AQUA Year in Review: Staff Picks

As 2022 comes to a close, the AQUA team takes a look back at their favorite stories from the year. 

Scott Webb

 February 2022, Waves 

I wrote this in my head while walking along the shore of Lake Mendota in the midst of a snowstorm. I ducked into a coffeeshop and asked for a pen and wrote it on a napkin, then used it as the opener for my February column. It captures what I love about winter in the Northlands.

Abigail Carpenter

Shoot for the Stars

Photo courtesy BC ProFor this feature, Galaxy Home Recreation was a delight to talk to. The insight and best practices they shared were very insightful and transparent. Behind the company's rapid growth is meticulous strategy, from implementing customer-centric communication to a thriving e-commerce website to new employee retention methods. The resilience and innovation they have showed over 47 years of business is something to behold, and I really enjoyed learning about what their business looks like right now and their goals for the future. 

Hailey Eisenrich

A Sauna Sale, from Start to Steam

Photo courtesy Abigail CarpenterThis unique story presented dual angles: that of a sauna dealer, and a brand-new customer. Weaving these two perspectives together painted a full and rich picture of the sauna-buying process, with a close glimpse into the customer experience and everything that happens behind the scenes. It's a fun and informative read with a great personal touch. 

Chanel Lewellyn 

On the Road Again

Photo courtesy Alicia Thurston PhotographyMy favorite was the Truck/Van Contest. I think it's so awesome to have these contests to include the readers in such a fun event. Being able to see all the different styles and how creative people get, as well as being able to do the swag bags for the winners, was a great experience. 

Jared Fish 

Introducing the 2022 AQUA 100 

These 10 companies, located all over the country — including our first inductee from Canada — have risen above adversity and come out the other side stronger than before. It was wonderful to shine a light on their success. It's also great anytime we can include high-quality photos of industry professionals in the magazine. It's nice to see their smiling faces. 

Stan Chambers  

2022 Awards of Excellence: Gold Winners

Each year, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance's Awards of Excellence program recognizes a few of the best pool and spa installations from around the world. This select group is then featured in AQUA Magazine. The projects are simply beautiful. I love paging through the magazine to see the imagination of our talented industry builders and designers. The awards program is also a nod to the industry's top manufacturers that support these hard-working professionals.