And the winners are … Michael Baker of Ambience Pool Service and Kristen Melo of Preserve Pools
The 2021 winners of Pleatco’s annual Perfect Pool Guy and Gal search have been announced to be Michael Baker, of Ambiance Pool Service & Supplies, in Tuscon, Arizona, and Kristen Melo, of Preserve Pools, in Summerville, Tennessee.
Baker, a runner-up in last year’s Perfect Pool Guy search, put a great deal of effort into making sure his nomination wound up at the top of the rankings.
“A little more than 15 years ago I was cleaning more than 100 pools a week,” Baker said. “I knew it was time to make a change, so I hired my first full time pool technician. Since that day, it’s been a heck of a ride.
Learning new facets of the industry, trying to better my team, and be the best boss I can be to my employees. I still learn something new every day. The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy 2021 Award is truly an honor.”
This year’s Perfect Pool Gal, Kristen Melo, said she was overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the Pleatco Award.
“I never would have thought I could be selected for something so honorable,” Melo said. “I am so humbled and shocked to have my work recognized in this way by so many in the pool industry! Many hours went into building my business and learning as much as I have, and it means so much to me that the work that I am so
The 2021 Winners! Pleatco’s Perfect Pool Guy and Gal — Michael Baker, of Ambiance Pool Service & Supplies, in Tuscon, Arizona, and Kristen Melo, of Preserve Pools, in Summerville, Tennessee. Photo credit: Pleatco Filtration Inc. passionate about resonates with others.”
Both Baker and Melo thanked their co-workers, family, as well as Pleatco and its co-sponsors.
With more than 100 contestants, Pleatco once again expanded the contest and created additional awards. Seth Soltow, Pleatco President, said that during their final interviews, they were so impressed by the caliber and diversity of the many individuals that they felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants.
In that spirit, special awards were given to: Pleatco Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 – Helmut Heckersbruch – Seychelles Pool& Spa, CA.
Pleatco Young Achiever Award 2021 – Dana Herens – Nautix Lifeguards and Maintenance, GA.
Pleatco Customer Service Award 2021 – Luis Cervantes – Goodall Pools & Spas, PA.
Pleatco Rising Star Award 2021 Devin Miller – Poolwerx, AZ.
Battista Remati, Pleatco Chief Marketing Officer, said they thank all those who entered, nominated, and voted in Pleatco’s 14th Annual Perfect Pool Guy and Gal Contest.
“We have been truly overwhelmed by the sheer quality of the nominations and the thousands of votes cast,” Remati said. “The entries were compelling and heartfelt across the board.”
The official awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 17, at 1 p.m. in the Pleatco Booth: 2721 The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo 2021 – Dallas, Texas.
