‘Talking Pools Podcast’ Opens Nominations for 2026 Mentor of the Year Award
The Talking Pools Podcast has opened nominations for its second annual Mentor of the Year Award, recognizing people who support and develop the next generation of pool industry professionals.
The award, created by Rudy Stankowitz, founder of Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants and host of the Talking Pools Podcast network, honors mentors across all sectors of the pool industry, including service, construction, retail, manufacturing and education.
“The pool industry has always been built on apprenticeship,” Stankowitz says. “Most of us can point to someone who took the time not just to answer our questions, but to give us the tools to develop real industry acumen.”
Nominees are evaluated based on real-world impact, including hands-on training, troubleshooting support and professional development.
The inaugural 2025 award recognized Rich Gallo of Pure Swim (pictured in photos below).
Nominations for 2026 are open through May 15. A group of finalists will be selected before the winner is announced later this year.
More information and nomination submissions are available at cpoclass.com/pool-news/mentor-award.
