After receiving more than 75 entries from industry professionals, Pleatco, a manufacturer of filter cartridges in Glen Cove, N.Y., has named the winners of its 2014 Perfect Pool Guy and Gal contest.
Mark Mulder of Ocean Blue Pool Supply & Services in Bradenton, Fla., won the Perfect Pool Guy title, while Tricia Manley of Dabco Pool Service & Repair in Naples, Fla., received this year’s Perfect Pool Gal award. David Wright of Passion4Spas in Hampshire, U.K., was the recipient of the Perfect Spa Guy title. Wright is Pleatco’s first international winner.
“Mark (Mulder) is a great choice, a true unsung hero, an inspiring industry leader and a dedicated family man,” said Pleatco’s CEO, Howard Smith.
Manley is a seasoned professional with more than 21 years’ experience in the industry. She is dedicated; her customers love her, and she never hesitates to take care of a job—even if it is after hours, said Anthony Debella who nominated Manley.
Wright, who is also known as ‘Hot Tub Dave’ is a true road warrior, servicing customers all over Europe and as far as Dubai.
“My passion for the industry grows more each day with new technology and innovation,” said Wright. “The thing that makes me most happy is when I see the pool or hot tub installed and the families enjoying them.”
All three winners received a trip for two to the International Pool, Spa, and Patio Expo (IPSPE) held in Orlando, Fla., this month as well as a $5,000 continuing education scholarship from Genesis 3 Design Group to attend the G3 Certified Pool Operator Program. The winners will also be featured in Pleatco’s nationwide followup advertising campaign.
“Over the seven years Pleatco has held this contest with co-sponsor Genesis 3, we’ve learned that being a professional pool or spa service technician is more than a job… it’s a passion. Many homeowners treat their service professional like family; it’s a special relationship,” said Pleatco’s CMO, Battista Remati.
Due to the number of entrants, Pleatco expanded the contest and created additional awards to recognize other worthy entrants, including David Ragland, Pristine Pools, Boomfield Hills, Mich. (Pleatco Big Heart Award); Gary Kaplan, Ike’s Carter Pool Companies, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA Broward chapter president) (Pleatco Industry Leader Award); Tom Sanger, LaPensee Plumbing & Pools, Holmes Beach, Fla. (Pleatco Future Leadership Award); and Gary Post, The Pool Store, Gloucester Point, Va. (Pleatco Lifetime Achievement Award).
For more information on the contest and winners, visit www.pleatco.com.
