GLEN COVE, N.Y. – October 30, 2009
Pleatco, LLC, the leading US manufacturer of Premium Pool & Spa Filter Cartridges, founded the nation’s Perfect Pool Guy contest last year. After having over 200 entries in 2008 and with such a deep talent pool to choose from, it was no surprise when over 300 industry professionals from 37 different states entered this year’s contest.
The Pool Guy and Gal’s relationship with the homeowner goes far beyond that of business. The trust built up over years of taking care of someone’s pool and ensuring that a family can enjoy the benefits of their substantial investment creates a special bond. This bond enables the homeowner and their family to enjoy their pool knowing without worry that their health and well being are being looked after by someone they trust.
The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy contest is an innovative way to honor the hard-working men and women of the pool service industry. The contest brings to light hundreds of creative and inspiring entries from across the country. The depth of talent is so substantial that Pleatco gives awards for Life Time Achievement, Community Service (Big Heart), and Leadership. During 2009, Pleatco chose six individuals for recognition. This year’s Perfect Pool Gal and Guy are Pamela Del Secco of Diamond Pool Service located in San Carlos, CA and Gene Catrini from Lasting Impressions Pool and Spa located in Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Other winners included Jonathan Sexton, Big Heart Award, from JS Analysis located in Rock Hill, SC, Sam Ionna, Life Time Achievement, from SI Pool care in Erlanger, KY, Bill Watson, Industry Leadership, from Presidential Pools located in Gilbert , AZ, and Joshua McPherson, Most Creative Entry, from Master Aquatic Cleaners located in Virginia Beach, VA.
"From all of us here at Pleatco, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated and voted in the 'Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest,' " said Howard Smith, Pleatco's Chief Executive Officer.”We have been truly overwhelmed by the quality of the hundreds of nominated entrants and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were extremely powerful and heartfelt from across the nation."
“What we learned from this contest is that there is far more to being a Perfect PoolGuy or PoolGal than just being able to replace a filter or repair a pump," said Pleatco Chief Operating Officer John Antretter. "A pool or spa is an integral part of a person's lifestyle – a way to relax and escape in their own environment – and owners come to appreciate a reliable and knowledgeable service technician whom they can trust. The homeowner is allowing them into their oasis and their personal lives, often on a weekly basis, so the relationship is much deeper and goes well beyond that of the mailman, local handyman or even the family doctor in most cases. Essentially, the Perfect PoolGuy and Gal are the unsung heroes of the neighborhood."
Both top winners receive a trip for two to Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort for the International
Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in November, where they will receive their awards and be the guests of honor at the Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy/Gal Dinner. In addition, they each receive $1,000 in Pleatco Premium Filter Cartridges with REEMAY Microban anti-microbial protection. They will also star in Pleatco's nationwide follow-up ad campaign; Pleatco is also flying the other winners to Las Vegas for the show and awards dinner.
Catrini who manages over 200 pools feels that winning this award has confirmed that “he is doing in life what he should be doing.” “When I started in the business, I had a job, then I had a business, and now I have a passion.”
Del Secco explains, “I love this industry and wish I would have known about it earlier in my life. I take great pride in my work and go above and beyond in all I do. I would like to see more women in this industry, and I hope that seeing my story would help encourage other women to get into the business.”
Runner Up Finalists also named: Paul Labella of Pleasanton, CA, Matthew Meredith of Burlington, KY, Les Greenfield of Gilbert, AZ, Matt Walraven of Bay City, MI, Mari Lange of Bradenton, FL, MJ Pritchett of Lafayette, IN, Zac Ackerman of Sandown, MA, Jennifer Angevine of Glen Cove, NY, Elle Boomfield of Mundelein, IL, Larry Sniezek of West Pittsburg, PA, Rico Soria of Elizabeth City, NC, and Todd Gealy of Huntington, CA.
With this year's contest such an overwhelming success, Pleatco also announced that it will begin taking entries for the 2010 contest early next year. Contestants can either enter themselves or be nominated. Entries are to include a photograph, a 50-word testimonial or a two-minute "imaginative" video showing why they are worth of the crown.
Both Del Secco and Catrini said they look forward to representing Pleatco. While Del Secco and Catrini agreed that working outside was one of the best aspects of their job, satisfying their customers is still the top priority.