Bruce Holmes, business development and sales representative at Automatic Pool Covers, Inc., has officially retired from the company after a distinguished 42 years in the industry, most recently spending 14 of those years in sales and business development at Automatic Pool Covers, Inc. Holmes was honored and celebrated at his recent retirement party. During the event, the crowd of over 200 people learned that Holmes began his career in the pool industry in 1983 as the VP of sales and marketing for Pools of Fun — while also being a high-school teacher, coach and athletic director.
“Not everyone realized that our dad worked both his high-school job and the position at Pools of Fun for 17 years,” explains his daughter, Katie Miller.
During the retirement party, many speeches were given, including from his children who mentioned that Holmes frequently sat at the kitchen table with his kids, going homework while also working on his own pool drawings laid out around the table. He also brought his kids to the pool store to stock chemicals, test pool water and ensure the company provided the best customer service. “He was a role-model for us all,” explains his daughter, Abby Holmes.
Since joining Automatic Pool Covers, Holmes has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and expanding the company’s dealer network across the country. “Bruce’s dedication, leadership, and integrity have been foundational to the company's culture and success,” says Mike Shadoan, VP of sales for Automatic Pool Covers. “He’s also a lot of fun and will be dearly missed.”
“Bruce has been a tremendous leader and a mentor to many of us,” notes Shadoan. “We are deeply grateful for his years of service and dedication, and we wish Bruce the best in this next chapter."
“Working alongside so many talented and fun people in the swimming pool industry has been a highlight in my life,” says Holmes. “I will especially miss people at Automatic Pool Covers but I am confident that my contributions to the industry, and the people in the industry, will be remembered and honored in the future.” Holmes says he is excited to begin 2026 in full retirement: “My wife Kathy and I have planned our first big trip, and it’s not to a swimming pool trade show!”
