting about it and sharing it with your customers, friends and the industry. Part of the reason we do this program is to help recruit a new generation of potential pros — and showing off this accolade is one way we can demonstrate how awesome it is to work in the pool industry!
Your First 2024 To-do Item
I probably talk about this every year in my January/February welcome, but I think it’s so important. So, once again, I’m going to ask you: Do you review your wins and losses from the previous year?
Our 30 Under 40
Congratulations to everyone who was named one of our 2023 30 Under 40! We had more nominations and entries this year than ever before.
Joshua Ogden
Many in the pool industry get their start thanks to a family business, but few are fourth-generation pool pros like Joshua Ogden.
Omar Plasencia
Omar Plasencia now works at AquaStar Pool Products, where he strongly aligns with the company’s values. “Family-owned, forward-thinking, innovative and fearless — that’s a team I wanted to be part of.”
Ivan Flores
For 11 years, Ivan Flores honed his expertise before starting his own venture — iPools, based out of Southern California.
Robert Naranjo
With resolve and the support of his family, Robert Naranjo started Skimmers Pool Service. After years of hard work, the company now offers service, repair and construction to the Fort Bend County, Texas, area. Naranjo says his best advice for running a successful business are simply to be honest, dependable, responsive and consistent.
Kyle Peter
Kyle Peter wants Nevergreen to set the bar for excellence and offer support for other area companies.
Laura Denbar
Laura Denbar’s career began when she and her husband founded Patriot Pool and Spa in 2006, a residential pool service and maintenance company in Austin, Texas.
Justin Gormley
Justin Gormley was drawn into the industry by Hal Denbar, the leader of National Pool Partners, who has a clear vision of raising the standards and reputation of the pool industry; Gormley was eager to be a part of this transformative experience.