Tom Gill, 38
Director of business development (East)
Missoula, Montana
When Tom Gill walked onto the shop floor at Aqua Creek in 2011, he had no idea it would mark the beginning of a long career in the pool industry. His first tasks were building small components for ADA-compliant pool lifts, but it didn’t take long for his talents to be noticed. By 2012, he was promoted to warranty and customer service manager, where, under the mentorship of vice president of sales and marketing Bruce Giffin, he helped transform the department into a reliable, customer-focused team.
In 2016, Gill accepted a new challenge: managing sales for the U.S. Mid-East territory. “Growing that territory was hard and a lot of work — it was like making bricks without straw,” he says. “But it’s all about the relationships and the trust you’ve gained, and the best ability is availability.” The persistence paid off, establishing him as a trusted partner to customers in the region.
Earlier this year, Gill became director of business development (East), where he is focusing on cultivating both Aqua Creek’s team and its customer base. He credits much of his success to colleagues who mentored him along the way. “I would not be where I am now without the men and women who have taken me under their wing,” he says, citing Giffin, Cathy Erdmann and Randy Blevins as instrumental in his professional growth.
Gill takes pride in the company’s broader mission. Aqua Creek manufactures accessibility solutions not just for commercial pools but also for residential markets, with the goal of helping people of all abilities get in and out of the water. “I’m extremely lucky to help people with disabilities and ailments,” Gill says. “I can’t see a reason why I would want to miss out on that blessing.”
Gill hopes to see Aqua Creek expand into additional product lines while also pushing the pool industry to further embrace accessibility. “The handicap community is the largest minority group in the U.S. and is often overlooked,” he says. “This is one sector that we have the opportunity to grow in.”
Outside of the office, Gill finds joy in music. A self-taught musician, he plays guitar, drums and piano.
