PHTA Announces 2024 Award Recipients (Part 1 of 2)

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance gathered once more at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo this past November to announce the winners of their 2024 superlative awards, an annual event that honors the achievements of PHTA members and their continued contributions to the industry.

Including Builder of the Year, Service Professional of the Year, Retailer of the Year and more, the prestigious awards are meant to recognize the hard work and dedication of some of the most talented individuals in the industry. With a mix of winners familiar and known to the industry and those who have just begun their pool and spa journey, it is a pleasure to know that we have such incredible individuals in our midst.

We present part one of the winners below, with more to come later this week.

Claffey Pools was awarded the prestigious Builder of the Year award.BUILDER OF THE YEAR

The Builder of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA builder member who has advanced the pool building profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

This year’s Builder of the Year is Claffey Pools. In a statement from PHTA, the organization explains why Claffey Pools is deserving of this honor.

“For over three decades, Claffey Pools has been a beacon of excellence in the pool building industry. The company’s commitment to excellence is evident in their numerous awards and accolades.

“Claffey Pools has also been a dedicated member of industry associations, with employees serving on the boards for both the Texas Pool and Spa Coalition and PHTA. Beyond their exceptional pool building, they actively support Step Into Swim, PHTA’s drowning prevention initiative. Claffey Pools has put 43 employees through GENESIS educational programs.”

This year's Service Professional of the Year award was given to Craig Sears.SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The Service Professional of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award given annually to one PHTA service member who has advanced the service profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry.

Craig Sears, president of Sears Pool Management Consultants, took home the award this year. Sears has been a driving force in the pool and hot tub industry for over two decades. He holds more than five professional industry certifications.

Sears is also an active CPO Instructor and sits on both the CPO Advisory Council and the CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, as well as the PHTA Georgia Chapter Board of Directors. He has presented at dozens of industry events and has been instrumental in elevating the industry and promoting professional development.

RETAILER OF THE YEAR

The Retailer of the Year Award is a peer-nominated award recognizing one outstanding retailer who has advanced the retail profession through outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. This award is sponsored by LOU.

This year’s award for Retailer of the Year was given to Georgia Spa Company. According to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, “they have redefined excellence in the industry. Renowned for exceptional customer service, innovative store design, and a robust digital presence, Georgia Spa Company boasts a stellar reputation. In 2023, a significant milestone was achieved when the company transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, empowering their dedicated team members.”

Georgia Spa Company has been honored with numerous accolades, including multiple industry awards (like the prestigious AQUA 100) and recognition as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For.