Pleatco crowned the winners of their Perfect Pool Techs this November at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo.
The annual Pleatco contest is an innovative way to honor the hardworking men and women of the pool and spa service industry.
This year, Amy Lemieux of Pelican Pools Service and Repair in Port Charlotte, Florida, won the prestigious title.
Those who know Lemieux say that she’s a real go-getter who possesses the traits that make her a fantastic pool service tech. She’s is a perpetual student in industry education and seizes every opportunity to increase her knowledge to serve her clientele best with just the right amount of an old-school approach to customer service.
Winning the award, Lemieux said, “I am so filled with joy and excitement at winning such an honor among my peers! Winning the Pleatco Perfect Pool Tech 2022, I do not take lightly, I will uphold the ‘Perfect’ every day of my life. I try so hard to show my love for the pool industry educating and connecting to customers and learning from my peers. This is like winning the Super Bowl!“ Fred Goss of Heritage Pools in North Charleston was nominated by his employer, who couldn’t say enough good things about him. Among the high points, Heritage Pools said that Goss is a model employee who demonstrates focused energy and resolve to meet customer’s needs. Goss will step into any operational department and offer senior-level support, insight and training for all staff — novice or experienced. Within his workplace, Goss is known as the “Manual King” for all of the hours he spends studying manuals to ensure he knows exactly how to service equipment.
Winning the award, Goss said, “I am completely honored to receive this recognition for my hard work in an industry that is more than my job but my passion! In my pursuit for continued education and knowledge in the pool field, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people, and to have the opportunity to represent this community is something I will forever be proud of and grateful for.”
Once again this year, Pleatco expanded the contest and created additional awards.
“During our final interviews, we were impressed by the caliber and diversity of a few individuals and felt it was proper to recognize their outstanding achievements,” said Seth Soltow, General Manager, Pleatco. “In that spirit, we selected contestants for Special Awards based on their contribution to their community and the pool and spa industry.”
Kristine Blanchard of Hooksett, NH, received the Pleatco Future Leadership Award 2022. At only 28 years old, Blanchard has been in the swimming pool industry for 23 of those. She was commissioned by the “For Dummies” company to be the author of their Pool Care for Dummies book coming out in May, 2023.
Jason Scaramuzzi, of The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island in Coventry, RI, received the 2022 Industry Achievement Award. Starting as a high school stockboy in 1994, he has learned every aspect of pool service, progressing to liner replacement and major renovations where he now works as head foreman. His employers say, “There isn’t a spa that he can’t fix, a leaking underground line that can’t be easily found and repaired, an intricate opening or closing done, or a complicated safety cover install he can’t handle with ease.”
Soltow said that Pleatco thanks everyone who entered, nominated, and voted in their 14th annual Pleatco Perfect Pool Tech Contest.
“The entries were compelling and heartfelt across the board,” he said.
