The Pool Repair Oscars: Honoring Industry Mentors
At what could be called the Oscars of the pool industry, “Flock It Friday” celebrated pool repair mentorship with a candid spotlight on the pros who guide others through the turbulent waters of pool maintenance and repair. Host Rudy Stankowitz rolled out a summer-and-fall series featuring “Mentor Moments,” culminating in the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Swimming Pool Industry Mentor of the Year. These stories highlight the mentors behind the names and reveal insights and achievements waiting in the wings for a deserving pool professional.
How the Recognition Process Works
Rudy Stankowitz takes the process of selecting the top mentor very seriously. Mentees, not mentors themselves, could submit nominations, which were then anonymized and analyzed on factors such as mentorship impact, mentee achievements, community involvement, and contributions to pool safety education. A panel of experts from the Talking Pools team evaluated these blind profiles, making decisions only after reconnecting names with scores. As Rudy insists, “Recognition should be earned, not handed out.” The final winner will soon experience the thrill of a surprise doorstep award presentation.
Mentor Moments: Insights and Inspiration
Greg Beard — Merging Safety with Wisdom
Greg Beard, affectionately known as “Beard Man,” isn’t just about technical know-how; he’s committed to safety and fair practices. Beard’s segment demonstrated the importance of charging fairly for complex jobs and shared harrowing stories that emphasize the need for vigilance in pool safety. With a focus on bonding and electrical safety, Beard reminds us of the real dangers involved, such as potential electrocution, and highlights his contribution to the industry: guiding young technicians safely through intricate electrical tasks over the phone.
Laci Davis — Leading with Purpose
With the vitality of a “lightning-in-a-spreadsheet,” Laci Davis emphasizes respect and purpose in leadership and marketing within the pool industry. Emphasizing the importance of meaningful and impactful communication, she advises against holiday post bombardment, urging professionals to share content that truly benefits the community. Her journey from intern to operator exemplifies that respect and purpose form the most robust foundation for a brand’s strategy.
Q. Hales — The Scientist Innovating Maintenance
Q. Hales of OnBalance uses scientific insights to enhance pool maintenance strategies. His groundbreaking research on plaster color and water chemistry arms professionals with the knowledge to make informed chemical choices. Hales stresses the importance of proper chemical application, urging pool technologists not to allow chemicals to stagnate. Instead, he advocates for smart dosing and thorough mixing, promoting effective and safe pool care.
Shannon Wilson — Nurturing Knowledge with Patience
With a calm, methodical approach to mentoring, Shannon Wilson emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind procedures, ensuring long-term learning and safety. His experiences in facility management stress the significance of contextual communication, illustrating how one’s choice of words can drastically influence perceptions and expectations within a community, especially when discussing chemical treatments.
Maddie Van Diver — Cultivating Calm through Consistency
Maddie Van Diver instills patience and a methodical approach in her trainees, focusing on observation and hands-on experience, culminating in independence with feedback. Her enduring impact is measured by her trainees’ adherence to tested pH management methods she instilled, which exemplify her commitment to detailed, effective pool maintenance techniques.
John Poma — Bridging Building and Service
Having entered the industry when information was scarce, John Poma has become a fountain of wisdom for others. His story of navigating equipment failures and emphasizing data-driven maintenance encourages both collaboration and innovation. By fostering partnerships between builders and service providers, Poma highlights the value of shared knowledge and the strength of community.
Rich Gallo — A Purpose-Driven Empire
Rich Gallo’s journey from aspiring technician to business mogul is grounded in purpose and perseverance. Building a company from the depths of financial struggle, Gallo focuses on meaningful employment and fair compensation. His leadership emphasizes learning from mistakes, like the infamous basement flood incident, embracing growth through challenges.
Ron DeLue — Access and Opportunities for All
Ron DeLue’s narrative reads as a guide to possibility and transformation, featuring stories that showcase the inclusive and supportive nature of the pool industry. With experiences ranging from helping diverse individuals start thriving businesses to advocating for collaboration over competition, DeLue exemplifies how mentoring can change lives and create a more equitable trade.
Tim Bolden — Crafting Career Paths
Tim Bolden’s leadership transformed taking over a business during uncertain times into a flourishing career network. His philosophy, “Hire to retire,” envisions a progression from basic maintenance to sophisticated design, underpinned by benefits and a belief in team potential. This approach has proven critical for turning temporary positions into lifelong professions.
Kevin Post — Strategic Leadership for Future-Proofing
Kevin Post advocates for proactive involvement and leadership within the pool industry. As CEO of Councilman-Hunsaker, Post foresees a sustainable future for pool health codes and facility management. His leadership encourages participation in shaping important industry standards, demonstrating that collaboration and shared knowledge empower wide-scale improvements.
Beyond the Belt: A Mentorship Legacy
With labor scarcity and rising costs, this era sees a new generation in the pool industry seeking mentorship to unlock their potential. What the championship belt symbolizes goes beyond accolades—it’s a celebration of those who have made a real impact by sharing knowledge and support when it mattered most. Beyond the hardware, each nominee has earned the enduring gratitude of mentees whose careers have been transformed.
The Path Forward
When the belt is awarded, it will mark the culmination of a season spent highlighting the vital role of mentors. Rudy Stankowitz, who closes each podcast with encouragement for safety and professionalism, reminds us that true leadership in pools lies in elevating others. Backyard by backyard, the mentor legacy continues to inspire future leaders who will carry the industry forward.
Beard, Davis, Hales, Wilson, Van Diver, Poma, Gallo, DeLue, Bolden, and Post show us that lifting colleagues is the simplest and most profound path to leave a mark in the world of pool repair and maintenance.
Rudy Stankowitz reminds listeners of the Talking Pools Podcast, “Until next time—be good, be safe.”
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