The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to uplifting others, advancing the industry and showing what’s possible through hard work, humility and a dedication to doing things the right way.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Shannon Jones
Owner, Graves Pools and Spas | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For Shannon Jones, the pool industry is more than a career — it’s a legacy. Celebrating 50 years in business, Graves Pools and Spas has been family-run for generations, and Jones is proud to continue the mission her grandfather began… And share it with all three of her children, who are also involved in the business. Early in her leadership journey, she created a personal mission statement that still guides her today: to make a positive difference in every life she meets.
That philosophy is woven through her business. Guided by servant leadership, Jones focuses first on caring for her team, trusting that empowered employees deliver exceptional experiences for customers. “The more I take care of them,” she says, “the more they feel fulfilled, and the more they care for others.” Many members of her management team have been with the company for 16, 18, even 25 years, a testament to her example driven approach.
Jones’ commitment to excellence shows up in everyday actions, from celebrating safe driving with the company’s “Golden Steering Wheel” award, to openly acknowledging and correcting mistakes as part of a culture rooted in honesty. And her impact extends beyond the business. Graves Pools and Spas supports swim education across three local YMCA chapters, providing equipment and services free of charge and hosting swim lessons in the company’s pools. “If we save one child from drowning,” she says, “it would be worth everything we give.”
As automation and A.I. reshape the industry, Jones is focused on bringing modern tools to both residential and commercial customers, helping her community stay ahead of the curve. And with all three of her children now part of the company, the future feels bright. “Our opportunities are limitless,” she says. “And the more we grow, the more positive differences we get to make. I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but having the ability to make a difference in the world through my company, I've already won big time.”
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sean Johnson
Executive Vice President, Field Services, Amenity Pool Services | New York City, NY
For Sean Johnson, the pool industry became a calling long before it became a career. Growing up in New York City, Johnson didn’t learn to swim until he was a teenager, but he was hooked from the moment he did. That first experience sparked a passion for aquatics and lifeguarding that eventually led him to a career path, where he rose from an entry-level role to leading an entire office by age 20.
Johnson’s lifelong dedication is rooted in helping people build meaningful careers. Whether mentoring young lifeguards, developing leaders, or promoting from within, he has always believed the strongest customer relationships start with strong teams. Throughout his career with The Amenity Collective, a leader in aquatics, fitness and recreation solutions, Sean has been instrumental in the growth of its aquatics platform, including American Pool and Amenity Pool Services, while mentoring field teams and building operational depth and process across the organization. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40 commercial customers to more than 300, maintaining one of the highest customer retention rates in the region.
His commitment to going above and beyond is perhaps best illustrated through his work with Erickson Senior Living. Tasked with automating pools across dozens of properties, Johnson personally visited every location — traveling more than 200 nights over three years — to install systems, build relationships and ensure residents enjoyed safe, perfectly balanced pools. “It was one of the few things I got exactly right in my life,” he says, laughing. “I made real personal friends along the way.”
Johnson also contributes beyond the industry, giving his time to Boy Scouts of America by restoring trail systems, writing hiking guides, and continuing to serve as a scout leader. He’s also a proud member of his local high school’s board.
Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, he says, feels deeply personal. “I’ve worked in this business my whole life,” Johnson shares. “To be recognized like this… it means everything to me. I hope it shows young people that the pool industry is a real career — something you can grow in, lead in and truly be proud of. And beyond that, it’s just plain fun!”
Celebrating All the 2025 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winners
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honorees, Pentair recognized winners across multiple categories, including Premier Pool Pro, Unsung Hero, Safety Advocate and Advancing Automation.
Visit www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/pool-pro-awards to meet all the remarkable individuals shaping the future of pools one customer at a time.
