GENESIS is pleased to announce Vance Gillette as the recipient of the second-ever GENESIS Lifetime Achievement Award. Gillette earned this award through his unwavering commitment to GENESIS since it was first founded 25 years ago and his well-known role as an industry leader.
Gillette began in the pool industry in 1966 as a teenager selling pool cleaners for Arneson Pools. He moved to chlorine generator producer Geni-Chlor in 1975 and was then hired by Jandy Pool Products in 1977. He stayed with the company for 36 years, through several ownership changes, and retired from his role as vice president of business development for Zodiac Pool Systems in 2013.
Described by his industry friends and colleagues as “simply the best,” “a legend,” and “a true icon,” Gillette’s impact on the industry cannot be overstated. He has been an inspiration and a mentor to many, including the first several cohorts of GENESIS students.
In the beginning, Gillette approached GENESIS co-founder Skip Phillips with a promise to help in any way he could, and so he did. Gillette helped to select the venue for the first GENESIS school, secured Jandy as a sponsor company, paid for several students to attend courses, and served as an instructor.
“Vance has touched the lives and careers of so many in our industry and developed many dedicated friendships across many years,” says GENESIS Co-founder Brian Van Bower. “His impact and service to the industry as a whole has been tremendous. Vance has my sincere appreciation and gratitude. I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive the GENESIS Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Gillette joins the elite ranks of GENESIS Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Helena Arahuete, who received the award in 2000 for her groundbreaking work in pool design techniques.
For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s director of content and communications, at [email protected] or (703) 838-0083, ext. 121.
