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Pleatco Crowns the 2021 Perfect Pool Guy & Pool Gal

10/26/2021
Michael Baker and Kristen Melo are the final winners of this year's Nationwide Search.
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LOUISVILLE, K.Y. - October 25, 2021: Pleatco, LLC, a leader in pool and spa filtration products, with longtime co-sponsors GENESIS / Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and media partner AQUA magazine, proudly announced the winners of the 2021 Perfect Pool Guy and Gal Search! The annual Pleatco PoolGuy/Gal Search is an innovative way to honor the hardworking men and women of the pool and spa service industry. With more than 100 contestants, the 2021 entrants were as impressive as ever.

This year, Kristen Melo of Preserve Pools, Summerville, SC, won the prestigious title. In response to winning the award, Kristen stated, "I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the Pleatco Perfect Pool Gal 2021 Award. I never would have thought I could be selected for something so honorable. I am so humbled and shocked to have my work recognized in this way by so many in the pool industry! Many hours went into building my business and learning as much as I have, and it means so much to me that the work that I am so passionate about also resonates with others." Kristen continued by saying "I didn't get to the point I have without help. I would like to thank, Erik Knight with Orenda, my parents for their non-stop support, my children for their love and last, but not least, all of my loyal customers whom I absolutely would not be here without. I hope that this recognition of my work can serve as an inspiration to others in the field."

Michael Baker, Preserve Pools LLC Tucson, Arizona, had been a runner up last year and put a great deal of effort into making sure his nomination wound up at the top of the rankings. Michael remarked, "A little more than 15 years ago I was cleaning more than 100 pools a week. I knew it was time to make a change, so I hired my first full time pool technician. Since that day, it's been a heck of a ride. Learning new facets of the industry, trying to better my team, and be the best boss I can be to my employees. I still learn something new every day. The Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy 2021 Award is truly an honor. The award reflects all the hard work put out by the entire Ambiance Team. I would not be in this position without them and the support of my family. I'd like to give a special thanks to Pleatco, Pentair, GENESIS / PHTA and Aqua Magazine for honoring all the hard-working Poolguys and Poolgals throughout the country."

With so many worthy entrants, Pleatco once again expanded the contest and created additional awards. "During our final interviews, we were impressed by the caliber and diversity of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants," says Seth Soltow, President, Pleatco. "In that spirit, we selected contestants for Special Awards based on their contribution to their community and the pool and spa industry."

  • Pleatco Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 - Helmut Heckersbruch - Seychelles Pool& Spa, Ca.
  • Pleatco Young Achiever Award 2021 - Dana Herens: Nautix Lifeguards and Maintenance, GA
  • Pleatco Customer Service Award 2021 - Luis Cervantes - Goodall Pools & Spas, PA
  • Pleatco Rising Star Award 2021 - Devin Miller - Poolwerx, Az

"The service industry is extremely important when it comes to helping owners fully enjoy and appreciate their pools," adds GENESIS Ambassador and co-founder Brian Van Bower. "We are proud to help honor our hard-working service professionals through the Pleatco contest!" This year s major winners will each be awarded a GENESIS course - C201: CONCRETE POOLS or C260: VINYL LINER/FIBERGLASS POOLS.

"On behalf of Pleatco, GENESIS , and Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and AQUA, we d like to thank everyone who entered, nominated, and voted in our 14th annual Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy Contest " remarked Battista Remati, Chief Marketing Officer, Pleatco. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the sheer quality of the nominations and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were compelling and heartfelt across the board."

Pleatco, based in Louisville, K.Y. has over 400+ employees across 5 manufacturing facilities nationwide, and has served the pool & spa community for the past 50 years leading the industry in filtration products through science, innovation and a mantra of constant improvement. For more information, visits us on the Web at www.pleatco.com.
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