Celebrating Mentorship in the Pool and Spa Industry
The Talking Pools Podcast recently unveiled its Top 10 finalists for the first-ever Mentor of the Year Award. This accolade honors the behind-the-scenes champions of the swimming pool and spa industry—those who quietly dedicate themselves to nurturing new talent and maintaining excellence through mentorship. Amidst challenges like technician shortages and industry turnover, these mentors embody the spirit of growth and knowledge-sharing.
Drawn from nearly 70 nominations, the finalists were recognized for their passion and dedication. As the pool industry continues to evolve, the role of mentors becomes pivotal, bridging the gap between generations and ensuring that expertise and passion remain central. The diverse backgrounds of these mentors highlight their indispensable contribution to sustaining professionalism within the industry.
Unorthodox Recognition for Unsung Heroes
A unique reveal will take place in November 2025, where the Talking Pools Podcast will conduct a surprise presentation for one extraordinary finalist. This will be a candid moment, absent of formal settings, where host Rudy Stankowitz will personally deliver a custom championship belt to a deserving winner, symbolizing their invaluable influence. The presentation will be broadcasted in a special podcast episode, sharing this moment of recognition with audiences worldwide.
Stankowitz emphasized the award’s purpose: “This isn’t just a trophy—it’s a tribute to those who quietly transform lives every day. These mentors are the backbone of our industry, driving success through dedication.” Each finalist will also receive a commemorative shirt, celebrating their commitment to enhancing professional growth within the pool community.
The Finalists: A Testament to Excellence
The finalists of the Mentor of the Year Award span various roles and regions, showcasing the vast talent pool within the industry. Included among them are Laci Davis from Hudson, FL; Maddy Vandiver of Atlanta, GA; and Que Hales from Tucson, AZ. Each finalist stands as a beacon of mentorship, embodying professional development and community building at its finest.
This year’s finalists illustrate the diverse expertise shaping pool service and maintenance. Their collective efforts indicate the importance of mentorship in fostering a thriving pool ecosystem, a commitment highlighted by support from industry influencers.
Industry Giants Supporting Mentorship
The inaugural award is supported by key industry players who recognize the vital role of mentorship. Blueray XL, the Title Sponsor, enthusiastically backed the concept for its alignment with their ethos of empowering pool professionals through persistent support and development. CEO Chris Galvin reflected on mentorship as a cornerstone of industry growth and sustainability.
Gold Sponsors like LaMotte Company and Revdup Apparel stress the importance of mentoring the next generation of pool technicians. LaMotte’s Michael P. Smith remarked on mentorship’s role in upholding high industry standards and innovation, while Revdup emphasized the broader community impact mentorship creates.
Invitation to Industry Media
Journalists and media representatives are invited to witness the live award reveal slated for November 2025. The event seeks to capture this authentic moment, sharing it with the world through exclusive video content on prominent social media channels. For press arrangements, contact Rudy Stankowitz via the Talking Pools Podcast.
This initiative by the Talking Pools Podcast—widely renowned for their educational content—seeks not only to honor, but to inspire further excellence in the pool industry. By celebrating those who mentor, the Podcast continues to elevate the discourse within the swimming pool community.
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