Erin Ross, president of WaveMaker Pool Spa Showroom, a residential and commercial swimming pool and hot tub dealer with locations in Orillia and Huntsville, Ont., was a finalist in the 2014 Orillia Business Women’s Association’s (OBWA’s) Nelle Carter ‘Woman of the Year’ award.
Since 1987, the award has been presented to someone respected for her outstanding work in her community, in the workplace, at home, or all three.
“Often you don’t know what someone thinks about the work you are doing,” Ross told Pool & Spa Marketing. “I was flattered to be nominated and to read the nomination form for the OBWA. It is rewarding to know that everything I do, the work I put in, the time I spend here is being recognized.”
After graduating college with a degree in law and security, Ross started her career in the aquatics industry in 1994, working in the family’s small retail store, which at the time was known as Pool Spa Patio Showroom. In 1997, the business grew and moved to a new location. A few years later, after another expansion, Ross became president of the company. Finally, in 2004, the business moved to its current location and changed its name.
“It was never my childhood dream to go into the pool and spa industry; however, this is now my 20th year,” added Ross. “If you ask me now what I would be doing for a career, in some capacity I’d be involved in the pool and spa industry—it’s now a passion.
“It wasn’t easy to be 20 and female when I started. I was in a male-dominated industry. Many of those men who intimidated me and scared me at first are now friends and colleagues who I admire a great deal. They, along with my dad taught me everything I know about this business.”
Her success was not met without challenges, however. In 2009, Ross overcame a life-altering event to return to the business and manage it through the economic downturn and to the success the company enjoys today. The business prides itself on high quality customer service and dedication to looking after the future of its 25 long-term employees.
“I am overwhelmed by the level of success our company now has, all while raising my family and fighting a life-threatening illness,” said Ross. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s all been worth it.”
