Walker Draeger, 25
Lead staff designer
Dickinson, Texas
Walker Draeger started in the industry with his own company, D’s Pool Cleaning, before joining Avree Custom Pools in 2019 as an assistant project manager. Within a year, he was promoted to project manager, and by the end of 2020 he had moved into pool design — where he brings backyards to life.
For Draeger, the best part of the job is the people. He loves collaborating with his co-workers and working closely with families. “Every backyard is a new challenge with a new family that I get to play a role in helping their backyard dreams become a reality,” Draeger says.
In 2024, Draeger’s creativity was recognized with two design awards at the Southwest Pool & Spa Show. But success hasn’t come without challenges. At just 25, Draeger admits his age has often led to doubt from clients. “It’s a massive hurdle in every backyard I walk into, but honestly, that’s my favorite part,” he says. “I get to prove my knowledge and passion every time.”
Inspired by Avree owners Sam Pizzo (his brother-in-law) and Bill Zupon (a mentor he considers family), he hopes to one day lead his own team. “When I started designing with Avree, we were building about 30 pools a year,” Draeger says. “After my first year selling, that number jumped to 100 — and it’s only grown since. I want to be leading the charge from the front and taking the next generation under my wing to train and teach them just like Sam and Bill did with me.”
Draeger is also passionate about changing the mindset around pool construction. “We don’t just install pretty pools,” he says. “We design people’s dream backyards and change the way families live their lives. From birthday parties to lasting memories, we are accomplishing a once-in-a-lifetime dream for these clients and need to wake up with that mentality every day.”
Draeger is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing, especially when he gets to share those activities with his 5-year-old son.
