Recognizing Excellence: Talking Pools Podcast’s 2025 Mentor of the Year Award Finalists
In an industry where mentorship cultivates growth and resilience, the Talking Pools Podcast’s Mentor of the Year Award stands as a beacon of recognition for those who tirelessly elevate others. Selected among nearly 70 industry-leading nominees, these ten finalists highlight the profound impact of mentorship within the pool and spa sector as we look towards 2025.
When host Rudy Stankowitz announced the Top 10 finalists, the selection process itself reflected the values it aims to honor. Emphasizing transparency and objectivity, the panel focused on mentorship impact, contribution to pool industry advancements, community involvement, and educational influence. Nominees were suggested by mentees, ensuring recognition was based on authentic and meaningful experiences rather than self-promotion.
The Power Behind the Process
In a move emphasizing impartiality, Rudy Stankowitz removed himself from the judging process, entrusting a diverse panel with the task of fair evaluation. By anonymizing all submissions and focusing solely on achievements, the panel produced an unbiased evaluation of contributions. This rigorous process ensures the finalists are celebrated for their profound influence on mentees, industry improvements, and their local pool communities.
The judging panel, consisting of Talking Pools Podcast hosts and sponsoring bodies, employed a custom scoring system to emphasize metrics over reputation. This discernment led to a finalist list that showcases the best the pool industry has to offer in mentorship—the unsung champions sustaining pool knowledge and professionalism amidst industry challenges.
Celebrating Behind-the-Scenes Champions
The inaugural Mentor of the Year Award will culminate in a unique, heartfelt surprise reveal. One finalist will be honored with a custom championship belt, delivered directly in an impromptu doorstep ceremony captured on camera for a special episode. This gesture aims to spotlight those who prefer working behind the scenes, nurturing future pool professionals without the need for a stage.
As the industry navigates technician shortages and generational shifts, the importance of seasoned mentors cannot be overstated. These mentors enable the exchange of knowledge and uphold the tradition of excellence within pool maintenance, repair, and service industries.
Industry Support for Mentorship
This award, powered by the generous support of industry leaders like Blueray XL and LaMotte, underlines the critical role of mentorship in fostering a thriving pool service sector. Blueray XL, the Title Sponsor, passionately supports the initiative, recognizing that mentoring builds resilient professionals who excel at poolside problem-solving and management.
Gold Sponsors LaMotte and Revdup Apparel also stress the necessity of guiding the next generation of pool experts. They believe in mentorship’s power to strengthen standards of safety, innovation, and integrity, confirming its place as a foundation of the industry’s future success.
Meet the Finalists
This year’s finalists each exemplify dedication to mentorship across various roles, from company leaders to service managers. The honorees include Laci Davis from The Grit Game, Maddy Vandiver from The Pool Butler, Que Hales from Pool Chlor, Ron DeLoux from Big Blue Pool Services, Shannon D. Wilson from HHHunt, Tim Bolden from The Pool Butler, Rich Gallo from PureSwim, John Poma from A+ Pool Service, Kevin Post from Counsilman-Hunsaker, and Greg Beard from Greg Beard’s Pool Service.
PoolRepair.fyi celebrates these mentors, acknowledging the hard work and guidance that keeps the industry moving forward. By pooling expertise through platforms like the Talking Pools Podcast, we continue enriching our shared knowledge base, propelling the pool industry towards a sustainable future.
Stay Tuned
The excitement peaks this November when one deserving mentor will receive their award during the surprise reveal. Industry enthusiasts looking to witness or report on this groundbreaking moment are encouraged to connect with the team for exclusive coverage opportunities. Stay up to date with the Talking Pools Podcast to experience firsthand the celebrations of these industry veterans who inspire the next generation.
With these efforts, we honor the dedication of mentors who share their wisdom, ensuring the torch of pool service excellence burns bright for years to come.
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